Showing 202 results

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ seeking permission to visit relatives.

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ asking permission to be admitted to Solemn Profession a little earlier.

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a query about his last vows.

A file of letters from Fr Matthias Bodkin SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a book he (Fr Bodkin) has been asked to write on Cardinal Pole.

Letters from Fr Matthias Bodkin SJ to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning notes in the possession of Fr Denis Nerney SJ. Provides a sample.

Letters from Fr Francis Browne SJ, many written from St Mary’s, Emo, Portarlington, County Laois, to the Irish Provincial on various matters (mostly seeking permission to travel to different locations for the purposes of giving retreats, lectures, visiting friends and family), including his health and his photographic work. Includes letters:
– referring to his securing photos of ‘the ruins on Inniscaltra in Lough Derg…(and)…Castletown at Celbridge’ (29 June 1944, 2pp);
– referring to his eldest sister, Mother Josephine in the Ursuline Convent, Blackrock, County Dublin (17 and 20 September 1944, 2 items);
– concerning his travelling expenses (28 October and 2 November 1944, 2 items);
– his making ‘a set of photographs in Curraghmore House … because I am collecting a set of Georgian Houses & Curraghmore was on the list given me by the Georgian Society’ (9 April 1945, 3pp);
– regarding his ‘camera work’. ‘As you know, I am supplying a series of pictures of “Historic Mansions” each month to ‘Irish Tatler & Sketch’. The first of the series were photos of Shelton Abbey for which the present Lord Wicklow gave his very willing approval…he proposes utilising c as a kind of Hotel or “Country Club” He asked me whether it would be possible for me to go there again to take further photos before the necessary alterations are made’ (8 April 1947, 3pp);
– stating ‘…the editor of ‘Tatler & Sketch’ is pressing me for a further series of “Historic Mansions” to be published in the Autumn. Apparently he found that the first series – Jan. to May – was very popular. Would you permit me to do some journeys for this purpose & to debit them to a “Villa” account: not, as usual, to my Camera account?’ (23 June 1947, 3pp) and
– stating ‘I enclose a list of places I wish to photograph for my next series of “Historic Mansions” – which is due to begin in October. The last set – January – May, brought me £25, & the next will be even more profitable, because the Editor told me that he is so satisfied with the results, that he will print more pictures of each house in the next series’ (14 July 1947, 2pp).

File relating to Fr Thomas F Ryan SJ, including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, catalogue entries, and photographs.

File relating to Fr Patrick J Walsh SJ concerning his work in Africa, his health, application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, catalogue entries, photograph and obituary.

File of correspondence between Fr Seán Turner SJ and Irish Fr Provincials.

Papers relating to the admission of Gerard Casey to the Society of Jesus and subsequent correspondence with his Irish Provincials.

Letter from F. I. Little, 28 Rathgar Road, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial thanking the Provincial for his kind letter regarding Fr Arthur Little SJ. Remarks ‘I quite understand and sympathise with you and his position in the matter. So long as his health remains...things will be fairly satisfactory and we can only be patient till circumstances improve.’

File relating to the work of Fr Harold E Craig SJ in China and India. Includes correspondence concerning difficulties with Fr Craig in both missions and his recall to Ireland.

Admission, early life in the Society of Jesus and correspondence of Fr William Lee SJ,with his Irish Fr Provincials from time in Zambia concerning his work at Gonzaga College, Dublin and in the Milltown Institute.

File including papers concerning Conor Naughton's admission to the society, jubilees and death.

File relating to the admission of John Monahan to the Society of Jesus and the taking of vows.

File of correspondence between Fr Patrick J O'Brien SJ and his Irish Provincials. Material mainly relates to his departure to and arrival at the Chikunii Mission, Northern Rhodesia, 1946.

File of correspondence between Fr Edward O’Connor SJ and his Irish Provincials. Material relates to his time in Rome during WWII and his time in Zambia

File of correspondence between Fr Edmund Sullivan SJ and his Irish Fr Provincials, and family members.

Letters and memoranda for the Irish Provincial relating to the diligent custody of the Blessed Sacrament.

