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Account book of the Jesuit Vice Province of Ireland detailing income and expenditure. Includes an alphabetical index at the back of the volume.

Annual Letters from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Socius, to Fr General Jan Roothaan SJ in Rome 1847-1853. Fr Bracken was also Novice Master to the brothers in Clongowes.

Photocopy of biographical information on Fr Patrick Bracken SJ by Fr Edmund Hogan SJ.

Copy of an ‘important & precious document’ entitled ‘Memoirs of the Suppression & Restoration of the Society of Jesus in Ireland’ by Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Copy made by Fr John Grene SJ (Librarian and custodian of the Irish Province archives [mid nineteenth century to c1880s]) (92pp). Includes ‘Notes to Memoirs’ (18pp). Loosely bound.

Copy of two letters to the Rev. P Gilligan, Clongowes, January 1864 on 'The House of Loretto' by Fr Patrick Bracken SJ.

Correspondence relating to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ, who was Irish Vice Provincial, 11 February 1858-7 December 1860 and the first Provincial of the Irish Province of the Society of Jesus, 8 December 1860 - [ ] 1863. No index.

Handwritten formula of declaration to be made by Irish Jesuit scholastics at their First Vows. (Copied by Fr Patrick Bracken SJ). (In Latin).

Document written by Fr Patrick Bracken SJ regarding rules for Jesuit boarding schools. Quotes Frs Roothaan and Beckx. (In Latin).

Letter from Fr Al. Simpson SJ, Stonyhurst College, England to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Congratulates the latter on the quality of his French, and corrects some errors that appeared in his letter. Refers to Fr Peter Kenney SJ and his imminent arrival in Stonyhurst. Also discusses the Jesuit presence in France, and their establishment of ‘petits seminaires’ there. Announces his departure for Paris in September. (In French).

From Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, writing from Tullabeg, to James O'Shaughnessy. Replies to the latter’s enquiry in relation to Fr Gahan’s will, and also with regard to the agreement to Bishop Briggs to give £800 to the Society in compensation for their property on the Isle of Man.

Letter from [ ] to Patrick Bracken.

From Bishop Briggs in York to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Thanks him for informing him that the new chapel at Douglas had been used for Mass. Refers to Fr Aylmer’s presence on the island, and undertakes to relieve him as soon as possible. Asks Fr Bracken to forward him a statement in relation to property due to the Society.

From Bishop Briggs in York to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Refers to the latter’s two previous letters, of 14 April and 12 March. Reports that Fr Aylmer and Dr Youens have corresponded on the subject of the property and debts of the Mission. Also reports that he has been attempting to secure someone to relieve Fr Aylmer on the island.

Letter from Fr. E.[P.] Barry, writing from Miltown Malbay, County Clare, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Vice Provincial. Asks for permission to establish the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart in his district.

From Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, in Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Refers to the death of Fr Gahan, and to his estate and debts. Suggests that since the Bishop is to have the whole mission resigned into his hands, he should be responsible for its administration. Refers to the value of the property, including the house and chapel. Asserts that the complete handover of the mission to the Bishop, and the loss to the Society as ‘an injustice’. Reports that he has written to the Bishop about the death of Fr Gahan, and also to explain why it was necessary to open the new chapel. States that some people on the island intend to erect a monument to Fr Gahan’s memory in the chapel.

From Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, writing from Douglas, Isle of Man, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Refers to books being shipped to and from the island. Reports that he has settled all accounts, including money owed to Mrs Wilson and Dr Youens, and has prepared the way for the new incumbent. Refers to taking out administration to the will and the transfer of the Society’s property, on which two points he awaits instructions. Mentions the Catholics on the island, and their attendance at Mass. Adds that there are rumours that the privileges of the Isle of Man are to be withdrawn, and that it will be united to one of the English Northern Counties.

Letter from Fr Henry J Rorke SJ, writing from Clongowes Wood College SJ, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Vice Provincial. Writes on the subject of the establishment of a fund for ‘the Education of members for the Society in the Noviciate’.

Letter from Fr John Curtis SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Sends his condolences on the death of Br Patrick Byrne SJ. Also refers to the Society’s funds and property, including their past interests on the Isle of Man.

