Letter from Prior to Mary Martin about Ms. Nugent coming to work in the Glenstal kitchen and related financial troubles.

TRANSCRIPTION:
pax
2021-08-05/146
3 - 5 - 35
Dear Miss Martin
I must be today at Thurles, to see His Grace - when shall I have ti-
me to write you at ease? I begin now, before leaving, because I understand how urgent is the case of Miss Nugent.
A. I understand how important it is to use the opportunity given by
the Providence, as it seems, to have a so good subject, and to try it in conditions very favourable to get just idea of what she can realize.
B. Putting by side the question of my own "overburding" - I did wor-
se in my life, and really, I am not yet worn out. Moreover, the term is ve-
ry short. But Glenstal?
(1) I f Lizzie is really to leave us in summer, as you think, we want
to provide. And even, without the case of her leaving, a serious and con-
tinuous supervision and control become earnestly necessary. The more I go
in the work of the kitchen, the more I find lack of care, of thought. An example: Yesterday, she had to prepare a mixted salade for the supper - that
is three fathers, no one more! and the staff. She had potatoes over: "[n]ow she put on the fire a whole saucepan of beans and peas. Naturally she didnt use not the half, not event’ the third. I saw the remainder: when I asked why
she has prepared so much: “Ah! I didnt think what I was doing!” - and I suppose it is frequently the case. There is a great waste of stuff and of remainder - and the reals in the kitchen become as various for the time as for the menu.
(2) But, how to introduce Miss N. in the staff? To put her at the 2nd first at the head seems psycholooogically impossible. I suppose ther would
be a real revolution and opposition against her. You are "Miss Martin" lo-
ved and expected by all of them. She is a stranger, she knows nothing about Glenstal. Did you imagine the way - the position to give her so as to be willingly accepted by the others? This remains for me the chief difficul-
ty, and I dont know how to remove it.
(3) An other - I think I told you already - is the financial position.
I cannot receive the service - and so valuable and extensive service of that person without a just salary. To say that she comes to see M.M.M. and make up her mind is a little compensation. On the other hand, I cannot increase the burdens of the monastery, so heavy with our large staff and 10
or eleven boys. I hope on the contrary to balance by the short term what I have lose during the long ones.
I must go to the station. That does not cut prayer - I hope to have
some free time to recommand that difficult question to God - and also to
pray for you, ever so kind and anxious about all of us.

I am always very yours in Christ.

Mary Martin to Father Prior about Miss Breen and Miss Corr wanting to visit Glenstal to see the ceremonies. They have been sending letters through Miss O'Rourke.

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18 Apr 35
Caritas
Holy Thursday
9 am -

2021-08-06/153

Dear Father Pior,
Miss Breen & Miss Corr tried every way
possible to manage a day trip to Glenstal it
is utterly impossible to my mind & would
bear no spiritual fruits. Last night late
they came out to ask me could they
stay the night in the Village or anywhere
as they are very anxious to be present at
the Mass & Office -
They are writing to Miss O'Rourke, I
have instructed her to ask Dom David to
advise as to whether he considers it wise
for their soul & contentment, if he does
then to approach you for the necessary
permissions to arrange for the room in
the Village, meals in the Priory with them
& to send a wire Yes or No -
I think it is for many reasons very
good such girls as these should see the
Ceremonies at Glenstal, it will get letters known
in Suftin & may be the means of
bringing you vocations.
I leave the decision with you, if it
causes you the least incontinence or that you
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think it too much distraction for my
daughters just say no to Miss O’ Rourke
& she can wire -
I am just getting up for Mass so
must dine in haste -
All prayers and wishes for Easter -
Sr. Mary

Mary Martin writes to Prior of Glenstal, suggesting closer supervision for Mary in work, Lizzie in the kitchen, and search for replacements for Cook.

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+
Caritas
Greentank
Norketown
7th May 1935
2021-08-31/157
Dear Father Prior,
Those you had a very cousoling
and helpful visit with His Grace.
This last week which T. J. was one of
suffering & more prayer I offered up for
Glenstal especially for a better spirit
in the staff. Things are not very serious
but they prove, the necessity as Dom
Geard saw of having constant supervi-
sion it was this that first led me
to offer my humble services to help in
this matter. Now my accident has
prevented me from fulfilling my contract
personally & the time of returning seems
uncertain, I believe we should try to
make some temporary arrangement, that
will give us both the certain assurance
that the discipline & spirit is not
going, the rules are not being kept
certainly by one number of the staff.

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7 May 35

This may lead to others doing the same,
which might lead to serious trouble & wen
scandal - Mary is a very young
innocent convent girl, with no experience
of the world & no education to meet
the dangers in the world - She is a
good girl and was an excellent
worker - her carelessness in the approach
to the Sacramento & work are I fear
due to bad example -
It is very deficient to make suggestions
when one is not on the spot -
1) Miss Nugent is out of the question.
2) There is always the possibility of
asking Matron to supervise all domestic
matters under your control & supervision
during my absence.
3) Of putting Miss O' Rourke in the
kitchen instead of Mary except for the
heavy works scrubbing etc. Her
influence for the next five weeks might
make a change in Lizzie & also without
having someone officially supervising
her presence would prove helpful to
you in this way.

