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Documents relating to the celebration of Mission Sunday in Jesuit churches and houses.

A file relating to the abandonment of a procession that was due to take place to celebrate St Patrick's day in Galway. The decision was made to abandon the procession after it became apparent that the IRA had been invited to take part. Includes a lengthy letter from Fr John Joy SJ, St Ignatius College, Galway to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning the situation. Remarks that Fr O'Farrell, SJ, as President of the Gaelic League, was invited to be Chief Marshal and became very upset when he discovered that the IRA were to take part. Remarks that he (Fr Joy) had an interview with the Bishop who was very angry. Explains how it was decided to abandon the procession (13 March 1933, 12pp).

Agenda for a conference on Jesuit Colleges held in St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street.

A file relating to an article by Fr Arthur Little SJ rejected by the censors. Includes a letter from Fr Arthur Little SJ, St Stanislaus College, Tullamore, County Offaly to Irish Fr Provincial stating that he wishes the article to be sent for censorship to Rome ‘I have no desire to get anyone into trouble so I shall only communicate with the English Assistant. If he upholds the censors having read their remarks I can only apologise for taking badly what turns out to be a fair verdict.’ (4 September 1938, 3pp).

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)

Copy case for counsel to advise on a bequest made by Margaret Doyle to the Bishop of Limerick and Superior of Mungret College, Limerick for the establishment of a bursary for the education of students from St Joseph's Young Priests Society as Roman Catholic Priests for the foreign missions.

Material relating to Br Jimmy Owens SJ including correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, personal record, and application to join the Society.

Photograph of Fr Cyril Power SJ, Br Jimmy Owens SJ and Marcella (Smith) Hargrove outside the castle at Clongowes Wood College SJ, County Kildare (June 1967). With note from Fr Charlie Davy SJ (12 February 2019).

File relating to the admission of Patrick Guidera to the the Society and his Jesuit life in particular his work at the Jesuit house at Tullabeg. Includes copy of his ‘The Story of My Life’ (199, Cherryfield Press, 80pp) with illustrations from the Fr Frank Browne Collection.

A file relating to the Burses founded in the Apostolic School, Mungret College. Includes documents relating to the Harriett McDonnell Burse (11 August 1918 - 11 April 1933, 21 items). Includes a deed for establishing Free Burses (18 December 1883, 3pp), prospectus and typed notes by Fr John Guiney SJ (Province Treasurer).

Memoranda, notes and letters to the Irish Fr Provincial describing the types of charitable work performed by various sections of the Irish Jesuit community, in response to letters regarding the organisation of an exhibition associated with the 34th International Eucharistic Congress. Includes reports from St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street; Milltown Park; Rathfarnham Castle; Belvedere College (includes information on the Belvedere Newsboys’ Club); Clongowes Wood College; St Ignatius’ College, Galway; the St Vincent de Paul Night Shelter in Back Lane and pastoral work of Jesuits at the Royal Hospital for Incurables, Donnybrook, Dublin. Includes Irish Fr Provincial’s copy covering letter and report on ‘the charitable works for the poor and distressed undertaken by the Fathers of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, for…(the)…International Exhibition of Charity.’

Circular from the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith concerning the manner and approach of religious to teaching.

Circular letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ (Gardiner Street) to Fr Rector concerning Fr General's wish that scholastic philosophy be introduced into Jesuit secondary schools. Remarks that a committee was formed to discuss the matter. Concludes 'Hence I wish all our college Rectors when opportunity offers to suggest and if possible urge the introduction of scholastic philosophy as an alternative subject for the L.C. examination…'

Copy of a circular letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence J. Kieran SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to members of the Irish Province concerning the booklet compiled to aid scholastics about to begin their Magisterium. Asks for comments on the booklet under different headings.

