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J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
Box 38
Watts, California
November 25th.
1924.
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My dear Fr. Provincial,
My first word is an apology for the long delay in sending you an account of the Mendocino College. Well the day before I had resolved to go up there, I received a note from Fr Leo, saying that he was coming down to see me, and he also stated that my first letter to him went to a place called Rector, as I put that word after his name. He arrived with Fr Raphael last Wednesday evening, and as I had a social on that night, I could'nt write you, neither did he give me then any information. The next morning I had arranged to take Fr Albert to Santa Ynez, and I returned last night. This, I trust, will in some measure explain the reason of the delay. Leo, I understand, has forwarded you some copies of the College Catalogue, which is pretty complete. He has now six pupils, Watts having given him two so far. He says he has every hope that the place will in the course of time be a great success, and now that I have got some of the Catalogues, I hope on the missions to obtain more boys for him. He asked me for funds, so I will try to get some from each of the Houses to enable him to defray some of the initial expenses of furnishing and painting the place. So far about the College. I gave Fr Leo the letter I received last night from Fr Stanislaus, and told Fr Raphael and him of the Lenten Dispensations. I am writing to Fr Sebastian re his affiliation.
Well, I installed the Community in Santa Ynez on last Sunday when we had a big procession and High Mass and sermon, to the great joy of all the parishioners. They assembled to welcome us on last Thursday, and tolled all the Tower bells as a sign of their delight. I will send you an account of the ceremony later. Albert was very poorly in health when he arrived here, but lay the
J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
Box 38
Watts, California
great care he received at Helen's hands, he got better and stronger every day. He went to a specialist a few times in Los Angeles, but the attention he got from our grand Housekeeper, was better than all. She wishes to be specially remembered to you. When we arrived in the Old Mission, the priest had left, and we had nothing to eat or drink except a cup of black tea, for there was neither milk nor sugar, nor anything only the beds to lie upon. One of the folks asked us to his house for supper, which we accepted gladly. The next morning, wearing our habits, we went through Solvang, to do some shopping for the day, and this we continued until I left on yesterday. The people very kindly brought in some chickens and eggs, and other things, so that they are now well fixed up for a start. They were rather startled at first at the neglected state of the place, but as you know it grows on one, and they are laying plans already for the restoration of the Old Mission. I am sending up my old friend Mr Lesperance to help him out, and in very short, the place will be another, shall I say, Watts. Fr. Reginald and Bro. Columcille arrived there via L.A. on Sunday morning. I wired them when the announcement was made on the "Tidings", a copy of which I sent you. I am off to St Teresa's San Francisco with Fr Stephen on Friday night, whilst Fr. Gabriel goes to Sacramento to preach a Novena for the Immaculate Conception. All here are in good form, just as you left us. I hope you still feel the full beniff of your trip to the States.
I will speak to these Fathers who require Faculties for Beads Blessings &. Kindly say to the Sec. that I have received all your communication The House in Hopland is now finished, and Fr Radificus is awaiting the drying out of same to enter it. He has secured a Housekeeper. I will surely pay a visit there before I return from San Francisco. The Church at Chapal is now awaiting Dedication, so Fr Raphael tells me. So you see the good work is still going on. As for Watts, and our School, we are leaving no stone unturned to defray our large current expenses. The Tax for our Compton Ave pavement amounts to $2048.49, and the heavy bills for the School furnishings of nearly $3000, with $300, per month for interest, and our many other items, all these keep me wide awake here at present. But God is Good.