5 - Correspondence of Fr. Brendan O’Callaghan

5

Correspondence of Fr. Brendan O’Callaghan

13 items; manuscript and typescript

The subseries comprises a small collection of the correspondence of Fr. Brendan O’Callaghan OFM Cap. (1880-1952), an Irish Capuchin missionary in the United States.

Key Themes

Establishment of St. Patrick’s Friary: A major focus of his papers is the founding of St. Patrick’s Friary in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1935. His letters detail the logistical and financial hurdles of this project, including building contracts and the friary's role as a primary centre for training and educating new friars.

Jurisdictional Conflicts: His correspondence frequently addresses the intense territorial disputes with the Pittsburgh Capuchin Province, which initially opposed the Irish friars’ expansion into Maryland and Delaware.

Support from the Hierarchy: The subseries includes references to Archbishop Michael J. Curley of Baltimore, who supported the Irish friars’ right to establish missionary houses in his diocese despite internal opposition from within the Capuchin Order.

ISAD(G) 2nd edition