A file relating to the controversy surrounding the Apostolic and Lay Schools, Mungret College and the separation of the two schools following intervention by the Bishop of Limerick and a Decree of Propaganda. Includes correspondence relating to the valuation of the property and the question of the ownership of the Mungret property. Includes a certificate of valuation (25 June 1921, 7pp) and various financial accounts. Includes a ground floor plan and front elevation of Mungret College. Finally, in 1928 a further session of the Sacred Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith decided the transference of the Lay School should not be insisted on but that the two schools should be administered separately (21 April 1928, 1p). Includes letters from Michael Curly, Archbishop of Baltimore offering his support to Mungret College. Refers also to the 'Mungret Case' (23 August 1928; 22 December 1928 - 4 February 1932, 5 items) and photographs of Cardinal's visit to Mungret, 1928 (2 items)

Copies of correspondence from Irish Fr Provincial to Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ on finance and studies. Includes:

• Copy letter from Irish Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ to the Fr George Roche SJ, Rector Clongowes Wood College SJ, regarding Fr General Wlodimir Ledóchowski SJ's response to financial questions regarding Clongowes, 5 November 1932 (2pp);
• Copy letter from Irish Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ to the Rector, Fr Fergal McGrath SJ, Clongowes Wood College SJ, regarding customs at recreation at Clongowes Wood College SJ, 28 August 1934 (2pp);
• Memorandum from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ to Fr Fergal McGrath SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ, "Memorandum on the Studies. Clongowes Wood College 1935", with particular reference to the Conspectus, grading of classes and a particular note on Religious Knowledge, 13 June 1935 (1p);
• Copy of personal letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ to the Fr Fergal McGrath SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ, concerning current academic and living practices of the community and students at Clongowes, and the impact this may be having on the Province as a whole, 23 June 1940, (4pp) - accompanying this letter is a document on finances for communication to the House Consultors, "Memorandum On the Financial Condition of Clongowes", June 1940 (3pp).

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Edward Dillon SJ (Rector), Mungret College concerning complaints about the administration of Mungret made by the Rector to Fr Provincial. Asks Fr Rector to put his complaints in point form.

File of correspondence between Fr Brian Kelly SJ and his Irish Provincials.

File of correspondence between Fr Charles Daly SJ and his Irish Provincials.

A file of correspondence between Fr Eddie Bourke SJ, Wah Yan College, Hong Kong and Bishop Valtorta concerning the issuing of an order that the Irish Jesuit Fathers are to wear a soutane in public. Fr Bourke's letters urge the Bishop to reconsider. Outlines his reasons for this request (1946). Question already arose in 1935.

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

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

Correspondence between Fr J. O'Leary PP, Dunmanway, Cork and Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning a donation from Fr O'Leary for the Chinese mission.

Correspondence between Fr Leonard Sheil SJ and Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning the relationship between the Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Legion of Mary.

Correspondence between Fr Leonard Sheil SJ and Irish Fr Provincial Laurence J. Kieran SJ on the content of Fr Sheil’s mission sermons. Includes:
– censors’ judgements on the manuscript of a sermon on ‘Sin’ by Fr Sheil (Jun 1936, 2 items); copy of summary of censors’ judgements (n.d., 2pp) and letter from Fr Sheil to the Irish Fr Provincial after receiving the censors’ reviews (24 June 1936, 2pp);
– letter from Fr Sheil in which he explains his delay in sending the Irish Fr Provincial the texts of his sermons, ‘My delay, and indeed serious negligence, has not been due, I think, to wilful disobedience, or to the opinion that they did not need censoring, but to this. I have eight fully written sermons in my drawer at present, but my dissatisfaction with them has caused me to cross out and amend lines and pages, so that none of them are yet in fit condition to send.…also…between missions my head is so tired that I am loathe to work.’ Also refers to the Sodality and the Legion of Mary (see J16/3) (12 Oct. 1936, 2pp);
– copy letter to Fr Sheil from the Irish Fr Provincial calling attention to Fr Sheil’s ‘want of prudence and discretion’ and warning him that if he continues ‘on present lines’ he may be ‘removed from the mission staff and given work in a College. With a view to rendering such a change unnecessary I forbid you in future to speak in the pulpit on questions of sex or, on general, matters relating to the VI commandment, without having first submitted your MS to the Socius for censorship. I wish also that you give up mentioning in public estimates or conjectures regarding the number of Irish emigrants who lose the faith or give up its practice’ (24 Jan. 1938, 2pp);
– note from Fr Sheil to the Irish Fr Provincial in which he lists the topics of his sermons that have been passed by the censor (12 Mar. 1940, 3pp);
– letter from Fr Tom Counihan SJ to ‘Fr. John’ in which he refers to Fr Sheil’s sermons, ‘You should have heard his sermons on sin, temptation, holyhour, family life & Holy Communion to feel utterly ashamed of the twaddle neither here nor there (sic.) No Scripture, no sound reasoning & abundance of crudity & naked realism…It is very unfortunate & I am not at all comfortable when I have to hand over an out-church to his tender mercies!’ (15 May 1940, 2pp) and
– copy letter from the Irish Fr Provincial to Fr Sheil in which he states, ‘I have been regretfully obliged to change you from the mission staff, and it is only fair that you should know the reason of this change. From information I have received from many different quarters it seems clear that you are greatly lacking in prudence in the things you say; and I cannot help thinking that if you were allowed to continue working as a missioner you would land both yourself and the Society into serious trouble…you allow your zeal to get the better of you with the result that you act contrary not only to the advice of your colleagues but also to that of your Superiors. I am afraid also that your knowledge of theology is very much wanting in accuracy…As to your work in Galway in the coming year, I must forbid you to preach anything in the Church without first having shown the MS to Fr Rector…’ (30 Jul. 1940, 2pp).

