Letter thanking Prior for Mass he said for her, and discussing various other topics.

TEXT

Caritas
96 Lr Leeson St
Dublin
Dear Father Prior
How am I to thank
you for saying Mass for me

• also asking +- Davidx
  this gift is infinite oh if
  I were only worthy ff all the
  love + generosity you all have
  shown me since I went
  to Glenstal. Allowing me
  to help in a very small
  way in Glenstal I always
  regard as a very great
  privilege + now to be allowed
  in Gods loving Providence to
  suffer a little with Him for
  His Fathers Glory leaves me in
  a greater ditth thanever. I
  may honestly, say there is
  absolutely no reason for you
  to feel any remorse if
  there could be any fault it is
  all on my side but really
  I believed it is all in Gods
  plan for my sanctification
  His future Work + s think
  also for Glenstal in a more
  perhaps humble + hidden
  way All I regret is the
  inconvenience + extra work
  I have been the cause of
  laying on your shoulders +
  for leaving
  things in such
  disorder
  I feel very much for you
  with your further cross +
  anxiety over Rose I shall
  pray much for hhr quick
  I fear Mr O' Reilty will be
  disappointed these things cannot
  be helped + I thank you
  very much for all the
  trouble you have taken
  I asked my brother to telephone
  at once as S. O' Reilly
  called in yesterday hoping
  to meet Dom David who
  would perhaps have good
  news for them_ I am very
  sorry it did not suit your
  niece as it is a lovely
  home + a real catholic
  family.
  I sucerely hope
  Mc thorpes will her
  better.
  I know Mr Byme
  well he is one of the
  best know Architects in
  Dublin a personal friend
  our family.
  theso circumstances I may grow
  in greater love + union with God
  My great difficulty is to over
  come a terrible natural
  dread I have of anaesthetics
  but God gave me courage
• great grace last time
  He will not refuse me
  again I know.
  I am delighted to hear
  about the Statue of Our Lady
  being finished + in the Chapel
  at must look very well
  with Our holy Father St. Benedict
• what a blessing that united
  prayer of the whole of Glenstal
  at Our Ladys
  feet must
  do for the individual souls
  the monastery + school..
  shall be with you all in spirit.
  Sister Baptist knows Mr Thorpe
  if you wish you could write
  to her for any particulars.
  I am glad to hear Lizzie
  was able to get away to see
  her Aunt I hope she
  continues to give satisfaction
  Will you please explain to
  them, if they do not hear
  from me for the next we
  it is that they wish me
  to rest more + shall not
  be allow
  to write much
  after the operation for some
  days I shall drop you
  a line
  you can give them
  all the new. Tell them
  I count
  on their united
  prayer_.
  your English in improving
  greatly I suppose you have
  no difficulty in spanking
  now at all.
  Will you please remember me
  to Dom Columba + say how
  sorry I was to hear he had
  to have all his teeth out
  Also please remember me to
  all the Fathers teachers boys
• staff.
  I had a very nice letter +
  picture from Dom Gerard.
  I shall drop him a line _
  With all good wishes
  grateful thanks for everything
  in prayer.
  your obedient child
  in Jesus + Mary.
  Sr Mary

Letter in French to the Prior regarding Mary Martin. Author not signed. Letter comes from Anvers, France.

Letter From Rev. Colman O' Driscoll in St. Augustine's Priory, Limerick regarding a question the Prior asked him about boys taking vacation on All Saints.

Letter to Father Prior from Mary Martin regarding the cancelled visit of Father David. Though the date is marked 1935 in the letter by someone else afterwards, it is most likely 1934 because of the context.