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7 Dec '35
3
My only objection to such an arrangement
would be if Dom David considered
it exposing her vocation to too many
dangers. Otherwise I am prepared for the
love of God & souls entrusted to our care
to allow Miss O'Rourke into the kitchen.
If you consider this a helpful solution
for the next few weeks, we could arrange
the details with Matron who is on the
spot.
4) You may & wisely consider it more
prudent to carry on as you have been
for the next few weeks, keeping Lizzie
up to her work, allowing Miss O'Rourke
& Miss Leyden to use their influence
in so far as they can without interfering.
It so would it be advisable to have
the recreation again from 8-30 to 9-30 pm
altogether. When I was there I used to
always take the whole staff for a
walk, as it was impossible to expect
seculars to go to bed very early.
This of course I realize is not the best
thing for my subjects but if charity
demands it means the circumstances, it

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could be arranged.
After writing all this as only
suggestions I leave all in prayer as
I believe things will work away well.
This term even if you make no change
always allowing for the weakness of
human-nature.
I shall write fully to all the
staff when I hear what you consider best
to do. When writing to Lizzie I intend
speaking of the complaints I heard during
the holidays - reminding her of the care
in dishing Boys & Fathers food.
Economy, a better spirit with her
companions - taking greater advantages
of the spiritual life offered us at Glenstal
& hoping to find all the staff on my
return keeping all the rules & spirit
that was in Glenstal.
Since I thought of the suggestion of
putting Miss O'Rourke in the kitchen, I
received a letter from Cook asking for
this. I enclose the letter you will see for
yourself - The danger is when I am not
there, she will have them all working

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washing up & do little or nothing in
this line herself. Cook should help Miss
O'Rourke or Mary with the washing up
but I fear it is all left to the others.
You can destroy the enclosed letter.
My greatest sorrow is not being allowed
back, it is all for Jesus & really means
more for every thing because it is His
Adorable Will, which is the real desire
of my heart-
United Always in the prayer of
the hearts of Jesus & Mary -
Your child for god
P. Mary

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6/
physically I do not feel equal to even
the amount I am trying to do at present
the heart muscles have been 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
Abbots' visit & would like very much
to be 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 be able to discuss the whole
matter over with him lott 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

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7
Dist + 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 decision
or make a change in my vocation. All I ask you
is to pray much that I may have patience in
all - not so delayed or offend our Divine Lord.
22nd March.
I had to leave this unfinished so shall
add Dr. 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 judge 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 them now, the

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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, he said it might be another 2.3
months but at the very least 6 weeks
I 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 Lord’s 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 Moynagh trained
so that we shall have her for emergencies
& holidays -
By the way I do not think you need

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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. Then Sr Sweeetman
has gone over to Downside but that
is all I know. Gerard Marpey has been
in bed with the flue so have not been
at all 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

Mary Martin to Prior. Martin to receive injection, shuffling of domestic staff, and reaching out to medical students, and general M.M.M. concerns.

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Caritas.
2021-08-31/160
Greenbank
Monktown -
19th June 1935.

Dear Father Prior,
Many thanks for you letter this
morning - Tomorrow I go to the Doctor
for my injection & then on to St. Vincent
for my rachant-heat bath. I shall ask
to return to Glenstal on Tuesday or
Wednesday for next week & shall let
you know definitely after my visit to him
Atony Mai & Lawning received a letter
from Fr. David seeing you are not
anxious to keep her on too long after the
boys leave. Providence has just opened
the way of leaving aft to give her a
place up here immediately, if she cares to take
it. Our Parlor maid was called away
suddenly to her mother who is dying
& fears she will not be able to
return. If she were coming to us
we would recid her on Friday next.
21st June. We shall hold the place
open for her till tomorrow when I
would like her to wire "yes" or "No".

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I am writing to her & have told her
that I have spoken to you of her desire
To leave - & to consult you -
I shall also ask her to tell Miss
O'Rourke of all her work & method of
doing things. The Spring cleaning can
be done by Miss O'Rourke & Leyden
during the holidays on my return.
I have not heard the result of Miss
Bruns & Day as yet to morrow I shall
know all. Mother Rectoress has promised to
take her in the kitchens for a week
or so, so she will not be able to
come with me, if the Sr. passes her.
She will come in the middle of July.
I shall do my best to get out to
Carla but being unable to go any -
Where without a car & all that must be
done before next week now.
I have three Medical Students to look
up before returning however I have
decided not to rush things, if I am
allowed I shall return on tuesday,
Wednesday & leave over other things
till my return to see the Sr. after a month
or so at Glenstal-

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19 June 35
I have also decided not to visit the
Nuncio until we have planned out
perhaps a secular scheme of Oflates
of St. Benedict under Catholic Action
aiming at living in the World a
religious life - Then I shall have some-
thing concrete to put before him -
I had a short visit from Dom
Gearld, I was very glad to see him
again -
If you come up at the end
of the month remind me to give you
an address of the parents of a lay
that might send their son to Glenstal.
I returned for the last week - end
into prayer - the difficulties before M. M. M.
are so great - the procedure for the
Next year - I feel things will clear up
when we can talk over things with
you + Dom David at leisure-
Must close row so as to have
time to write to Mai + Dom David.
Remember me to my daughter, I await
their letters before writing - I think I
shall come as a surprise if it is
next week.

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When Mai leaves Mrs O’ Rourke if Matron
Has gone could go into her room or
join Miss Leyden, letting Mary go into
Lizzie but it might be as well to leave
Mary with Miss L. till my return.
I am sending down a very small
grate. I wonder might thave it
installed instead of the stove, they are
more economical as they burn very
slowly & need only be shacked.
Your child for God-
Sr. Mary

Mary Martin to Father Prior. Updates on novices.

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

... from writing rooms in Grafton Street

...