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Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to the issue of missionary friars wearing bears in the United States. He clarifies that while none of the friars are completely ‘clean shaven’, they have all adopted the style of ‘small beards’ (likely short-trimmed) and are shaving their side faces. Father Fenelon also mentions various personnel changes. Father Fenelon noes that he and Fr. Brendan O’Callaghan will be at St. Anselm’s in Brooklyn from May 5th to the 16th for missionary work.

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to the aftermath of the sudden death of Fr. Dominic O’Connor OFM Cap. and the resulting administrative reshuffling of the Oregon mission. Father Fenelon plans to drive back to Bend with Fr. Ephrem for the funeral on Wednesday. He also mentions a concern regarding potential trouble with the ‘Republican Brotherhood’ during the funeral, promising to update the Provincial after the burial. He recommends leaving Fr. Finnian with Fr. Luke, returning to the arrangement they had during Fr. Leo’s previous illness.

Letter from Fr. Stephen Murtagh OFM Cap. to Fr. Colman Griffin OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, addressing the ‘dearth of men’, internal conflict regarding leadership roles, and financial negotiations for a new school. He highlights a severe shortage of personnel. Father Stephen suggests that unless a man is sent from Ireland, they may need a special dispensation from Rome to allow Fr. Cyprian to hold both offices, despite the difficulties. He explicitly states they cannot recommend Fr. Urban Riordan for re-appointment due to his ‘frank and foolish administration of funds’. He also refers to a meeting with Bishop William David O’Brien in Chicago regarding a loan for the purchase of property for a Seraphic School.