Profession of Sr. Catherine of St. Francis Browne.Fr. Patrick Plunkett (Guardian, Athlone)TEXTI the undersigned, authorized for this by the Most Rev. Thomas bishop of the diocese of Meath, have examined Sister Catherine of St Francis, otherwise Browne, concerning all conditions required by the Council of Trent, whom I found fitted and suitable to make profession among the sisters of St Clare Bethlehem.Given at Bethlehem 29 January 1631Fr. Patrick PlunkettGuardian of AthloneEgo infrascriptus ad hoc legitimitatus a Reverendissimo Domino Thoma diocesis episcopo medensi examinavi sororem catherinam a Sto francisco, alias Browne de conibus conditionibus requisitis a concilio Tri., quam repperi aptam et idoneam ad emittendam professionem inter sorores Stae Clarae Bethleem. Datum Bethleem 29 Ja. 1631.Fr. Patricius PlunkettGuardianus AthloniensisCatherine Francis

Bethlehem: Licence to found in Galway.Fr. Antonius Geoghan, Minister Provincial.TEXTFr. Anthony Geoghegan, Minister Provincial of the Province of Ireland of the Order of Friars Minor of Stricter Observance, to our venerable Mother in Christ Mary Gabriel otherwise Martin, professed nun of the Order of St Clare and Abbess elect for the convent to be erected of the Poor Clares in Galway, and to the other sisters, namely Clare Anthony, Margaret Francis, Catharine Bernard, Mary Bonaventure, Catharine Francis, Catharine Thomas, Catharine Michael, Helen Louis, Catharine Chrysostom, Lucy Clare, Mary Andrew. To the Novices also, Sabina Byrne and Mary Kelly, everlasting greetings in the Lord, etc.Since on the part of our many special friends and benefactors, it has often and earnestly been proposed to us and humbly to you, view of the disturbance of these times, we should grant you permission to go to Galway, and there initiate and erect a convent, in the first place for God’s glory and your welfare and consolation, and the propagation of your Order and the sanctification of neighbours. Having considered these matters maturely from every angle, yielding to their devout wishes, by tenor of these present letters we grant and bless the said permission to you. Commanding you in virtue of the obedience you bequeath yourselves at the first opportunity, proceeding obediently and religiously, to the edification of all who meet you, so that in what we praise in his handiwork, and may most mercifully grant you the grace of the God who inspired you, to whom we propose you may efficaciously recommend us, and all of us in your holy prayers.Given at Bethlehem on the thirtieth day of January 1642.Fr. Anthony McGeogheganMinister Provincialfr. Antonius Geogheganus Ordinis Minorum strictioris observantiae Provinciae Hiberniae Minister Provincialis venerandae nobis in Christo Matri Mariae Gabriellis alias Martin, moniali professae Ordinis reformat. Sanctae Clarae nec non Abbatissae electae pro Conventu Clarissarum Galviae erigendo et ceteris sororibus, viz. Clarae Antoniae, Margaritae Francisci, Catharinae Bernardi, Mariae Bonaventurae, Catharinae Francisci, Catharinae Thomae, Catharinae Michaelis, Everlinae Ludovici, Catharinae Chrysostomi, Luciaae Clarae, Mariae Andreae. Novitiis vero Sabinae Byrne, et Mariae Kelly, eas concomitantibus salutem in Domino sempiternam, etc.Cum ex parte multorum (?) specialium nostrorum et benefactorum saepius et sedulo nobis propositum fuit, et tuo semel iterumque, tum ob vexationem habitatualium (?) huius urbis Galviae, tum pro supplicum quatum quietem, ibidem a Dei in primis gloriam, vestrorum aedificationem, consolationem, Ordinis vestri et sanctae Clarae propagationem conventus aedificatione, conventum inchoandi et erigendi. Ea mature ex intimis votis annuentes, tenore praesentium dictam licentiam concedimus et benedicimus. Quod nostra benedictio una cum omnibus quibus obviam fueritis aedificatione, ut Deus lucidae in ancillis suis, et suam largam benedictionem vobis clementissime impertiatur, ut quod fideliter intentis efficaciter obtineamus ipsius gratia(i?) sumus per vos nobis orate. Datum Bethlem die trigesimo Januarii 1642.Antonius (?)fr. Antonius GeogheganusMinister Provincialis

