Discussions about two nurses. Mary Martin to Prior.

TEXT

Caritas
[March] 1936

Dear Father Prior,

I think I have two good Nurses willing, quite suitable for the position of nurse at Glenstal.

If It is convenient, and my room is not needed I intended returning tomorrow, Thursday, by the 6.20pm train. Then I could talk over the matter with you before deciding definitely deciding.

The brighter and younger of the two Miss McKenna asks ￡80a year. The other, Miss Cole, will come for £60 with the understanding of a rise in salary as the school increases. Miss Cole does not have such a good smart appearance, but she is a good nurse. I imagine she would be very easy to work with; she is 46 years.

Miss McKenna is 35 years old, a good nurse, and recommended to me by S. O'Reilly. I have asked them to send on their references to Glenstal and have promised to give them an answer on Friday.

Miss McKenna’s home is in Co. Limerick. She would like to have one day a month and 1/2 day a week free. I think she would take an interest in the growth of the college and improvements, as well as being kind and bright with the boys. Neither has had college experience, but I fear this is very hard to get.

You will be pleased to hear that Miss O'Rourke has decided to join our work, but she will not be free to come until November. Benedict sent her through St. Bernard—it was only yesterday she decided.

Miss Farrelly has also decided to join us, but to please her mother, she may have to first go into hospital for training.

I long to talk over our future work with you. The time is ripe now in Dublin for Vocations; we must organize something for them.

I think they have oblates of St. Benedict in Holland, that would suit our work and at the same time perhaps, be able to always continue looking after Glenstal.

In many ways, it seems I should be in Dublin for this, by (????) for the Missions. But on the other hand, more will be done by prayer, and perhaps a few days here in September before it closes. Miss O'Rourke will be able to help me.

Now, I thank you all for your prayers, as I am convinced it was them that got these two for M.M.M.

I did not hear from Father David about Br. Conrad, so I have done nothing more until I hear.

Sister Baptist sympathizes very much with your cross ,gives the same advice as I—Sr. Quinlan, if the parents are poor, and the best thing is to get him into the county home, then from there to a sanatorium.

I suppose you speak English very well by this

Please remember me to all the Fathers.

May I ask you to ask Fr John to wire me if it is convenient for me to go back tomorrow?

Your obedient child,
Marie Martin

Mary Martin to Father. Speaking of how Father seems to have little interest left.

TEXT

My dear Father,

I was pleased to receive your very welcome letter. I regret to hear of Brother M.'s illness.

I have just received a wire from Mrs. Morpe, so I hope to meet her today, when I shall have firsthand news of you and all at Glenstal.

Your letter sounds very depressed, as if you have little interest left. May God, clear the way for you, and show you His Will in all things.

You have evidently forgotten, but in our last conversation, we spoke of a green and grey theme, with green as the school colors for blazers, etc. I sent you the patterns from Switzers, as Mother & I thought they were a beautiful color, and that the green would look well with the grey flannel.

However, I intend to do nothing until I hear from you about the tailor and also what Clerys did for you. I return the pattern of green for you to see at the edge of the grey.

I thought you had decided not to have black and striped trousers, and that you thought an all-grey suit would suit for Sunday for all. The bigger boys would have a grey tweed coat with grey flannels for everyday wear, and the small boys would have corduroy and pullovers. However, Mrs. Thorpe may have some news for me.

I felt so forcefully when I was speaking to you on all these questions last week that your mind was preoccupied. I do not wish to do anything you do not wish, but one must really come to a decision.

You did not say anything about the Matron. Have you heard anything?

The more I think of things, perhaps it might be well to have Miss McKenna who knows you, the place, and the difficulties, as you evidently had an idea of running ...