Lists of spiritual books suitable for distribution by Directors at Diocesan Retreats.

Documents concerning Archbishop McQuaid’s objections to the formation of a Sandymount-Ballsbridge group of Muintir na Tíre and Fr Edward J Coyne’s involvement with the establishment of such a group (See also ADMN/3/29; 37; 39; 57). ‘I am not convinced that this Association has yet proved that it deserves a place in this Diocese, in the country or in the City. Therefore, I have not sanctioned the formation of any group in the Diocese. I should be grateful, if you could give me any help in understanding the Sandymount- Ballsbridge movement.’ (6 November 1941,1p). Includes correspondence between the Archbishop, Irish Fr Provincial and Fr Coyne on the matter. Also includes letter to Irish Fr Provincial from Fr John Hayes, C.C.(Chairman) relating to Muintir na Tíre’s ‘Rural Week’ (29 November 1942, 2pp) and printed advertising leaflets and leaflets concerning National Appeals on behalf of Muintir na Tíre (1940s, 4 items).

Documents relating to the wording of forms of charitable bequests to the Society. Includes examples of different bequest forms, memorandum for Irish Fr Provincial on charitable bequests and letters to Irish Fr Provincial on the matter.

A file relating to the exception taken by the ecclesiastical authorities of the Archdiocese of Dublin to two sentences in a review of an American book entitled Religious Instruction and Education in the September issue of Studies (1942). Includes letters from Archbishop John Charles McQuaid to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the issue.

A file relating to the 'Consilium Permanens', a standing committee of Prefects of Studies to offer advice to Superiors in the matter of the education of pupils attending Jesuit schools. Includes agendas and minutes of the 'Consilium Permanens', includes a statement issued by Fr Provincial on how the 'Consilium Permanens' should be conducted, its duties and terms of reference (31 December 1939, 3pp).

Photographs of the 29th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus. Including photograph of representatives of the English and Irish Province, and Australian Vice-Province.

Back: Helsham, Joseph Canavan (Irish Province)
Front: John Fahy (Australian Vice-Province), John R MacMahon (Irish Province), John Hannon (Irish Province), Martin D'Arcy (English Province),

Letters from Rt. Rev. R. O. Hall, Lord Bishop of Victoria, Hong Kong and The Home Farm, Lewknor, Oxford to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning grant in aid schools and the possibility of obtaining an advance of the grants in order to get schools started. Includes a copy of a reply from Fr MacMahon SJ.

A file relating to the Irish Jesuit Mission Office (The Ricci Mission Unit) based in Ireland. The file contains financial information (accounts, donations and burses) relating to the Hong Kong mission, letters by Fr Thomas Martin SJ, relating to the administration of the Hong Kong mission and personnel/volunteers for the mission.

A file of letters from Christopher Hollis, Burns, Oates and Washbourne Ltd., 28 Ashley Place, London to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning Fr Thomas Ryan's book. Refers to a proposal to publish the book in Australia. Includes reviews of the book.

File relating to the sudden death of Fr John Hannon SJ, including letters of sympathy.

Material relating to Fr Patrick G Kennedy SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and memorandum of agreement for the publication of 'Birds of Ireland' by P.G. Kennedy SJ, Robert F. Ruttledge and C.F. Scroope.

Letter from Fr William Hackett SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Victoria to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ thanking him for his telegram on the occasion of his jubilee. Refers to his work as assistant to Catholic Action.

Letter from Fr Albert Power SJ to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the Australian Status.

A file of letters concerning Fr Michael Mansfield SJ and the legitimacy of his stay in the United States. Fr Mansfield had been en route to Australia but had remained in America without permission. Includes a letter from F. A. McQuade SJ, Provincial's Office, 501 East Fordham Road, New York City to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St. Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin remarking 'He seems to have a terrible aversion to the Australian Jesuits and he feels unwanted there.' (17 July 1947, 1p).

Letter from Au Sik Ling, 22 Danby Grove, Thornaby-in-Tees, Yorkshire to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning a letter he brought from Fr Ryan in Kweiliu, the capital of the southern province of Kwangsi in China.