Copy of letter in St. Isidore's Archives, Rome, written presumably by Mother Cecily Dillon.TEXTJe(su)s M(a)r(i)a/27th Dec./ 1642Loving Cosen,... (dis)tress of these distempered times is such as ministreth a sufficient subject for these I addresse unto Y[our] Reverence, to (s)hew you the state wherunto yr poore sisters of Bethleem are reduced, and w[ho] (in ye grief I had the chiefe charge in the beginning of these wars and continue still in the sadd obligation unto my Sweet God, whereof I am made uncapable to disch[ar]g my duty, any other way then (= than) to resyne my self unto the divine permission gave way to separate our comynitie into several places to seek for some refuge under the wings of God’s mercy (in our charact[er] as all doe for God sake adure this harbour), being upon the seasid out of our cruell enemies now in our guards of their time, which are dispersed into several places, where some few of us have betaken them selves to Ballimore of this countie where liue half a dozen of us, with a number of seaven to be heard with Sir Lucas Dillon, six at Sir Ulick Burkes, four in the countie of Westmeath with the kings countis with my cosen Terence Coughlan, which three I hope begett compassion in yr (Reveren)ce towards such a number of distressed poore creatures, who are by the dispersion, and dissolution, of the whole Kingdome of the like livelihood stood noe soe disappointed as under God, whose care upon wh[om] tune our last rec[ourse?] for price of a habit in our need, wherefore seeing it hath pleased God to make yr (Reveren)ce an instrument for doeing yr country and friends many favours, in there necessitie, I hope you will be mindful of yr poore sisters whose extermitie in our degree is not in the rest of our country, and yet I hope deare __ my parte, if I had not betaken my self to the ser(vice of God), to exaime in time of need presume upon yr f(avou?) they might be wanting, and much more now (= then?) expired without some release of favour for my deare sisters, with whom for (?) yr R(everen)ce is spirituall and corporall happines leaving this my sute un(der) (con)sideration I will remane...company which we sent thereto inhabit, and this last,Easter (?)Yr R(everen)ce is poore assuredSister ———

Letter from the Provincial, Fr. Antony Geoghan to MotherGabriel [Martin] about receiving the two daughters ofEdmond Skerritt -discussing their portions.

Document in connection with the dowries of Elliza andElizabeath Skerrett, daughters of Edmond Skerrett ofAughrim in ye county of Galway.TEXTTo all Cristian people to whome this present writing shall come Eliza Skerrett and Elizabeth Skerrett daughters of Edmond Skerrett of Aghrin in ye Countie of Galway —Whereas ye said Edmond Skerrett by deed conveys severall lands to certain persons in the said deed expressed (1) to the use of the said Eliza and Elizabeth for raising of certaine somme of money for their respective portions as by ye said deed bearing date the 16th of September 1635 may appeare and whereas ye said Edmond jointly with his son Dominick Skerrett past (?) but bond of £200 to Sir Valentine Blake knight and baron and to Richard Martine &c. deceased (?), conditions for payment of £300 for ye livelihod and maintenance of ye said Eliza and Elizabeth, as by said bond bearing date ye 15 day of August 1644 may appeare, which bond being past in satisfaction of the said uses, and aforesaid summe of money as limited by ye said deed for their portions, as in the said bond was past and perfected (?) by ye said Edmond and Don:, in full satisfaction of ye benefit which the said Eliza and Elizabeth might have, or claime to have by vertue of ye said conveyance, and of their being therein limited, and of the said uses therefore doe cleerly acquit release and discharge the said Edmond and Don: their heires and assignes (?) and doe hereby grant unto ye said Edmond Don: and to theire heires all the benefitt which they have or ought to have, for or by reason of ye said conveyancy or any other estate or will by their said father past made (?) are foreseett, perfected.Copia veraBeing presentJohn SkerrettGregory LynchEdmond SkerrettRoger O Bernemy marke X

