Rough sketch of land at Kew and the college building (St Francis Xavier).

Printed notices of results of examinations from St Patrick's College, Melbourne for pupils matriculated and passing the Civil Service and St Francis Xavier College, Kew for pupils matriculated and passing the Civil Service (1883) (2 copies), and results of the Senior and Junior public examinations at Xavier College, Kew (December 1913).

Notice from the Rector of Xavier College, Kew to parents and guardians concerning a change to the three term system in the college.

A file of copy correspondence between Joseph Winter, owner of the Advocate (a Catholic publication) and Fr Nolan SJ concerning a paragraph about St Francis Xavier College in the paper. A note concerning the correspondence by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ remarks 'Fr Nolan's language is not only very uncharitable and unjustifiable it is also a "libel" - Winter appeals to me for redress. I intend requesting Fr Nolan to "withdraw" the expressions.' (nd, 1p).

Status Habitualis for St Francis Xavier's College, Kew, Melbourne, detailing income and expenditure, assets and liabilities for 1885-1886 and 1892.

Letter from Cardinal Verga to Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ concerning a special faculty for St Francis Xavier's College, Kew.

Copy letter from Duffy Wilkinson, 69 Chancery Lane, Melbourne to Messrs Arnold, Fooks and Chadwick concerning the cancellation of the loan to the Jesuit Fathers for the college at Kew.

A file of balance sheets for the following:
Richmond Residence
Richmond Parish
Sevenhill Residence
Sevenhill Parish
Norwood Residence
Norwood Parish
St Patrick's College, Melbourne
Xavier College, Kew
Hawthorn Parish
Hawthorn Residence
Riverview College, Sydney
St Aloysius College, North Sydney
Loyola College, Sydney

History of St Francis Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne.

A file of letters from Fr Edward Nolan SJ to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ. Includes letters concerning matters in the college at Kew (9 November 1881 - 29 April 1882, 3 items). Includes a letter describing his visit to New Zealand and the journey from Hokitika to Greymouth. Remarks: 'Those who have seen the European Alps say that the Southern Alps of N. Zealand are quite equal to them for grandeur. The scenery too is most varied...The roads over the mountains are cut out of the rock and the precipices hundreds of feet deep along which they run make many a stout heart quail.' (1May [ ], 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his visit to Greymouth, New Zealand. Remarks '...(it) is the most stirring town on the west coast and I believe the most so in N.Z. for its size. A new rush broke out about two months ago...There are 'tis said a thousand Irish there.' (6 May [ ], 4pp).

Letter from Fr Christopher Nulty SJ, St Patrick's College, Melbourne, Australia to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ, concerning the Rectorship's of St. Patrick's and Kew.

Letter from Fr Edward Nolan SJ, (Rector), St Francis Xavier's College, Kew to Fr Michael Dooley SJ, Consultor concerning the holding of a consultation. Remarks that he is aware of the need for a Consultor's meeting but that he has not had time to do so.

Letter from Fr John Ryan SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Patrick Keating SJ concerning the Austro-Hungarian Mission in Australia and the possibility of unifying the two Missions.

A file of letters from Mr Louis G. Loughnan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ concerning his voyage to Australia and seeking permission to smoke.

A file of letters from Fr Timothy Kenny SJ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning a consultation on the issue of selling St Aloysius College and the establishment of a residence in Adelaide.

A file of letters from Fr Michael J Watson SJ to Irish Fr Provincial. Includes a letter describing the voyage to Australia. Remarks 'I wish you could have seen Fr Nulty, S.J. at the end of our voyage. He allowed his beard to grow, as indeed did Father Hughes and myself but Father Nulty's grew to a surprising degree and presented a bushy and fierce appearance. How imposing he looked as he walked about the deck...' (10 April 1873, 4pp). Includes letters written as a Consultor for St Francis Xavier's College, Kew. Includes a letter remarking that Fr Sturzo SJ (Superior of the Mission) wishes to transfer the Novitiate to Kew (4 January 1886, 4pp).

Letter from Fr Martin Jacques SJ, St Xavier's College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia to Fr Thomas Brown SJ concerning his voyage to Australia.