TEXT

• Leeson St
  Caritas
  Dublin
  Dear Father Prior
  Many thanks for your
  letter + Post card only received
  this Morning Naturally I
  was disappointed when Dom
  David did not turn up
  Yesterday but on the other
  hand they, at least these
  things T.P. do not effect me
  much now We had arranged
  to have no visitors so as
  to be well strong for his
  visit. now I have it still
  to look forward to + I hope
  in two weeks time
  A pare
  my toes healed enough to be
  able to go home but God alone
  kwows these things for certain.
  D.Quinlan returned on Sunday
  he came yesterday + the St
  have decided it is better
  to take of the tops of the 1st
  toe + part of the big toe
  this little separation ￡ will
  probably be done on either
  Thursday or Friday next if
  My rheumatism chases us
  Last Friday I got rather an
  acute attack of Rheumatism
  which has left me rather
  more weak + tried. To-day
  I am better but slept badly
  I know once more you will
  all pray for me that in all
  recovery
• that the sickness will
  not go further afield. the
  boys keep well_ I hope Matron
  will see light soon about Rose
• that Fr John has her
  insured + the card stamped
  up to date in case she has
  to go to hospital or is
  unable to work for some
  time.
  All the cards should
  be kept stamped up to
  date.
  Ask Matron
  to write
  if there is any thing.
  she needs
  from Dublin
  to help her for Rose
  I am also sorry to hear the
  boys are not eating well
  I remember at breakfast they
  used to eat a very good
  plate of porridge ( which must
  be made thick) I plenty of known
  Sugar + Milk a cup of tea
  Bacon + Egg but hardly any
  bread + butter
  For dinner the smaller boys
  eat little but they all used
  to eat a very big
  plenty of bread + butter +
  Jam Supper was another
  meat they did not eat much
  at but then they have a
  glass of milk.
  forgot to
  tell Matron Frank Mc Cann
  used to have a glass
  Milk at 11 am if he is
  inclined to loose weight
  They all should eat well
  now especially if there are
  colds going about the
  house
  I regretted very much having
  to send you this further burden
  Miss claims I may
  confess honestly all the suffering
  of my accident is nothing
  compared to the first few
  months but it all had to be
  to bring things right for Glenstal
  Both Srs say I am going
  on slowly + surely. I am
  naving Beers treatment now
  for my toes + start infectio
  to.morrow. I am not suffering
  so much now + with a
  pill I sometimes get 3 to 4
  hours sleep. so am feeling
  better.
  I believe Our Lord will
  let me grow here apart from
  you all in the spirit of
  St. Benedict I read +
  study his Rule + Christ the
  Life of the Monk + pray +
  May become more + more
  Christlike.
• Davids visit gave me
  great joy for which I thank
  you . Mother + my sister were
  charmed with the News _
  His Excellency The Nuncio
  ts coming to see me to.morrow
  thanking you again I shall
  allways remain your grateful
• unworthy child in Jesus + Mary
  Sr Mary
  ( S. Tell Fr. David I shall
  arrange as he directs for
  Nun to meet Sister
  M. M

From Mary Martin to Father Prior mentioning two possible vocations.

TEXT

Caritas
Dear Father Prior
It was good to see you
again + better still to hear
the Doctor found nothing seriously
wrong .
I have The permission ( with
a promise not to kneel or
stand from me) to attend
the ceremonies to-morrow +
Friday. Thank God even though
it means resting afterwards

• do not want to trouble
  you now all I want to let
  MONKSTOWN
  Spy Wednesday

you know
is that Miss O' Rourke
your direction
will takes cooks
place whenever you wish to
give .er a few days holidays
It might be well for Miss O Rour
to have a few days with Cook
before she goes if you think
well of it_ I told Miss O'Rourke
to arrange all with you.
It was very good of you to
arrange for Miss Clery to stay
hope she will be much impressed
by the ceremonies at Glenstal

• also with the life + spirit
  my two daughters_
  Two likely vocation may
  down for the day on Monday.

Mary Martin to Father Prior, concerning issues with Matron at monastery, Martin's health, Miss Leydon and Miss O' Rourke.

Date may be May and not March. Pages out of order.

TRANSCRIPTION:
--- Page 1 ---

• Cantus
  Nov 35
  Greenbank
  but enjoying sun shine
  Friday Sabb.

2021-08-06/152

My dear Father Prior,
I am sorry to see you have these
domestic troubles on your return - I received
letters from Lizzie & Mai - Lizzie gave me to
understand things did not go so well with
her & Fr. John during your attence, he cut down
Things. ? - I have had no letter from Matron.
I shall answer your letter as it comes.