Caritas
Dear Father Prior
Many many thanks for your letter of
New Years day +returning I.
Letter so promptly.
Ishall deal with all that relates to
Glenstal + the reopening of The College first
Iwrote to Miss Leydon to return to Glenstal
on Monday the 17th if she has any difficultie
about which she wishes to see me to come
by 9.15Am train to Dublin, she ought to
catch the 5 pm to Limerick, if Ohe does
not need to see me, she may go direct to
Glenstal. I told her to find out cheapest
route.
It would be well for Mary to have fires
set in Dormitories, + if possible have the floors
waxed + teachers. rooms + Matrons in order.
Cook says she can spare Mary_
Mai will have plenty of time to have
her department in order.
Matron wrote me a very good letter, she seems
Epiphany Sunday
1935.

full of joy and energy for the next term.
I shall certainly send a companion to Miss
Leyden- but ir will not be for a few weeks.
If I send Miss O' Rourke it means she must
give up her office + resign_ she will have to give
them a couple of weeks notice. She ofcarse is the
only one of the four earning and unless things
were very definite as to he possibility of
continuing at Glenstal to would be very unwise
for her to resign. On the other hand if they
have a fairly regular life + start religious
instructions on the vows, she will be one of
the ones that would benefit most from them

• would be a help to Miss Leyden and
  someone I would feel great confidence in
  having there
  Miss Moynagh would be a good worker
  humble + spiritual but not of the same character.
  More Miss Leydons type. As her teeth were all
  very bad, I advised her to have them all
  out. This she had done before Christmas. I
  am awaiting a letter from her in which she
  will tell me how soon she would be fit to
  go to Glenstal if I needed her
  Thank you very much for granting me

The material request I wrote about. I agree
with you in all you say on these matters

• feel just as you do about these money
  matters. I shall do as you request + hope you
  will also draw up your own ideal then we
  can discuss the whole question .
  Naturally I am sorry we shall not see
  you this month. hon The other hand for The College
  I am glad you are not leaving Glenstal so
  soon after The opening. Also this gives no
  all more time to pray + reflect over all matters
  so important only because they are dealing with
  Gods Eternal Will.
  I think till my return it is just as
  well to give my room to Miss Leydons
  companion that would leave Cook + Mai
  Mary + Miss Leydon. If you think it better
  to have Mary + Cook well + good or if
  you think Lizzie would like it + that it
  would do her good, she + Miss Leydon
  could share the front. room It is better for
  you + Matron to arrange this matter but
  certainly I prefer to have my room used
  it will make things more comfortable + healthy.
  Dear Father now I come to thank you for

what I must value, the special course of
instructions to my daughters, as you so nicely
put it, if you find it convenient + necessary
I shall of course have no objection to them being
increasid It is a excellent plan to allow
them to confere with Dom David for
explanations + counsel if they need them
I shall leave things reen as they did at the
end of last term till the companion arrives
then we shall maps out things for the two
(there is alway a little danger of a Matron
getting +putting in one thing after another on
Her work is not heavy as things are at Glenstal
at prisent) I have written to Matron stating
Miss Leyden returns but that it is absolutely
necessary she has certain + regular time for
her spiritual exercises
.
Like you. at present I feel overwhelmed
wrth responsibilities a religious life is such a
high ideal, we shall be united in prayer for
The same great end, our own individual
perfection + them that as wished by God in
Glenstal + the future M.M.Mr .
I shall not speak of your coming.
I am grieved to hear Dom Gerard has received
Lerch reports, certainly they were not from me
or any of my subjects. I am ashamed.

Caritas.
Dear Father Prior
I am praying and thinking much
you all to.day, ending up off the great
Jubilee year. how rich in graces are all
these days. I also wonder has Miss O' Rourke
provisioned you all, with her cooking as I
understood from Miss Cleary yesterday that Cook
was going away for this week-end.
As you say I fear Lizzie is not improving
any complaints there were about the food
last time. I now attribute to her carelessness
at times, she evendently needs constant
supervision to keep her up to the standard
required this is what makes it so difficult
for you she is not a character one can
rely on- i many ways she is suitable
can cook well when she wishes so I
think it would be a mistake to make
any change before the beginning of next
school year._ Miss Nugents presence would
Greenbank
Monkstown
Low Sunday 1935.