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.

Correspondence between the Air Ministry and Chaplains Branch,R.A.F. H.Q., Northern Ireland, mainly from Monsignor H. Beauchamp, (Principal Chaplain (R.C.) R.A.F.) and the Irish Fr Provincial (Laurence J. Kieran SJ, then from 8 September 1941, John MacMahon SJ) concerning the R.A.F.’s request for Catholic chaplains; Fr Tony MacSeumais’ acceptance of a post with the R.A.F. in July 1943 and Fr Joseph McSweeney’s acceptance in 1945. Includes;

• Letter from Mgr. Beauchamp to Fr MacMahon: ‘You are probably aware that I am very short of chaplains in the Royal Air Force. At many Stations there are as many as 300 young airmen who…have no chaplain to prepare them for their great ordeals…You probably know as well as I do the temptations that young Priests in the Services, particularly in the Royal Air Force come up against, hence you will know the special type of man that is wanted’ (12 March 1942, 1p.)
• Letter from G.J. Corboy, Senior Chaplain (R.C.), R.A.F. H.Q., Northern Ireland to Fr MacMahon: ‘I met Father Sweeney (sic) last week, when I was down, and I am very grateful to you for the offer of his services, as a R.A.F. Chaplain’ (30 April 1945, 1p.).

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.

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and successive editors of the 'Irish Monthly'. Includes: letters, memoranda and notes relating to deliberations on the future of the magazine in November 1932, discussions on the terms upon which the management of the 'Irish Monthly' could be changed and letters concerning the controversy caused by an article entitled ‘The Papal Encyclicals and the Banking Commission’ by Fr Edward Coyne SJ in which Fr Coyne was said by Mr Peter O'Loghlen, T.D. to have made ‘gravely misleading and damaging’ comments with reference to Mr O'Loghlen’s Report as a member of the Banking Commission.

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and various Jesuits concerning proposals by two English Jesuits, Fr Frederick Wilcock and Fr Ryder, to visit Ireland in order to lecture and collect money for the Jesuit Mission in Estonia and a school for Russian boys in Shanghai. Irish Fr Provincial opposes both proposals.

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).

Correspondence on retreats (and missions) to priests, nuns and the laity. Includes correspondence concerning the drafting, by Irish Fr Provincial, of a confidential circular concerning the ‘principles which were to direct Ours when treating, whether in missions or retreats, the 6th & 9th Commandments. I judged…direction necessary because complaints had been made to me that some of Ours had said rather gross things in the pulpit, and because there seemed to be a want of uniformity amongst our preachers and confessors in their manner of treating this difficult subject.’ (See also ADMN/3/11)

Correspondence between the Irish Fr Provincial and various Jesuits regarding an incident which took place at the graveyard in Bodenstown, County Kildare during a Republican procession from Sallins to the grave of Wolf Tone, in which Fr Daniel Fitzgibbon SJ played a prominent role in preventing an outbreak of violence.

Correspondence regarding the Tontine buildings, the proposed purchase of the Tontine buildings from the Marquise de Fontanelle, and in relation to the rent paid to the latter. Includes letters to and from the Jesuits, the Marquise, as well and solicitors for both parties. Also includes notes setting out the details of the situation.

