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J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
Box 38
Watts California
March 11th.
19 26
Mr. William Watts
Today came friend law
East on his way
town do he
hopes to meet
Ireland by his.
My dear Fr. Provincial/
Your kind letter re the Mendocino House arrived a few days ago. Frs. Adrian and Casimer and I held our meeting yesterday, and we arranged matters as you suggested, viz, Fr. Casimer to go to Mendocino, and Fr. Pacificus to go to Santa Ynez, as Assistant to Reginald, Fr. Damien to be "Dean of the College", Fr. Reginald to be Superior during the absence of Fr. Casimer, at the Old Mission, and I instructed him to consult and acquaint Fr. Casimer of any changes or any necessary matters to be done at Santa Ynez beforehand. I wrote to each of the young Fathers, and recalled to their minds the religious Capuchin spirit that was expected of them in the training of the boys, which spirit they seemed to have lost, if they ever had such. I emphasized this particularly in Fr. Conleth's case, for by his letters he has manifested a marked tendency towards a worldly spirit. I explained to Fr. Pacificus, that he was changed, not for any serious fault or dereliction of duty, but for better harmony in Mendocino, and in Santa Ynez he will have a more congenial atmosphere for his labours, as well as assisting us here at the Missions. We asked Fr. Anthony to be Confessor and spiritual Director of the College, which means that he go there once a week, and hear the boys Confessions and give them a Conference, and hear any of the Religious who may require him. I despatched all those letters, so we hope things will right themselves there at once. Fr. Casimer is quite pleased to go to set things right at Mendocino. As Fr. Casimer will be away from Santa Ynez only for a time, we considered it best, not to place Pacificus in charge. Reginald would feel it too much, and we might be going from the pan into the fire. He is doing pretty well there, but he is a simple guy, although he has a rather big idea of himself. I will write to James Cantwell, and acquaint him of our temporary arrangements at Mendocino.
We talked over the paying of the expenses of the Fathers who
J. M. J. F.
Franciscan Capuchin Friary
Box 38
Watts California
came out last, and I am writing to the three Houses to try and send you some money towards that big account at Rochestown. But, as I told the Definitory when at home, we are all so assessed here in all our parishes, that we actually have not get any money, and with many outstanding debts in some of our Houses, it is a problem each month how to meet them. Personally it worries me to death to think of those Home debts and if they could be cleared in any way I would have them squared long since. Perhaps you would reconsider this Definitorial Enactment, at your next meeting, so that in the future, the Houses whence the Fathers cancel should be liable for their expenses to their destination.
I have'nt heard since from Lincoln, but Fr. Raphael is making an effort to improve matters there. I will keep in mind what you mentioned re Seattle, when I go East again. Fr. Sebastian has decided to take the trip to Ireland and England, but he does not wish to book his Sea Passage till he reaches Boston. He purposes leaving Greenwood about the 20th May. They are having Confirmations on the Coast before that date. Brs Conrad and Didacus expect to home this year also, so kindly let me know what I am to do. I hope to start on the Visitations after Easter. It is very difficult for me to get away. Of course we are working at white heat at present. Gabriel is giving a Mission in Santa Maria, and then he is due to give a week's Mission in Alameda, and preach the 3hrs agony at St. Peters San Francisco. Stephen is in New York, as you know getting plenty to do. I am preaching a Mission here in Watts myself this week, and I give another in Torrance some few miles from here the week after next. Casimer is helping out here, since he came to look after his nose, which is O.K. now. He will leave next Monday. The Campaign has been a wonderful success. It closed yesterday 10th Our Quota was only $500.00, and we have received in cash already over $1000.00, and three or four hundred in pledges. We have got a great name at the Chancery for the way we organized. Our whole South Side District has done very well, due of course to the bright chairman. I am glad it all over, but it has killed all the parishes for at least two years. Well I suppose you are tired reading this long epistle, so I will close.
with best wishes to all. All the American Friars are well
Respectfully yours in S.F.
In Ireland are friend a Parished
late, undating sleeping to you state only
in one east parade. By.
J. M. J. F.