18 - Letter from Fr. James O’Mahony

18

Letter from Fr. James O’Mahony

2 pp; typescript

Letter from Fr. James O’Mahony OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, to Fr. Clement Neubauer OFM Cap., Minister General, referring to institutional growth, administrative friction, and the development of the American missions. He highlights the historical contrasts between the missionary strategies of the English Friars and the Irish Friars, specifically highlighting work in Mendocino County. Reference is made to an application from ‘Father Walter [Molek]’ and a refutation of his ‘many charges’ is given. Father O’Mahony defends the American Custody, noting that a vast majority of its members have already taken out citizenship papers or are in the process of doing so. He mentions a specific incident where a man reportedly took out the ‘Capuchin Annual’ on an Independence Day and publicly burned it, framing it as a gross libel against the character of the friars. He also explains that St. Francis High School was primarily opened for aspirants to the Order and secondarily for Catholic day-boys. He outlines the initial staff composition: three priests, one Brother, two lay-teachers (specializing in Science and Mathematics), and one visiting priest.

ISAD(G) 2nd edition