Letter from Fr. Edwin Fitzgibbon to Fr. Sylvester Mulligan

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St. Bonaventure's Cork. Ireland. February 24th 1928. My dear Father Sylvester. I got your letter of the 16th inst. on Wednesday last, and immediately called the Definitors together. I herewith enclose their reply re Houses in the East. If we could get New Jersey and Minnesota, and, if possible Chicago we would be satisfied. I know you will do your best. I know your position is difficult. Re Abbottstown, if we got a good foundation in the East we would give it up. Fr. Brendan wants us to give up Springrove, as Mr. Kelly is leaving. Nothing however will be done until we know the final result of our petition. There is another little matter I would call your attention to. You remember we made a request that the Superiors of our Houses in America where there are three priests including the Superior, would be allowed to go to the Provincial Chapter. There might be certain objections to that course. (1) It is conceivable that where there are only two Fathers they may be a request for a third priest, even though there is no need for one, so that the Superior may have a vote. (2) If all our Houses in America were to become Hospices in that way there would be a dozen or more coming to the Chapter every three years. (3). The Provincial would be considerably hampered in dealing with the Fathers in America, e.g., if he found it necessary to change a man, the Superior would lose his right to vote, and a Superior could not be changed except on canonical grounds. In a growing place like Western America the Superiors at home should have very large powers. Now, the alternatives to the proposals put forward already : First, combine the houses in the State of Oregon, and let them elect one man. The same could be done in the State of California. And finally, Lincoln and Abbottstown and any other house we may get East of Lincoln could do the same. So there would be three delegates or Discreets from our American Houses. Or, Secondly, each Father in America could have a vote for three or four Discreets. This would be making all the Houses in America into one constituency. I mentioned these matters to the Definitors, and they asked me to submit them to you for your guidance. I hope they will be of some use. Father Pacificus has made no move about seeking secularisation, though he has told me he would not remain in the Order. Would you advise me what I am to do in this matter. I hope you are keeping well. All in the old Province are as usual. All good wishes. Fraternally yours in Christ, F. Edwin O. S. H.