Letter to "Eminenza Reverendissima". About missionaries in Nigeria.

ROUGH TRANSCRIPTION
Encamnoo di iettera a S.Em. Card Fiumasopi Bionds 202 odOsy Eminenza Rewerendissima Da tanto tempo mi preme di ringraziare la Wostra Aminenza per 1a sua lettere del S Massie ripiena di tanta bontd ed irterease per 1'opera che mi sono ardito a ricommandarMe, e5 di utidi awvisi o sawvie direttive. In ispirito di profunds gratitudine e di ubbidienga a coteate diret. tive, abbiamo per ogoi mezzo cercato ove e come iniziare S'istituto Feligose dhe desideravamo,ip accordo colde etruzioni deiia s.C. di Propaganda. popo molte e lurghe trattatiwe, e con consiglio di S.EYc. 1d Murgie apostolice in pablino,ci s parso impossibile, nelde presen- t5 circonstanze di prindipiare colde dowute autorigzazioni ed appog. gio un Lstituto Diocesano ip Irlanda. Cosicche sembra che,per adesso, Sarebbe necessario per queste sigorine di ragscuparsi soMtanto da infirmiere laiche, apimate perd sempre dal medesimo desiderio di conse- crarsi, ip ispdrito religioso allopera medicale nelle Missiomi. Appe- ne saranno scientisicamente formate le prime,rispondende ald appeldo di Mons.Heerey per 1e sua Missione di Migeria,up siccolo drapeldo po Erebbe prendere cura dellddspedale che sid le asnette lassid. popo Qualchetempo, per risnondere pienamente alde Lstrugioni delda Santa se- de, chiedando daly detto Mons. la dovuta autorizzazione, nelda terra Stessa di Missione, originerebbero Mlstituo religiono diocesano,che S.Am. ci ha mostrato come id prime passo werso il compimento delldopena bramata,e di cui si s degata Henedire Mispirazione. chine al bacio dells Sacra Porpora,md professo

AI ASSISTED TRANSLATION
I am sending a letter to His Eminence Cardinal Fiumasopi Biondi 202 odOsy Most Reverend Eminence, I have long wanted to thank Your Eminence for your letter of May, filled with such kindness and interest for the work that I have dared to recommend to myself, and for useful advice and wise directives. In a spirit of profound gratitude and obedience to such directives, we have sought by every means where and how to start the religious institute we desired, in accordance with the instructions of the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda. After many and lengthy negotiations, and with the counsel of His Excellency the Apostolic Delegate in Dublin, it seemed impossible, under the present circumstances, to begin with the necessary authorizations and support a Diocesan Institute in Ireland. Thus, it seems that, for now, it would be necessary for these young women to group themselves only as lay nurses, always driven by the same desire to consecrate themselves, in a religious spirit, to medical work in the Missions. As soon as the first are scientifically trained, responding to the appeal of Mons. Heerey for his Mission in Nigeria, a small group could take care of the hospital that awaits them there. After some time, to fully respond to the instructions of the Holy See, by asking for the necessary authorization from the said Monsignor, in the very land of the Mission, they could establish a diocesan religious institute, which Your Eminence has shown us as the first step towards the fulfillment of the desired work, and which you have kindly blessed with inspiration. Bowing to the kiss of the Sacred Purple, I profess.

Letter to "Father" regarding a timetable, presumably of Mary Martin. Sent from Blackrock College

About a sick 11 year old boy

Letter discussing the sending of 10 labourers to Glenstal.

...

Letter in Italian.

AI CLEANED AND TRANSLATED

Cleaned Italian Text

[DRAFT 1]

Eminenza Reverendissima,
[L025ou 2e/450 - Archival Reference]

Da due o tre anni alcune signorine irlandesi, con a capo la Signorina Maria Martin, di stimatissima famiglia cattolica di Dublino, si sono messe insieme nell'intento di iniziare una Società per l'assistenza medicale in terra di missioni, specie per i bambini e le madri. Le Signorine hanno già cominciato a provvedersi di qualche titolo presso le Facoltà di Medicina e Ostetricia per questo scopo.

Bramando di premettere una soda formazione spirituale, esse si sono rivolte all'Ordine di San Benedetto, di cui apprezzano la Regola e lo spirito, e ricevono nel nostro Priorato di Glenstal istruzione e direzione. Parecchie di esse hanno già passato uno o più anni in questi esercizi, i quali in qualche modo equivalgono a quelli di un regolare noviziato.

