report of meeting with a Bishop

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According to your counsel we went today to approach His Grace. The interview was short. I hope it was useful even if no success has been actually reported presently. I shall try to tell you the things as exactly as I remember.

I was introduced about 15.50. I began:
"I come on a business which I hope will interest the diocese of Cashel and be useful to Glenstal. I wonder if Your Grace has already read the recent Instruction of the Propaganda about the medical care to be given to the mothers and babies."
His Grace: "I have nothing to do..."

"They want first of all a house in Dublin or Cork and that is essential. Let them approach the Archbishop of Dublin, and, as he accepts, I may then consider myself the affair."
I: "Excuse me, but I think the novitiate is the first to be decided, as they will not go to the University before receiving good religious formation."
H.G.: "No no, that novitiate is only a year to prepare them for the real trial, the training in Dublin. So, let us first ascertain with the Archbishop of Dublin. (L'ordine logico, è questo [The logical order is this])."

Since that moment, impossible to get other, and His Grace concludes: "This is the canonical way. So approach the Archbishop of Dublin and if accepted, to bring the thing to me, and I will consider it."
I tried to explain to Him that Ms Martin was about to write to Rome, in order to put herself at the disposal of the Holy See, and ask for directions.
He only answered that the canonical law was Dublin-Cashel.

Having nothing more to say or to hear, I went out. We hesitated if it would be better for Ms Martin to go herself — I thought the useful time was over. We saw then the secretary, Fr O'Connor. We got nothing very definite from him. He dissuaded from returning to His Grace — moreover, it was a few minutes before his dinner — but thought well to give him the letter destined to the Cardinal by Ms Martin. He will present it himself, and let His Grace reflect, and make at ease his mind on the case.

In a further interview I had alone with him, he expressed that probably His Grace will like to come in touch with the Archbishop. "The Bishops of Ireland want to keep in good relations. Those persons are most [in order?]. And His Grace would not like to seem interfering in their projects, with His Colleagues. And so, we are sure that the answer will be delayed — and for [a] long time. But, as the Archbishop knows now in what intention she goes to Rome, he would be not right if he felt offended by the sending of the prepared letter and we can go ahead without expecting."

Don't [forget?]
Baciando il sacro anello, mi confermo di Sua Eccellenza A. [Devotissi]mo
[Kissing the sacred ring, I confirm myself Your Excellency's most devoted]

with the Propaganda.
I.: "No, but the instruction could interest you."
H.G.: "Was it published in the Acta?"
I.: "I don't know but I have here the text."
His Grace reads attentively, somewhat terse. When he declared: "I don't see anything for me in that."
I.: "The question is that we have in Glenstal some girls, with Ms Martin who think of some Work..."
"You remember..."
H.G. sharply: "I remember indeed, I refused absolutely to establish any sort of religious congregation."
I.: "Of course, but the situation is somewhat different now. The Holy See invites to form new Congregations, and I thought it would be great to start immediately in Ireland in our diocese. I know many others are contemplating to make something in accordance with Rome's views. The Holy Child [Nuns] come from England into Meath, another group is coming from America to recruit in Cork. And for Glenstal it would be a big loss to see them go else[where]. We were so satisfied of the good services they did to the Priory and College."
H.G.: "What do you intend to do?"
I.: "They would have a novitiate there."
H.G.: "I don't like to have another community at Glenstal."
I.: "Or they will build a new house, and send then their members for medic[al] [studies]."

ORIGINAL OCR

EAccordipg to your counselwe went today to approach His Gr. ohe in
7
Lerview was short. I hope it was useful even if no success has been
Actualdy reported presently. I shale try to tell you the thinse as
exactly as Mremembmen
I was intrcdncen sNomt 1550. I Hegan.
Mf come or s Musinea wbicb I hooe vidl iterest the diocase of GacE.
E1 and be usetud to Qlenatad worder if Your Grace has alrcady rer
Lhe recont Tastruoti p of the Eropagamds abont the medicad cnre to o
Mwen to the mothers and babies Mis Grace. - " am othing to do,