An agreement between the Sisters in Galway and those founding in Lough Riagh[Loughrea]. The sisters signatures are overleaf -9. (note Mother Bonaventure's)Signed by Fr. George Dillon and Fr. Antonius De Burgo.No date on document but during M. Bonaventure's term ofoffice (1647-1650) cf. Mother Teresa Tierney's Chroniclepage 17 "within six years after they sprang up..."TEXTThe Rd fathers father George Dillon of Galway and father Antony Booke confessor of the Poore Clares of the convent of Galway having bin by the Rd father Provinciall by full Power and Authority designed, to compound and settle all matters betwixt the community of Galway and their Deere Srs now intended for a new erection in Lough Righ, have by mutual consent of both approved their agreements being as followeth.First that the whole stock and state of the house being examined and declared as it stands at present and that the security and writings of the portions of each of the sisters intended to quittence is delivered unto the Rd father Antony Booke confessor of the sayd convent.Item. that the Porcions of such as came from Bethlem should stand even as they came from thence and the Porcions of such as made their Profession in Galway should be as it was given without any devision either upon those whose stayes or those that is for the new erection.Item: that they also made an equall Devision of vestments and all other valuable goods; and each community be responsible for the debt appearing, being incurred in common and for the servis of the community. this is acknowledged and confessed by             fr. Geo. Dillon             fr. Antonius de BurgoOVERLEAFStr Mary Bonaventure                        Str Margrett Franc:unworthy Abb of Galway                       Str Clare AntonyStr Cate Francis                           Str Mary AndrewStr Mary GabrielStr Catherine BernardStr Catherine MichaellStr Hellen Lodowicke

Permission for the sisters to leave the monastery whendanger or disease or enemy approach the city of Galway.Signed by two Provincials: Fr. Thomas Mckiernan,Fr. Francis Sullivan.TEXTSince the Reverend Mother Abbess of the Poor Clares of the Convent of Galway has humbly sought permission, so that she may arrange for the Sisters of the aforesaid Convent, when danger of disease or enemy approaches the City of Galway: wherefore, in order to quieten the consciences of the said Sisters, we grant her the faculty that, whenever a danger so threatens, and there is no easy access to us, to make arrangements for them in the safest way and manner possible, according to the consent and discretion of the Father Confessor, both there and elsewhere, with our blessing. Given in our Convent of Rosserrily this day 27 June 1650.By tenor of these lettersI confirm the aforesaid permissionGiven 6 September 1650Fr. Francis O’SullivanMinister ProvincialFr. Thomas MakiemanMr. ProalisCum a nobis humiliter petierit Rda. Mater Abbatissae Clarissarum Conventus Galviensis licentiam, ut approximante pestis aut hostis periculo Civitati Galviensi posnit de praefati Conventus Sororibus disponere: Hinc est quod eidem ad serenandas dictarum Sororum conscientias facultatem facimus et quotiescumque ita immineret periculum, ut ad nos facilis non daretur accessus possit de dictis sororibus quo potuerit vita, et modo, iuxta consensum, et discretionem Patris Confessarii tam ibi, quam alibi cum nostra benedictione disponere. Datum in Conventu nostro de Rosriola hac die 27 Junii 1650.Praefatam licentiam egotenore praesentium confirmoDatum 6 Septembris 1650fr. Franciscus SullevanusMin. Provincialisfr. Thomas MakiemanMr. Proalis

Letter to Mother Elizabeth Skeret, Mother Abbess, giving the faculty of admitting to the habit’ two well-born virgins'. Signed: Fr. Anthony De Burgo.TEXTBy the authority granted to me by our Very Reverend Father Provincial, by these letters I grant to the Venerable virgin Elizabeth Skeert, Superioress and Mother Abbess of the convent or residence of the Galway Poor Clares, the faculty of admitting to the habit of probation two well-born virgins inspired by God to embrace the Gospel life, but under condition that they be kept and maintained perpetually within the cloister, according to the prescription of their Rule. Given at our place of refuge on this day 30 July 1683.fr. Anthony de BurgoAuthoritate mihi commissa ab Admodum Reverendo Patre Provinciali nostro, hisce facultatem facio Venerabili Virgini Elizabethae Skeert Conventus seu residentiae Clarissarum Galviensium Praefectissae et Matri Abbatissae quatenus duas nobiles Virgines a Deo inspiratas ad vitam Evangelicam amplectendam, ad habitum probationis admittere queat ac valeat, ea tamen conditione ut intra clausuram perpetuo teneantur ac conserventur, juxta Praescriptum suae Regulae. Datum in loco nostri refugii hac die 30 Julii 1683.fr. Antonius de Burgo