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).

Correspondence with Dr John Charles McQuaid, Archbishop of Dublin (mainly holograph letters from the Archbishop and copies of Irish Fr Provincial’s replies) on various matters. Includes letters concerning :

• information for the Commission established to ‘investigate and report upon the existence and title of all collections for pious purposes in the Diocese of Dublin’;
• the supply of Altar wine to the Society;
• the appointment of Fr Thomas Counihan SJ to the Commission on Youth Unemployment;
• his request ‘not to use candles at the end of Retreats and Missions during the present war-circumstances’;
• the death of various Jesuits including Frs [Thomas Counihan], Michael Kirwan, James Tomkin, Laurence J. Kieran (former Provincial) and Vincent Byrne;
• circular comprising the decisions of the 1942 October Meeting of the Hierarchy;
• 1944 Decree concerning the education of Catholics in non-Catholic Schools, Colleges or Universities of the Dublin Diocese (See also ADMN/3/38);
• the proposed visit of Fr Adelard Dugré SJ, ‘formerly an Assistant of our late Father General and now an Assistant of our Father Vicar General’ to Ireland and his appointment with the Archbishop;
• the granting of diocesan faculties to various Jesuits and the results of diocesan examinations;
• the ‘Solemn Votive mass’ to be celebrated in the Pro-Cathedral on 25 June 1945 on the occasion of the Inauguration of the President, Seán T. Ó Ceallaigh (See also ADMN/3/59 and 76);
• copies of letters concerning the Archbishop’s instructions as to the ‘attitude to be adopted in regard to the strike declared by the Central Executive Committee of the Irish National Teachers’ Organization’ and the restoration of ‘normal conditions’ in the schools following the Teachers’ Strike;
• the collection by secondary schools of used clothing ‘for the very destitute young people of Europe, especially the Catholics of Hungary’;
• the answers of the Milltown Theological Faculty to certain questions posed ‘concerning the question of defining as a dogma of the Faith the doctrine that the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed bodily into Heaven’;
• statistical reports on the Society in Ireland required for the ‘Relatio Status’ of the Archbishop to the Holy See and for the Annuario Pontificio;
• the appointment of Fr Thomas Counihan SJ to conduct the Thirty Days’ Exercises at Holy Cross College, Clonliffe in October 1947 and September 1948;
• proposals to purchase Churchtown House, Dundrum for use as a secondary school and the alternative plan to build a school on grounds adjoining Milltown Park (See also 1950s correspondence with Archbishop McQuaid);
• the institution of the ‘Tribunal for the Ordinary Informative Process in the Cause of the Beatification and Canonisation of the Servant of God, John Sullivan, Priest of your Society’ (24 October 1947, 1p.) (See also ADMN/3/24; 48 and 49);
• the purchase of Baymount Castle, Dollymount for use as a Retreat House (Manresa House) (See also ADMN/3/6 and 74) and
• letter of condolence following the fire at Milltown Park in 1949 (11 February 1949, 1p.).

Correspondence, mainly between Irish Fr Provincial and the Director of the Irish Free State Broadcasting Station (2RN), relating to the broadcast of Christmas Mass from Milltown Park in 1936 and the Lenten Lectures from St Francis Xavier’s Church, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin in 1937. Also discusses the participation of Jesuit scholastics in the preparation of a special broadcast to be aired following the death of His Holiness Pope Pius XI (Pius XI died on 10 February 1939).

File of letters and copy of letters related to the postponement of the Penny Dinners in Galway at Columban Hall and its eventual re-establishment. Correspondence between Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kiernan SJ, Fr John MacSheahan SJ, Rector, St Ignatius Church, Galway and Thomas O'Doherty, Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, relating to Bishop O'Doherty’s pastoral letter in which he indirectly refers to the Penny Dinners and the Jesuits, when he condemns dances organised in aid of Penny Dinners by non – Jesuits, ‘I have the strongest possible objection to the means of raising money employed last January…who can control the evils perpetuated in motor cars' (6 April 1926). Includes correspondence between Fr John MacSheahan SJ, Rector, St Ignatius Church, Galway and M. O. Lainn, Clerk, Galway Urban District Council, relating to the re-establishment of Penny Dinners.

