Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon

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Franciscan Capuchin Friary Box 38 Watts. Cal. 12/18/23. ***** My dear Fr. Pro, Your very paternal and welcome letter of the 20th Ult arrived a couple of days ago, and I am very grateful for all the kind feelings therein expressed. I have already sent you the Yuletide greetings of the Friars in the States. I have been away in Sacramento for the past three weeks, and could not attend to large account sent by the Definitory. I should like very much to know how I am to assess the different houses to defray same. All told it amounts to $2000. If Roseburg has to pay its amount, which is $400, I dont see how it can do so, considering its poor income, and besides Fr. Bernard had to give a couple of hundred dollars to Raymond when he was leaving, and other Fathers expense also. Bend is liable for $400 also, as well as Abbottstown and Watts. Kindly say if this arrangement will be in accordance with your wishes, and I shall have it carried out. I called to pay my respects to the Bishop yesterday and he was away. so I could'nt mention about Santa Inez, but I will do so as soon as I meet him. Regarding the sending out of Frs. Reginald and Pacificus as well as Finbarr, all will get plenty of work here, if only to keep house whilst the other Fathers are out on supply or giving Missions. Thomas and Berchmans are coming to Watts for Xmas, and are helping out at the Churches here. We have a large number of supplies at this time as a rule. As to the Minimum Outfit for the Fathers coming out, a single suit of Clothes and underwear is quite ample, for they cannot wear heavy things here, and can procure any extras when they come out. To let young Fathers go to a Store and buy what they wish is as you know unheard of. If arrangements were made in the last regime that the American Houses should defray such expenses I never heard of it, neither have the Fathers here. I saw the Archbishop in San Francisco on my way back here last week and reminded him of his promise re our Foundation. He again assured me of his trying to fix on some place in the Bay City, which I am convinced will be a fact during the coming year. Our School is fast approaching completion, also the Ukiah new Church. I am not yet in possession of that big sum towards our School. Please God I will be some time. The Fathers here are very well, also Brendan who left for Abbottstown this morning. I enclose letters sent me by the young Father to whom I gave an Obedience for Roseburg, an explanation of the non-carrying out of which is therein given. I asked him to give me a full account of same. I would suggest that you specify exactly in their Obedience when they should arrive in Abbottstown, and then I will communicate with them there. I talked with Brendan about the English Fathers, and had told him much the same as what you have since stated to him yourself. He wrote to you rather hurriedly. They will be alright there. Sorry to hear of Fidelis, but I am sure Paul will be alright again. I enclose also a cutti…