April 35
probably remove a great deal of your worries
leave you more time for more important matters
Personally I think if she will go down as
suggested in Fr. Kings letter with the idea of
getting in touch with M.M.M. fall in with the
spiritual life of "Marys" daughters doing my work
under obedience to you without in any way
committing herself to M.M.M. or we being
committed to her_ I liked her much, she has
all the natural qualities I lack so much
she knows her own mind + is capable with
a good spirit.
Before taking her on definitely as a
member of M.M.M. I would need to have
full particulars from the Mother Prioress, also
these few months at Glenstal would give
you + Dom David a good idea as to
her suitability for M.M.M. She was
educated by Benedictine Nuns in America
Dom Marmions books are what express
her spiritual outlook. I shall probably
see her again on Tuesday so as to know
her better before coming to a decision when
receive your wishes which are mine.
Now to the compliments I have heard as

you will be weary after all this
forgive me.
Will you please tell Miss O' Rourke
Miss Leydon I await their letters
of Sunday before writing Owing to
circumstances my time has been much
occupied interviewing people
With all good wishes to all the
Monks. united in prayer.
your obedient child for
Sr Mary
9.

regards the food during the last term -
At times the food was not good
2) Did not receive enough especially porridge
at breakfast time.
) They received black + white pudding nearly
every day for breakfast. till lately.
4) the food was excellent up to the last term
but now the general conversation + question asked
is Is it true the food is very bad at
Glenstal?
I asked Natron did she hear much
from the boys her answer is as follows
About the food lately- I honestly think.
there was very little to complain about
at any time things were much better
I the kitchen lately Mary + Cook were
at peace. She also says: I am
glad F. Prior seems pleased I see very
little of him but I hope if there is any way
that I could be of further help that he
will tell me I don't like interfering
unless I am asked but I am very happy
interested in Glenstal + would love
to give any + all the help I could_
I think we have a good person in Matron
April 35
3.

of
manners and general conduct.
a thought struck me the other
day As the numbers are to small
to make a team for Foot. ball or
Hockey would it be possible to
make a small golf. course for the
teachers
Now just a word about M.M.M.
you will remember The two paper with
the agreements, could you let me have
the on back on which you have
agreed with the amount you consider
reasonable + just for the members
f M.M. M. to pay for their board and
Lodging till we have our own quarters
for ourselves 21 Also what
decision you have come to over the
holidays + The question of guests.
The reason why I need to know this
at present + is in the accepting of
candidates they will have to be able
to defray some of the expenses during
their years of formation.

Letter on various subjects. Undated. Begins by mentioning the illness of the Mother of Father Prior.

TEXT
Caritas
ENBANK
MONKSTOWN
Dear Father Prior
I am more
than
grieved to hear
of your
Mothers serious
illness
And the sorrow
this will
Cause you. I hope + pray
he attack will subside
that you will have
better news
her in
your next
letter
.
I pray extra much for her
you during these
days. May Gods adorab
Will be done in all things.
you can imagine my dis.
appointment on Friday when
returned home from the
hospital +. I found
Dom David had been her
or over an hour waiting
or me we only
had a
short time
to. gether as
he had to be with
Ma
foor at
15.
I hope his tour will bear
much fruit
GREENBANK,
MONKSTOWN
I shall be glad to have the
Frospectese. I spoke to one
of the Nuns of Cabra
Dominican Convent + shall
pay them another Visit
before returning
to Glenstal
Also it would be
well
to work up a
connection
with Dominicans at Wickle
this May, be done
my
friend sends her
joy
to Glenstal The
fees, are
they to
be the same
or
2
Slightly reduced sthope
have the question
languages as she
your special features it
is one of the things the
parents find lacking very
Much in Irish schools_
I shall probably very soon
now pay my promised visit
The Nuncio is there any
hing special you would
abey me to consult him
about
further than T-krmuss
letter +
what if any
definite steps I should
take with Arch-bishop
Harty.