L'appello, contenuto nella recente Istruzione della S.C. de Propaganda Fide, che mira alla creazione di nuovi Istituti per le Missioni, è apparso loro un incoraggiamento e quasi un'approvazione della Provvidenza ai loro sforzi. E' per questo che la Signorina Martin ha pensato di rivolgere a Vostra Eminenza la qui unita rispettosa Petizione, che io mi permetto di raccomandare, convinto che le richiedenti siano mosse da sincero zelo per le anime e che desiderino seriamente di mettere a base delle loro future attività una solida formazione spirituale adeguata ai pericoli dell'opera di carità a cui mirano.

La Signorina Martin espose il suo progetto a S.E. il Nunzio Apostolico e fu accolta con benevolo interessamento.

Chino al bacio della Sacra Porpora, mi Professo...

[DRAFT 2]

Eminenza

Da due o tre anni si sono incontrate in Irlanda qualche signorine che, sotto l'influenza della Signorina Marie Martin, di stimatissima famiglia cattolica Dublinese, mirano ad iniziare una opera medicale nelle Missioni, specialmente l'ostetricia colle operazioni chirurgiche e trattazioni che essa importa per la cura delle madri e dei bimbi.

Bramando una soda formazione spirituale, anzi religiosa, si sono tornate verso l'Ordine di S. Benedetto di cui apprezzano la Regola e lo spirito — e ricevono in nostro Priorato di Glenstal, nella diocesi di Cashel, istruzione e direzione. Parecchie hanno già compiuto un anno e più in questi esercizi, che valgono, a dire il vero, quelli di un noviziato regolare e canonico.

La pubblicazione dell'Istruzione della S.C. di Propaganda [corrispose] sì esattamente il loro desiderio, che le è parso l'appello della Provvidenza a realizzare l'opera per cui si erano radunate.

Oggi, quindi, si rivolgono alla S. Sede per intermezzo della V. Eminenza, cui indirizzano una rispettosa supplica. La quale vorrei appoggiare di tutto quel che posso, confermando alla V.E. la stima che ci ha ispirato il loro spirito di zelo e religioso fervore, di umiltà e soprannaturale docilità, loro intelligenza della necessità di una vita nascosta e dedicata alla preghiera ed alla formazione spirituale prima di incontrare i pericoli della opera di carità a cui mirano.

E mi confermo
Della Sua Eminenza Ill.ma Rev.ma
ubbidientissimo ed umilissimo per servirla

(L.S.) D. Beda LEBBE O.S.B.
Priore del monastero dei
Ss. Giuseppe e Columba in
Glenstal, Murroe, Co Limerick
Irlanda
English Translation

[DRAFT 1]

Most Reverend Eminence,

For two or three years, some Irish young ladies, headed by Miss Maria Martin, of a highly esteemed Catholic family in Dublin, have gathered together with the intent of initiating a Society for medical assistance in mission lands, especially for children and mothers. The young ladies have already begun to provide themselves with some qualifications at the Faculties of Medicine and Obstetrics for this purpose.

Desiring to premise a solid spiritual formation, they turned to the Order of St. Benedict, whose Rule and spirit they appreciate, and they are receiving instruction and direction in our Priory of Glenstal. Several of them have already spent one or more years in these exercises, which in some way are equivalent to those of a regular novitiate.

The appeal, contained in the recent Instruction of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith (Propaganda Fide), which aims at the creation of new Institutes for the Missions, appeared to them as an encouragement and almost an approval of Providence for their efforts. It is for this reason that Miss Martin thought to address to Your Eminence the enclosed respectful Petition, which I permit myself to recommend, convinced that the applicants are moved by sincere zeal for souls and that they seriously desire to place as a basis for their future activities a solid spiritual formation adequate to the dangers of the work of charity at which they aim.

Miss Martin exposed her project to His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio and was received with benevolent interest.

Bowing to kiss the Sacred Purple, I profess myself...

[DRAFT 2]

Eminence

For two or three years there have met in Ireland a few young ladies who, under the influence of Miss Marie Martin, of a highly esteemed Catholic Dublin family, aim to initiate a medical work in the Missions, especially obstetrics with the surgical operations and treatments that it imports for the care of mothers and babies.