Letter to Mother Elizabeth Skerett, Mother Abbess, giving the faculty to admit to the habit of probation ...two well-born girls-Lota or Lethissa De Burgo.Signed: Fr. James Darcy, Minister ProvincialTEXTHisce facultatem facimus Venerabili sorori Elizabethae Skerett Matri Abbitissae Con-ventus nostri Galviensis S. Clarae quatenus duas nobiles Puellas a Deo inspiratas,nominatim vero Lotam seu Lethissam de Burgo ad habitum probationis sui Ordinis acstrictam clausuram suae religiosae domus admittat, privatim tamen et sine ulla magnasolemnitatè Cquod Discretorium praefatae Matris Abbatissae ac di ligenti cura AdmodumReverendi Patris Guardiani Quinn, qui huic pio operi assistere tenebitur serio etsenixe commendo. Datum in loco nostri refugii, hac die 26 Martii '84.Fr. Jacobus DarcyMinister ProvincialisBy these letters we grant the faculty to the Venerable Sister Elizabeth Skerett. MotherAbbess of our Galway Convent of St. Clare, to admit to the habit of probation of herOrder and strict cloister of her religious house, two well-born girls, namely Lota orLethissa de Burgo, privately however and without any great solemnity, which I seriouslyand earnestly commend to the Discretorium of the aforesaid Mother Abbess and the dili-gent care of the Very Reverend Father Guardian (of) Quin, who will be obliged to assistat this pious work. Given in our place of refuge, this day 26 March (16) 84.fr. James DarcyMinister Provincial

Letter to Mother Elizabeth Skeret, Mother Abbess of ourGalway Convent, giving permission to admit to the habitof probation three well-born girls, by name CeciliaKirwan...Signed: Fr. Anthony De Burgo, Minister ProvincialRosserilly.TEXTHisce licentiam concedo Venerabili sorori Elizabethae Skeret Matri Abbatissae Conventusnostri Galviensis S. Clarae, quatenus tres nobiles puellas a Deo inspiratas, nominatimvero Ceciliam Kirwan, ad habitum probationis sui Ordinis, ac strictam clausuram suaereligiosae Domus admittere queat cum sedula assistentia Reverendi Patris Guardiani nostriibidem Conventus, qui huic pio operi assistere tenetur. Datum Rossrielo 28 Junii 87.fr. Antonius de BurgoMinister ProvincialisBy these letters I grant permission to the Venerable Sister Elizabeth Skeret, MotherAbbess of our Galway Convent of St. Clare, to admit to the habit of probation of herorder and strict enclosure of her religious house, three well-born girls, by name CeciliaKirwan, with the diligent assistance of the Reverend Father Guardian of our Convent inthat place, who is obliged to assist at this pious work. Given at Rosserilly 28June (16) 87.Fr. Anthony de BurgoMinister Provincial

An agreement about the "Royall Streame on the River ofGallway"between both the Islands Altanagh.TEXTWhereas the Royal streame on the River of Gallway betweene both the Islands Altanaghby several mens assignments came into our Ancestors and by vertue thereof they were law-fully seized thereof in their demensies after and from them lawful ly descended unto ourcommon Ancestor - James Reagh Darcy, who being accordingly thereof seized - made a giftthereof and legally conveyed the same to the religious nunns of the order of St. Clarein Gallway and to their successors for ever, and the same being now detained from thesaid nunns, wee ---- the underwritten being of the offspring and heirs of the saidJames Darcy to manifest our desire that the said nunns should have the full benefittof our Ancestors said grant of the branch of the said River and that the same shouldcontinue in them and their successors for ever according to the true intention of thesaid James Darcy doe hereby declare that we shall be from tyme to tyme according to theutmost of our power aydeing and assisting to the said nunns in recovering that branchof the said River and all improvements and appurtneances thereunto belonging, and if needbe and thabit shall be so advised, wee do hereby declare that we will on all demandsgive and grant full power and lawfull authority to anyone or more to sue for, and im-pleade and recover the said branch of the said River and its appurtenances in our nameand in the name of any of us as shall be advised by the Councell of the said nunns, intrust nevertheless for the said nunns, and then and at all other tymes after wee shall befree and willing to give and pass all further assureances thereof to the said nunns andtheir successors according to the true intent of the said first gift and grant of thesaid James Darcy; in witness vhereof wee have herevith putt our hands and seals theday of1690.