A file relating to Irish Fr Provincial's Laurence Kieran SJ, decision to postpone Fr Joseph Hurley's last vows.

Material on Stanislaus Zawada who departed the Society of Jesus, as a scholastic.

Documents and letters relating to Fr John Hayes’ career before becoming a military chaplain. Includes:

• Letter of John Hayes to the Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ in reply to Fr Fahy’s instructions that Mr Hayes goes to Tullabeg (Novitiate), County Offaly on 1st September (Fr Hayes entered the Society on 1 September 1925) (5 August 1925, 1p);
• John Hayes’ confidential medical report, prepared by Dr M.S. McGrath for the Provincial (25 June 1925, 1p)
• ‘Informatio de Candidato’ – reports on John Hayes by five Jesuits for the Provincial (n.d., 5 items);
• Letter from Mr John Hayes SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ regarding his application to go on the Mission in Alaska (6 August 1932, 1p) and
• Copy letter to Mr John Hayes SJ from the Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ relating to ‘two faults…(that)…have been mentioned in the Informationes taken recently concerning you to which I must call your attention’ (26 July 1936, 1p);
• letter to Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ from Fr Louis Lachal SJ, Loyola, Watsonia, Victoria, Australia (20 February 1945, 2pp) enclosing 'a letter for Frank Hayes, John's brother'...'The news of John's death was a big knock to those of us out here who knew him well'. Mentions Fr Victor Turner SJ in POW camp, Tokyo.
  See also CHP2/35 (43);CHP2/35 (44) and CHP2/31
• Dog collar identification for Rev. John Hayes C.F. RC, 199879. See CHP2/18

Documents relating to the 1933 Provincial Congregation.

Documents relating to the 1938 Provincial Congregation.

A file relating to the establishment of a summer school of Irish for Jesuits and discussions concerning where the summer school should be located.

A file relating to Fr Peter M Troddyn SJ. Includes correspondence concerning his appointment as acting editor of 'Studies' following advice to Fr Roland Burke Savage SJ from his doctor to be relieved of this position (20 - 22 December 1967, 2 items). Includes correspondence concerning the publication of a manuscript by Fr Francis Finegan SJ 'The Jesuits in Ireland 1598-1773 (17 December 1973-13 December 1974, 6 items, and 6-15 March 1976, 3 items), correspondence concerning a memorial fund in honour of Dan Chambers, and ex pupil of Mungret who died in a car accident (December 1977 - 16 January 1978, 4 items). Including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials, memorial card and catalogue entries.

File containing ordination papers, biographical material and some letters relating to Fr Brian J Cullen SJ.

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.

File containing Henry Lawlor's admission papers; correspondence relating parish work in England and ‘The Eucharistic Crusade’; newspaper cuttings relating to stance on television censorship.

File containing Jack Smyth's admission papers and brief correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials concerning work at St Francis Xavier’s Church, Upper Gardiner Street, the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Crescent, Limerick and as Assistant Director of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association.

A file relating to Fr James G Tormey SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and catalogue entries.

File of correspondence between Fr Joseph Carlin SJ and his Irish Provincials covering his admission and ordination to the Society of Jesus, his time as a teacher at Belvedere College and his work from 1959-1988 in the Jesuit provinces of California, New Orleans and Missouri, United States of America.

Material relating to Kyran Fitzgerald's admission to the Society; his final illness and some subsequent correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials.

Catalogue entry, death certificate and obituary for Fr Laurence J Kieran SJ.

Material relating to Fr Paul O'Flanagan SJ including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and catalogue entries.

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

File relating to Fr William Saul SJ, including application to join the Society, correspondence with Irish Fr Provincials and catalogue entries,

A file relating to Francis Shaw's health and a doctor's report on his health while studying in Valkenburg.

Historia Domus (House history) and Litterae Annuae (Annual letters) for Rathfarnham Castle. References to seismograph, a plane (Royal Flying Corps, Tallaght) crash landing on the boundary with the golf course [1916]. List results and prizes gained by Jesuits studying at University College Dublin (1913 - 1922).

