Item 2021-09-17/193 - Two good nurses

Four, A3 sized, double-sided pages.

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