6 - Letter from Fr. Jarlath Gough

6

Letter from Fr. Jarlath Gough

2 pp; typescript

Letter from Fr. Jarlath Gough OFM Cap. to Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, regarding his pending request to return to Ireland. He strongly advises against retaining Mission Santa Inés describing it as a ‘partial ruin deteriorating more and more every day’ that lacks adequate financial support. The roof and other structures are in desperate need of repair, with estimated restoration costs exceeding $12,000, while their ordinary income is barely enough to cover basic daily necessities. Furthermore, a recent pageant intended to raise funds resulted in a meagre profit of only $36 for the Mission after expenses. Father Jarlath argues that the historical mission is an economic burden rather than an asset to the Catholic Church, noting that modern state infrastructure bypasses them and that they primarily serve as picturesque ruins for tourists. He criticizes past suggestions to construct a new dwelling house on the property, highlighting that the Order does not own the surrounding land and would be forced to take on massive debts. Ultimately, he recommends that the Order rid itself of the property as soon as possible, suggesting that the Bishop of Los Angeles would gladly relieve them of the burden if requested.

ISAD(G) 2nd edition