A file of letters from Fr Laurence Kieran SJ, Clongowes Wood College SJ to Irish Frs Provincial Thomas Nolan SJ (to Februrary 1922) and John Fahy SJ (from February 1922).
These letters are written by Fr Kieran to the Irish Fr Provincial on a variety of matters concerning the community and college, often about the behaviour of the students, and some practical matters, such as the implications of a lack of coal supply. Fr Kieran was at the time the Prefect of Studies and also a House Consultor. Most are the regular bi-annual letters written to Fr Provincial by House Consultors in each community. Some of these were written at the behest of Fr Charles Mulcahy SJ, Rector of Clongowes Wood College SJ (1919-1922) and Fr John Joy SJ (1922 ff).

Irish Jesuit Mission bequest from John Harrington.

Irish Jesuit Mission bequest from Patrick Hedigan.

Letter book containing copies of letters and cables sent to the Hong Kong Mission by the Irish Province.

Letter from Br Philip G Sullivan SJ, Borgo S. Spirito, Rome to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning Mgr. Gee Piu's visit to Rome and Ireland.

Letter from Dr Harold Quinlan, 43 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin to Fr Laurence Kieran SJ concerning Fr Francis Shaw's health and his recent examination of Fr Shaw.

Letter from Fr Cyril Power SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning a visit made by Fr Cahill to Cork where he delivered a series of lectures. Remarks 'Regarding the matter of Fr Cahill's lectures I am in complete agreement with your Reverence's views - no later than today complaints were made to me regarding what he said...I think he should only be allowed to speak from Mss which has first been censored.'

Letter from Fr John J. Coyne SJ, St Mary's, Emo to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the order of time in the novitiate, St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Fr John J. Coyne SJ, St Mary's, Emo to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the teaching of Irish in the novitiate, St Mary's, Emo.

Letter from Fr John Ryan SJ, 35 Lower Leeson Street to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning a discussion with Dr Quinlan about Fr Francis Shaw's health and a decision that Fr Shaw should go to Bonn for his studies.

Letter from Fr Laurence Kieran, SJ, St Ignatius College, Galway to Irish Fr Provincial concerning staff in the college.

Letter from Fr Michael Kelly SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence J Kieran SJ concerning the time Fr Joseph Hurley SJ rises in the morning.

Letter from Fr Patrick J. Connolly SJ, Editor, 'Studies', 35 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning the accounts of the publication and the possibilities of producing a commemorative issue for the fourth centenary of the foundation of the Society of Jesus.

Letter from Fr Patrick J. Connolly SJ, Editor, 'Studies', 35 Lower Leeson Street, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning the rising costs in producing the publication 'Studies'. Suggests various proposals regarding Studies including changing its publication to every two months and amalgamating 'Studies' and the 'Irish Monthly'.

Letter from Fr Rupert Coyle SJ, Belvedere College, Dublin to Irish Fr Provincial explaining the requirements for matriculation.

Copy letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ to Fr Hurley concerning the change of Fr Joseph Hurley's status from Clongowes to Tullabeg. Includes a reply from Fr Hurley.

Two circulars from Irish Fr Provincial L.J. Kieran SJ relating to a letter from Fr General, ‘On the combating of modern Atheism’ and how the Jesuit community in Ireland should assist special celebrations being held in Lourdes in 1935.

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ to Fr Charles Mulcahy SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College expressing Fr General Wlodimir Ledóchowski's concern over BVM Sodality at Clongowes Wood College SJ, and he references in particular the "Social" obligations, citing examples such as a St Vincent de Paul Society.

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr Edward Dillon SJ (Rector), Mungret College concerning difficulties that have arisen since Fr Dillon took over as Rector. Remarks that Fr General has written to him on the matter.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ , St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Fr John MacErlean SJ appointing him (on behalf of Fr General) to investigate and repel attacks made against the Society in the Irish Province.

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ, St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Rector, Fr Edward Dillon SJ concerning the purchase of additional farm land adjacent to Mungret.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ St Francis Xavier's, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin to Rector [St Mary's, Emo] concerning books needed by the Australian Province for five scholastics from Hong Kong. Refers also to a Scholastic who wishes now to be a Brother. Asks if the individual must do the Noviceship again. Includes a page with pencil notations.

