Item 21 - Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon

2 pp; typescript

Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, providing updates on the expansion of the Capuchin missions, specifically the successful takeover of Mission Santa Inés and the ongoing developments in Mendocino in California. He confirms that the Capuchin community was formally installed at Mission Santa Inés on the previous Sunday. He describes a grand celebration with a procession and High Mass, noting that the local parishioners rang the mission bells in delight to welcome the friars. He expresses concern over the neglected state of the Santa Inés mission but is sending an experienced brother to help ‘restore’ it, hoping to make it a success similar to their work in Watts. Father Fenelon affirms that Fr. Albert Bibby OFM Cap. arrived in poor health but is recovering at Santa Inés under the care of a specialist and the local community. Fr. Reginald O’Hanlon OFM Cap. and Br. Colman have arrived in Watts. He also refers to significant financial burdens, including a $2,842 tax for street paving and $5,000 in bills for school furnishings, which accrue $300 monthly interest.