hew want Cirst of ald a house in Subldm or Gork ane that is es enti
1et themonnroach the rchbishop of Dubdir, and,os he accents, f may tle
Sonaidor mwaelc the aflair. Te. Exc ge me, ut Ithink the noviciate ie
the Mire to he decided, as thay mid not go to the Mhiversitit- before
raceiwings good neligions Gormation. - M.C. Mo no,that novicite is ore
a wear to orevares thom to the saae tial,te traipig in Subiim. St, te
Aust Firat aacertpip rith Ohe Archbishp of Dubir. (o ordine (ogico, e
Rim is inet"- Since that moment,impoasite to get other, gnd Me Grae
Soncludss. ohis is the canomical waw. So anproach Che AcchbisHGp oF SuG
Andsic acgepted,to bring the thing to me, and I wids consider it. & tru
Eo oxolaip Him that MscMartip Ma sbout to write to Rome, in order to
Sut herselc att the dispoaa) of the Moly sees,and ast Gor directions..
Ea on anamered that the cananicad aw was Dublia-bashel..
Mawing mothig more to saw or to bear, I went out. Me hesitated if it
Supd be better to Mss Mactin to go hersslt - I thought the uaeful ti
Rsower. He Aaw then the ecnetarw, Aer o'Gonmor. Me got nothing Yery G
Imite from bim. He dissuaded from Mreturrig to Mis Grace - moreower,ib
As O.dEe few miputes bePore pis dinner - but thought weld to give hi

Bishop Moynagh advises Sister Mary Martin. He is in favour of the foundation and explains why.

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Dear Sr Mary,

I am glad to have an opportunity of saying how much I value the... Medical mission work is of the utmost importance, as anyone who has worked on the Missions or knows the circumstances will admit. It is a work in which the Protestant Sects too have taken a very big part here in Nigeria, because, unfortunately, they are better equipped and have more material resources than we have.

Now, I am completely convinced of the need of a religious congregation of some kind to undertake this work, especially if we want to make that branch of Mission work the outstanding success it ought to be. I know it is possible to accomplish much with the aid of the religious congregations already at work, together with lay medical helpers. But there are many difficulties in the way.

Lay medical workers of the right type are not easy to find. Even when found, the length of their stay on the Mission-field is uncertain. There is not the same continuity about their work that would characterise the work of a religious society.

Besides, the employing of lay medical workers entails expenses on the Mission which make it extremely difficult to do the work in that way.

And, as always with lay medical workers, there is the danger that people who are not suited may come to the Mission-field.

For these reasons, I am glad that you are making the attempt to have a body of religious who will have a specialized training in medical work — and I pray that God may bless your undertaking and that He may guide you throughout.

With sincerest good wishes,

ORIGINAL OCR
Dear Sr ary,
I am glad to have an opportupity of saving how much I walue the
Medical misaion work is of the utmost importance, as anyone who
has worked op the Missions or knows the circumstances wild admit. 1t is
A work in which the Protostant Sects too have taken a very big part hero
in Migeria, because, unfortunately, they are better squipped and have
more material rosources than we have.
Mow, I am completely conwinced of the need of a religious congre
gntion of some kind to undertake this work, especially if we want to make
that branch of Mission work the outstanding suscess it ought to be. 2
Anow it 1s possible to accomplish much with the aid of the religious
congregations already at work, together with lay medical helpers. But
there are many difficulties ip the way. -
Lay medical workors of the right type are not easy to find,
Evep whe found, the length of their stay on the Misaion-field is
uncertain. There is not the same continuyity about their work that
would characterise the work of a religious society.
Aesides, the employing of Lay medical workers entsils expen-
Aes on the MissionmticH which make it extremely difficult to do
the worke in that way.
Ana,artaye mitb lay Redical worrere, tere i9 the azRgee
that people who are not suited may come to the Mission-field.
Mror these reasone, I am glad that you are maktng the attempt to
have s body of religious who will have a specialized training ip medical
mork - and i pray that God may bless your urdertakins ard that He may
sulde you thcoushout.
Mith sincerest good wishee,

various topics

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FEAST OF THE HOLY ROSARY 1936

My dear Father Prior,

Many thanks for your very welcome letter received this morning from Downside. I am very pleased to hear you had such a cordial welcome and that the place impressed you so much.

It is encouraging to see what the good will of men can accomplish when cooperating with God's Adorable Will strengthened by His Grace. I am sure they had just as many difficulties as you have now, when they started. We must both go faithfully ahead each in our different works faithfully corresponding to divine grace, cutting out everything that stands in the way of accomplishing such a tremendous work as foundation. It absorbs all that is in us poor limited human beings and if we allow our energy and time to be frustrated elsewhere God's work for us will suffer. How much I saw this during my last seven months at Glenstal and the difficulty to make a break from what I loved and appreciated so much.