1. I can understand Matron wishing to have her
   dinner at 12-30, for the reason she gives, also
   she will receive her meal hotter & freshly cooked
   as she shares the same food as the boys-
   I do not quite understand why she waited
   to do it during your attendance, so far I have
   no grounds to believe her attitude towards us
   all has changed.

2. Matron may realize how difficult it is for
   you to be present at times when they need
   supervision in the kitchen & offered on this
   account but she always gave me to understand.

--- Page 2 ---
4 Lizzi asked me about marmalade , this is the time
& it would save money, if you think she
has the time to do it during the term -
It costs 8o a lb. to say 41/2 to make - I can
send down the oranges prepared from Ruowhs in
Suthin -
Will you please give the enclosed papers
to Dom David, I shall write to him during
the week-end - The enclosed letter is from
Bishop Herry Clep. Southern Region. He could
perhaps read it to Miss Leyden & O’ Rourke
it will help to give them courage to face
all the difficulties ahead, me producing a work
so essential for souls on the mission-field -
Please remember me to Matron & all -
Hope your [Junju] is guests well -
I was in with the Doctor on Tuesday he
found my foot greatly improved, I try to
stand & walk on it a little each day -
a few weeks of air & sunshine ought to
make me much stronger & the massage is
helping also - it is all now expense but if
it helps quickly to recovery it is better
I do as you say as regards lent & try to
practise greater humility & charity - your child for God-
Sr Mary

--- Page 3 ---
3 is difficult & just coming after your absence.
I have heard no mention of any change in her attitude
towards Miss O’R. & Leyden - except for
the change of the hour of meal.

3. I would give Lizzie a very severe
   warning & mention the boys are complaining
   etc. The injury it will do the school etc.
   I would be she to prepared if you & Matron
   found it better to let either Miss O' Rourke & Miss Lyden into help Cook with the
   cooking in the morning, preparing vegetables
   dishes etc. Mary could then do the heavy cleaning
   up stairs & after dinner return to the kitchen for
   scrubbing etc. This might interfere with the spiritual
   dutites of one of M. M. M., this change could be arranged
   with Don David, if you think it wise.
4. I fear there little releases will always
   creep in unless there is constant supervision
   • and I fear F. John will always be an
     upsetting influence which is due mostly to his
     Death, language.
     I do not think it will be many more months
     now till I return. I shall do what I can
     on these points in writing to Cook,
     if you wish me to interfere.

--- Page 4 ---
she preferred to leave nothing to do with the Domestic
Staff. I as I told you thanked her in my
last letter, for all she had done during my attence
in helping you, & for the way she had arranged
the works for Miss D'Rourke & Miss Legden & the
spirit of peace & union that she had maintained.
I told her I had received letters from Lizzie
complaining of Mary had that I did not like
to interfere as you & she were on the spot
but that I was quite ready to write to you if she
thought it would improve matters.
When I receive an answer to my
letter I shall be in a better position to give
you advice on No. 2. For the present I should
leave things as you have arranged, unless you find the burden too much with all your responsibilities & extra work.
If there was anything broo against M. M. M.
it would be a mistake to give over complete
control, my position would become very
difficult on my return but I really believe
& hope her offer was to save me any worries
now so till we know Matron better &
especially room to No. 1 I feel sure it is
better to leave things as they are - The question

Mary Martin to Prior, discussing vocations of Miss Breen and Miss Nugyen, administrative duties.

TRANSCRIPTION:
2021-08-31/154
GREENBANK,
MONKSTOWN.
25th April
1935
Dear Father Prior,
Man proposes, God
disposes. I had planned
to spend my morning writing
to you, Dom David & my
daughter but it has been I
done spent well for God’s
work. By a visit from
Fr Whitney who has given
me two likely vocations

--- Page 2 ---
for M. M. M. she is her 3rd yr
Medicine, the other
in her 4th year - so
you see the Holy Ghost sent
me a great gift but ?
hope the greatest were His love
& intimate.
This is always a very special
time of grace for me, as
I was born on the feast of
St. Mark - Baptised within a
low day & Confirmed on
the 30th April - All in the
month of the Holy Ghost-
How am I to thank you
for the very happy Easter you
gave my daughters & their
friends - they were all much