Letter from Fr Hugh Pidcock SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial John Conmee SJ concerning the college and Fr James O'Dwyer's success as Rector of the College. Refers to the financial position of Xavier College.

Letters from Mr William Keane SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning his theology course.

Letter from Mr Thomas Shuley SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ seeking permission to smoke.

Letter from Fr Dominic Kelly SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ concerning his arrival in Australia and his work at the college.

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Brennan SJ, St Ignatius, Richmond, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ. Includes a letter advising that the terms offered by Dr Mannix (Archbishop of Melbourne) for Newman College should be accepted (15 October 1917, 1p). Includes letters referring to the opening of Studley Hall, a preparatory school for Xavier College (22 April 1920 - 28 June 1920, 3pp).

Telegram from Fr Joseph Brennan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V. Nolan SJ asking permission to open a preparatory study hall (Studley) at Xavier College.

Letter from Fr William Hackett SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Victoria to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ thanking him for his telegram on the occasion of his jubilee. Refers to his work as assistant to Catholic Action.

Letter from Fr Albert Power SJ to Irish Provincial Fr John R. MacMahon SJ concerning the Australian Status.

A file of letters from Fr Thomas Cahill SJ (Superior of the Mission 1872-79) to Irish Fr Provincial concerning his life and work in Australia. Includes a letter written from Macao, China concerning the expulsion of the Society from the colony due '...to the hostility of a newly appointed Administrator of the diocese. He's the chief author of a new code of rules for his seminary one of which excludes foreigners.' Continues '...I am to go to Australia.' (20 July 1871, 4pp) Includes a letter referring to the laying of the foundation stone of St Francis Xavier, Melbourne on 8 December 1872. Refers to the passing of the Education Bill. Remarks 'The Bill establishes compulsory free and secular education Catholics cannot therefor accept it...' (2 January 1873, 6pp). Includes a letter confirming his appointment as acting superior of St Patrick's College (21 May 1873, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning the provision of education for the poor and the possibility of the Christian Brothers and the Sacred Heart Sisters establishing such schools in the Richmond Mission (10 September 1873, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the erection of a wooden house at Kew to establish a school for the sixty Catholic children in Kew (10 August 1874, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to the building of Kew College. Remarks that work has been stopped because the tenders were far higher than expected. Refers to the opening of St John's College in Sydney. Remarks '(The)...college was opened with great eclat by Dr. Vaughan last week. This college under him will be a formidable rival.' (19 April 1875, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr Dalton and a story concerning him and his endeavours on the part of two children whom he promised (to their dying Mother) to see reared as Catholics. Remarks that the incident has attracted a lot of publicity and that a question will be asked in Parliament on the subject. (12 July 1875, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Dr Moran, Bishop of Dunedin, New Zealand and his invitation to the Society to set up a college at Dunedin (14 November 1876, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to a meeting with the recently appointed Archbishop of Sydney who offered an invitation to the Society to establish a Mission in Sydney (10 March 1877, 7pp).

Letter from Fr Michael Watson SJ, St Francis Xavier's College, Kew, near Melbourne, Australia to the Irish Novices concerning news about various members of the Australian Mission of the Irish Province who have died. They include Frs Aloysius Kranewitter, James Joyce, Bros. John O'Flynn, William Aloysius Wrigley, Michael Goodwin and Archbishop Steins.

Group photograph of the Xavier College community, Melbourne, on the occasion of the visit of Visitor, Fr John McMahon SJ. All individuals are named. Taken by Allan Studios, Collingwood, Victoria.

Copy of 'Laurels' (vol. 25, no. 86), a quarterly publication devoted to the interests of Old Xaverians, with article on the Irish Jesuit mission to Australia, 1865 onwards.

Letters from Fr Dominic V. Connell SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial. Includes a letter giving his opinion about the creation of a Vice-Province of the Society in Australia (26 June 1925, 1p).

Letter from Fr James Cleary SJ, St Francis Xavier's College. Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Thomas Browne SJ, as Consultor for the college. Describes the progress of the college.