Do you mean me to do anything with Briscoe Lawlor in reference to the curb?

When you are back and settled down I shall be glad to hear from you how you think the staff are getting on; the reports from my Daughters [are] not too bright. I foresee... do not let things get out of hand as it would be serious for anything to happen this year. Has Miss Hayes said anything further to you? I fear Mai with all her goodness is not all we would require as I fear she is the cause of the grumbling. Also I fear Nora will not be able for the work, she is very young and soft.

I fear Mr Egan is not finished completely yet although Fr Whitney is bringing his priests and students into it to-day. But you will see something of it. Desmond is very anxious to meet you some time; now that you have been to Downside I have promised him a visit in the Xmas holidays, when we shall all see you I hope.

I hope you found all well on your return. Has Fr Milerton turned up? I hear he is in Ireland again. I hope you will hear from Mr French [ffrench] of Galway; I spoke of Glenstal for His Boys, and gave a prospectus.

I called at several places about stove for class-room; there are none of the stoves set in large enough in capacity of heat for the room so I send you down illustration of the "Romesse" etc. They suggest if you could find [the] second flue in the room to have a stove at each end of the room, as I showed you in the previous illustration. I await your instruction before going any further.

In union of prayer and love in the hearts of Jesus and Mary,

Your ever grateful child for God,
OCR ORIGINAL TEXT

dear father Erior. Mary thanke foryour wery welcome letter reccived
this mornins Crom Dornside. I am very sleased to hear wou had such a
cordial Melcome andthat Che rlace imoressed tou sc ouc.
Mt is encouragins to see what the cood will of men can
Accomplishwhen cooperating with God's Adorable will strensthened be
His Grace. I am sure they had sust as many difficudties as wou have
now,when they started. We must both so faithfuldy ahesd cach in our

Nou mean me to do any thing with Briscoe Lawlor in reference to Me
curb9
When you are back and seltled down 1 shall be glad to hear frmum
Nou how you thinke the staff are getting on the reports from my DauAh.
Hers is not too bright. foresee do not det tngs get out of Hand a-
it would be serious for apything to HapeanthiS JeAr. HafMSS Hayes
said any thing furcher to you. I fear Wai with sld hercgoodness ie
not all we womld require as Ifear she is the cause of the gruumbling.
Mao I fear Mora will not be able for the work. she is very young
And soct.
Ifenr Mltegan is not finished completely yet although RF
Nhitney is bringing his pricS and studends into it to-day. But Jou
AAA SGG SomeVHinG of it. Desmond ie YeTy anNioue to meet Jou some
Mime nor that you have been to ponnside I have promised mim a visit
in the Smas wolidays, when we shald al sce yom Inope. etM2
I Hope ou found ald weld on your return, Has Pr MMAeTton
turned uo. Ihear he is ib Meland agaim.
D
1p umom of prayer and love ip the hearts of Jcsus and Mary
Your evers grateful chhe forcod,
degerent works faithfully correspondins to dirchcrdgsace, cuttins oul
everwthins that stands in the way of accomclishins such a tremendiates
morke as foundation. it absorbs all that is in us poor limited human
Lcins and if we allow our enerey and time to be frustrated clse where
Codis work for us wild suffer. Mow mouch I saw this durins oy dast Smen
months at Clenstal and then.difficulty to mane a break from what ILov.
cdrand sppreciatcd se souch.
3 hope wou wild hear from Mr Erenchlffrenchd of Gal.
moy Isncke of clenstal for His Boys, and gave a prospectus.
I called at several places about stove for class-rooi
there are none of the stoves set in lange enough in capacity of heat
for the room so I send you down illustration of the "Romesse etc.
They suggest if you could find toe second fue in the room to have a
Stove at cach end of the room, as I showed you in the previous ildus-
tration. I await your instruction before going any further. Also did

Sacred congregation for the propagation of the faith. Letter in Italian. Translation included. Letter from Mother Mary Martin included also.
Voices general approval for the idea, but explains the process now involved.

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Cleaned Italian Text

SACRA CONGREGAZIONE DE PROPAGANDA FIDE
Protocollo N. 1497/36
Prière de citer ce même numéro dans la réponse.