A file relating to a proposal by Dr Fehily of the Colonial Office that some Jesuits be incorporated in the Welfare Mission which he is leading to Hong Kong following the liberating army.

A file of letters from Rev. John Moyersoen SJ, 32 Park Street, Calcutta to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the Irish Jesuits who took up positions in the Indian mission following their temporary departure from Hong Kong during the war.

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Rev James E. Walsh MM, Bishop of [ ], Superior General, Catholic Foreign Mission, Society of America sympathising over the death of the Vicar General of Maryknoll.

Lists of writers (arranged alphabetically) of the Restored Society and their publications (1832-1925, 38pp, ). Compiled by Fr James Rabbitte SJ of Gardiner Street, (Custodian of the Irish Province Archives, 1924-1930). Typed list of Irish Jesuit authors and title, 20th century (1900-1939, 6pp).

Group photographs of Irish Provincial Fr John MacMahon SJ, Fr Adélard Dugre SJ, Fr Joseph Garland SJ, Fr Robert Tyndall SJ, Superior, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street and Fr John Coyne SJ planting a tree in the garden of Gardiner Street.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ to the Rector of St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street in the appointment of Rev. Alexis Magni to the office of Vicar-General which entitles him to ‘the full powers of a General till such time as a successor to the late Fr Ledochowski has been appointed’ and ‘the powers of Visitor granted Fr Dugre on 9 April 1939 will remain in force till they are revoked’.

Irish Jesuit Mission bequest from James Daly, St Jarlath’s Place, Bishop Street, Tuam, County Galway.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial, mostly from Fr Leonard Sheil SJ, relating to his Mission work throughout Ireland. Includes:

• letters concerning a Retreat given by Fr Sheil in Killorglin, County Kerry, a lecture in Cashel, County Tipperary and Missions in Cobh, County Cork and Harrington Street, Dublin (24 November 1943 - 7 August 1945, 6 items);
• letter from Fr Sheil offering to ‘go to any country where…I would be of use in the service of God, Africa, Australia, China or the Continent.’ Also seeks permission to become the Spiritual Director of the International Catholic Girls’ Protection Society (see also J16/5). ‘Their work (they are some thirty years in existence in Dublin) was chiefly the meeting and protecting of girls travelling, especially to England. Now it includes a registry office of which the object is to find work for girls in Ireland and so obviate the necessity of going to England.…They hope to start a small training hostel for domestics. The Archbishop is very favourable.…I have given their radio broadcast for the past five years, bringing in £100 more or less each year. The work of the Spiritual Director would be to attend the monthly meeting of the Committee…and on these occasions to give what assistance he can as a priest.…In favour of it,…it offers a field of work for youth; and…perhaps no class of youth needs help more than the young country girl, perhaps from a convent orphanage, who comes to Dublin to domestic service…’ (21 Feb. 1946, 3pp);
• letter from Socius Fr John Coyne SJ to the Irish Provincial relating to a report in the 'Irish Press' of a lecture on ‘Friends of Soviet Russia’ given by Fr Sheil to the Ringsend C.Y.M.S. in which Fr Sheil referred to Dáil Éireann members as ‘frightful loafers’. Encloses clipping of report (2 Dec. 1946, 1p.) and letter from Fr Sheil to Fr Coyne explaining the circumstances of the lecture (n.d., 2pp);
• letter from Fr Sheil reporting on a number of young men who wish to join the Society and his activities on a recent visit to the North of Ireland (2 Apr. 1947, 4pp) and
• letter to the Irish Provincial Fr Thomas Byrne SJ from Dr Edward Doorly, Bishop of Elphin stating ‘Father Sheil did not give any offence worth mentioning and further…he gave a splendid Retreat to the priests’ (18 May 1949, 1p.).

A file of correspondence concerning articles submitted to newspapers and other publications to celebrate the fourth centenary of the foundation of the Society of Jesus.

File relating to Fr Denis P Kennedy SJ which includes correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, and application to join the Society.

Correspondence between Thomas Fleming and his Irish Fr Provincials during his professional life in China and in Australia.