To the Rev. Mother of the Sisters of St. Clare, Galway.Permission to live with relatives and friendsthrough the miserys of the tymes' In case of necessitythey can eat meat. Signed: Fr. Edmund Delaney, Min.Prov.TEXTIn 1690, the Minister Provincial, Fr. Eduard Delaney, gave thefollowing permission to the Poor Clares in Galway:"To the Reverend Mother and Sisters of St. Clare, Galway"whereas the Rev. Mothers and Sisters of St. Clares's Order of theConvent of Galway have made known to me that through the miseriesof the times they are reduced to such extremity that they cannotsubsist together in cloister and thereupon desire my leavs todisperse among relations and friends, these are therefore to permitand licence the said religious Mothers and Sisters to dwell withtheir said friends and relations where they may be better providedfor, hereby charginq them their consciences to live mere as neartheir Rule and Constitutions as they conveniently can, and alsodeclaring that in case of necessity they may eat meat.Given under my hand and seal, 25th August, 1690Fr. Edmund DelaneyMinister Provincial.

Copy of letter-Fr. Provincial, John Baptist O'Donnell-re money in trust for Ffrances Luttrell, £10,to be paidto ye community of Galway.Anne Fitzgerald "whom I have ordered to reside and live with the nuns of Galway". Signatures of several Friars overleaf. (Refer to docs.1710 & 1714)TEXTWhereas there was latly a Debt Recovred from ye Right hon.ble Allexander Earle ofAntrim due unto Patrick Darcy Esgre and whereas ye said Patrick was at ye time ofhis Death indebted unto one Alderman Kennedy late of ye Citty of Dublin deceasedin a certain sume of mony in trust for one ffrances Luttrell a Profest Nunne ofye Convent of Bethlem and whereas ye said Patrick ordered this said Debt due to yesaid ffrancis Luttrell should be payed out of ye said Earle of antrims debt, andwhere-as there is a contention between ye Nunns of ye Communities of Bethlem andGallway tuching and concearning ye said debt due to ye said ffrancis Luttrell eachof ye said Communities pretending to that reight of the said debt belongs to them,and whereas also there are but two of ye Nunns of Bethlem now in ye kingdom wholive disperst and doe not keep together, and ye rest of them in parts beyond ye seasand that ye Nunns of callway keeps together in ye towne of Gallway and live thereReligiously in a Community according to theire order and deeminq it inconvenientatt present to decide ye said difference or ye Right of ye said debt and whereaslikewise there is yearly interest ariseing out of ye said debt and Arrears of inter-est now due, I have therefor and doe heareby order by ye Approbation of ye Definitorand ye other hear undernames Eclesiasticall persons and att ye consent and yeinstance of ye said Comunity of Nunns of Gallway and Anne fitz Gearald one of yesaid Nunns of Bethèlem that ten pounds be paid to ye said Comunity of Gallway ofye said Arreares for theire present relife and towards ye mentenance of ye said Annefitz Garald whom I have ordered to recide and live with ye said Nunns of Gal lwaybut tis heareby declared that ye payment of ye said ten poundes is not intended tostrengthen or corroborat ye said Nunns of Gallways right or debt or in ye leastpreiudice or weaken ye right or claime of ye said Comunity of Bethelem, but thathoth titles are to stand and be as at ye time and before ye payment hereof;Given under my hand this 21 day of June Anno dni 1696being presentfr John Bap. ta O DonellMinister Provincialisfr Bonra BourkeDi ffr.fr Ant: O Kelly Dgus de KillconnelEr Ant: O Kelly Guardian of Mi lickfr. Bona. ra de Burgo Guard. de kinal fekenfr. Antonius Gifford Preses GallviensisCopa veraconcordat cum originali quod attestorJESUS MARIAfr Anto: de BurgoG. G.

To Mother Gabriel Skerrett: Permission to receive to year of probation. Signed by Fr. John Baptist O'Donnell, Minister Provincial, and Fr.Anthony O'Kelly, Min.Prov.TEXTIdoe by vertue hereof authorize ye Rev. Mother Abbesse of ye Poore Clares of GalwayMary Gabriel, alias Skerrett, to admitt to the yeare of probation as many as shee andher discreets will approve of, and will finde qualified with the conditions required intheire owne Rule and constitutions; and to this effect I authorize ye Rev. Fr. AntonyKelly Gdn of Kilconell, to examine and receive those admitted by her as aforesaid.Dated at our refuge this 25 day of June 1696fr. Joes Bapta o DonellMnr. ProalisSupradictam concessionem confirmo, et Rdm Patrem Antonium Gifford Guardm Galviensemnomino et substituo meo loco ut tales in praefato Conventu recipiat. Datum Galviae hac17 Aug. 97.Fr. Antonius O KellyMnr Pror̈alisI confirm the abovesaid concession, and I nominate and substitute in my place Rev. FE.Anthony Gi fford Guardian of Galway to receive such in the aforesaid Convent. Given inGalway this 17 Aug. (16) 97.Fr. Anthony O RellyMinister Provincial

