Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon
Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to the latter’s recent visit to the United States. He also affirms that a new school in Watts has opened. He writes ‘We opened with 160 children, and these are all white children, only a few Mexicans so far, and only one semi-coloured, with a few non-Catholics. We have over 22 in the first and second Grades, quite a branch in our classroom. The Sisters are very fine, very like Irish Sisters, and al
Details
- Level of description
- Item
- Date
- 19 Sept. 1924
- Reference
- 17
- Extent and medium
- 2 pp; typescript
- Scope and content
- Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon OFM Cap. to Fr. Peter Bowe OFM Cap., Provincial Minister, referring to the latter’s recent visit to the United States. He also affirms that a new school in Watts has opened. He writes ‘We opened with 160 children, and these are all white children, only a few Mexicans so far, and only one semi-coloured, with a few non-Catholics. We have over 22 in the first and second Grades, quite a branch in our classroom. The Sisters are very fine, very like Irish Sisters, and all Americans’. Father Fenelon mentions that he is ‘knee deep’ in work and is preparing to leave for Sacramento and Grass Valley to lead a Mission before taking a much-needed break. He also suggests that he has heard ‘nothing since of Mendocino or Santa Inez’, suggesting some ongoing uncertainty regarding future Capuchin Franciscan foundations or properties.
- Repository
- Irish Capuchin Archives
- Context
- Irish Capuchin Archives > Papers of the Irish Capuchin Mission in the United States > Missionary Correspondence > Correspondence of Fr. Joseph Fenelon
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- Copyright held by the respective institution. Contact the archive for reproduction permissions.
Related Items
Extracted Mentions
People, places, and terms identified via handwriting recognition and named entity recognition.
Sample passages
- Watts, California
- Your presence with us in Watts, was an inspiration and a great help, and if we did anything to make the time pleasant for you, it was, first of all our duty, and secondly our great…
- I am delighted to know that you had such a very pleasant trip back East, and that you found things in pretty good trim in Lincoln. Ever since you left I have my coat off at the wor…
Full Transcript (OCR, 1 pages)
Machine-generated OCR transcript. Handwritten material may contain recognition errors.
Page 1
J. M. J. F. Transiscan Capuchin Hydro Box 38 Watts, California September 18th. 19 24 ***** My dear Fr. Provincial/ Your kind and welcome letter just received. I am delighted to know that you had such a very pleasant trip back East, and that you found things in pretty good trim in Lincoln. Ever since you left I have my coat off at the work here, which, thank God, is in full swing now. We opened on the 15th Inst. as we had not all preparations made for the 8th, as regards Registrations and Books. We opened with 160 children, and these are all white children, only a few Mexicans so far, and only one semicoloured, with a few non-catholics. We have over 73 in the first and second Grades, quite a bunch in one Classroom. The Sisters are very fine, very like Irish Sisters, and all Americans. I enclose a snap I took of them as they marched to the 8 0' clock Mass, on the opening morning. We have Mass daily now at 8 0' clock for the children. The Sisters are delighted with their Home and the good attendance even at the start of the children. So I am very happy now that our work, thanks to God, has well begun. I am, however, yet in travail, until I return from Sacramento, where I set out for, on Saturday evening, having to give a Mission in Grass Valley, before I get back. Your presence with us in Watts, was an inspiration and a great help, and if we did anything to make the time pleasant for you, it was, first of all our duty, and secondly our great pleasure. All the Fathers are well, and are working hard, getting up the Census at present. I wish you every health and happiness and safety on your homeward journey, and be assured that we have all profitted of your genial presence in our midst, and with our new undertakings of Mendocino and Santa Inez, your Visitation has marked an J. M. J. F. Transiscan Capuchin Hydro Box 38 Watts, California epoch in the life of our American Province. I have heard nothing since of Mendocino or Santa Inez, Leo is just as reticent as ever. But, please God, everything will work out well. I shall return the Pass. Again wishing you a safe and pleasant trip home, and with best wishes to all at Abbottstown, and with the deepest expression of our gratitude for all your kindness during your Visit to the States. I am my dear Fr Provincial, Respectfully yours in Xt & S.F.