A file of Consultor's letters from the various communities of the Australian Mission to Mission Superior, Fr John Ryan SJ.

Letter from Fr Patrick E. Duffy SJ, Kew College, Melbourne, Australia to Fr Michael Browne SJ, Rector, Clongowes Wood College SJ, describing Fr General Jan Phillipp Roothaan's visit to Clongowes in 1849.

Letter from Fr Eustace Boylan SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial John Conmee SJ concerning his life in Australia and his work as Prefect of Studies in the College.

Letter from Fr James O'Dwyer SJ, Xavier College, Kew to Fr Maher SJ concerning news from the Australian Mission and asking Fr Maher for items (chalices and vestments) for the altar.

Letter from Fr Patrick Keating SJ to Irish Fr Provincial John Conmee SJ concerning his handing over of the Rectorship of Xavier College to Fr James O'Dwyer SJ.

A file of letters from Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ (Superior: 2 September 1883 - 5 April 1890) to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the Mission in Australia. Includes a letter asking permission to open a novitiate if he felt it was needed (12 November 1883 , 6pp). Includes a letter expressing his frustration over the delay in receiving answers to his letters. Remarks 'I feel very much embarrassed when there is anything to be done that requires the signing of a contract. I think that Fr General should give me as much power as he can communicate...' Refers to the lack of men and remarks that Fr Bietal SJ, an Austrian Jesuit is likely to be recalled to his own Mission in Adelaide (17 December 1883, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the type of person suitable for the Mission in Adelaide (17 December 1883, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the type of person suitable for the Mission. Remarks 'I hope you will not send to Australia anyone who is in any way weak concerning drink and the other fault that comes after drinking to excess. In this country...our dealings are more before the public and any fault in those two matters would ruin our character entirely.' (14 October 1886, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to Fr Joseph O'Malley's return from New Zealand. Remarks that Fr Thomas McEnroe SJ remains in New Zealand but that he is not certain whether the Mission has been closed or not. Includes a letter referring to the election of Fr Clancy as Rector of St John's College. Remarks that his election has been declared invalid. Describes how this has occurred. (10 January 1889, 4pp). Includes a further letter concerning Fr Clancy and the Rectorship of St. John's College. Remarks that they have consulted a lawyer who felt the election was invalid '...we saw that this was the best opportunity for us to retire with honours and without offending our friends from the truly dangerous battlefield...' (7 February 1884, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to the need for more Fathers to be sent out particularly a German or French Father that could be employed as a prefect in one of the colleges (17 September 1884, 8pp). Includes a letter concerning a decision to publish the Messenger of the Sacred Heart in Melbourne. Refers to the sale of land at St Patrick's Melbourne for the construction of a portion of the railway. Remarks that Fr Christopher Nulty SJ (Rector) has paid off all debts and wishes to spend the remainder on finishing the college (9 August 1886, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to the closure of Tullabeg and the possibility of Fathers being sent out to Australia. Remarks 'I hope that even independently from the closing of Tullabeg you will send me some good prefects and masters who are wanted here very badly...' (20 August 1886, 3pp). Includes a letter concerning an offer by the Bishop of Tasmania to the Society of a house for the purposes of opening a seminary for the Bishop's diocese and that it could also be used as a sanatorium for Jesuit Fathers '...I wrote to him that...it would not be prudent...for us to accept an offer...which we could not accomplish through want of men and money (1 October 1886, 10pp).

Group photograph at St Francis Xavier’s College, Kew, Melbourne, featuring Mr Patrick O'Mara SJ, scholastic (front row, left).

Photograph of Xavier College Community, Melbourne. Names are given on attached photocopied sheet taken from ‘The Australian Dictionary of Jesuit Biography’, 2006, p114.

