Letter from Bishop John Harty to Dom Bede. The Bishop is making clear that he has never given his sanctum for the establishment of the Society of Women at Glenstal, according to Canon Law.

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Various matters including Miss Freenie

TEXT:

My dear Father in Christ,

I know how your heart is feeling today. May God console you and give you all the courage you need to go ahead.

I am also suffering and a bit anxious about M. M.M., but through it all, I continue to trust God, to bring me safely through it all.

No further news from Mgrs. Ritere or Mgrs. Moynagh.

This morning, I was with the dentist and had two back teeth removed. Then he tried to get some old roots out, but with no success after much fishing in the dark, so I feel quite sore in the head.

Pray much over Miss Freenie. She is, I think, the right person and will take a few days to decide.

Mrs. Gavan Duffy rang me up this morning, and she thinks what I do now is for Miss Freenie to decide and then to take the matter in hand herself with you. Her going will be a different proposition for me. It will have to be faced from a more secular outlook—accommodation, etc., may have to be more carefully prepared, etc.

The feeling I have is that she was depressed after her visit, seeing the condition of things and how the place was .... But seems to be getting over the shock and facing the problem of taking it over in prayer

All will come right, I trust God for you.

I shall not look up Miss _ for a few days more, as I think Miss T. will go.

I shall hopefully see Dom David tomorrow, and he will have all your news.

I do not think Miss Hayes is the person you need, although I think she is very good in her own way.

Must close in great haste.

Your child for God,
Marie

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From Colman O' Driscoll in St. Augustine's Priory, Limerick.

Caritas
Glenstal Priory
St. Joseph’s
Sunday

My dear Father,

Miss Murphy arrived safely, and I was glad to see her and to hear of you all. Things, I know, have not settled down, but I thought it looked very well when I heard Miss Hayes had gone to bed. I hope she is not relying too much on my children and that she will win her new girls for the love of God.

I have written fully to Dom David with reference to Miss Nichols. She can, of course, remain as long as charity demands it, but I think it would be wrong to give Miss Hayes the idea they could remain indefinitely. It would not be a good policy for the incoming staff.

A few conferences from Dom David on unity of spirit, and the family spirit of humility and love would help greatly at this point—something supernatural must bind them together, seeking them in a spirit of great love and kindness tempered with firmness will keep girls at Glenstal. If we get May back, he will work well for you.

It just struck me that I did not point out to you the housemaid is free from 3 or 3-30 so as to give Nora a little work in the refectory in the afternoon while she goes along with the scrubbing, as Nora has a lot of work and may not get so much help as she does now from the new cook.

I feel very much for Miss Moynagh, and I have asked Dom David to keep an eye on her. She is selfless as far as work and all are concerned.

What is the date of the Profession?

You will have the ----- at 10 tomorrow. I wonder, has Matron the list of boys that need sheets for Sunday, this term and the tweed coats? I will wait till I hear from you how many pullovers you require with sizes, and then I shall order 1 dozen gr--- stockings of each size for you to have in stock. You have the pattern of shirts to order.

This is a very beautiful and practical retreat and very helpful to Miss Murphy. She finds it hard returning here, but I am glad all that is allowed by Divine Providence. We both washed up after the meals today.

I shall write to Miss Fee and arrange to see her sometime in case anything happens to the present Matron—I hope not.

If she seems suitable, I shall explain you are settled till Christmas, and if there is a change, then you will let her know.

I pray much for you all. I know you do not forget your unworthy and ever grateful child for God.

Marie

undated letter with general content.

Short note regarding Rome. Sent from the Bishops house in Cavan.

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Letter from Anvers. No author. Handwritten, in french to Fr. Prior.