Various matters prior to Father Priors visit. From Mary Martin to Prior of Glenstal.

Dear Father Prior
This letter will probably reach you in time for the feast of the Immaculate Conception with all my very best wishes to you, all the community, teachers, boys, and staff. I shall be much united with Our Lady and you all on that day in special prayers and know you will not forget me in yours.
I have not written much lately as I await your visit to talk all matters over. Also, the getting up so early only for an hour leaves me very tired, and I have not been feeling quite so well the last few days. The big toe is still inclined to be septic, so I fear I shall not be allowed home this week but probably next week.
Hope you have good news of Rose

If she was insured she should of course
draw that from The day she left Glenstal
untill she is fit again On the other
hand if she is not qualified for the
Insurance you will have to pay her till she
goes home + give her notice that you are
not needing her next term.
I enclose the dining room equipment
book for Mai so that she will leave
all in order before she goes on her
holiday + hand over the silver to Fr
Hohn_ also he book with particulars of
maid up to time of my leaving Glenstal
the wages as received from nt John
to give him. I have ￡1. belonging to Mary
as you will see by her account.
Is it time that one of your Fathers
( a german) is at Beaumount ill. I was
told there was + I cannot think who it can
be. I hope if so he is not seriously ill.
Would it be too much trouble, if Matron has
the time to pack my things to bring them up
leave them at the Station my sister can call
for them- I enclose the key of small cupboard

you might give to Matron as all my letters
are in that + I should like to have
them when I get home _
I am not sure whether I shall be here
or at home when you come up but
all I wish to convey to you is that
you are heartily, welcome to stay at
Greenbank for a night or more if it
is convenient for you on the other hand
I quite understand Mr gooss is Mrs G. staf
will be more convenient as they are
nearer the city but if I were at home
you did not want to waste the day
hours with me you could come out when
you have all your business finished
have dinner then have a long talk
and stay the night. However I leave
everything to you to arrange as suits you
best.
With grateful thanks for everything
your obedient child in Jesus + Mary
Sr. Mary
We shall arrange about the staff when we meet
I asked Matron to give you all her views. M.M
6 Dec '34

Letter in French from Father David to the Prior discussing among other things, Miss O Rourke

Mary Martin to Prior of Glenstal, concerning reassignments of Miss Leydon and Miss O Rouke; Martin's recovery from illness.

--- Page 1 ---
10th January 1935
Caritas -
2021-08-05/150

Dear Father Prior
Many thanks for your letter, I
cannot think what happened to my first
letter, which was an answer to yours
dealing with questions you asked me in
your previous letter. It may be that
my brother forgot to post it. I am sorry if
I put you to any inconvenience by not having it.
Des gratis for the four toes, but God has
been generous, I really only lost 3 toes, the
fourth looks very much to the good, has knitted
up well & will have to take a great part in carrying me about.
I saw one of the Loqs during the holiday but was talking to Dan Miley,
the numbers going up with help greatly
& reset Summer you ought to be able to
get a few from Killashee.
What happened to Miss Leyden that
she did not arrive by the 5 O’ck, she
rang me up from my bother's office before

Postscript:
Please play for a very special family initiation
Sometime when you are writing will you let me know roughly what time
Lauds begins - how long it takes -

--- Page 2 ---
2/
10 Jan 35
4 pm. He gave her money she required for me
& the arrangement was she went by 5 O'ck
train. Please apologise to Dom Wmie for
Having to fetch her at such an hour -
Father do not bother to answer my long
letter at present, I did not & do not expect
an answer at once - All I wished was
as your journey is prospered, to save delay
later on, was to put roughly before you
things as they are - seem from M. M. M. -
Also the Nuncio wrote to say later on when
I am better he will discuss matters with in
reference to our start & future etc. - You
will have your side of the question very
clear by the time we meet - For the
present I know Miss Leyden & Miss O’Rouke
when they are to-gether will have regular
instructions & all the spiritual help they
need & they will with God’s help do the
least they can to help in the domestic
work under your direction till my return -
I fear it will not be possible for Miss
O’Rouke to be down with you much before
the 11th Feb: we had looked perhaps to
arrange the 2nd Purification but she must give