An extensive file of letters from Fr John Ryan SJ to Irish Fr Provincial. As Superior of the Mission (11 February 1901 - 14 June 1908 & 9 April 1913 - 24 October 1917), Fr Ryan wrote to his superior, the Irish Fr Provincial on all matters concerning the administration (including visitations he made to the various communities) of the Mission and members of the Society living and working in see also Australia. Includes a letter to Fr J. Murphy SJ concerning Fr John O'Neill's health. Remarks '...there is only one proper course open to us viz. to send Fr O'Neill to Europe where he will have, at least, a chance of recovery...He is a source of constant anxiety, and we have no institution in Australia where we can put him, except the public Lunatic Asylum.' Remarks that following discussion with his Consultors he has decided to send Fr O'Neill home. (8 December 1902, 2pp). Includes a memorandum concerning the mission of the Jesuit Fathers in North Sydney. (5 March 1912, 7pp). Includes a letter concerning the Sydney Synod. Remarks 'It seems the secular clergy are urging His Grace to dock more and more the missionary districts of Regulars and apparently he means to satisfy them as much as possible.' (6 August 1913, 2pp). Includes a letter discussing the proposed additions to St. Aloysius College (6 August 1913, 5pp). Includes a letter referring to the war and the difficulty of sending letters. Remarks '…it is a blessing that so far none of our mail boats have been sunk'. Refers to Sevenhills and remarks that he will do his best '…to work up the Altar Wine Industry which I hope will be of great help to Loyola. And I do hope you will succeed in getting some Bros. That understand the making of wine.' Concludes by remarking that more chaplains are needed by the Military Authorities and remarks that he cannot supply even one Father. Refers to Fr Hearne SJ, at the front and remarks '…everyone who has met him is loud in his praises.' (9 February 1914, 2pp). Includes a letter concerning a loan for Riverview (a second mortgage on the property) (18 February 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter regarding the reopening of the Novitiate at Loyola (18 February 1914, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning the proposed administration of St. John's College in the University of Sydney by the Jesuit Fathers (23 - 25 February 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter (with rough drawings) regarding the alterations made at Loyola for the reopening of the Novitiate (16 June 1914, 3pp). Includes a letter referring to a statement sent to Fr General concerning the lax discipline at Riverview. Remarks that the statements made by Fr General were too sweeping (1 September 1915, 2pp). Includes letters concerning an offer made by Archbishop Dunne (Archbishop of Brisbane), Toowong Parochial District, Brisbane. In a letter from Fr Ryan to Fr Thomas V Nolan SJ he remarks that Toowong would be the most suitable district in Brisbane for the work of the Jesuits (29 August 1915 - 18 June 1916, 9 items). Includes letters see also concerning the property Ellangowan (Adelaide) and the desire of the Society of Jesus to secure the property (9 March 1916, 3pp). Includes a number of letters concerning a new Superior for Norwood and problems with Fr McCurtin over the matter (8 March 1916 - 27 March 1916, 6 items). Includes a letter expressing his surprise at the employment of female cooks at Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne. Remarks that he challenged Fr O'Dwyer SJ (Rector) about it at once as 'It was well known that I would not consent without referring the matter to Your Reverence.' Includes a letter from Fr O'Dwyer to Fr Ryan explaining the reasons why he employed female cooks (1 April 1917 & 2 April 1917, 2 items). Includes a memorandum concerning the sending of Juniors to Ireland and opposition of the Consultors to sending them to Ireland. Outlines various reasons why the Consultors are opposed to this (2 May 1917, 1p). Includes a letter referring to a meeting with the Consultors at which the question of a Juniorate in Australia was fully discussed (30 October 1917, 1p).

Invitation to Fr Provincial to attend a garden party at Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia to celebrate the jubilee of the Archbishop of Melbourne.