Desiring a solid spiritual formation, indeed a religious one, they turned toward the Order of St. Benedict whose Rule and spirit they appreciate — and they receive instruction and direction in our Priory of Glenstal, in the diocese of Cashel. Several have already completed a year and more in these exercises, which are worth, to tell the truth, those of a regular and canonical novitiate.

The publication of the Instruction of the S.C. of Propaganda [corresponded] so exactly to their desire, that it appeared to them the appeal of Providence to realize the work for which they had gathered.

Today, therefore, they turn to the Holy See through the medium of Your Eminence, to whom they address a respectful supplication. Which I would like to support with all I can, confirming to Your Eminence the esteem which their spirit of zeal and religious fervor has inspired in us, of humility and supernatural docility, their understanding of the necessity of a hidden life dedicated to prayer and to spiritual formation before encountering the perils of the work of charity at which they aim.

And I confirm myself
Of Your Most Illustrious and Reverend Eminence
The most obedient and humble servant

(L.S.) Dom Beda LEBBE O.S.B.
Prior of the monastery of
Ss. Joseph and Columba in
Glenstal, Murroe, Co Limerick
Ireland

ORIGINAL OCR TEXT

Ainenza Reverendissima,
L025ou 2e/450
2
Da due o tre anni alcune signorine trlsndesi, con a capo
da Signorina maria Martin, di stimatissima fammiglia cattolica
di Dublino, si sono messe insieme nellintento di iniziare una
Societa per l'assistenza medicale in terna di missioni, specie
Iper i bambini e le madri. Le Signorine Hanno gia cominciato a
49
2
2
prowvedersi di qualche titolo presso le Facolta di Medicina e Oste
trica per questo scopo.
Bramando di premettere una soda formazione spirituale, esse sl
Sono rivolte alloraine a sap Senedemto, az cui apbremano 1o
Regole e 1o spirito, e riceveno nel nostro Priorato di Glenstal
istruzione e direzione. Parecchie di esse hanno gia passato uno
o piu anni in questi esercizii, i quali in qualche modo equivalgong
a quelli di un regolare noviziato.
L'appello, contenuto nella recente Istruzdone della s.C. de
Propaganda Fide, e che mira alla creazione di nuovi 1stituti per
le Missioni, e apparso loro un incoraggiamento e quasi un'approvazione
della Frowvidenza ai Loro sforzi. M' per questo che la Signorina
Martin ha pensato di rivolgere a vostra Muinenza la qui unita rispet.
tosa Petizione, che io mi permetto di raccomandare, convinto che
le richicdenti sieno mosse da sincero zelo per le anime e che
desiderino seriamente di mettere a base delle loro future attivita
una solida formazione spirituale adeguata ai pericoli dell opera
di cacita, a cui mirano,
La signorina Martin espose il suo progetto a S.M. il Nunzio
Apostolico e fu accolta con benevolo interessamento,
Chino al bacio dellg
Bacra Porpora, mi Professq

Eminenza
Da due o tre ahpi si sone rincontrate in Erlanda qualche siL
gnorine che, sotto Minfluenza della Signorina Marie Martin, di
Stimatissima famtlia cattolica Soblinese,mirano ad iniziare una
opera medicale nelle Missiopi,specialmente 1'ostetricale colle
operazioni chirurgiche e trattazioni che essa importa per la cu-
ra delle madri e dei bbmbi.
Bramahdo una soda formazione spirituale, anzi relbgiosa, si
sono torhate verso MOrdine di S.Benedetto di c ui apprezzano 1a
Regola e 1o spirito - e ricevono in nostro Priorato di Glenstal,
nella diocesi di Cashel,iAtruzione e direzione. Parecchie hanno
Rid compiuto un anno e pid ip questi esercizi,che valgono, a dise
4l vero,quelli di up noviziato regolare e canopico.
La pubblicazione dell'Istruzione della S.C.di Propaganda cerpoa
Sl esattamente il 1oro desiderio,che le e parso Mappello della
Prowwidenza a rcalzzare 1'opera per cui si erano riadunate.
Ogzi,quindi,si rivolgono alla S.Sede per intermezzo della V.
Bminenza,cui indirizzano una rispettosa supplica. La Quale vorre E
Appoggiare di tutto quel che posso,confermando alla V.E. la sti
ma che ci Ha ispirato il Loro spirito di zelo e religioso Cervoe
re,di umilta e sovsanaturale deciliti,loro inteldigenga dellAis/
mecessita di una vita nascosa e dedicata alla preghiera ed alla
Kormazione spirituale prima di riscontrare i perigli della opera
ai caritd a cui mirano.
E mi confermo
Hella Sua Eminenza 11l.Ma Rev.ma
ubidientissimo ed umillimo per servirla
Ls.JD. Beda L ES B E O.S.P.
Driore del monastero dei
Ss.Giuseppe e Columba in
Glenstal. Murroe. Co Limericle
I r1 a n d a