Letter from Fr. Anthony O'Kelly, Minister Provincial,to Mother Mary Gabriel Skerrett, Abbess of the Poor Clares of Galway giving the faculty of "betaking yourselves to some catholic region."TEXTFr. Antonius O Relly Ord. Min. Strictioris Observantiae S.T.L. necnon Almae Pro-vinciae Hyberniae Minister Provincialis et servus, Revdae Dominae Mariae CabrieliSkerrett Pauperum Clarissarum Galviensium Abbatissae eiusque Monialibus professiset Novitiis, Salutem.Quandoquidem permittente supremo Numine huic praesenti Gubernio visum fuerit expedireomnes Moniales e regno isto ante proximas Calendas Mayas in exilium religare sub gra-vissimis paenis tum his tum harumubs tentationibusagtE quibus omnium bonorum jactura et con-fiscatio decreta et sancita est, si vel intra vel extra domus suas eas manutenuerint.Hinc est quod vobis literas nostras obedientiales concedamus, facultatem impertientes,quatenus Ia oblata transfretandi opportunitate, ad regionem aliquam catholicam vosconferatis, commendatae Reverendis Admodum Patribus Ministris Provincialibus istarumrespective Provinciarum ad quas perveneritis, et Abbatissis Monasteriorum ad quaediverteritis, ut vobis de loco residentiae, ubi Deo et Ordini vestro famulari valeatischaritative providere dignentur.Omnibus interim christifidelibus, sive de populosive de Claro, ad quos diverteritis, tanquam pauperes et exules filias charius inDomino commendamus. Dat. in loco nostri refugii hac diefr. Antonius O Kel lyMr ProalisDe mandatoR. adm. Plis Sup.Fr. Patricius Fahy S.T.L.et Provinciae secretariusFr. Anthony O Kelly of the Order of Friars Minor of Stricter Observance, S.T.L. andMinister Provincial of the beloved Province of Ireland and Servant, to the Rev. ladyMary Gabriel Skerrett, abbess of the Poor Clares of Galway and to her professednuns and novices, greetings.Since, by permission of the most high God, the present Government has judged it ex-pedient to send into exile from this kingdom all nuns, before the next Calends of May,under gravest penalties bothnon them and on those who support them, whereby the l0SSand confiscation of all goods has been decreed and sanctioned, if they maintain themeither within or outside their houses. Hence we grant you our letters of obedience,imparting the faculty of betaking yourselves to some catholic region, on the firstavailable opportunity of travellinq, commending you to the Very Reverend Father Min-isters Provincial of these respective Provinces which you reach, and to the Abbessesof the Monasteries which you turn to, so that they may charitably provide for a placeof residence for you, where you may be able to serve God and your Order. Meanwhilewe commend you to all the faithful, vhether lay folk or cleroy, to whom you turn,as poor exiled daughters, lovingly in the Lord.Given in our place of refuge this dayFr. Anthony o xel lyMinister ProvincialBy mandate ofVery Rev. Paovincial SuperiorFr. Patrick Fahy, S.T.L.and Secretary of the Province

