Item 1 - English translation of a letter by Archbishop Oliver Plunkett to Fr Oliva, General of the Society of Jesus

English translation of a letter written on 30 January 1673 by Archbishop Oliver Plunkett to Fr Giovanni Oliva SJ, General of the Society of Jesus, informing him of his appointment of Father Stephen Rice (1625-1699), a Jesuit, ‘a person of profound religion…(and)…great prudence – unwearied in suffering, most assiduous in working in the vineyard of the Lord’ to work in ‘the pulpit & Schools of Armagh.’ (Fr Rice was made Superior of the Mission in 1672). Also discusses the state of the Society in Ireland, ‘I see that it is in a most desperate condition here, I see to my great sorrow that it will not last long in Ireland if there is not a better way to train and receive novices and to punish the wild & disobedient…If you, Rev. Father, who are so full of zeal to preserve & propagate the Faith in heretic countries & for the great love you always had for this unfortunate nation, will not lend a hand to Save the S.J. in Ireland I fear it will not have the Success that I wish it.’ (The original version forms part of MSS B 33)