Letter from Mr Francis Shaw, Belsize House, Mullingar, County Westmeath to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ reporting on his visit with Dr Quinlan and his advice for Shaw's future studies. Remarks that he has talked the matter over with Fr Ryan who advised convalescing for another month at home and to go to Tullabeg for another month to prepare for his examination in Philosophy and to then return to Bonn.

Letter from Patrick Walter Shaw (father of Fr Frank Shaw SJ), Belsize House, Mullingar to Fr Laurence Kieran SJ expressing his joy at his son's improved health. Remarks that the trip home will complete his recovery.

Letter from the Vicar Apostolic of Canton to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ regretting the forthcoming departure of the Jesuits withdrawal from Canton at the end of the academic year. Includes a copy of a reply from Fr Kieran SJ.

Letters and notes to the Irish Fr Provincial from various Jesuits (former Irish Fr Provincial Kieran) and others, including letters from A. Parisoth (H.Q. Northern Command, York), T.F. Duggan (H.Q. Northern Ireland District, Lisburn) and T.D. Roberts, Archbishop of Bombay. Includes references to chaplains Frs Thomas Martin SJ, Fergus Cronin SJ, Michael O'Meara SJ Michael Pelly SJ and John Hayes SJ, and doctor's bill for examining eight chaplains.

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

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

Letters and telegrams to Irish Fr Provincial Fr Laurence J. Kieran SJ (and from 8 September 1941, Fr John MacMahon SJ) from Monsignor J.M. Coghlan (Principal Chaplain (Roman Catholic) and Vicar General, British Army, War Office) and Fr Edward J. Warner SJ (Staff Chaplain to Mgr. Coghlan), seeking chaplains to serve in the forces and thanking Irish Fr Provincial for those he has offered.

A file of letters between Irish Frs Provincial Laurence Kieran and John R MacMahon and Clongowes Wood College SJ regarding communications with the Department of Defence. The mater being considered was one where the Deptartment of Defence sought to use Clongowes as a place for storage of equipment, and in the event of an emergency, that a part of it might be used as a hospital. The advice was that Clongowes should not invite the Department of defence in, but they might have no choice. Initial letters are between Fr Fergal McGrath SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ and Irish Fr Provincial L Kieran SJ as well as with Commandant PJ Delaney of the Department of Defence. Fr McGrath also sought the advice of his House Consultors, Fr William Dargan SJ, Henry King SJ and Cyril Power SJ. Subsequent letters were exchanged between Fr William Dargan SJ - who had been deputed to negotiate with the Ministers of Defence, Mr Oscar Traynor and Mr Francis Aiken, along with Irish Fr Provincial John R MacMahon SJ.

In the event of an "emergency", the Provincial had wanted that Jesuit community members from Milltown Park and Rathfarnham Castle might be accommodated at Clongowes, along with the local community, and remaining staff and students. This was eventually accepted by the Department of Defence, as only a small portion of the buildings would be required to function as a hospital.

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

Letters from Fr Charles Mulcahy SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ concerning community matters at Clongowes Wood College SJ. These letters include Fr Mulcahy informing or requesting assistance from Fr Nolan in the ordinary business and administration of the College and Community. They include health issues relating to members of the community, teachers and staff, as well as performance in examinations. There is also a letter discussing the expulsion of a pupil, Redmond O'Regan. In addition there is a personal letter regarding Mr Edward Coyne SJ, who was experiencing some difficulties at Rathfarnham Castle (Fr Mulcahy knew him well, having been his Novice Master).

A file of letters from Fr Fergal McGrath SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning community matters at Clongowes Wood College SJ:

• letter from Fr McGrath to Fr Kieran in response to make some economies in the community and College (16 October 1939, 2pp);
• letter from Fr McGrath to Fr Kieran raising a concern about externs who come to the early Mass at Clongowes, especially on Sundays. The matter had been raise by Fr Kehoe in Clane (11 March 1940, 3pp);
• letter from Fr Kieran to Fr McGrath replying to his letter of 11 March 1940, raising the question of externs at the early Mass in Clongowes.