Letter from Fr.Anthony O'Kelly, Min.Prov. to the beloved Sisters in Christ (same content as above letter,1698) "all nuns without exception are to be exiled to foreign lands."The letter carries no date.Fr. Anthony o Kelly was elected Provincial in Dublin on25 July 1697 and went out of office at the Chapter in Louvain on 17 october 1700.Nunneries were suppressed by a law which took force on 1 May 1698. The letter thereforemust date from early 1698.TEXTFr. Antonius O Kelly Ord. Min. Strictioris Obs. S.T.Lr. nec non Almae Provinciae HyberniaeMnr Proalis et servus Dilectis in Christo Sororibus.Quandoquidem in Generalibus Comitiis huius Regni, late lege sancita sit, Moniales citraexceptionem omnes, ante proximas Calend. Maijas a regno isto, in exteras exulandas Regio-nes, sub gravissimis poenis his, et confiscatione omnium bonorum sustentationibus harumpost praefatam diem, si vel intra sua tecta, eas, vel extra quoquomodo sustentaverint etmanutenuerint. Hinc vobis facultatem impertimur, quatenus la oblata transfretandi oppor-tunitate ad regionem aliquam catholic vos conferatis, commendatae Superioribus Provinci a-libus nostri Ordinis, et Abbatissis Monasteriorum, ad quae divertitis, et de loco residen-tiae, ubi Deo et Ordini vestro famulari valeatis, charitative providere dignentur. Omnibusinterim Christifidelibus, ad quos hospites divertitits, tanquam pauperes exules chariusin Dno commendamus.Dat. in loco nri refugii hac dieDe Mandato Rev. Adm. Plis Supfr. Patricius Fahy S.T.L.et Prov. Secretarius.Fr. Anthony O Kelly, of the Order of Friars Minor of Stricter Observance, ST.L. andMinister Provincial of the beloved Province of Ireland and servant. To the beloved Sistersin Christ.Since it has been passed by law in the General Parliament of this kingdom that all nunswithout exception are to be exiled to foreign lands from this kingdom, before the beginningof next May, under these very grave penalties, and with the confiscation of all goodsif anyone should within their houses or outside in any way maintain and uphold them (thenuns) by sustenance after the aforesaid, day. Hence we grant you the faculty of betakingyourselves at the first opportunity/to some Catholic land, being commended to the Pro-vincial Superiors of our order and the Abbesses of Monasteries to which you go, that theymay deign to charitably provide for you concerning a place of residence, where you may beable to serve Cod and your order. Meanwhile, we commend you dearly in the Lord as poorexiles to ali the faithful to whom you go as guests.Given in our place of refuge on this dayBy mandate of Very Rev. Provincial Superior/Fr. Anthony o kellyfr. Patrick Fahy S.T.L.and Secretary of the Province

Permission to Sister Mary Gabriel for Profession ofSisters Margaret Nolan, Joan Lynch, Nell Lynch, andBridgitt Daly. Given by Senior Friar Ant. De Burgo.Senior Provincial Pater.TEXTWhereas by the constitutions and statutes of our Order of St. Francis all the Nunnesof the said order are required to have the Provincials speciall orders for professingand that the miseries and calamities of this xingdome hath banished the said Provinciallwith the rest of his order, onlie such as are bedridd and weake; and that in his absenceI being the eldest in Profession and dignitie of the said Order in this Provence, andthereunto impowered and Iycensed, I doe give you Sister Mary Gabriel full power to givetheire profession unto ye Sisters Margarett Nolan, Joan Lynch, Nell Lynch and BrigittDaly when you thinke it fitt or convenient.civen under my hand this 13th of August 1698Ant : de Burgo SeniorProvincial Pater.

Letter to Mother Mary Gabriel "Instituted you Praeses after yr tyme". Signed: Fr. Ant.O'Kelly, Minister Provincial Louvain.TEXTJ. M. F.Louvaine July ye 12th 99Dearly beloved SisterI had yrs of the 5th of may before me here, with yr unckle (?) Martin, for I was outof towne for six weeks, wherein I find you did not receive myne then, but I hope youreceived it ere now, for I directed it to my --- (?) Ambrose Ruisse. I instituted youthen Praeses after yr tyme, as I doe now by these presents, and doe desire, nay doecommand by vertue of wholsome obedience, if necessary, that none, subject to us, shal-presume to give you ye least contradiction in this our will, and if any may attemptthe contrary she, or they, may repent, and this very soone. My cordial respect andblessing to all that dr (- dear) family, and I desire the continuance of theire holyprayers. My cordial wishes alsoe to dr (-dear) Mr Jerome and dr (-dear) Mr Skerrettwith the rest of theire bretheren, not forgetting my dr (- dear) Mr Philippin with therest of his family. I hope those who were yr friends and kinde to you, whether protes-tants or Roman Catholicks, shall not repent it, of this you may be sure, and soone tooMy cordial wishes alsoe to all frends both in towne and Country. I hope to see themonce more, interim yr unckle is very well and salutes you all, as doth alsoe, kissingyou all with this seraul most tenderly.Sr. and R. Mother.Yrs sincerely,Fr. Ant. O Kel lyMr ProallP.S. Bonny is with me here now and salutes you all most kindely, as doth the rest offrends that came with me, who are all well.LETTER ADDRESSED TO:ToMrs. Mary Gabriel neere Mr. Ambrose Ruisse ye Apothecary's housein Galway, or in her absence to Mr. Jerome Martin in ye same lodgingiin Ireland 8c.Shepe StGalway.par Londre

"Encourage the well disposed minds to serve theLord".Signed: Fr.Bonaventure Collyn.Addressed to Rev. Mother Mary Gabriel Skerret.

