Mary Martin to Father. Gratitude to the Nuncio.
TEXT:
My dear Father,
I was glad to receive your unexpected letter this morning. I know how happy you are to be back in your Monastery again, and for this reason, I found it very hard to ask you to remain over, but I felt it was necessary, especially if it is ever to be that we remain at Glenstal.
I have just written to His Excellency trying to express my gratitude, which is impossible. Did you ever see such trouble and kindness? I know full well that it is he alone who will be able to guide us safely in our delicate situation, putting all my trust in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and through Our Mother.
This time, in a sense, to say being under Benedictine influence in a country such as Ireland will not make my work so easy to accomplish. I realized this from the beginning, but if it is the Will of God. He can and will remove all obstacles and prejudices that may be there. On the other hand, He may want the Novitiate house elsewhere, which will be shown to us by events.
I was speaking on the phone yesterday to His Excellency. He told me you had gone, and that you were answering. He has placed himself absolutely at my disposal at any time, so I asked him in my letter today if I could avail myself again of his counsel and direction when I receive the letter from Rome.
Is there any reason for me remaining up here? Would it not be better now? I enclose the bills I paid, including the one that has come several times from Maguire and Gatchell for the porridge pot. O Connor took off 2 /- so the whole came to 5.19.9
I hope Miss O'Rourke and Miss Moycugh will manage things well tomorrow morning for you. I am anxious to make them more responsible in case I should have to be away for any length of time. The fish has been ordered for Wednesday and Friday.
I hope you were not too tired after all your rushing about. I am feeling very tired, so I remain quietly at home, trying to get my correspondence up to date and all my papers in order. I am preparing a copy of all Henry’s letters in case they are needed.
I am very sorry to hear Dom David is in bed with a cold. I feared this when leaving, but it would be better to return tomorrow evening and have these days in prayer with our Lord and doing my duty for Glenstal and M.M.M with my children, as I shall probably have to come up again very soon.
I did not see Fr. Burke on Saturday; he was called away. It was providential, I think. At present, it is better to remain hidden with our Lord this week in prayer, taking no steps or moves till I hear from Rome. The devil gets so active and uses even the holiest people to destroy God's work.
It is hard to do anything solid or definite about vocations with P???? until we are recognized by either Rome or a bishop. - individuals, I can do something with, and thank God Miss ??? was much helped yesterday by our interview. She will probably make up her mind at Easter.
It is impossible to get them to take anything for it.
If you wish me to remain up here these few days, will you wire me tomorrow, unless you have already written directions which I will receive tomorrow morning? Otherwise, I shall return tomorrow evening and be with you all. I am ready to do whatever you wish.
With a heart full of love and gratitude to you for your generosity and kindness. I pray much for you and all.
Your child for God,
Marie