REV.MO P. BEDA LEBBE, PRIORE DI GLENSTAL.

REV.MO PADRE,

Con pregiata lettera in data 25 marzo u.s., la P.V.R. informava questo S. Dicastero che alcune signorine irlandesi, con a capo la sign.ra MARIA MARTIN, prendendo occasione dalla Istruzione emanata da questo S. Dicastero l'undici febbraio p.p., vorrebbero unirsi in Istituto religioso, esclusivamente dedicato all'opera medico-missionaria nelle terre pagane.

A tale scopo, come V.P. afferma, esse ricevono, da qualche tempo, istruzione e direzione presso cotesto Priorato di Glenstal.

La P.V. raccomanda caldamente tale istituzione, dalla quale è lecito sperare grande utilità per le Missioni.

La Propaganda ha maturamente esaminato la cosa e vede con molto piacere la santa iniziativa della su lodata signorina Martin e delle sue compagne. L'Opera progettata è del tutto nelle vedute della S. Sede ed il Signore certamente benedirà i santi propositi di quante vorranno, con retta intenzione, dedicarvisi.

Tuttavia il nuovo Istituto religioso non potrà subito cominciare come Pontificio. E' necessario che esso si formi come Istituto diocesano, sotto l'autorità e la vigilanza di un Ecc.mo Vescovo. Inoltre, le future Suore dovranno essere opportunamente formate da qualche buona Religiosa di altro Istituto, già approvato dalla S. Sede. Ciò anche per restare in conformità col can. 500, paragr. 3 Cod. Jur. Can.

Voglia quindi la P.V. comunicare tali direttive della Propaganda alle interessate. Frattanto auguro all'iniziativa una felice attuazione ed invoco dal Cielo sulle pie signorine e su quanti daranno all'opera tutte le divine benedizioni.

Con sensi di distinto ossequio mi confermo...
English Translation

SACRED CONGREGATION FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE FAITH
Protocol No. 1497/36
Please cite this same number in the reply.

MOST REV. FR. BEDA LEBBE, PRIOR OF GLENSTAL.

MOST REVEREND FATHER,

With [your] esteemed letter dated March 25th last, Your Most Reverend Paternity informed this Sacred Dicastery that some Irish young ladies, headed by Ms. Maria Martin, taking occasion from the Instruction issued by this Sacred Dicastery on February 11th last, would like to unite in a Religious Institute, exclusively dedicated to medical-missionary work in pagan lands.

To this end, as Your Paternity affirms, they have been receiving, for some time, instruction and direction at your Priory of Glenstal.

Your Paternity warmly recommends this institution, from which it is permissible to hope for great utility for the Missions.

Propaganda [Fide] has maturely examined the matter and views with much pleasure the holy initiative of the aforementioned Miss Martin and her companions. The projected Work is entirely within the views of the Holy See and the Lord will certainly bless the holy resolutions of those who wish, with right intention, to dedicate themselves to it.

However, the new religious Institute cannot immediately begin as Pontifical. It is necessary that it be formed as a Diocesan Institute, under the authority and vigilance of a Most Excellency the Bishop. Furthermore, the future Sisters must be opportunely formed by some good Religious [woman] of another Institute, already approved by the Holy See. This is also to remain in conformity with canon 500, paragraph 3 of the Code of Canon Law.

Would Your Paternity therefore communicate these directives of the Propaganda to the interested parties. Meanwhile, I wish the initiative a happy implementation and I invoke from Heaven upon the pious young ladies and upon all those who will give to the work, all divine blessings.

With sentiments of distinct homage, I remain...

Right Rev. Fr. Bede Lebbe, Prior of Glenstal.

Right Rev. Father,

In your esteemed letter of 25th March inst., your Rev. informed this S. Congregation that some Irish girls, under the direction of Miss Marie Martin, taking opportunity of the Instruction of this S. Congregation in date of 11th February, would like to gather in a religious Congregation, exclusively devoted to medical missionary work in pagan countries.

In that intention, as stated by your Rev., they have received from some time instruction and direction in the aforesaid Priory of Glenstal. Your Rev. warmly recommends such institution, from which a great utility can be expected for the Missions.