From Fr John F. Grene SJ in Clongowes to ‘l’Abbé McDonald’ [Fr John MacDonald SJ] at the Collége des Jésuites in Louvain. Reports at length on the death of Fr John O'Connor SJ, who died following an accident on the road from Naas. Also reports that Fr Bracken was succeeded a few days previously by Fr St Leger as Vice Provincial, and refers to others of the community also.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man to Fr Parick Bracken SJ. Discusses the situation of the Jesuit mission on the island, the retention of the chapel and school-house, and the difficult relations that existed between the Society and the Bishop. Refers to his own ill-health. Expresses his desire to have a person to assist him on the mission, but fears that such a move is not financially possible. Announces that he is to sell the chapel in Castletown. Adds that he will not be able to move into the new house in Athol Street the following week as planned. Refers to the departure of his house-keeper and his misfortune in acquiring a new servant who is both Manx and a Methodist.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ in Tullabeg, County Offaly. States that he regrets that the latter did not inform him earlier of his desire that the sale of the chapel at Castletown be deferred. Reports that he has recently moved to the ‘new house’, and complains about the walk he has to make every Sunday to say Mass, given his present ill-health. Asks for some money to be sent over to him, as he is ‘tormented with one little debt or other’.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ in Tullabeg, County Offaly. Complains that the latter’s request that ‘the place in Castletown’ not be sold was untimely, and announces that he is to rent it out. Believes that the mission should be given up, but does not think it possible. Refers to his bad health, and asserts that he believes that he is ‘very soon to meet death’. Also refers to the bad state of the chapel. Asserts that he would rather be dismissed from the Society, which, he believes, has been betrayed, than ‘be made the foot ball of any Vicar Apostolic’.

From Fr Matthew Gahan SJ in the Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ in Tullabeg. Declares that he would not think he should cross the Channel (back to Ireland) in his current state of health, and furthermore that he would only leave if the person who was to supply for him had been there for a time. Refers to the debts owed by him to various people. States that he would rather ‘die in a ditch’ before yielding to ‘a Judas like trick on the part of Dr Briggs [Bishop of the Northern District]’.

Letter from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ to [ ]. Recommends various sources for J[ohn] O’Connell and other Catholic members of the House of Commons for their argument against the supremacy of the Crown. Suggests that they identify themselves, in this matter, ‘with all the Presbyterians of Ireland & Scotland as well as with the other Dissenters in denouncing & repudiating the Royal Supremacy’, and in doing so, gain support. Also refers to the Catholic episcopacy and the Reformation.

[Copy of letter] from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ to Bishop Briggs, in reply to the latter’s letter of 27 February 1837. Refers to the issue of the opening of the new Chapel, and agrees with the Bishop that it was probably ‘an error of judgment’. Refers to the death of Fr Gahan, and refers to his ill-health and the circumstances which led up to this demise. Praises the dedication and hard work of Fr Gahan, and his service to the Catholic population of the island. Informs the Bishop that it has been decided to place whatever property Fr Gahan possessed at his disposal. Refers to the debts owed now, and the value of the property, and also to Fr Gahan’s last will, which he suggests should be proved, and a legal transfer made. Encloses a copy of a written statement by Fr Gahan in relation to the property (not included).

From Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, writing from Tullabeg, County Offaly to Fr Gahan in the Isle of Man. Reports on some members of the community in Tullabeg, including Fr Robert Haly and Fr Aylmer, and adds that Fr Esmonde is on his way to Rome. Refers to Fr Gahan’s problems in the Isle of Man in relation to the provision of Mass for Catholics in Douglas, and the question of whether the Bishop would permit this. Asks him to defer the sale of the chapel in Castletown until he (Fr. Bracken) receives a reply from the Fr. General.

Letter from Fr Patrick Meagher SJ, writing from Gardiner Street, Dublin, to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, Vice Provincial, St Stanislaus College Tullabeg, King's County (County Offaly). Refers to the case of a young [novice] – ‘H.T.’, who is suffering from some sort of illness. Reports that he (Meagher) consulted a surgeon on the state of the man’s health. Reports that he received a letter that morning from Fr Bartholomew Esmonde SJ in Rome, who wrote about the church re-decoration in which he was involved, and also, more extensively, about a lecture given in Rome, which cast aspersions on the Catholic clergy of Ireland. Also refers to a letter he received from Fr Aylmer. Describes preparations for the ‘Festival’, including the recruiting of clergy to say Mass. Reports on the progress of building work also.