--- Page 3 ---
at least three weeks or 1 months notice in the
office - she is to be examined theologically
on Monday next, if all is well she will
then hand in her resignation -
Miss Leyden with Mary giving a little
more general help to Matron where she
needs it for the house-work, will be
able to carry on - As a matter of fact
it is better for Miss O'Rourke not to
arrive there till the 1st rush is over
& things in order - as the time tables
will have to be revised, my idea would
be to have Miss O'Rourke to do the work
Miss Leyden used to do with Mai, infact what
I would like is for Miss O'R. to get into
the running of the clining-room & now that
there are more days it would be well to
have the two helping at the bigger meals.
The best plan if it could be managed
& you approve, would be for Matron to
draw up a table time just of the work she would
think well to allot to each & then when
you come up we can discuss them &
approve of a definite plan - All can
go on as it did at the end of last town

--- Page 4 ---
10 Jan 35
arranging that Mary gives a more general
help - when Cook can spare her -
The arrangements of the rooms is very good
but I think unless you have any very special
reason, it would be just as well till my
arrival for Miss O'R. to sleep in my room -
These are hard trying months in our dear
country & there is no necessity to over
crowd. Matron is a little nervous of this.
I saw Miss O'Rourke on Tuesday & broke
the news to her, although it came as a bit
of a shock to her, she accepted my decision
with a grand genrous spirit. She is in
for a fairly lard time during these next
five weeks but I know will face all the
difficulties having with God’s grace- for herself
she is delighted. She is of course a very
different type of character & soul to Miss L.
She realizes, perhaps too keenly at times the up hill work before us all - & how utterly unworthy & incapable of it all,
where Miss L. may not need at present much outside help spiritual Miss O'R. will & seeks it - for the interest of her own soul & M. M. M. therefore she is very glad to be among these

--- Page 5 ---
10 Jan 35

Who will help her in her vocation & direct
her in the right spirit - She longed to be
with you for the 2nd but fears she cannot
manage it - Hope Miss O'R. will develop
& make a very thorough religious as a
member of M. M. M. - I shall miss her very much
she has meant so much to me over all this
work, since my illness but am glad she will
soon be really taking her first step to realize
God’s design for her & be under proper direction to develop spiritually.
Remember me to all your Nonks, teachers,
Says a staff & I wish you all a very happy
holy & healthy term. My delay must be
Providential - I trust Him absolutely.
The Doolin is to come out to-day or to-morrow
to see that all goes well - O’Quinlan fears
there may be some lone infection as the
oozing continues. I have not mentioned this
to anyone as we so lotts still hope it may
not be so - I shall write & let you know what
Mr Doolin says - he has not seen it for over
a week. Sleep is very bad, pray my
patience may not be exhausted & that I
benefit in God’s love through everything & that M. M. M. & Glenstal may share in everything - you childs for God
Sr. Mary

Postscript:
Will you please explain to Dom David my reason for not writing is not
That he is forgotten but so is to be more obedient - I know you speak to him
of all things - I hope all his little flocks preserve -

TRANSCRIPTION:
--- Page 1 ---
10th January 1935
Caritas -
2021-08-05/150

Dear Father Prior
Many thanks for your letter, I
cannot think what happened to my first
letter, which was an answer to yours
dealing with questions you asked me in
your previous letter. It may be that
my brother forgot to post it. I am sorry if
I put you to any inconvenience by not having it.
Des gratis for the four toes, but God has
been generous, I really only lost 3 toes, the
fourth looks very much to the good, has knitted
up well & will have to take a great part in carrying me about.
I saw one of the Loqs during the holiday but was talking to Dan Miley,
the numbers going up with help greatly
& reset Summer you ought to be able to
get a few from Killashee.
What happened to Miss Leyden that
she did not arrive by the 5 O’ck, she
rang me up from my bother's office before