A file of letters from Fr James O'Dwyer SJ to Fr Provincial. Many of the letters refer to Xavier College and the administration of the school e.g. teaching staff, subjects taught, equipment needed (laboratory/scientific materials), finances. Includes a letter referring to the Premiership in football '...which we won last Thursday from the Scotch - you would think it was a reversal of the Battle of the Boyne.' (26 August 1910, 2pp). Includes a letter enclosing the Rector's report of Xavier College, Kew (27 December 1911, 2 items). Includes a letter referring to the war. Remarks 'As I write from this side of the globe we hardly know whether the British Empire is still standing. We still hope the sea is clear - but we are really being kept in the dark. All we know is that Germany is pressing on and Namar has fallen. We know that the Holy Father and Father General are dead and Franz Joseph is dying.' (25 August 1914, 5pp). Includes a letter discussing the opening of Newman College. Remarks that the prestige of the Society is at stake and suitable men must be appointed to it, particularly the position of Rector. (17 see also June 1917, 7pp). Includes a letter referring to a crisis that has occurred over the opening of Newman College. Remarks that Fr Superior (Fr Ryan SJ) has raised queries over the amount of money to be paid to the Jesuits, a sum he (Fr Ryan) regards to be too little. Remarks 'The trouble is we cannot exactly see what Fr Ryan's position is. He has a vague fear that he is outwitted by Dr Mannix and a vague recollection of possible better terms from Dr Carr at a time when more money was expected to come in and when the cost of building was lower...You may remember that one of my reasons for pressing you to visit Australia was that I held that Fr Ryan was not the man to do business with Dr Mannix. There is a temperamental difference between them. Dr M. thinks Fr Ryan shifty and Fr Ryan thinks Dr. M. most exacting.' (15 October 1917, 6pp). Includes two letters referring to the appointment of Fr Power SJ to the position of Rector of Newman College and how this was achieved. Expresses his extreme disappointment and annoyance at being put in a very embarrassing situation. Points out that everybody assumed he (Fr O'Dwyer) would be appointed even though he accepts that no official confirmation of this was sent by Irish Fr Provincial Thomas V Nolan SJ). Remarks 'Newman College Council met...only laymen were present. It was before Fr Power's name was disclosed to the public and I was greeted as Rector by the members...When Dr. M entered the room business was begun by asking for information re Rector. Then to the consternation of all he repeated your cable to him without any word to his council, without a hint to me, over the heads of the Mission CCs. I was publicly repudiated and humiliated not only by my own superiors (which might be considered part of the game) but by Dr M. acting as superior of Ours.' Concludes 'I have been rejected and snubbed so often by superiors and have always found myself so much better off as the result, that I have great trust in Providence. I should never have got to Australia if Fr J. Murphy had not turned me out of CWC (Clongowes Wood College) as a dangerous character. And I should not have got to Melbourne...if Fr Ryan had not declared me unfit for Riverview...All that does not prevent me from writing strongly...nor prevent me from saying again that my poor efforts for the Society in Australia deserved more consideration.' (23 February 1918, 3pp & 3 July 1918, 6pp).

Status temporalis for St. Francis Xavier College, Kew Melbourne.

A file relating to Fr Joseph Dalton SJ. Includes a calendar of letters received by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ compiled by Errol Lea-Scarlett, Archivist, Riverview (1977-2001, 17pp). Includes notebook compiled by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ entitled 'Consultations St. Patrick's College, Melbourne.' The notebook in fact contains other notes including copies of letters to Irish Fr Provincial and notes relating to other communities in Australia e.g. Sevenhills, St Francis Xavier's College, Kew, Richmond Parish, St. Kilda House, Riverview. (3 November 1870 - [ ] January 1883, ca. 60pp). Includes notes on Sir Edward Strickland compiled by Fr Dalton SJ (1 March 1899, 2pp).

Documents for Ireland (37 items):

• First Catalogue (Catalogus Personarum Primus);
• Second Catalogue (Catalogus Personarum Secundus);
• House Histories (Historia Domus);
• Annual Letters (Litterae Annuae);
• Lives of those who have died (Summarium vitae defunctorum);
• Province Accounts (Status temporalis trienalis domorum et arcarum Provinciae);
• Index of authors and books published by Ours (Index auctorem et librorum a Nostris editorum);

and for Australia (39 items):

• First Catalogue (Catalogus Personarum Primus);
• Second Catalogue (Catalogus Personarum Secundus);
• House Histories (Historia Domus);
• Lives of those who have died (Summarium vitae defunctorum);
• Province Accounts (Status temporalis trienalis domorum et arcarum Provinciae).

Copy of a letter from Fr Richard Coyne SJ, Editor, Mungret Annual, Mungret College, Limerick to Fr Patrick J. Stephenson SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne concerning the Mungret Annual and priests, working in Australia, who attended Mungret.