File containing papers relating to Francis Hennelly's admission to the Society of Jesus; his initial studies; family visits; time as a teacher at Clongowes Wood College; periods of residence at Mungret, County Limerick; St Ignatius College, Galway; Tullabeg, County Offaly; Gardiner Street, Dublin; ongoing illness and death.

Letters to Irish Fr Provincial John MacMahon SJ from Fr Alan Birmingham SJ written during his time as a chaplain attached to the 2nd Battalion, The Loyal Regiment in Sussex and Northern Ireland; 32 Casualty Clearing Station in England and France; 4 Army Group Royal Artillery, B.L.A. in France and Germany; 150th Infantry Brigade in Southern India and the Indian Artillery Centre, Kamaredi. Includes description of his role in the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944 (16 November 1944, 4pp) and his last letter written on his way home (29 September 1946, 2pp).

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr John Burden SJ written while serving as chaplain in Catterick Camp, Yorkshire and with the 6th King’s Own Scottish Borders in Northumberland; in Nottingham (where he was promoted to Senior Chaplain (S.C.F. (R.C.) ); in India, South Africa and Iraq with Paiforce (Persian and Iraq Forces); 114th Rest/Transit Camp; 162nd Transit Camp in Damascus and Palestine. Some letters in the form of airgraphs. Includes his last letter written on 28 March 1946 concerning his release from the Army in May.

Documents relating to Fr Richard Kennedy SJ as a Japanese prisoner of war in Taiwan. Includes:
– cutting from The Times listing Fr Richard Kennedy SJ as a POW (1 December 1942, 1p.);
– postcard from Fr Richard Kennedy SJ in a POW camp in Taiwan to Fr Provincial (1943);
– letters from Fr Kennedy’s brother, Denis P. Kennedy SJ to Irish Fr Provincial, informing him of letters received by Fr Kennedy’s family (13 July, 30 September 1944, 2 items).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Sydney Lennon SJ written while serving as a chaplain attached to 4th King’s Own Scottish Borders at Ford, Midlothian and Alloa, Clackmannonshir in Anti-Aircraft Unit; in various locations around Scotland; in Nottingham and on the hospital ship Dorsetshire. Includes his first letter written to Irish Fr Provincial from Scotland (5 September 1941, 4pp).

Letters and telegrams to the Irish Fr Provincial from Fr Cyril Perrott SJ written while serving as a chaplain with the R.M.P. (Royal Military Police), Broomfield Park, Palmer’s Green, London; in Crofton House, Titchfield, Fareham, Hants.; with an Anti-Aircraft unit in Avendale, Bathford, Bath, Somerset; and in Hockley Sole, Capel le Ferne, Folkestone, Kent; with the 14th Army Group, South East Asia Command in India; 1st (W.A.) Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment, S.E.A.C. and in a Rangoon hospital. Includes copy of part of letter sent by Fr Perrott to his brother Fr Gerard Perrott SJ concerning a meeting with Frs Charles Day and Edward Sullivan in Calcutta (25 October 1944, 1p.). Fr Perrott was promoted to Senior Chaplain (S. C.F. (R.C.) ) in April 1945.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial John R McMahon SJ from Mgr John M. Coghlan (Principal Chaplain (R.C.) concerning the chaplains’ release from the Army; the War Office’s request to retain the services of a number of them and the urgent need for Jesuits to work on the Hong Kong Mission. Includes copy letter to Fr Edward J. Warner SJ (Staff Chaplain to Mgr. Coghlan) from the Irish Fr Provincial in reply to the War Office’s request to retain the services of Fr Conal Murphy SJ. ‘I am sorry to say that I am worse off than ever for men, having received the other day a cable from Fr Joy, the Superior of our Hong Kong Mission, asking me to send out twelve men. As he and his fellow-missioners have been through a very rough time, as you can well imagine, I am anxious to send this help as soon as possible…I regret very much, then, that I cannot spare Fr Murphy, as I know by experience what it means to have vacancies yawning wide around one and none to fill them!’ (1 October 1945, 2pp).
Also includes letters to Irish Fr Provincial concerning Fr Richard Kennedy ‘ex P.O.W. from (the) Far East’ (7 January 1946 – 17 January 1947, 5 items).