AI CLEANED TEXT

How attentive is the Loving Providence! Overcrowded train compartment is a badly fitted place for reflection, and I landed last night at Boher without any definite idea about the talks we had with Bishop Shanahan and Mgr Bearzotti. But, on arriving, I found that my letter of Friday was probably still on the way, for nobody... say no trap was there — and I had a lovely walk in the calm, mild night, under a milky sky, which gave light enough to find the way, and kept altogether the dear recollection of the resting nature. I had so an hour and a half to pray and think, and the conclusion is that the idea of Mgr Bearzotti is perhaps the best.

Some ten years ago, as I suppose Fr Gerard told you, a congregation of Benedictine Oblates was founded at Maredsous, for the purpose of ensuring a religious staff to the both Schools (Secondary, and Artcrafts). We met opposition in Rome, who refused to authorize a new congregation, and imposed to our Sisters obligation to join an old one; they went first to make novitiate with the Oblates of Heverle (suburb of Louvain), after some years, a new foundation was made by Heverle in Maredsous, and they sent a Superioress of theirs, and also a Mistress of novices, and our Sisters made henceforth their novitiate in Maredsous, under the authority, of course, of those two, but the actual direction was totally in the hands of the Fr Director. And, last year, the new foundation, having already a good number of perpetual professed, was separated from Heverle, and erected as a special congregation, under His Grace the Bishop of Namur.

I am sure we could go on similar lines, and without the same difficulties, as the Holy See invites the existant Orders — say S. Benedict's — to form special separated branches for the new Medical work in Missions.

So, I would send an address of thanksgiving, as I told you, but, by the hands of Dom Pierre Bastien, a renowned Canonist, and our Procurator in Rome. The address would mention that some Irish Girls, longing for some time for such work, and preparing themselves in the spirit of S. Benedict, and under guidance of his sons, ask for the Blessing of the Holy Father, and are ready to follow the lines traced in the recent Act of the S.C. de Propaganda Fide.

In the same time, I shall write to Maredsous, and ask for a complete exposition of what was done to obtain approval; and altogether, for kind communication of the Rules, as we use to call them Constitutions, because the Rule is that of S. Benedict, adapted by the foresaid Constitutions.

I shall write also to an American Abbot, my old friend, and ask him for very particulars about the so numerous houses of Benedictine Nuns, who live a very busy life in Schools and Colleges, Academies of Art and Hospital over the whole of United States. Their Constitutions would be a great help on resolving many problems, as by instances the question of Divine Office.

For the Constitutions of America and Maredsous, I write immediately. For D. Pierre Bastien, I expect the advice of His Excellency the Nuncio. But better I think to avoid long delays, and, as soon as you can give me a word about, I write to Rome, to know how Fr Bastien will understand the whole business. I know him personally (he is a monk of Maredsous) and acted always very friendly with Him. Then we shall draft the address — may the Holy Ghost inspire us.

Just to-day, I see a little magazine, published by a new society of Missionaries — the inspiration of whom came from my brother — on Medical aid begun in An Kuo, the town where was founded the first monastery of men and of women founded by my brother, at the request of his Chinese Bishop. I should send it, but it is written in French. If it can help you, I will have it translated into English and sent over.

The boys received me, not only well, but heartily, and expressed me already two or three times, that it was far better when I am here... Were it possible to give them all what I have in the heart, but has to pass by the mouth, and is met by the horrible barrier of the language!

Your daughters delighted to hear that things are going ahead, and that your regretted absence means good work for M.M.M.

Dear Christopher was not the last to say his pleasure to have me again. He is in "great trouble" about his weekly letter. "Miss Martin is in Dublin, and I don't know where to find the address of Mummy." Of course he thinks he had it, but the trouble is to know where he put it.

Graces and happiness must be bought by crosses. I found here a letter of Archbishop Harty, recalling Fr Ryan immediately. He must be on duty on Saturday next, and His Grace wants him to be in Thurles a few days previously, to take instruction from his predecessor in the College. This is a bad stroke. Pray Our Dear Lord to give me light and help, and to love Him every day more, and more sincerely — since to those who love God all helps to good.