--- Page 3 ---
2
25 April 35
GREENBANK,
Monkstown.
impressed & their visit has
definitely left a spiritual
mark - I have only seen
Miss Breen so far - she is
more thanever attracted to
M. M. M. - May God guide no
both to do His Holy Will in
her regard -
I saw Miss Nugent &
was very much impressed
I feel she would be very
helpful to you during my
assence. She is not free at
present to decide as to the question

--- Page 4 ---
of joining M. M. M. but would
like very much
to help as housekeepers
sewing etc Glenstal in any way
she can, & fall in with the
spiritual life, without being
in any way attached to
M. M. M. - She has seen 5 yrs in
Carmel, her health gave way &
both her spiritual director, who
thinks a great deal of her, &
the Doctor advised her not to
take her junicl Vows, as she
was not fitted to an enclosed
order, & advised her after
some time to join a more
active order- There are just
a few hurried details, I shall

--- Page 5 ---
write more fully to-morrow & aks
I shall have to
make inquiries
from Mother Superior of Carmel
etc. - aka I am praying much
over it. She impressed me
very favourable & is absolutely
straight, capable, intelligent
with a sound spiritual
foundation -
The whole question now rest
on whether you would like
to have her to do my work
under your direction for the
next month or so -
I have told her about M. M. M.
Here are so many things to organize

--- Page 6 ---
but the chief one to my mind
at present is the
new work you have on
lands & the worry of the College
food & domestics-
I had a visit from Madam
Joor & her son - they both
told me the food had gone
off very much & that the
thing was much talked of
in Sudlin - It has improved
for the last few weeks again.
It may all be that Lizzie
gets careless at times,
personally the menus you
showed me were as good
as they ever got - I told

Mary Martin to Prior, explains reasons for Miss Nugent not going to Glenstal, follows up on domestic tasks of Miss O Rourke and Lizzie.

TRANSCRIPTION:
Page 1
+
Caritas
2021-08-31/155
Premtank
Norkstown
p1 May 1935.

Dear Father Prior
Many thanks for your letter of
yesterday and your card of this morning.
Your first suggestion is evidently God’s Will
as to the question of Miss Nugent going
To Glenstal.
She had changed considerably + I
could see was not anxious to go to
Glenstal although she knew Fr King was
anxious she should get in touch with
M. M. M.
Her Mother opposed her going to
Glenstal
Though she had an attraction to
Medicine, M. M. M. would not be her
vocation as the members might be asked
to do "obstrctics."
Even before I saw her again, your
letter yesterday morning gave me great peace
although I should love to be able to relieve
Page 2
1 Nov 1935
you of these domestic tasks which must take
up so much of your valuable time.
I did not even have to consider very much
your decision or did not give it to her,
all was settled by her own attitude.
I would as you say be very unwise to
take her down purely as a secular &
as there is not the slightest reason to be-
lieve she would ever consider such a
vocation as M. M. M. there was nothing for it, but to definitely arrange she did not
go to Glenstal. Perhaps Maton will be able
to help you a little more without interfering
with your authority with the domestic staff.
I am doing my best to be fit to go back
in June although I feel I am more trouble
than I am worth.
I am glad to hear Miss O'Rourke did
fairly well during Lizzie’s absence. I can
Imagine what a difference it meant to you
& it would also to me - my one desire
is to have the kitchen staffed by M. M. M.
with a good strong girl under her to do
the heavier work. There is one great thing
in looks favour in there has, I think, been
Page 3
Larmond Setween her & M. M. M. -
I hope Lizzie returned looking well & in
the best of form for her work during next
term. I did not hear from her before she
left or since. I await her next letter.
I had a letter which I enclose from Mai
this morning. I wrote saying I would like
her to be back at latest the night before
the boys arrived, if this met with your
approval & write to you.
Thank you very much for your "black
letter" there are all the thoughts that occupy
my mind so much during the last few
months & it is difficult to see God’s.
Will clearly in this respect for M. M. M.
I shall answer it fully when I have had more time to reflect on all you say.
How helpful you will be to me, when God allows me back
Forgive me for having caused you unnecessary trouble over Miss Nugent
Your child for god.
Sr. Mary

Various matters including a painful foot.