Miscellaneous items belonging to Fr Michael Morrison SJ. Includes:

• photograph (8½cm x 13½cm) of Fr Michael Morrison SJ, (1945-1955);
• group photograph (8½cm x 6cm) of Jesuits including: back, l-r, Michael O'Grady, [Frank Finegan], Michael Morrison, J. Kelly, Maurice Dowling, Conal Murphy, Sydney Lennon. Front, l-r: Perrott, John McAvoy and Michael O'Meara;
• pouch containing various documents belonging to Fr Michael Morrison SJ such as: British Forces Identification Card (with photograph); Chaplains’ Identification Cards; Officer’s Ration Card; War Department Driving Permit; British Red Cross Identity Certificate; travel permit, ‘Authorisation for Travel To and From Eire by Personnel During Release Leave’; Services Clothing Coupon Sheet; details of his eyesight from Davidson & Regenstreif ‘Ophthalmic Opticians’ in Cairo and ‘Most Secret’ list of ‘Unit Vehicle Numbers’ of the First Armoured Division (194[1]-194[6], 12 items);
• leather cover (9cm x 14½cm) for the identity card of Fr Michael Morrison SJ;
• ‘Field Service Pocket Book. Part I – Pamphlet No. 13. Discipline, Office Work, Pay, and Burial Parties’ (June 1943, 25pp);
• booklet entitled ‘Infantry Training. Part I – The Infantry Battalion' (1943, 54pp);
• booklet entitled ‘Memorandum for Catholic Army Chaplains and Officiating Chaplains to the Forces’. With annotations by Fr Morrison (1941, 59pp);
• signed photograph (10cm x 7cm) of five girls/woman, dated ‘Belsen 24-8-45’ [24 August 1945], [Eva Nuosnovicz], Geūia Freūkiel, with my friendship [Feuier], Best regards from Cecilia, Best wishes [ ]';
• typescript account of the ‘Chaplains’ Work in Belsen’ by Fr Michael Morrison SJ (1947, 3pp);
• illustrated booklet ‘The Story of Belsen’ written by Captain Andrew Pares, Adjutant of the 113 L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. (D.L.I.) T.A.. (Cover is detached) (n.d., 12pp);
• medals belonging Fr Michael Morrison SJ. Includes ‘The 1939-1945 Star’; ‘The France and Germany Star’; ‘The Africa Star’; ‘The Defence Medal’ and a medal for serving from ‘1939-1945’. Includes original box in which the medals were sent to Fr Morrison in Australia in March 1950 by the War Office (6 items, 1950) and
• file relating to the exhibition in Belvedere College of two cases of material from the Fr Michael Morrison SJ collection as part of a commemoration ceremony to mark the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Belsen concentration camp. Includes a copy of the labels used for the exhibition, a programme of events for the commemoration ceremony and copies of photographic slides taken from the Imperial War Museum of Belsen concentration camp (April 2005, 5 items).

Letters from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, county Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ.

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ seeking permission to visit his cousin, Mother M. Teresa, St Louis Convent who is dying of cancer.

Letter from Fr Joseph Hurley SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a letter he wishes to send to the Editor of the Irish Times in reply to an 'attack' made on Fr Stephen Brown's book.

Copy letter from [Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ], St. Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Joseph Hurley SJ instructing him to cease working on the organisation of local branches of the Gaelic League. Remarks '...I think that it would be better if you did not even write on this subject...' Includes a reply from Fr Hurley, St. Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly.

Letter from Fr Lawton, Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ declaring his willingness to act as a chaplain to the forces.

Letter from Fr Hilary Lawton SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ concerning a legal matter and a sum of money.

Letter from Fr Ladislaus Zabdyr SJ, Chikuni, PO Chisekesi, Northern Rhodesia to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin thanking him for sending two Irish Jesuits to the mission. Asks if more men can be spared for work in the mission. Includes a copy of a reply remarking that more men cannot be spared.

Letters from Fr Daniel McDonald SJ, St Mary's, Emo, County Laois to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning Chinese language studies for Irish Jesuits bound for the Chinese mission.

