Letter from Fr. Stephen Murtagh

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Saint Francis of Assisi 1541 GOLDEN GATE AVENUE LOS ANGELES 26, CALIF. 7-12-51 PHONE OLYMPIA 1305 Very Reverend Father Colman, O.F.M., Cap. Provincial Capuchin Friary Church Street, Dublin, Ireland My dear Father Provincial: On July 3rd, I sent to Rome, to Most Reverend Father General a copy of the letter I had just received from Bishop Manning, Chancellor of the Los Angeles Archdiocese. I enclose a copy for you. As you can see, it settles the question of the use of old Mission Santa Ynez for our novices or students so long as Archbishop McIntyre administers the Archdiocese. In my letter to you dated May 28th, I gave McKenzie Bridge as our second choice for a novitiate. In my letter to the General I gave reasons for and against building there. In favor: It belongs to the Order; it is located in Oregon where we have three houses and where there should be a center of regular observance; the location is beautiful. Against: It is rather isolated; there is a good deal of rain and snow; it would require much more than $10,000.00 to build; however, I feel that the Custody could carry a debt of $100,000. I regret to say that Father Finton who has been in charge at McKenzie Bridge got a serious heart attack while cutting the grass. He has overworked himself. He has lived alone. He has been giving whole series of lay retreats at the Bridge. Besides, he has had to do all the manual work himself. It was just too much for him. I trust that you will be able to send us some help soon. I know that you will all like Father General. I hope that he enjoys his visit to Ireland. I think he will. With best wishes from self and all in Custody, I remain fraternally and obediently yours, Salters Lyohen Father Stephen of Abbeylara Custos Provincial Archdiocese of Los Angeles 714 West Olympic Boulevard Los Angeles 15, California July 2, 1951 Very Reverend Stephen Murtagh, O.F.M., Cap. St. Francis of Assisi Church 1541 Golden Gate Avenue Los Angeles 39, California Dear Father Stephen: At the meeting of the Consultors of the Archdiocese which was held on June 28th, I was directed by His Excellency, the Most Reverend Archbishop, to advise you as follows: The Consultors, as you are already well aware, have repeatedly considered proposals for the use of the Mission at Santa Ynez by the Community, and particularly its adaptation as a house of studies. A previous offer made by the Archdiocese in this regard was rejected by your Superiors. At the meeting held yesterday, the Consultors decided that, on further consideration, they would be unwilling to renew that offer. They represented to the Most Reverend Archbishop that the injection of a building program by your Community would involve a "de facto" alienation of the Mission. We have been reminded recently, with some emphasis, of our obligation as trustees of the Missions within the Diocese. The Council therefore, voted to terminate this particular issue by rejecting a proposal for the use of Santa Ynez Mission as a house of stud…