From Fr Peter Kenney SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Announces that he will not be able to go to Tullabeg that year. Reports on the situation in Clongowes, and on the various Jesuits residents there. Reports also on the Jesuit mission in the Isle of Man, where Fr Aylmer stopped for a time to assess the situation. Refers to the debate on the question of whether the mission there should be retained by the Irish Jesuits, and also to the opening of a new chapel in Douglas.

From Fr Peter Kenney SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Discusses the withdrawal of Irish Jesuits from their mission in the Isle of Man, with reference to the financial and logistical operations involved. Refers to the death of Fr Gahan, and the bishop’s reaction to it and to the departure of the Irish Jesuits. Also refers to Fr Aylmer's reaction. Reports on the situation in Clongowes, and to the small amount of money received in the collections. Hopes that Fr Bracken will make his visitation within the month.

Letter from Fr Peter Kenney SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Discusses the situation regarding the Isle of Man mission. Reports that Fr Aylmer believes that it should be retained, and a trustee appointed. Outlines Aylmer’s suggestions on the matter.

Letter from Fr Peter Kenney SJ, writing to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ Church of St Francis, Upper Gardiner Street, Dublin. Suggests that the latter hold his Consultation at Clongowes, and that it be deferred until after Easter. Refers to the books brought back from Paris by Mr O'Grady, and asks Fr Bracken to let him know which ones to keep. Reports on a Novena he participated in, and also on the exercise he has been taking recently.

Letter from Fr Robert Haly SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ to Irish Fr Vice-Provincial Patrick Bracken SJ at St Stanislaus College SJ, Tullabeg reporting on storm damage at Clongowes Wood College SJ. Mentions that Fr Charles Aylmer SJ dined with them the previous evening.

From Fr William Stack Murphy SJ, St Mary’s, Lebanon, Kentucky, U.S.A. to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Thanks him for the books that were brought out by Dr Litton. Refers to the fact that Fr Peter Kenney SJ had been appointed Rector of Palermo. Asks Fr Bracken to arrange for a subscription to be made to the 'London Tablet'. Refers to the Teetotalism and Partial Abstinence campaign in the US. Answers Daniel O'Connell’s views on America’s tradition of slavery. Gives a brief outline of the establishment of the school (St Mary’s in Kentucky).

Letter from George Joseph Plunket Browne, Bishop of Galway to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Refers to the death of Fr Kenney, for whom he had a solemn requiem and High Mass celebrated in the chief chapel in Galway. Also thanks him in advance for agreeing to conduct a spiritual retreat the following July.

Letter from Irish Fr Provincial Joseph Lentaigne SJ to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ. Reports that, on the orders of the Fr General, he intends to remove the lay brother novices from Clongowes to Milltown.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Jan Roothaan to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Philip de Villefort to Patrick Bracken.

Letter from Richard Thompson, Liverpool to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ, Catholic Chapel, Douglas, Isle of Man agreeing that Fr Patrick Bracken SJ may supply for Fr Gahan on the Isle of Man while he is away.

A file of letters from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Douglas, Isle of Man to Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) concerning Fr Gahan's death. Includes a letter discussing the value of the two chapels and the residence and school in Douglas and an inventory of the objects in the chapels (24 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning Dr Youens proposed visit to the island '…for the purpose of making an arrangement respecting the affairs of this mission.' Asks for Fr Bracken's instructions telling him how he should discuss matters with Dr Youens. (14 April 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter informing Fr Bracken that Dr Youens arrival has been delayed. Remarks 'The disappointment of his not being able to come this week is a great annoyance to me as I promised the creditors and the tenants of the old chapel house and here in Douglas that matters would be settled with them.' (25 April 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter describing his discussions with Dr Youens. Remarks that the Bishop did not empower him to make any final decisions. Remarks 'After all our conferences Doctor Yovens has awarded to the Society as compensation the sum of eight hundred pounds to be paid to you by Dr Briggs - and considers this sum less than the Society is entitled to…He means to prove to the Bishop…that a considerable sacrifice has been made of property to his Lordship and to this mission by the Society…' (12 May 1837, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning the appointment of Fr McGrath to the Isle of Man. Remarks that he has only recently been ordained '…and is more like a boy from school… not perhaps quite calculated for such a place as this…' (19 June 1837, 3pp).