Points discussed and agreed between Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ and Fr Patrick Joy SJ (Superior of the Hong Kong mission) concerning financial arrangements for the mission.

Letter from Dr J. P. Fehilly, 5 Aigburth Hall, Hong Kong to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning Fr Joy's return to Hong Kong. Remarks that he feels it would be a mistake for him to return without a proper rest.

A file of letters and telegrams from the Superior of the mission, Fr Patrick Joy SJ to Irish Fr Provincial.

Letters from John O'Meara, SJ, Regional Seminary, Aberdeen, Hong Kong to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his life and work in the Regional Seminary.

A file of letters from Fr Daniel Donnelly SJ to Irish Fr Provincial.

Memorandum of Agreement between Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin and Burns, Oates and Washbourne concerning Fr Thomas Ryan SJ's book 'Jesuits Under Fire'.

A file relating to the fate of the Irish Jesuit priests working in Hong Kong during the Second World War and the Japanese occupation of the city. Includes returned letters to Irish Fr Provincial marked 'No Service Return to Sender'. Includes letters from family members asking for news or reporting to Irish Fr Provincial on letters received by them. Includes letters from other individuals seeking news about non Jesuit family members. Includes a copy of a request by Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ to Joseph P. Walshe, Department of External Affairs seeking help in assisting four Jesuit students to return home to Ireland (23 March 1943, 1p). Includes a reply stating that a proposed scheme to exchange civilian internees applies only to British or Allied subjects (12 May 1943, 1p). Includes a memorandum written by Fr Joy on Irish nationals in Hong Kong. The memorandum was sent by Irish Fr Provincial to the Irish Red Cross (24 October 1942, 2pp). Includes letters concerning Irish Jesuits who left Hong Kong to live and work in India during the war and subsequent return to Hong Kong when the war was over. Includes 'A Priest in a Japanese Jail' by Fr Gerard Casey SJ (1948)

A file relating to army chaplains. Includes letters and memoranda relating to the non-payment of their salaries to the Hong Kong mission. Includes extracts from letters by Fr Matthias Bodkin SJ, a naval chaplain concerning news of the Irish Jesuits in Hong Kong.

Christmas greetings from Fr Acácio Casimiro SJ R. de Lapa 111, Lisbon to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ.

Airgraph from Fr John B Moyersoen SJ, 32, Park street, Calcutta, India to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ, Dublin, replying to ‘Your airgraph of 27th ult.’. Mentions writing to Fr Marin and Fr Donnelly and ‘We often see Fr Naughton’.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial John MacMahon SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Dublin to Fr Thomas Ryan SJ, Chungking, China relating to news about Jesuit works, Irish Jesuits and their travels and work, recent deaths, schools and contemporaries of Fr Ryan.

Letter from Fr John Stephen Bourke SJ, Manresa, Hawthorn, Victoria to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the possibility of Fr Sydney Lennon SJ being made available for work in Australia.

Letter from Fr Francis X. O'Brien SJ, Headmaster, St Aloysius College, Milson's Point, Sydney, NSW to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning Fr Michael Morrison, his demobilisation from the army and his assignment to Australia.

A file of letters from Fr John Meagher SJ (Vice-Provincial of the Vice-Province 25 August 1939-1 October 1947) to Irish Fr Provincial (John R. MacMahon SJ and Thomas Byrne). Includes a letter referring to an offer by the Apostolic Delegate to take a minor seminary in New Zealand in 1947. Asks if four or five young priests could be sent out. Remarks 'We have offers of work from practically every Bishop in Australia and must refuse for want of men. Our recruiting is bad and I really don't know what to do to remedy the trouble.' (10 November 1945, 1p). Includes a letter referring to a request by Fr Dan O'Connell SJ for Fr Richard Ingram SJ to help with his work in the Riverview Observatory. (18 March 1946, 1p). Includes a number of letters concerning Fr Cooney and his ill health. Includes a letter remarking 'He (Fr Cooney) wants to return to Hong Kong in September but I think you realise his return there would probably settle his chances of ever doing any more work...I think that Fr Cooney will never be really fit to return to Hong Kong (15 May 1946, 1p). Includes a letter referring to proposals to open colleges in Adelaide and Brisbane. Remarks due to the shortage of Jesuit Fathers that this is impossible. (27 June 1946, 1p).