Postscript:
Please play for a very special family initiation
Sometime when you are writing will you let me know roughly what time
Lauds begins - how long it takes -

--- Page 2 ---
2/
10 Jan 35
4 pm. He gave her money she required for me
& the arrangement was she went by 5 O'ck
train. Please apologise to Dom Wmie for
Having to fetch her at such an hour -
Father do not bother to answer my long
letter at present, I did not & do not expect
an answer at once - All I wished was
as your journey is prospered, to save delay
later on, was to put roughly before you
things as they are - seem from M. M. M. -
Also the Nuncio wrote to say later on when
I am better he will discuss matters with in
reference to our start & future etc. - You
will have your side of the question very
clear by the time we meet - For the
present I know Miss Leyden & Miss O’Rouke
when they are to-gether will have regular
instructions & all the spiritual help they
need & they will with God’s help do the
least they can to help in the domestic
work under your direction till my return -
I fear it will not be possible for Miss
O’Rouke to be down with you much before
the 11th Feb: we had looked perhaps to
arrange the 2nd Purification but she must give

--- Page 3 ---
at least three weeks or 1 months notice in the
office - she is to be examined theologically
on Monday next, if all is well she will
then hand in her resignation -
Miss Leyden with Mary giving a little
more general help to Matron where she
needs it for the house-work, will be
able to carry on - As a matter of fact
it is better for Miss O'Rourke not to
arrive there till the 1st rush is over
& things in order - as the time tables
will have to be revised, my idea would
be to have Miss O'Rourke to do the work
Miss Leyden used to do with Mai, infact what
I would like is for Miss O'R. to get into
the running of the clining-room & now that
there are more days it would be well to
have the two helping at the bigger meals.
The best plan if it could be managed
& you approve, would be for Matron to
draw up a table time just of the work she would
think well to allot to each & then when
you come up we can discuss them &
approve of a definite plan - All can
go on as it did at the end of last town

--- Page 4 ---
10 Jan 35
arranging that Mary gives a more general
help - when Cook can spare her -
The arrangements of the rooms is very good
but I think unless you have any very special
reason, it would be just as well till my
arrival for Miss O'R. to sleep in my room -
These are hard trying months in our dear
country & there is no necessity to over
crowd. Matron is a little nervous of this.
I saw Miss O'Rourke on Tuesday & broke
the news to her, although it came as a bit
of a shock to her, she accepted my decision
with a grand genrous spirit. She is in
for a fairly lard time during these next
five weeks but I know will face all the
difficulties having with God’s grace- for herself
she is delighted. She is of course a very
different type of character & soul to Miss L.
She realizes, perhaps too keenly at times the up hill work before us all - & how utterly unworthy & incapable of it all,
where Miss L. may not need at present much outside help spiritual Miss O'R. will & seeks it - for the interest of her own soul & M. M. M. therefore she is very glad to be among these

--- Page 5 ---
10 Jan 35

Who will help her in her vocation & direct
her in the right spirit - She longed to be
with you for the 2nd but fears she cannot
manage it - Hope Miss O'R. will develop
& make a very thorough religious as a
member of M. M. M. - I shall miss her very much
she has meant so much to me over all this
work, since my illness but am glad she will
soon be really taking her first step to realize
God’s design for her & be under proper direction to develop spiritually.
Remember me to all your Nonks, teachers,
Says a staff & I wish you all a very happy
holy & healthy term. My delay must be
Providential - I trust Him absolutely.
The Doolin is to come out to-day or to-morrow
to see that all goes well - O’Quinlan fears
there may be some lone infection as the
oozing continues. I have not mentioned this
to anyone as we so lotts still hope it may
not be so - I shall write & let you know what
Mr Doolin says - he has not seen it for over
a week. Sleep is very bad, pray my
patience may not be exhausted & that I
benefit in God’s love through everything & that M. M. M. & Glenstal may share in everything - you childs for God
Sr. Mary

Postscript:
Will you please explain to Dom David my reason for not writing is not
That he is forgotten but so is to be more obedient - I know you speak to him
of all things - I hope all his little flocks preserve -

Mary Martin to Prior on various practical matters, including concerns about Lizzie's work, training Miss Magnagh, Martin's health, visit of Father Abbot.