Letter of Mother Mary Anthony Skerrett, Abbess, to theCountess of Antrim about debt due to Sr. FrancisLuttrell. (Refer to docs. 1696 & 1714).

Page from back of M.Bonaventure's Chronicle :-"Mother Mary Gabriel Skerrett sent the secondfoundation of Poor Clares to Dublin on the 17thJune 1712".

Declaration of Doctor Thomas Martin,Doctor of Phisyk.Bond for Catherine Lynch. (With ref. to this doc.see also Certificate in Money Matters File -1744-'Thomas Martin, deceased, Margaret Martin spinster,principal creditor').

Money due to Ffrancis Luttrell deceased."Margery Lynch, spinster, Administratix of ye goods".(Refer to docs.1696 & 1710).

Letter of Margaret Martyn to her 'cosin' re payment of money.

Data about getting back Nuns' Island.(See also Legal Document in Land Indenture Filedated 1686).

Interrogations: Profession of Sr.Honora Ursula Mooney. (See also similar Doc. 1766).

Money Document - Rent. (Pay Mrs. Elizabeth Lynch).

Deed between Barthw. Hanly and Mrs. Mary Martinabout Nuns' Island Fishery (New Mills).Mother Mary Martin, Abbess.

Document re bills addressed to :-Browne at the Boarding, Market St.

Interrogations: Profession of Sister Bridget Bluett.Abbess: Mother Maria Browne. (See also similar doc.1754).

Permission for Profession; Solemn Vows of Anastasia Joyce. Mrs. Mary Lynch, Abbess.Signed: Augustin Kirwan.

Document re Taxation & Simony sent to Thomas Blake,Guardian of the Abbey. Signed by Mother Mary AnthonyMartin, Abbess and twenty other Sisters.

Permission for Profession: Solemn Vows of SisterBridget Mary Joyce. Mrs. Mary Martin, Abbess.Signed by John Joyce, Warden.

Receipt:from Mother Ursula Mooney, Mother Abbess of theFranciscan Nunnery.Letter: to Mrs. Ursula Mooney, Market St. Boarding School.

Page from Fr. Anthony Cleary, OFM. re IRISHTRANSLATION OF RULE by Fr. Hugh O'Riellyand Fr.James O Sheil. Rule written byBR. MICHAEL O CLEARY. OFM.(DATED 21,October 1636, BETHLEM).

Sale of piece of land near Mill at gate: £10 Abbess: Sr. Michael King.

Decrees of Fr. Isidore Boscomare; 1867; 1870; 1876.

1886: Letter from Fr. Bernardine, Minister General re OBSERVANCE. (Min. Gen.1869-1889).

1889: Letter of Fr. Louis De Parma, Min.Gen. (Min.Gen.1889-1897).

1885: REPORT OF VISITATION.Very Rev. A.Lauer, Definitor General.

1892: APPROVAL OF REGULATIONS.Aloysius De Parma, Minister General, (Min.Gen.1889-1897).

1895: EXHORTATIONS Fr.David Flemming, Commissary Visitor General.

1903: EXHORTATIONS.Fr.Benignus Hannon, Minister Provincial.

1886: Fr. Aloysius Lauer, Def.Gen.

1890: Fr. Aloysius Lauer, Proc.Gen.

1892: Fr. Aidan McCarthy, Vis.Gen.

1895: Fr. Leonard, Sec.of Proc. Gen.

1898: Fr. Peter English, Def. Gen.

1899: Fr.Aloysius Lauer, MINISTER GENERAL

1902: Fr. Peter English (x2) Def. Gen.

1931: ENCYCLICAL letter of Fr. Bonaventure Marrani, Minister General. (1927-1933)

1953: ENCYCLICAL letter of Fr. Augustine Sepinski,Minister General. (1951-1965).For Marian Year 1954.

1959: ENCYCLICAL letter for 750 Anniversary of the Foundation of the Order (1209).

1959:CANONIZATION OF BLESSED CHARLES OF SEZZE:1613-1670

1969: LETTERS of Min. Gen. Constantine Koser. (1965-79).

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