A file of correspondence between the Bishop of Galway, Michael Browne, D.D., Mount St Mary's, Galway and Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Byrne SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin concerning the attendance of Jesuit Scholastics at University College, Galway. Includes a letter from the Bishop insisting that his permission is sought and remarking that the Jesuit Order is not exempt.

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and Jesuits on various matters such as

• the censure of those in various stages of formation;
• the proposal to purchase books dealing with the missions in order to establish ‘the nucleus of a useful missionary library’ in Milltown Park (See also ADMN/3/11);
• Catholics and Trinity College Dublin (See also ADMN/3/43; 76);
• villas;
• the introduction of legislation granting a rebate of income tax to parents having children at school;
• the ‘desirability’ of a ‘recognised uniform’ way of expressing ‘Society of Jesus’ in initials in English and Irish;
• the introduction of dancing classes ‘under the guidance of a certain number of lady instructresses’ without the permission of Irish Fr Provincial at Belvedere College;
• Irish scholastics in Jersey and
• examinations in ‘air raid precautions and anti-gas measures’ for male members of religious orders at the Air Raid Precautions School, Griffith Barracks, Dublin.

Documents relating to the death of the Very Rev. Wlodimir Ledóchowski, General of the Society on 13 December 1942. Includes: copies of cuttings from various Irish newspapers (11 - 19 December 1942, 12 items); calling cards received by the Irish Fr Provincial (includes card from William T Cosgrave) (8 items) and telegrams and letters of condolence sent by the Bishop of Raphoe, various religious congregations and organisations, William T Cosgrave, the Papal Nuncio, Dr John Charles McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin and the Lord Mayor of Dublin. (Includes full list of those who sent messages of sympathy) (14 - 23 December 1942, 39 items).

Letters concerning the relationship between the Society of Jesus and the Legion of Mary and the Legion’s 1943 Dundalk Missionary Display. Includes letters to the Irish Fr Provincial from Archbishop McQuaid.

Documents relating to the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association of the Sacred Heart founded by Fr James Cullen SJ. Includes: correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial, the office of the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr John Charles McQuaid and Fr Seán McCarron SJ of the P.T.A.A.; memoranda concerning minutes of meetings, annual reports and statistics. Also includes edited text on Fr James Cullen SJ and documents relating to indulgences for Pioneers.

Copy of circular letter sent by the Irish Fr Provincial to Jesuit houses inquiring as to ‘the practice in…(each)…House as regards the serving of whiskey and wine on coffee evenings which are (1) de jure; and (2) ex gratia. Is whiskey allowed on every coffee evening, and what is the quantity of wine permitted to each…is there any special treatment in the refectory for visitors.’ Includes replies to the circular from the Rectors of St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg; Milltown Park; Rathfarnham; Belvedere College; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; Clongowes Wood College, Naas, Co. Kildare; St. Mary’s, Emo Court, Portarlington, County Laois; Sacred Heart College, The Crescent, Limerick; No. 35 Lower Leeson Street; St. Francis Xavier’s, Gardiner Street and Mungret College, Limerick.

A file relating to an article written by Fr Patrick Gannon SJ in the 'Irish Ecclesiastical Record' supporting a fellow Jesuit's interpretation of a passage in St. Mark. This article sparked a controversy as Fr Gannon's views were disagreed with by Cardinal MacRory (and other eminent scripture scholars). Includes a letter from Fr John R MacMahon SJ (Fr Provincial), St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Byrne SJ concerning the controversy. Remarks 'In reply to a letter from Fr Gannon, I wrote to him to say that I could not allow him to pursue the discussion about St. Mark III, 20 - 21 any further…that I would not approve of his seeking an interview with the Cardinal; that he might write to the Cardinal, but that I would have to see a draft of the letter beforehand.' Remarks that he received a reply from Fr Gannon and includes a passage from the letter describing it thus 'He is taking a most extravagant view of the situation.' (15 April 1945, 1p). Includes a copy of a letter from Fr Provincial (Fr MacMahon SJ) concerning a letter Fr Gannon wishes to write to Cardinal MacRory regarding the difference of opinion between the two men. Remarks 'Let me assure you (and I wish I could convince you) that you are taking far too tragic a view of the whole business. If you could put it out of your mind for a month, you would, I am confident, take a more tranquil view of things.' (26 January 1945, 1p). It would appear from the file that Fr Gannon was not able to put the matter out of his mind and that it was only as a result of his death in 1953 that the matter was laid to rest. It would also appear that Fr Gannon's view was gaining some support amongst scripture scholars when he died.