Date switches between St. Benedict's feast day, March 22nd, April 21.

TRANSCRIPTON:
--- Page 1 ---
2/18/2022 Mass. 19/35
Page 4
see
21 April '35
Greenbank
Monkstown
Feast of St. Benedict
1935

2021-08-31/156
Dear Father Prior,
We are all very closely united
to-day in celebrating the feast of St. Benedict
I hope he will unite as all more & more
in our aim and spirit. Owing to the feast of
St. Patrick having been celebrated on Monday
the 19th I have gone absolutely astray in
dates, it was only late last night I realized
to-day would be the feast.
I was very pleased to received your long
letter also the enclosed from Dom David, Cook
& Mai. All of which have helped greatly to
clear up my mind on a little uneasiness
I had over the domestic situation. I must
do all I can to get Miss Magnagh trained
as I feel Lizzie is unreliable & really may
not be doing over share of the work if she
did she would not have much time to
spare, also Mais' letter which I enclose

--- Page 2 ---

as I think it is Letter you should know
all as I am absent.
I had two very satisfactory letters from Matron
all is well with her, her whole desire is
do everything she can to help us all
during my absence, although she is timid
about interfering - my opinion is unchanged
though. I think it is much wiser you
hold on to the kitchen etc, you could never
know now when there would be a flare.
up from Lizzie - being out late at night,
if this is true, is strictly against my
Wishes and arrangements, the cleanliness
of the kitchen etc is under her care -
she is also responsible for seeing that the
back door is locked each night at
9.pm - no one is to be out without
your express permission - One of these
days some of these things may come to
your knowledge - it would be better for
you to have to deal with Lizzie -

--- Page 3 ---
4
As you say I always found Lizzie
much better when she is kept well occupied.
She would be quite busy enough if she
did her share of work in the kitchen.
I regret to say Ruowles are out of the
oranges for Marmalade & they fear it is
too late now to get another consignment
however if they do, they will forward
you on sufficient to make 37 lbs of
Marmalade with instruction.
I would give the boys marmalade
at tea, also the lot of tea for
the teachers, as it would be unwise
for the Boys to have very strong tea.
Mation in her own way may try to
keep Mary up to the mark, she was
an excellent girl & used to do her
work very thoroughly. I pray God may
let me find somewhere I can get
a quick training in cooking for
Miss Magnagh then my great assister for
the staff in Glenstal would no longer exist.
Matron is very happy & longs for my return.

--- Page 4 ---
21 April 35

It would of course be unwise to act on any
of the information I am going to you. Lizzie
evidently fears Mai reporting things, it is
the first time she has complained to me.
I shall write to Lizzie this week-end & do my
list, without giving Mai away, of influencing
her to a better spirit. I shall also answer Mai.
There is one thing I do "not approve of
in Mai's letter she says she is "fasting from
Meat & eggs" personally I do not think she is
strong enough with the work she has to do, to
fast. When I am writing I shall tell her to
consult either you or Father David on this
point & to abide by your decision. Matron
mentioned in one of her letters that she was a little lit uneasy about Mai's health.
How I would love to be able to return, even
if it was only to relieve you of these domestic
worries. But I fear I would be of little use
as I am & in a very short time you would
have all the trouble of sending me back to
Dublin. However St. Benedict may arrange it
all to-day, Fr. Quinlan is coming out this evening,
I shall approach him on the question again.