The Propaganda examined thoroughly the subject, and is glad to see the saint [holy] initiative of the above praised Miss Martin and her companions. The contemplated work is absolutely within the views of the Holy See, and the Lord will surely bless the good purpose of those who will intend to dedicate themselves to it with right intention.

The new Institution however cannot begin immediately as a Pontifical Institute. It must be formed as a Diocesan Institute, under authority and supervision of a Bishop. Moreover, the future Sisters will have to be timely trained by some good Nun of another institute, already approved by the H. See—and that, in order to keep in conformity with Can. 500, par. 3 of the Code of Can. Law.

Will your Rev. be so kind to communicate those directions to whom it concerns. In the meanwhile, I wish to the initiative a happy realization, and I invoke from Heaven the divine blessings on those pious girls and all who will help the work.

With best regards.

ORIGINAL OCR

SACRA CONCREGAYIONE
DE PROPAGANDA FIDE
PAorobouoN. 1497/36
HeNHORE (HAS, QAESG HIS THEH I MA TEDOIMORG.
Ozpne ds cter ce mamne aumere dans la sepouse,
REYMO P. BEDA LERLY, PRIORE DI GLENSTAL.
REYMO PADRG,
Con pregiata lettera in data 25 marzo u.s', la P.Y.R.informava
questo S.Dicastero che alcune signorine irlandesi, con a capo la si-
Sn.Ra MAHIA MARTIN, prendendo occasione dalla 1struzione emanata da 1e future Suore dovranno essere opportunamente formate da qualche buona
Religiosa di altro 1stituto, gia approvate dalla S.Sede. Cio anche
per testare in conformita col can. 500,paragr.3 Cod.Jur.Can.
Woglia quindi la P.V. comunicare tali direttive della Propa.
ganda alle interessate. Frattanto auguro all'iniziativa una felice
attuazione ed invoco dal Cielo sulle pie signorine e su quanti da-
RiHHo
rannofalliopera tutte le divine bencdizioni.
Con sensi di distinto ossequio mi confermo
questo S.Dicastero l'undici febbraio p.p.,vorrebbere unirsi in 1sti-
tuto religioso, esclusivamente dedicato all'opera medico-missionaria
nelle terre pagane.
A tale scopo, come V.P.afferma, esse ricevono, da qualche tempo,
1struzione e direzione presso cotesto Priorato di Glenstal.
La P.V.raccomanda caldamente tale istituzione, dalla quale e
lecito sperare grande utilita per le Missioni.
La Propaganda ha maturamente esaminato la cosa e vede con molto.
piacere la santa iniziativa dclla su Lodata signorina Martin e delle
sue compagne. L'Opera progettata e del tutto nelle vedute della S .Sede
ed il Signore certamente benedira i santi propositi di qaante vorranno,
con retta intenzione, dedicarvisi.
Tuttavia il nuovo 1stituto religioso non potra subito cominciare
come Pontificio. E' necessario che esso si formi come 1stituto dio-
cesano, sotto l'autorita e la vigilanza di un Eccmo Vescovo. inoltre,

Hight Rev.Br Bede Lebbe,Prior of Glenstal.
Right Rev. Pather,
In your esteemed letter of 25th march inst., your Kev.
informed this S.Congregation that some Irish girls, under the
direction of miss Marie Martin, taking oppottunity of the In.
Atruction of this S.Congregation in date of 11th february,
would like to gather in a religious Congregation, exclusive-
Ay devoted to medical missionary work in pagan couptries.
In that intentionsas stated by your Rev.,they have received
from some time instruction and direction in the aforesaid
he new Ihatitution however cennot begin immadiately as a
Pontifical Institute. 1t must be formed as a Diocesap IRstitu.
te,under ahthority and supervision of a Sishop. Moreower, the
future Sisters will have to be timely trained by some good
Nur of another institute, already apcoved by the H.See - and
that, in order to Keep in conformity with Can.500, par.& of
the Gode of Can.Law.
Wild your Rev.be so kind to communicate those directions to
whom it concerns. In the meanwhile, I wish to the intitiative
A Happv realization, and I neny Crom Heaven the divine bless.
ins on those sione sirls ard all whe rill hebp the worE
Fith best resards. Kam
Briory of Glenstal.
Hour Kev.warrdy recommands such institution, Crom which a
sreat utidity can be expected for the Missions.
The Eropaganda examined thourhughly the subiect, and is
rlad to see the saint initiative of the above praised Mise
Mariin and her companiors. The contemplated work is absolute,
1y within the views of the Holy See, and the Lord wiii sure.
1y bless the good porpose of those who will intend to dedica,
te themse,ves to it with risht intention.

