Letter from Fr. Joseph Fenelon

Page 1

J. M. J. F. Franciscan Capuchin Friary Box 36 Watts, California Feb. 1st. 19 25 My dear Fr. Pro/ I received your two letters alright, the first about a week ago and the second today when I got back from Bend. I went over the whole ground with Luke, and told him to get an Architect and have him draw the full plans of the new School and House for the Community, even though this latter may not be built for some time. We arranged to have the School erected on our own grounds in line with the front of the Church, which will give ample room for recreation grounds at back. I told him to put the present House back to the top of the Church if there will be room for it there, if not to transfer it to side of the Choir at the Epistle side of the Altar. I told him to have the whole Plans drawn to proper scale, and Specifications & put down clearly, before the Definitory can O.K. same. The portion of the ground he spoke of purchasing is no longer available as the owner does not intend to dispose of it. The Oblate Fathers were giving a Weeks Mission in Bend closing this evening, so that I did not delay. They mentioned that Bend was the best parish they were in of all the Diocese, and they were finishing up their tour there. I wired to Casimer to meet me at Portland, but as the Bend train was over two hours late owing to a land slide on the Railroad from heavy rains, he did not meet me, so I caught the train back to L.A.. having been in the train for 6 nights. So I feel a bit tired today. Of course Casimer lives at present in Digs, whilst the House is being fitted up. He will have it arranged very shortly. I gave Dominic permission to come to Cal. and he is at present in Santa Ynez. The week before last I went up to the Hospital Santa Barbara to see Albert, as he had a bad turn. He was tapped for the second time and nearly two guarts of water taken from him, which gave him great relief. He was very much improved after it. He gets up daily for a few hours, but of course he is wasting away. I have just now phoned to the Hospital, and the Sister says he is somewhat weaker, and that he cannot J. M. J. F. Franciscan Capuchin Friary Box 36 Watts, California Last very long, but he could last a long time, as he is so wirey. I will cable you if his condition gets worse. I have nothing to cable now, as you request me By the wire I have just now opened from you. Fr Dominic wishes to remain on with him there, but I dont think he would serve him, I will allow him to locate at Santa Ynez for the present and then he could call now and again, to see Albert. I enclose a letter from Mon. O"Brian which I answered by wire saying that the $1000 would be sent immediately, whever we are to get it. Kindly sent me back the enclosed letter. Luke gave it to me at Bend. Fathers Raphael and Leo and Brendan have asked me about going home this Summer. Kindly give your instructions in the matter. I called out to the Old Mission the week before last and saw Stephen and Reg. and the Bro. They a…