Best remembrances to your dear mother, and our so kind — and [patient?] — last "chauffeur".

May the blessing of God rest on you, and foster the saint work you associate me to,

ORIGINAL OCR

Hom attentiwe is the Koving Providence ( Owescrowed traip compartiment
is a bad fitted Slace to rSSexion, and I landed last pight at Boher without
Any definite idea about the taiks we had with Bishop shanaham and Mgr Bear-
7otti. But,on arriving, I found that my letter of Mriday was probablw atii
1p way,for aobody. ..say no trap was thete - aad E had a Movely walte ip the
calr,mild sight,under a milky sky,which gave light enough to find the way,
And Kept altogether the dear recollection of the reating nature. I had so
Am hour and a half to pray and think, and the conclusion. is that the idea oR
Mgc Rearotti is perhaps the best.
Some ten years ago, as I supbose Er Gerard told you,a co gregation of Ben
Sdictine Oblates was founded at Haredsous, for the purpose of enaurimg a re)d
igious staff to the both Schools (Gecondary,and Artcrafts). we met opbosition
In Rome, who refused to authorize a new corregatior, and imposed to our Gis-
ter obligatiop to joit ap o1d one,they went forst to make nowitiate with the
Abdates of Heverle (suburb of Kouvaind, after some years,a nem Coudatior waR
made by Hewerle in Maredsous, and they sent a Superioress of theirs,and also
A Mistress of novices, and our Sisters made henceforth their nowitiate ip Me
redaous,under the authority,of course of those two, but the actua) direction
Me totaddy is the hands of the Fr Director. And,last wvear, the re fouadato
Havirg already a gaod number of perpetual profesRes, was GeparateS FTOm Hevon
Ae,and erected as s ssecial congregation,under His Grace the Bishos of Hamu
I am sure we could go op similar lines,and without the same difficultier,
As the Holy See ivites the existant Orders - say S.Benedict's - to Eori spo
cial separated branches Cor tho pow Modical worl iD Misaions
Ao, E would send ap adress ot tharkegiving, as f told you, but, Hy tho
hands of Bom Pierre Bastien. o renomb Csnorist,and our Brocurator ir Rome.
the address wonld mentione that some Mrish Girls,(onging for aometies for
Aucb work. and preparing themselves in the spirit of S.Benedict,and under
puidance of hie sons,ask Cor the Blessing of the Koly Father,and are readr
to foldow the libes traced ip the recent Act of the S.C.de Propagands wide.
In the same time, T shail write to Maredsous,and ask for a completo expo-
Sitiop of what was dome to obtaip approwal s and altogether,Cor kind comurM.
catio o6 the Rhles a we use to cal them C hstitutions, Hecause the Role 10
that of O.Benedict,adapted by the foresaid Constitutions.
3 shald write also to ap Americap Abbot, my cld friend,and ask him for r
Ery particulars ahont the so numerous douses of Benddictine Nuns,who (ive al
wery busy 1ife ip Achools and Coldeges,Academies of Art and Hospital owor
the whole of United States. Their Consitutions would be a great help om rosol
wing many probleme,as by instances the question of Sivine office.
Mor the Constitutions of America and Haredsous, M write immediatoly. for
D.Pierre Bastien,I expect the advice of His Mxcellence the Mur tio. But betten

I thipk to avoid Mong delavs, and,as soon as you cap give me a word ab.
Sut, I write to Home, to tnow how Fr Basticon will understand the whoMe
business. I Enor him personaly Jhe is a monk of Maredsous) ard acted al
Hays verw Eriendly with Him.1 Then we shall draft the address - mway the
Holw Chast inspire us.
Juat to day, I see a (ittie magazine, published by a new society of
Miscionaries - the ispitatiop of whom came from my rother - op Medic-
Al aid begup ip Ap kuo, the tomo where was founded the first monastorw
of mem and ot women founded by may brother,at the reduest of his Chinese
Bishop. ( shonld send it,but it is writtep ip french. 15 it car help
Nou, I widd have if translated into english and sent over.
3he boye received me,not only well,but heartily,and expresaed me al-
readw two or three tines, that is was far better wher I am here ...i Mero
At possible to give the a11 what I have ib the heart, Sut has to paso
My the mouth, and is Meot by the horrible barrier of the languaget
Your daughters delighted to hear that thipge are going ahead, and tia
Mour regretted alsence mesns goed work for M.M.M.
Dear Christopher was not the last to say his plcasure to hawe me ag
Ain. He is ir "great trouble' about his weetly letter. "iiae Martip ic
in Sublin, and Edont know where to find the address of MumMy O5 CourRe
Re thirdta Me Had if, bat the taomlde is to dom whera dae out id
Gracss and haopineas muet be Hought by crosses. ( Cound here a Jetten
oE Archbichop Harty,recalding Mr Ryap immediately. He must be oa duty ro
Paturdny next, and His Grace wants hdm to be ir Thurles a fer davs prowe
Aouslw, to take instruction from his predecessor in the Coldege. mhis ia
5 had atroke. Araw our dear Mord to giwe me light and help, and to 1owo
himm every day more, and more sincerely - since to those who Lowe Codsalg
Helps to good.
Lact "chauffeug
Hest remembrances to your dear mother, and our so kind - and pee
Mav the bleasing of God rast on you,and foster the sait worE
sou asasciate me to,