Typed letter to a Bishop. Author not given

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Your Eminence,

May I humbly express the great joy and gratitude I feel to God for the pronouncement made by the S.C. de Prop. Fide, asking for Religious Institutes to be founded to come to the spiritual and bodily aid of the Mother & Child in Pagan Countries, as it has answered absolutely all my secret aspirations, desires, prayers, and work of past years and specially after my three years experience on the Mission field in the vicariate of Southern Nigeria.

E m i n e n c e

The Instructions issued by the S.C. de Prop. Fide, in date of Febr. 11th 1936, about the spiritual and bodily aid to the Mothers and Children in Pagan Countries filled the heart of all Christians with joy and gratitude.

Specially have they been received as Divine Providence's own answer by some Irish girls, who were expecting it for more than two years in prayer and preparation of spiritual work. The same spirit gathered them around Miss Marie Martin, and under her conduct, who, after experience of active work in three years in the field of Mission in the Vicariate of Southern Nigeria, and having carefully examined that delicate and urgent question, had shared with them the desire to imitate the august doing of the Mother of God, the B. Virgin Mary in her Visitation to Elizabeth, to put themselves in the service of their sisters, still suffering in the shadow of death, and to answer, as soon as Rome would have spoken, the appeal of the Vicars Apostolic of Calabar, Onitsha, Northern Nigeria... anxious to see the work started in their Vicariates.

Anxious then themselves to remain in perfect agreement with the instructions of the S.C., they allow themselves to submit to Your Eminence, and by Him to the Holy See the Scheme elaborated since many years, at the request of aforesaid Vicars Apostolic.

The small group, while all branches of medical work were within its scope, aimed at making special provision for all medical assistance to the Mother & Child — and so happens to be in exact conformity with the instruction of the S.C.

(b) The Society intended to make very special provision for the spiritual safeguard of the Sisters, and therefore put themselves for their spiritual formation under the direction of the Benedictine Fathers in Glenstal Priory, Murroe, Co Limerick, since 1934.

A member of the Community has been appointed as Spiritual Director, and has instructed them in the obligations of religious life, and more practically in the spirit & work of the future Society, directing them in the practice of religious virtue, — so that they secured the benefits of a regular novitiate.

Having so filially and humbly exposed their aim, and work, and hope, Miss Marie Martin and her small... group of pioneers wish to place...

I have been anxiously awaiting a pronouncement from Rome, before coming forward publicly, and now I wish to put our Scheme before His Holiness & the S.C. giving you a short account of our aim & what we have realised.

Scheme — as elaborated since many years, at the request & under the direction of some Vicars Apostolic anxious to see the work started in their Vicariates Calabar, Onitsha, N. Nigeria — happens to be in exact conformity with the instruction of the S.C. of P. of F. 11th Feb. 1936.

While all branches of medical work were within its scope, the Society, inspired by the example of Our Lady's Visitation to Saint Elizabeth (and now by the instructions of the S.C. de Prop. Fide) aimed at making special provision for all medical assistance to the Mother & Child. The Society intended to make very special provision for the spiritual safeguard of the Sisters.

We have been able to realise:

(a) We have put ourselves, for our spiritual formation under the direction of the Benedictine Fathers in Glenstal Priory, Murroe, Co Limerick, since 1934. A member of the Community has been appointed as Spiritual Director to our little group, giving us conferences twice weekly on the spiritual life in general, & more particularly on the religious spirit of work & obligation of the future Society. He is always at our disposal for all private directions. Our life has been lived as far as possible the regular life of a Noviciate.

(b) We have been working on the lines of a secular Society, we have taken & prepared ourselves for private vows.

(c) The group at present consists of one fully qualified Nurse, with C.M.B., another with C.S.M.G., two leaving for Maternity training in the National Maternity Hospital Dublin, this spring, having first taken private vows. The other members are being first spiritually tested and formed, with a view of being trained technically. One Med. Student in her 4th year is attending the University, with the intention of joining when Qualified. One fully Qualified L. Doctor is considering joining as well as 5 other Candidates, which includes another fully Qualified Nurse, with C.M.B. Certificate.

