Research relating to Father Mathew
- IE CA FM RES/4/1/3
- File
- c.1813-1847
Part of Irish Capuchin Archives
• Note re the ordination of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC. It affirms that he received minor orders on 12 March 1813 and was appointed a deacon on 3 April 1813. He was ordained to the priesthood on 17 April 1814 in Townsend Street Church, Dublin. Fr. Angelus Healy OFM Cap. notes that this information was extracted from the archives in Archbishop’s House in Dublin. Manuscript and typescript, 4 pp.
• Copybook containing notes on temperance subjects possibly compiled by Fr. Paul Neary OSFC (1857-1939). Includes extracts from Battersby’s Catholic Directory (1847-9) and notes for a talk on the life and temperance mission of Fr. Mathew. Reference is also made to notes for lantern slides used to illustrate the talk. The images include Thomastown Castle (Fr. Mathew’s birthplace), the old Capuchin friary on Blackamoor Lane, Cork, views of Holy Trinity Church, temperance medals, the Father Mathew Statue on St. Patrick’s Street, Cork, portraits and engravings. See also digitised glass plate collection (CA PH-2) where some of these lantern slides are extant. Manuscript, 45 pp.
• List of lantern slides used to illustrate a talk on Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC in 1904. Each slide has an accompanying note and explanatory comment. The final page has a transcription of a letter from Fr. Mathew to John O’Connell, eldest son of Daniel O’Connell, offering his condolences on the death of his father (4 June 1847). See also digitised glass plate collection (CA PH-2) where some of these lantern slides are extant. Manuscript and typescript, 10 pp.
• Biographical sketch of Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC probably compiled by Fr. Francis Hayes OSFC (1866-1946). Manuscript, 45 pp.
• Clipping an article by Rev. Joseph Corr C.Ss.R. titled ‘Athenry Abbey and Esker Monastery’ published in 'The Redemptorist Record' in March 1939. The article refers to Fr. Mathew preaching at the consecration of the new church at Esker in 1844. Printed, 2 pp.
• Extracts from John Francis Maguire’s 'Father Mathew / A Biography'. Manuscript, 10 pp.
• Notes re contemporary printed sources relating to Fr. Mathew and his temperance campaign. Includes reference to newspapers, manuals, biographies and pamphlets. Manuscript, 2 pp.
• Liam Maher, 'Temperance in Ireland' (Dublin: Catholic Truth Society of Ireland, 1959). Printed, 20 pp.
• Letter from Andrew McIntyre, The Diamond, Lifford, County Donegal, to Fr. David Kelleher OFM Cap. referring to a visit by Fr. Theobald Mathew OSFC to County Donegal on 15 June 1841. He wrote ‘The Medal Hill in 1841 was not planted. It was bare and rounded on all sides, so that Father Mathew was able to stand at the top with the people around him on all sides. Of course, the great majority of these people were Catholics, but there were many Protestants. I knew one, Alick Moffatt, of Ballymore, who was there that day, and took the Pledge, and kept it for several years. He often talked of the great day. My grandfather, James Collins, took the pledge on that day and kept it until his death on 19th January 1893’. 22 Feb. 1955. Typescript, 2 pp.
• Booklet for a Mass Celebration on Medal Hill (formerly Doe Chapel) near Creeslough in County Donegal to mark Fr. Mathew’s temperance gathering at the same location on 15 June 1841. The commemorative mass was held on 21 August 1988. With (colour) photograph prints of the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at the location and newspaper cuttings from the 'Donegal People’s Press', 26 August 1988 of photographs from the open-air mass. 9 items.