Photographs of students from Xavier College, Melbourne, Australia.

Typed and handwritten manuscript by John Bithrey entitled Xavier College (Melbourne Memoirs), September 1903 - August 1908.

The Xaverian: school journal for Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia.
1922
1923
1924

Obituary and memorials of Fr Patrick Stephenson SJ sent to Irish Fr Provincial Philip Harnett SJ from Fr Christopher Glesson SJ, Headmaster of St Xavier's School, Melbourne, Australia. Includes negative of Fr Stephenson (1958).

A file of letters from Fr Michael Dooley SJ, St. Francis Xavier's College, Kew, Australia to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Includes a letter referring to the finances of St. Francis Xavier's College. Expresses his concern over the debts that have accumulated. Remarks that the Archbishop has opened a new High School and appears to have lost confidence in St. Francis Xavier's College. Refers to Fr Therry's estate and remarks that it has been sold off '...and what has become of the money, I can't say.' Concludes that a debt of £20,000 has accumulated. (3 July 1881, 4pp).

File of correspondence between Fr Kevin O'Dwyer SJ and his Irish Provincials. Material relates to his time in Australia, York, Limerick, London, Amsterdam, Nova Scotia, Montreal, New York, Iowa and Singapore.

Material on James Sheedy, who departed the Society of Jesus, as a brother.

A file of Consultor's letters from the following to Irish Fr Provincial:
Fr Patrick Keating SJ St. Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney;
Fr William Hughes SJ, St. Francis Xavier's College, Kew, Melbourne;
Fr J. R. Murphy SJ, St. Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney;
Fr Lucas Murphy SJ, Glenferrie Presbytery, Melbourne;
Fr C. Morrogh SJ, St Ignatius, Richmond, Melbourne;
Fr Francis Ryan SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne;
Fr Thomas O'Dwyer SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne;
Fr J. C. Hartnett SJ, St Patrick's College, East Melbourne;
Fr Patrick McGrath SJ, St. Ignatius, Richmond, Melbourne;
Fr J. Martin SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne
Fr Michael Egan SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne and a general summary of points raised by Consultors.

Photograph of the Jesuit community, Kew, Australia. Back row, l-r: -, Timothy Halpin, - , Peter Dwyer, - . Front row, l-r: -, Patrick Morris, Thomas Shuley.

Power of attorney from Rev. Professor J. Hannon SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia to Rev. Thomas Wheeler SJ and Rev. Martin Maher SJ, Milltown Park, Milltown, Dublin to act on his behalf in any legal matters. Signed and sealed by John Hannon.

Power of attorney from Rev. Eustace Boylan SJ, Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne, Australia to Rev. Thomas Wheeler SJ and Rev. Matthew Devitt SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to act on his behalf in any legal matters.

Power of attorney from Rev, Henry Martin Lynch SJ to Fr James Dalton SJ.

Annual Letters (Litterae Annuae) and House Histories (Historia Domus) for Ireland and Australia (2 versions).

Status Temporalis (Province Account) book which contains accounts for: St Ignatius’ College, Galway; St Stanislaus’ College, Tullabeg; Clongowes College, Naas; Belvedere College, Dublin; Crescent College (College of the Sacred Heart), Limerick; Mungret College, Limerick; Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin; University Hall; 35 Lower Leeson Street; St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Irish Jesuit mission to Australia.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to Sr Mary Agnes (later Mother Prioress), Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest. The majority of these letters are written from Australia and describe his work in this mission. The letters also discuss news from the convent of Firhouse and Fr Duffy offers constant encouragement in spiritual matters and discusses the numbers of novices in the convent. Many of the letters were written while his sister (Sr Mary Gabriel) was ill and could not write herself. Includes a letter concerning his sister's health. Remarks that he is glad to have been told how serious her attack was. Remarks 'I am anxious about her, of course I am, we are brother and sister and the last remaining two of a family of eleven. No wonder, then, that we should look towards each other - now especially, when we are both coming so near to the end of the journey.' (21 June 1894, 4pp). Includes a letter congratulating Sr. Mary Agnes on becoming Mother Prioress of the Carmelite Convent in Firhouse. Remarks 'And so the burden of authority has been laid upon your shoulders! Well - God's will be done. And that it is God's will that you should be put into your present position.' (25 April 1895, 4pp). Includes a letter enclosing a cutting from The Argus concerning Edward Grennan who took part in the Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War. Advises Sr Mary Agnes to read the cutting to the novices. Remarks 'The lesson taught is grand! I would advise the Mistress of Novices to read both (cutting and letter) to her novices and give them a lecture on obedience. The analogy between the two warfares, the warfare of this world and the warfare of the soul is very close.' (22 November 1896, 2 items). Later letters addressed to Mrs Lentaigne.

