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J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
box 38
Watts, California
Feb. 19th.
19 25
My Dear Fr. Provincial/
I have just returned from poor Fr. Albert's funeral and I am sorry to say that I have had a very unpleasant day yesterday. First of all as I told you already, I was tied down here myself this week on account of our Confirmation being held on Tuesday evening, and from Saturday until Tuesday morning I awaited your instructions re the burial. Having received no word until Tuesday, I gave instructions to have Fr. Albert buried in Santa Ynez, and with great reluctance I permitted a metallic covering to be placed over the coffin, at the same time telling Mr Murray who requested it on behalf of the Irish Society in L.A. that it was quite unnessary. Of course he said he would pay for it. On receiving your cable, I at once countermanded the order for the Metallic casket, and sent Fr Gabriel up to Santa Barbara with my instructions. (1) that the body was not to be sealed until I saw it, when I would reach the Undertaking Parlors, (2) that nothing but the ordinary one casket was to be used, (3) that the body would be removed from the Parlors at 9.30, and taken to Santa Ynez for Solemn Requiem Mass and Office at 11 o'c. Fr. Gabriel countermanded the outer Casket order, and selected the coffin to be used, told the Undertaken that it was not to be closed until I arrived and saw the body, telling him contrary to what I told Fr Gabriel to leave at about 9 o'c. I reached the Undertaking Parlors at 9 o'c, and found the remains already in the hearse, with a steel Casket over the coffin, Fr Dominic and Mr Murray and others standing with the undertaker representative. I enquired was this a Casket over the coffin, and the representative said yes. Well, said I, this must be removed, and he said it cannot, without blowing the seal. I called Fr Dominic and asked him had he anything to do with this
J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
box 38
Watts, California
matter, and he replied that he had absolutely nothing. Fr. Gabriel had gone to Santa Ynez the evening before to sleep to sing the Mass on Wednesday. Not to create any further trouble I told the Funeral to drive on to Santa Ynez, and I proceeded there beforehand. We carried out the Services in the Old Mission, and buried the remains not in the place I had given instructions to be buried but immediately at the back of the old Tower, near the entrance. I told Fr Gabriel to arrange with Fr Stephen regarding the place of burial, and I thought the best place that could be cut off for a burial for the religious, was at back of the Sacristy, which I believed was free from the old burial ground. When Fr. Gabriel arrived they had begun the grave in the present place, although Fr Stephen told me he could not get any man to dig the grave until Wednesday morning. Although it matters not where the grave is located, yet in view of what took place contrary to my instruction I suspect it to be so placed for the sake of convenience. The explanation given by Fr. Stephen why the other place was not selected was, that a number of Indians were buried and they would be digging up old bones. Fr. Gabriel then aquiesced in having it as it is. On my return last evening I called at the Undertaking Parlors, and asked for Mr Clune the undertaker, who had been away that morning on another funeral, his representative informed me, when I asked to see him, on reaching the Parlors that morning. I saw Mr Clune and asked an explanation of the whole affair. (1) Did Fr Gabriel countermand the outer Casket order? He said yes, and why put it on said I, and he had nothing to say but he did not put on a metallic Casket, and what did you put on, said I, a steel one he said, although everything kind was forbidden. (2) Why was not the coffin left open until I saw it? He said he had to go on another funeral, and left instructions for it to be left open. They were not carried out I said. Well said I you will hear more about this. He said he was sorry and I ca
J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
box 38
Watts, California
Regarding the Funeral Services, Fr Gabriel sang the Mass, with Fr Raphael Deacon, and Fr Leo Subdeacon, and Fr Dominic Master of Ceremonies. I said a few words at the end of the Services in the Church. Our Watts Choir went up to sing the Requiem Mass.
Fr. Gabriel has given me a detailed explanation this morning of his and Fr. Stephen's action in the matter, and I have no reason to doubt their word, of having anything to do in the affair.
Re the Confirmation the Bishop expressed himself in very eulogistic terms about the Fathersand Sisters here, and the wonderful work done in so short a time. He congratulated the children very warmly, and how our little church was decorated. He told me having signed my books that the dinner, and church ceremonies were a credit to us. Dont think I am lauding myself, for I had but little to do with the whole business. I am happy that all turned out so well. He asked specially for you.
Fr Reginald is giving a good mission here this week, and I am sure will turn out a good missioner.
All the above affair ends with me, once I have informed you of all.
I shall carry out the Visitations after Lent, please God, and attend to the other matters, mentioned in your two last letters which I received alright.
With every kind wish,
I am my dear Fr Pro/
Respectfully yours,