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Bracken SJ (Vice-Provincial) to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning the administration of the Isle of Man mission following the illness and death of Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr Gahan. Refers to an article in a newspaper concerning his death. Remarks '…it is stated that Fr Gahan had died from the effects of the religious persecution which he suffered. This will be understood as persecution on the part of the Bishop and will I fear make a bad impression on the English and Irish clergy, for many will attribute the article directly or indirectly to us.' Asks Fr Aylmer to send a detailed statement of Fr Gahan's debts and rents and a valuation of the property on the Isle of Man (9 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr General's instructions to give up the property to Bishop Briggs on the Isle of Man. Remarks 'I have no doubt that he will award us some compensation; but the amount will depend on his own generosity…what the Society has in property I trust she will gain in reputation, at least in the eyes of the inhabitants of the island.' (18 March 1837, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the problems with Fr Gahan's will (10 July 1837, 4pp).

A file of letters to Fr Charles Aylmer SJ. A brief précis to the letters is included in the file, and list of Irish Jesuits (1831).

A file of letters written by various people to Fr Robert Haly SJ:

• Includes a letter from Fr Murphy SJ referring to the polka. Remarks '…I do not consider it, absolutely speaking, a proximate occasion of sin, as I have the assurance of some reliable young persons of both sexes that they never found any harm in it (nd, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Patrick Drinan SJ, Sant' Andrea, Rome describing his life as a novice in the Society of Jesus. Describes his fellow novices (21 March 1825, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ, Hardwicke Street, Dublin referring to Fr Matthew Gahan SJ. Remarks that he has returned from the Isle of Man. Continues '…(he has) done much good amongst those poor neglected Catholics. But now they are without a priest and of course will fall back again into the old way.' (28 August 1825, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Francis Mahony (Prout) concerning his ordination to Deaconship ([ ] 1828, 1p).
• Includes a letter from Fr St Leger SJ. Refers to the woods at Clongowes. Remarks that new trees have been planted and hundreds of old trees have been cut down. Refers to Daniel O'Connell 'Mr O'Connell hopes to enter Parliament by a clause in the Act of Union which only requires the oath of abjuration, which was abolished…C. Butler of London has published his opinion that Mr O'Connell's admittance to Parliament cannot be refused according to law…' Includes a note from Fr Peter Kenney SJ at the end of the letter concerning the death of Fr Haly's uncle, Robert in Calcutta on 27 July 1826 (30 September, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from [ ], Clongowes Wood College concerning Christmas celebrations in Clongowes. Refers to the church services and remarks that the Parisian Cope made its first appearance and 'dazzled the natives'. Remarks that the number of scholars in the college is small and many vacancies exist. Refers to Fr Aylmer and Fr St Leger and their plans to erect a new chapel in Dublin. Refers to Fr Moran's departure for Buenos Ayres. Refers to the political situation in Ireland and Daniel O'Connell's determination to go to Parliament (5 January 1829, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from George Oliver, St Nicholas' Priory, Exeter containing queries about members of the Society in Ireland for a publication he is preparing (17 July 1838, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Charles Aylmer SJ concerning his stay in Rome. Describes dining with Fr General on St Stanislaus Day (23 November 1838, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Patrick Sheehan SJ, Roman College concerning news from Rome and general Society matters. Reports that Fr General is pleased with all the Provinces under his direction and has expressed a wish to open a Japanese Mission (30 November 1838, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Bartholomew Esmonde SJ, Al Gesu, Rome enclosing a sketch of his design for the altar at St Francis Xavier's Church, Gardiner Street, Dublin (9 February 1842, 3pp).
• Includes a transcription of the same letter, 9 February 1842, by Fr Francis Finegan SJ [1975].
• Includes a letter from Fr Bartholomew Esmonde, SJ, San Calcedonio, Malta concerning the suspension of Fr Rillo by the Bishop. Remarks that the business has become public due to the intervention of Lord Clifford (25 July 1842, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from John Cunningham SJ, Rome. Refers to the political situation in Ireland and Daniel O'Connell. Refers to Fr Rillo and remarks that he is no longer in Malta. Remarks '…after his justification had been fully established he removed to Palermo. Mr Esmonde is authorised to select whom he pleases to succeed the former.' (25 November 1843, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from Fr Esmonde concerning his missionary work in Malta. Remarks 'I have a curious time of it here, strange folks as if all the odd fish of the Mediterranean had climbed up on this rock.' Refers to a new church opened by the Protestants on the island. Refers to the power of the government a governor of the island who control everything (15 November 1844, 2pp).
• Includes a letter from John Lynch, SJ, Church of St Joseph, Willings Alley, Philadelphia, PA describing his surroundings (1 February 1840, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from John Gaffney concerning the Archbishop's (Dr Cullen) decision to prohibit the dancing of the polka. Discusses the implications of this decision and expresses the opinion that the Society should not pursue a different course of action to the clergy of Dublin and rural areas (20 January 1858, 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Bishop George Browne of Elphin concerning a retreat to be conducted by Fr Robert Haly SJ. Refers to the parishioners eagerness for a mission (19 April 1858, 3pp).
• Includes a letter from the Bishop of Clonfert, John Derry agreeing to consecrate the Society's church in Galway (11 May 186[ ]), 4pp).
• Includes a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ granting Fr Haly privileges with regard to his mission work (26 September 1867, 3pp).
  Includes a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ advising Fr Haly on how to deal with confessors who declare they are members of the Fenians (8 December 1869, 4p