--- Page 5 ---
5
2 16th and March 38 21 April 35

Stupidly I did not realize Dom Columbia
was sinking so fast & would have to have
Glenstal as quickly - I am glad this ordeal
is over it must have been heart-breaking for
you all. Then the long wait & missing
the train & yet this was all foreseen by our Divine
Lord & His loving Providence - I must confess
I found it very hard to write, but I should
say to know what to say - as I did not
think that it would be well for me to give
the impression that I know the whole truth.
Although for his own sake, I think it is
a great grace from God when one knows one
is suffering for something that science cannot
cure, it takes away so much of the suffering
attached to a long illness where things are
uncertain it is often so difficult to know where
His perfection lies- The only way I can find
real peace of mind is obedience, as I discover
self-love, pride etc are so suttle especially
in a person such as I am and my
great longing is to due to self so as to be strong in Christ - I long to go back
to Glenstal & feel with God’s grace & will power I would probably be able for it, although

--- Page 6 ---
6/
precisely I do not feel equal to even
the amount I am trying to do at present
the heart muscles have seen sadly effected
by the poison - however Doctor Quinlan
come to-night, he has not seen me
for two weeks. I shall see what he
has to say & then ask him about
returning soon -
I am delighted to hear of Father's
Abbots' visit & would like very much
to le there, just to get his blessing each
right after Compline, owing to the languages
we are unable to converse - You & Dom
David know all the desires of my heart
& you will le able to discuss the sole
matter over with him both for yourselves
& me & then give me his views.
For me all things are difficult at present
owing to great darkness, temptations against
faith and overwhelmed with sense of my
absolute unworthiness & unfitness for the work

--- Page 7 ---
7
G Ist + 2nd March 35 (21 April 35)

before me and wondering whether it is all
delusion etc. - It is not the first time this has
happened so I am happy awaiting God’s good
pleasure in blind faith. - I do not think such
a time as this is good to come to any discussion
or make a change in my vocation. All I ask you
is to pray much that I may have patience in
all - not so de;uded or offend our Divine Lord.
22nd March.
I had to leave this unfinished so shall
add Fr. Quinlans report, he says the foot
is improving, though very slowly but says it
is well to have the drainage so long as there
remains any septic trouble. I remained up
till he arrived so that he could guide the
action on my heart, unfortunately for any
hope of getting back immediately, he found
it very fast 160 a min, so advised me to
go slower in my progress & to be guided
by that feeling of exhaustion & tiredness
& to only just do the bear necessity of
walking & standing, taking a complete
rest when feeling tired. He said it would
be very unwise now after getting through
everything so well to force things now, the

--- Page 8 ---
6
21 April 35

muscles of the heart have gone through a great
strain after shock, operations & poisoning, so that
it must be very practically be accustomed to
activity. I spoke of going back to Glenstal
be could not possibly recommend it at
present, be said it might be another 2.3
months but at the very least 6 weeks
& then it would only be a case of returning
to direct things. That after the operation he
said probably I would be fit enough to
go back at the end of April - I have
it all in Our Lords hands & in the mean
time all my life & prayers are His to use
as He Wills for all the things I would
like to be able to do for Him -
I grieve only for you. But let Matron
help you all she can without giving
up the authority & if you really see Lizzie
is getting unsatisfactory just let me know &
I will be on the look out for another Cook
during these weeks. I shall do all that is
in my power to have Miss Magnagh trained
so that we shall have her for emergencies
& holidays -
By the way I do not think you need

--- Page 9 ---
worry much about all the talk & the reopening
of Jorey School, I do not think it will
ever take place in the life of this Bishop
also I think Downside would be very
slow in such a step. I hear Fr. Sewwthan
has gone over to Downside but that
is all I know. Jerard Marpry has been
in bed with the flue so I have not been
able to get in touch with him.
Please remember me to all at Glenstal
I hope to write for all our feast day
25th March - and please give all my
sincere & humble respect to the Father
Abbot, I feel it would be selfish to
ask him to come here his time is
always short & precious.
Your patient child for God-
Sr Mary