(d) As Mons. Moynagh, Prefect Apostolic of Calabar, has a hospital awaiting our first unit to take over; in the meantime we arranged for two catholic secular Nurses to hold the hospital till we are formed into a Religious Society.

(e) Financial We have been able to support our members without going into debts. We have the interest on roughly £250 a year. A sum of £600, First Contribution to building fund. Eventually dowries & pension of Candidates who would be able to help in this way.

The generous contribution of the Irish people which may be relied upon, as soon as the work will have received official recognition from the Apostolic See — when it is our intention to start burses for the expenses of training.

In the Mission field we shall be supported by the Mission, salaries, & Government grants to hospitals where our helpers will be stationed.

ORIGINAL OCR TEXT

SHemre MaMeeMe6
R
2o73o1.26/532
May I humbly expres the great joy and gratitude f feel to God Cor the pra
Douncomont made by tho C.C,de Prop, Fide,asking for Goligious Gmatittop t0
be founded to come to the spiritual and bodily aid of the Mother & Child in
Pagan Countries,as it has anewered absolutely all my secret aspirations,dene
Sires, prayers,and worle of past years and specialiy after ry thres wears ex
Serience on the Missiop field in the vicariate of Southern Migeria.
E m i n e n c o
Ehe TAetructions issued bw the S.C.de prop.Fide, ip date of Febr.MAth
1035, about the spiritual abd bodidy aid to the Mothers and Children ig
Ragab Coutries filled the heart of all christians witb ioy and gratitude.
Apacialy hawe they bo roceived as Sivine Prowidence's owo answer bw somo
Arish girls,who were expectis it for more than two vears ir praver ande
Sreparatior of apiritual work. The same spitit gathered them around MisE
Harie Martin,and under her conduct,who,after experience of active work tR
three wears ir the field of Mission in the Vicariate of Southern Migeria,
And having carefully examined that delicate and urgept quastior,had shared
Mith them the dosire to imitate the august doing of the srother of God, the
M.Wirgin Mary io her Wisitation to Elizabeth,to out themaelves in the ger-
wice of their sisters, stild suffering ip the chadow of death,and to ans-
Mer, as soon Home would have spoken,the appeal of the Wicars Apostol5c of
Calabar,Onitshia,Morthern wigeria.. sanxious to see the worle started ir
their Wicatiates.
Anxions then themselves to remain ip perfect agreement with the instruc
Lions of the S,C.,thew aldow themselves to submitt to Your Eminence,and by
Him to the Moly Aee the Scheme elaborated since many years,at the request
of afeoresaid Vicars Apostolic.
Ihe small group,whide all brabches of medical work were withip its sco-
De,aimed at making special provision for all medical aasistance to the Mo-
ther & Child - and so hapbens to be ip exact conformity with the instruction
DE the S.C.
(h) he Society intended to make wery apecial provision for the spirit-
ual safeguard of the Sisters. and therefore put themselves for their spir.
itual formatior under the direction of the Senedcctine Fathers is Glensm
Lal Priory,murroe,Go iimerick,since 195d.
A member of the Comunity has beep appointed as spiritual birector,
And has instruted them in the obligations of religious 1ife,and more prac
Licaldg ir the spirit & worle of the future Society,directiag them in the
practice of relisious victue,- so that they secured the tenefits of a reg
gular novitiate.
2
31
2
5if3.-
Havipg so riially aro humbly exposed their aim, and worY, and hore, Ms8
Marie artio and her small 3xrtiw srouo of pioneers wish to place......
1 have been anxiously awaiting a pronouncement from Rome,before coming 5oe
ward publicly,and now I wish to put our Acheme before His Holiness & the S.G
giving you a short account of our aim & what we have realised,
Scneme - as elaborated since mapy years,at the reduest & under the direction
of some Wicars Apostolic axious to see the worle started ip their Vicariaten
Calabar,Onitchia,M. Migeria - happens to be in exact conformity with the in-
Atructiop of the S.C. of P.of r. 11th Feb.1o35.
Thile all branches of medical work were withim its scope, the Society, in.
Apided by the example of Our Kady's Visitation to Gaint Elizabeth (and pom
Dy the instructions of the S.C.de Prop.Wide) aimed at moking speciai provi-
Siop Cor ald medical asaishance to the Mother & Child.The Societw intendea
4o make wery special provision for the spititual safeguard of the Sisters.
Me have bean able to realise.
1d Me have out ourselves, for cur spiritual Cormation under the diractior
of the Benedictine "athers is Glenstal Priory,Murroe,Co M.mericlt,since Lo&ds
A member of the Commubity has been appointed as spiritual Director to our
1ittle gcoup, giving us conferences twice weekly on the spitituad 1ife ip gen
eral,& more particularly on the religious epirit f,work & obligation of the
Euture Scciety.Me is always at our disposal for all private directions Gur
1ife as beer Mived as fac as pocsible the regular 1ife of a Howiciater
La) Me have beer working on the lines of a secuiar Mociety,we have taken &
Srepared ourselves for private vows.
(c) he group at present consists of one fuldy qualified Murse,with C.M.B.
Amother with C.3t.E,.3 two caviag for Maternity traihihg in the Wational Ma
Lernity Mospital Bublip, this spring,having first takep private wows, The otR
Sr members are being first spiritually tested and formed,with a wiew of Mrig
Hoing tooined tochoicaljy, Sne Med,Student i her Ath year i5 attendibg tho
Mniversity,with the intentionof ioining when Qualified. One fully Qualifiede
I.Doctor is considering joining as well as 5 other Landidates,which indluden
Another fuldy Qualified Murse,with C.M.B. Certificate.
4ds Mons.Moynagh,Brefect Awostolic of Calabar,has a hospital awaiting our
first unit to takte oversin the meantime we arranged for two catholic secular
Murses to hold the hospital iild we are formed into a Religious Society.
Le) Minancial we have been able to support our members without going into
Rebts. Me have the interest on roughly M.250 a year. A su of 1.600,Hirst
Contribution to building fund. Bwentualdy domries & pension of Candidates whe
Mould e able to help ip this way,
rho gemnorois contributio of the Irish people which maw be rolied upon,as
Sdon as the worl will have received official recogmition from the Apostolic
Aee - whem it is our intontio to start burses for the expenses of training
An the Hiaeiop field we shald be supsorted by the Misciop,salaries, & Gow
frrooal fronlo Sor lao boorllalaaar oar honloro llll lo Srallaiods