...

General letter from Leesons street from MMM

Letter from Maredsous (The Abbey from which Glenstal was founded). Relating to the debt of Glenstal.

ROUGH TRANSCRIPTION

Mon Reverend et cher Pere, Ayant recu ces jours derniers le releve de compte ac nos clercs au Mont-Cesar, s'ai constate qu'on nous avait porte en compte les menas frais et la pension du Fr. Bermard de Glenstal pendant l'annee scolaire 1935a7936. J'ai cru bien faire, pour wous faciliter les operations, de payer directe- ments au MontCesar 1a somme de 3.464,60 trs dont je debite votre compte, Venillez trouver cisjoint 1greleve de compte de wos clercs et novices a Maredsons, d'avril 1955 a aodt 1956. Le montant s'eleve a la somme de 21.334,99, en y asone tant celui de l'annee precedente que vous n'avez pas encore Solde, votre debit chez nous se monte a 39.10t,89 FrS. 11 y a an an wous maviez demande a'attendre jusqa'a La fin de l'annee pour vous acquitter de votre dette, a cette echeance wous m'avez fait dire par le Pere Abbe que vous at tendiez des rentrees d'eleves, si Je ne me trompe. d'espere que cellesaci wous seront parvennes et que vous pourrez cette Jois nous faire parvenir le montant du releve cisjoint. Cela nous sonlagera grandement, car vous savez que nous avons dd, de notre cote, emprunter l'argent depense fef vos clercs et novices. Vous constaterez que sur ce frelever, ie vous ai porte en compte les disques, a 1a demande de Dom Paul. 11 est bien entendu que je suis toujours a wotre dise position pour vous fournir toutes les explications necessaires en vue de sustifier chacun des postes, une erreur peut se Blisser malgre la toute bonne volonte d'un chacun. Je regrette de ne devoir correspondre aveo wous que pour vous faire parvenir des rdouloureusesr, c'est 1a fatalite de la fonction du Cellerier. Cela niempeche pas celuici d'etre anime des sentiments tout sraternels a 1'egard de ses chers confreres de Glenstal.

AI TRANSLATION
My Reverend and Dear Father, Having received the account statement regarding our clerics at Mont-César recently, I noticed that the board and tuition fees for Brother Bernard from Glenstal during the school year 1935-1936 were charged to us. To simplify matters for you, I thought it best to pay the sum of 3,464.60 francs directly to Mont-César, which I have debited from your account. Please find enclosed the account statement for our clerics and novices at Maredsous, from April 1955 to August 1956. The total amounts to 21,334.99 francs, including the previous year's amount that you have not yet settled. Your balance with us, therefore, amounts to 39,104.89 francs. About a year ago, you asked me to wait until the end of the year for you to settle your debt. At that time, the Father Abbot informed me that you were expecting income from students, if I am not mistaken. I hope that these funds have indeed materialized for you and that you can send us the amount from the enclosed statement this time. This would greatly ease our situation, as you know, we have had to borrow money on our side for your clerics and novices. You will notice that on this statement, at Dom Paul's request, I have also included the records. Please know that I am always at your disposal to provide you with any necessary explanations to justify each item; an error can creep in despite everyone's best intentions. I regret that my correspondence with you is limited to sending you these "painful" reminders, as it seems to be the fate of the bursar's role. Nevertheless, I remain filled with fraternal sentiments towards my dear brothers at Glenstal.