On a letter received from the Nuncio.
TEXT
Caritas
Glenstal Priory
Murroe
July 1936
My dear Father,
When I next meet Dom David, I hope to have news of you.
All is very quiet here, going as peacefully as befits a monastery. The Clerk of the Weather has never stopped weeping since you left, so the two guests—Vincent and Miss Moynagh—are experiencing very bad weather.
I received a very kind letter from His Excellency in response to mine. He had written to Dom Dominic but had received no reply.
I am, of course, very glad to know that Father Prior at Glenstal approves of the decision you have reached regarding the foundation and erection of a medical society or mission. There may be an opportunity for him to discuss the whole matter upon his return from Belgium. Meanwhile, I am still awaiting a reply from Rome regarding the questions I sent on your behalf.
Rest assured that he will be more than happy to assist you in any way he can. Beaucotte joins me in sending you our best wishes until we meet again.
Will you write to me from London? I shall be in Dublin to meet you. I wrote today to Father Whitney to inform him of our decision.
We are moving forward with the work as a lay society at home, as it will likely be through his vicariate that we proceed first.
Last night, I could not help but think how strange it all is—going back to Calabar. If the mission is established there, it will be exactly as the instruction from the Pope to Bishop Thanahai in 1893. When I was placed in the novitiate in Africa, I wonder if I failed Him by returning home. I would not have done so except for my vow of obedience.
I spoke to Father John today regarding the painting and the roof, as there had been no progress. I also mentioned the trimming of the trees around the house, as they block air from reaching the pantries and light from entering the dormitory.
I hope you are getting some rest and that the Holy Spirit enlightens you for the future of your work here. I now see so clearly what my task must be—to sacrifice everything and accomplish His will, focusing on the essentials and not allowing my energy to be drained by external concerns until we are firmly established as a society. Then, we can embrace much more.
I have received a blessing from God in the form of very humble but solid souls to build upon. They remind me of Christ’s chosen few at the beginning of the Apostolic School, and I trust He will send me more as I move forward in His will—those with the necessary qualifications as well.
I shall write again as soon as I have more news. I wish I could do more for you now, but nothing can be decided in your absence.
I pray for you often, dear Father, in gratitude for all you have done for us, the poor children of Mary. Each night, we offer a special prayer for you.
Come back well for God's work, and take care of yourself as much as possible. You have hard years ahead, but nothing is too difficult for those who love.
Your unworthy child in God,
Marie Martin