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,

Short note acknowledging receipt of letter from Father Dominic sent to Father Paschal Robinson.

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

Letter from probably Mary Martin to the Nuncio thanking him for his support.

ROUGH TRANSCRIPTION

Your Exceldancy,
Wery many thanks indeed for your letter, and that enclosed
from the Mother General of the Asoly Child Order, wheich I new
re turn.
I feel that 1 need say now no more than how grateful I am
to Your Mxcellency for the great service you have already done M.M.M
( Sedical Missicnayies of Mary 1, and how confident you have made
me feel as to the future securitiey and progress of our werk under
your generous patronage.
I enclese a cepy of Mensignor Foynagh's letter, and also
of the reply which, after consultatien with His Excellency the Nunci
. I have sent.
I have beeb assured by His Excellency that the directions
I have received from the Sacred Congregetsen " de Erepaganda Fedit
As to our Novitiate enables me te start with as few as tree subiects
I trust that the propesal which I have submitted to
to Mgrs eynagh is one that fully accerds with Your Excellency'c
directiens, while I hepe it will de a great deal te relieve Mgrs.
Moynagh of his very understandable apprehensions.
with a heartnfull of gratitude I Kiss your sacred Ring
And ask your Excellency blessing.

AI CLEANED TEXT
Your Excellency, Many thanks indeed for your letter, and the one enclosed from the Mother General of the Holy Child Order, which I now return. I feel that I need say no more than how grateful I am to Your Excellency for the great service you have already done for M.M.M. (Medical Missionaries of Mary), and how confident you have made me feel about the future security and progress of our work under your generous patronage. I enclose a copy of Monsignor Moynagh's letter, as well as the reply which, after consultation with His Excellency the Nuncio, I have sent. I have been assured by His Excellency that the directions I have received from the Sacred Congregation "de Propaganda Fide" regarding our Novitiate enable me to start with as few as three subjects. I trust that the proposal which I have submitted to Monsignor Moynagh fully accords with Your Excellency's directions, and I hope it will do a great deal to relieve Monsignor Moynagh of his very understandable apprehensions. With a heart full of gratitude, I kiss your sacred ring and ask for Your Excellency's blessing.