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Duffy SJ to his sister Sr Mary Gabriel, Carmelite Convent, Firhouse, Tallaght, Dublin concerning his life and work as a priest in Australia and elsewhere. The vast majority of the letters (over 50) are written from Australia describing in detail his work and life in this mission. Includes letters discussing his health, his sister's health, family matters, retreats and missions he gave in Australia and masses and prayers offered for the convent and community at Firhouse. Includes a letter from Fr Duffy, Ursuline Convent, St Joseph's, Sligo to Sr Mary Gabriel. Remarks 'Now that you and I are alone left of all we must, from this on, take on more than ever special interest in each other.' (6 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter informing his sister of his departure for Australia. Remarks 'Say God's will be done for it is the will of God. Don't fret about me, for before very long you and I will meet in a happy eternity.' (15 August 1888, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his sister's health and the loss of sight in one of her eyes. Encourages her not to read if she finds it a strain. Refers to the noviceship in her convent. Remarks 'Put away those gloomy thoughts about the noviceship. There is nothing wrong in your convent. Just let us keep on praying and trusting and leave the future to God.' (22 August 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning his move from North Shore to Hawthorn. Remarks that he has more work to do in Hawthorn and that it is 'more pressing'. Remarks 'As I write the weather is harsh and we have much sickness - the influenza - and many deaths.' (7 October 1891, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the death of Fr General (Fr Anderledy SJ) at Fiesole. Remarks 'He and I were fellow students in the Roman College of the Society, some 44 years ago! He was about my age. A warning to look out!' Refers to his change of address and remarks that he will be working at Kew, Melbourne (letter dated 4 December 1891, 4pp, section dated 20 January 1892). Includes a letter written from New Zealand where he was conducting retreats. Remarks 'I am in my element.' Continues 'I like New Zealand very much a fine country and climate - greatly superior to Australia. Every one is kind to me and I get on well. Wellington is a nice clean city with a fine harbour and a brisk trade.' Describes a journey to Reefton to give a retreat to the Mercy nuns. Remarks that he made the journey on top of a stage coach 'Pretty smart going! Through the bush and over the mountains! Five horses to the coach and galloping all the time for nearly 4 days! What say you to that? But young men like me don't mind these things.' (this section dated 8 January 1893) (29 December 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to his duties at St. Francis Xavier's College in Kew. Remarks that he is in charge of the Sodality of the B V Mary 'Tis from the sodalities in our colleges that the noviceship is recruited.' (7 February 1892, 4pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to one of the Melbourne hospitals to see an old friend, Edward Grennan, '…Irish and Catholic a native of Mountrath, Queen's county. He had been in the army - a cavalry regiment - Lord Cardigan's Light Brigade - had ridden in the famous charge - 25 October 1854. He is now the remnant of a well looking man - was then a youth of 20. Well we fraternized of course - he and I old Crimean-and fellow-soldiers. We chatted of the war, and of the Charge of the Light Brigade, his brigade in particular. Step by step we got along until I stood with him and his companions 600 strong - in thought and imagination - at the end of the valley - at the other end of which was the Russian Battery of some 10 or 12 pairs of canon.' Describes how the order was given to seize the guns. Continues 'Without a moments hesitation, the 600 are in their saddles and away they go…Oh! My poor fellows, my poor brave fellows! Over 600 they commence their ride to return later on all that was left of them about 200 men! Half an hour did the whole business.' (21 November 1896, 4pp).