A file of letters from Fr George Roche SJ, Clongowes Wood College SJ to Irish Fr Provincials. Includes:

• letter from Fr George Roche SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan raising the question about the necessity of having Greek for entry to the Society. He has two specific people in mind, Thomas Fleming and Frank O'Riordan, both of whom subsequently entered the novitiate on 31 August 1914. Fr Roche was Higher Line Prefect at this time (12 February 2014, 2pp);
• letter from Fr George Roche SJ to Irish Fr Provincial John Fahy SJ explaining why he presumed permission to spend money on a fire engine. Included with this letter was a testimony about the said fire engine. Fr Roche is Rector of Clongowes Wood College SJ at this time (13 May 1929, 5pp);
• letter from Fr George Roche SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning an issue of letters received from a James Mayne, which may be perceived as blackmail. Fr Roche is Rector of Clongowes Wood College SJ at this time. (22 April 1932, 4pp).
  Fr TV Nolan SJ - Provincial 1912-1922; Fr John Fahy SJ - Provincial 1922-1931; Fr Laurence Kieran SJ - Provincial 1931-1941

A file of letters from Fr Gerald L Kennedy SJ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his work in Hong Kong. Includes a letter concerning his voyage home. Remarks 'Just a line to tell you that Frs Fitzgerald, Gallagher and myself are ploughing our way through the Gulf of Aden on our way home after 3½ years of hunger and deprivation…' Discusses the other Jesuits still in Hong Kong (24 October 1945, 2pp).

A file of letters from Fr James Finucane SJ, Clongowes Wood College SJ to Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ concerning "Villa". Following the Clongowes community "Villa" in 1933, Fr Finucane writes some reflections on what he considered a lax approach to life while on vacation, and that some rules should be established more clearly. Attached to the second letter (21 July 1933) he proposes some rules to Irish Fr Provincial.

A file of letters from Fr John Fahy SJ (Vice-Provincial of the Vice-Province 19 March 1931-25 August 1939) to Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kieran SJ. Includes a letter referring to a visit to the Hong Kong Mission. Remarks 'Your men are doing glorious work there I had expected great things; the reality surpassed my expectations. That will become a first class mission.' (25 February 1937, 2pp). Includes a letter referring to plans for a retreat house and scholasticate at Sydney. Refers to the Archbishop of Perth and his desire for the Jesuit fathers to build a college in Perth. Remarks '...he wishes to get the Jesuits into his diocese. It does not seem to have occurred to him that the people of Perth would be expected to support any Jesuit Fathers who work there. So we exchange letters on this question of filthy lucre.' (1 April 1937, 2pp). Includes a letter expressing his thanks to Fr Kieran SJ for writing about the Australian Jesuits studying in Ireland. Remarks '...I am most grateful for your interest in them and your care of them. Other Provincials never write about our men: all we get is the bill and the exam results...' Refers to his own position as Provincial of the Vice-Province. Remarks 'Yes, our period of office is drawing to a close...I long for the day... Boys oh Boys, think of it: no more "relationes", no more triennial papers, no more elenchi, no more building, no more administratio temporalis, no more...peace perfect peace.' (21 April 1937, 2pp). Includes a letter referring to the proposed opening of a scholasticate in January 1938 (25 October 1938, 1p).

A file of letters from Fr Laurence Kieran SJ, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, County Kildare to Fr Richard Devane SJ concerning his campaign for cinema censorship. Encourages him and wishes him success.

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.

Letters from Irish Fr Provincial to Fr Edward Dillon SJ (Rector of the Lay School, Mungret College) and Fr Jeremiah Kelly SJ (Superior of the Apostolic School, Mungret College) urging them to establish a harmonious working relationship between the two schools.

Letters to the Irish Fr Provincial Laurence J. Kieran SJ from various Jesuits volunteering to become military chaplains following the outbreak of the Second World War. Includes letters from: Frs Michael J. Morrison SJ (See CHP2/29), Arthur Little SJ, Fr Edward J. Coyne SJ, Joseph Garland SJ, Thomas Shuley SJ, Richard Kennedy SJ (See CHP2/23), Leonard Sheil SJ, James McCann SJ and Michael Pelly SJ (See CHP2/33).

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

Letters to Fr Vincent Byrne SJ from various individuals including: note from Fr Kenny SJ, Clongowes Wood College, with instructions regarding a Mungret College villa (holiday) (June 1893, 2 items) and letter from Irish Fr Provincial Laurence Kiernan SJ congratulating Fr Byrne on the occasion of his being seventy-five years in the Society of Jesus (2 items).