Letter from Fr. Thomas Dowling to Cardinal William O’Connell

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Monastery of Poor Clares, 58 Bennett St., Boston, May 28th, 1926. His Eminence Cardinal O'Connell, May It Please Your Eminence, I had an interview this morning with Monsignor Haberlin who desired me to put in writing to Your Eminence the object of seeking an interview with you, for which I have a letter of introduction from His Grace Archbishop Manna. I am going at his invitation to San Francisco to found there a Monastery for the Irish Province of Franciscan Capuchins, which he has offered us. Our Irish Province is most anxious to secure a Foundation in the Eastern States of U.S.A. Sixteen years ago I was sent from Ireland to found Missions in the West; and since then we have placed more than 30 of our priests from Ireland in these Missions. We have charge of the whole of Mendicino County in San Francisco Archdiocese. We are responsible for large areas in Oregon Archdiocese, Bake City and Lincoln Dioceses, but as Your Eminence knows there is very little outlet for Missions and Retreats in the West. Our Fathers are in constant demand for Missions and Retreats in the East, but we are unable to secure a permanent foundation owing to the fact that the German Provinces of Capuchins who came to America many years ago to attend German Catholics have secured a title to almost every Diocese on the Eastern Coast of America. We would be welcomed into many of them including New York were it not for this disability. Within the past month we have been invited to Newark, but cannot secure a Foundation owing to above circumstances. I beg to enclose for Your Eminence's information list of places owing which the German Capuchins claim Jurisdiction for their Provinces. We have a Residence in Harrisburg Diocese for the past 15 years, but the Germans are claiming in Rome that we have no rights there. This has been the centre from which we carried on our Missionary work East. I therefore humbly and earnestly petition Your Eminence to take us under your august protection. The German Friars have no rights in New England States, and you would place the Irish Capuchins under a debt for all time could you see your way to give us a place in your Archdiocese. I fear to presume on your patience, and to intrude on your precious time to set out in further detail my petition. We can secure highest commendations for our Brethren from every Bishop under whom we now labor. I pray God to inspire you to add to the many noble deeds that have adorned your service of God, the Church and this great Nation by this further good deed that I make bold to say will crown your noble life. You will have the blessing, the prayers and the gratitude not only of the Irish Capuchins of today, but for all time to come. With abiding respect, and sincerest esteem, I have the honor to be Your Eminence's Obedient Servant,