Item 4 - Letter from Bishop Edmond John Fitzmaurice

2 pp; manuscript

Letter from Bishop Edmond John Fitmaurice to Fr. Brendan O’Callaghan OFM Cap., addressing concerns regarding the restrictive alms clause in their recent agreement. The bishop defends the clause, stating that it does not deny the traditional Capuchin right to mendicancy, but merely restricts its exercise due to the financial struggles of existing local religious bodies. He explains that local opposition to the Capuchins’ arrival was ‘partially smothered’ only by his public assurance that the friars sought nothing from the diocese but permission to reside there. The bishop concludes by urging Father Brendan to explain to their representative in Rome that surrendering this unneeded right makes little practical difference to either party, but allows him to save face before his diocesan clergy.