Letters from Fr Tom Counihan SJ to Irish Fr Provincials concerning various topics including:

• community life;
• retreats conducted by Fr Counihan;
• work with the SMA's and CB's;
• work with the Youth Commission.

A file of letters concerning retreats given by Fr John Counihan SJ to the novices in the Society of African Missions.

File containing Matthew Corbally's admission papers and correspondence with his Irish Fr Provincials.

Booklet belonging to Fr John R MacMahon SJ containing the names of the Fathers who attended the 29th General Congregation of the Society of Jesus.

Letter from Fr John Hannon SJ, Rome written in Italian containing the signatures of all the Fathers in the Curia Generalizia. A note attached (written by Fr John R. MacMahon SJ) remarks that the letter is probably unique.

Biographical information on Fr John J Hannon SJ. Includes catalogue entry (1930), correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and brief biography by Fr Fergus O'Donoghue SJ.

Material relating to Fr Laurence M Kearns SJ containing admission details, his work within the Society (chaplain in the Second World War, communications and media work in Zambia and Lesotho, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials. Includes biographical information.

File relating to to Fr Hugh Kelly SJ which includes two scrap books containing newspapers cuttings of Lenten lectures delivered by Fr Hugh Kelly SJ in St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials.

Material relating to Fr Michael Morrison SJ which includes correspondence relating to his time as a chaplain to the British forces during the Second World War, his work in Australia, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and curia, personal record and application to join the Society.

File containing Fr Thomas O'Meara's admission papers and brief correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials including letters from his time as a missionary in Zambia.

File of correspondence between Fr John Moran SJ and his Irish Provincials.

File of correspondence between Fr Robert Nash SJ and Irish Fr Provincials concerning his schedules of missions and retreats, publications, places of residence, donations and issues arising from his articles in the ‘Irish Press’. Also contains the censor’s report on an early pamphlet, ‘Not Yours’ and death notice and obituaries.

Letters from Mr Richard Ingram SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ asking permission to smoke tobacco.

A file relating to Fr John Coyne's translation of Valignano's 'Mission Techniques for Japan volume I' by Josef Franze Schutte SJ.

A file of correspondence relating to general education issues in Ireland and more specific education issues relating to Jesuit colleges. Includes correspondence relating to the establishment of a colleges/schools commission including draft terms of reference (14 December 1930 - 18 January 1931, 5 items).

A file relating to the Association of Secondary Schools in Ireland (ASTI) and correspondence with the Society of Jesus in relation to the secondary schools under their direction. Includes letters relating to the dismissal of lay teachers, the employment of lay teachers in Jesuit schools and the salaries of lay teachers, list of lay teachers at Clongowes Wood College SJ and salary (1941)

Letter from Fr Jerome Mahony SJ, St Mary's, Emo, Portarlington, County Laois to Irish Fr Provincial John R. MacMahon SJ concerning two mantlepieces and two pairs of mahogany double doors in storage at Emo. Seeks permission to sell these items.

A file relating to correspondence of bequests made to Irish Fr Provincial regarding the Hong Kong and China missions.

• Perpetual burse in memory of Fr WM. Doyle SJ in the new seminary in Hong Kong (1936);
• Perpetual burse in memory of Fr Walsh SJ in Hong Kong (1936);
• Memorial burse in memory of Fr Fegan SJ in China (1936);
• List of burse money for the education of Chinese Jesuits (13 September 1940);
• Statement of accounts for quarter the Ricci Mission Unit (1 July - 30 September 1943).