Two copies of 'List of deceased members of the Clongowes community'. Includes date of death, place of death and place of burial. (1-6).

Lists of writers (arranged alphabetically) of the Restored Society and their publications (1832-1925, 38pp, ). Compiled by Fr James Rabbitte SJ of Gardiner Street, (Custodian of the Irish Province Archives, 1924-1930). Typed list of Irish Jesuit authors and title, 20th century (1900-1939, 6pp).

Memoriale of Irish Vice Provincial Fr Patrick Bracken SJ, following Visitation at Clongowes Wood College SJ. Encourages the community to a stricter observance of conduct and rules for Jesuits living and working in community. Fr Bracken was Vice Provincial 1836-1841.

File containing the obituary notices of priests of the Society by Fr Charles Farley SJ.

Name Year of Death
Bracken, Patrick 1867
Buckeridge, George 1904
Blakeney, George 1854
Dietel, Charles 1905
Duffy, John 1871
D’Arcy, John 1884
Dalton, Joseph 1905
Fortescue, William 1888
Gaffney, Miles 1861
Hughes, Joseph 1878
Kenney, Peter 1841
Kirby, Stephen 1867
Lynch, Edmund 1890
Maguire, Matthew 1894
Manning, Thomas 1893
MacDonnell, Matthias 1871
Molloy, Thomas 1894
O'Connell, Charles 1912
Quirke, Joseph 1847
Rorke, Henry 1859
Sheehan, Patrick 1850
Seaver William 1891

File of handwritten sermon, retreat notes, considerations (Catholic University, 1862), Triduum and retreats. Includes long retreats at Cork (1860), Tullabeg (1861 - 1862; 1868 - 1871); Laval (1872 - 1875); Tronchiennes (1875 - 1877); Clongowes Wood College (1877) and meditations, attributed to the following Jesuits: Frs. Peter Kenney (Palmero), Aloysius Sturzo, Daniel Jones, Patrick Hughes, Charles Aylmer, John St. Leger, Robert St. Leger. Michael Kelly, Charles Plowden, John Cunningham, James Mullen, Alexander Kyan (with history of Kyan family), John Shine, Bartholomew Esmonde, Thomas Betagh, Patrick Bracken, P. O'Reilly, Stephen Farrell, Charles McKenna, Edmund O'Reilly, Pubrick.