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CARDINAL CULLEN Section 42/1 

Copies of Letters in Archives of Irish College, Rome 

Files 

1 Lists of numbers of words typed and payments to typists, 

1912-15. 

2 Letters of +Cullen to Mgr. Kirby (Rector), 1858, 1862. 

3 +Cullen to Kirby (a few to Moran), 1863. 

4 +Cullen to Kirby, 1864. 

5 +Cullen to Kirby, 1865. 

6 Letters to Kirby, mostly from +Cullen, 1863-65. 

7 +Cullen to Kirby 

8 Card. Cullen to Kirby, 1852 (some up to 1875). 

9 Card. Cullen to Kirby, 1873 

10 Card. Cullen to Kirby, 1874. 

11 Card. Cullen to Kirby, 1875. 

12 Miscellaneous Letters, 1862-78 (nearly all to +Cullen).


File IX: Letters of Card. Cullen to Mgr. Kirby, 1873 

No. Date (1873) Main Topics 

1 5 Jan. O'Keeffe to sue +Moran for damages for slander and 

defamation. The ease against Card. Cullen begins soon. O'Keeffe 

holds that the Pope has no legal authority in these kingdoms. 

2 7 Jan. Necessary to determine when laymen can go to law with 

priests. 

Dr. Forde has successfully undergone an operation. 

3 12 Jan. (Abstract of Italian letter) Mgr. Forde is in 

extremis. 

O'Keeffe impugnes Cullen's authority as Apostolic Delegate. The Roman 

witnesses should be able to prove this. Judge Whiteside favours O'Keeffe, but 

there will probably be some Catholic jurors. 

4 15 Jan. (Abstract of Italian letter) The Roman replies to Card. 

Cullen's queries may come too late. 

Mgr. Forde has died, and is a great loss to Dublin and to Ireland. He 

would have been an invaluable witness at the trial. 

5 15 Jan. The Roman witnesses should be able to show that Card. 

Cullen had every necessary power in Fr.O'Keeffe’s case. 

6 19 Jan. Trial delayed. Mr. Butt has declined to defend O 'K. 

Pastoral letter drawn up for Bishops' meeting. 

7 21 Jan. Successful meeting of Bishops. Pastoral adopted 

(written by +Conroy), dealing with the Pope; persecution in Italy, Germany 

and Switzerland; education; consecration of Ireland to the Sacred Heart. 

Also a letter to the Pope and one to the German Bishops Irish Bishops wish 

to hold another National Council. 

8 24 Jan. The arguments re Fr. O'Keeffe's "demurrers" against 

Card. Cullen's pleas are still going on - and going badly for O'Keeffe. 

9 26 Jan. Sending letter to the Pope without +Moriarty's signature. (He was absent and 

would not 

sign without seeing the document). 

Irish Bishops giving Mgr. Kirby full powers to act for 

them re sale of vineyard. 

O'Keeffe seems to have prejudiced his case by some 

absurd theories. 

While Judge Whiteside is for O ' K . , there are also three 

Catholic judges. 

10 27 Jan. Card. Cullen requests some books on Canon Law. 

Trials of +Duggan and sixteen priests may be held before Card. Cullen's. 

11 5 Feb. Card. Cullen has been ill. Trial postponed again; 

perhaps until May. 

Answers to queries have come from Card. Barnabo; not 

12 after 13 satisfactory. ( text missing)


File: X Letters of Card. Cullen to Mgr. Kirby, 1874 

No. Date(1874) Main Topics 

1 5 Jan. If you sell, deposit the money in the names of the 

Archbishops. 

The English seem to be intent on attacking the Catholics. 

2 19 Jan. Glad to hear of successful sale. Instructions re depositing the money; problem 

re +MacHale. 

+Keane (Cloyne) has died. 

Fr. O ’ Keeffe is preparing to go to law again. 

3 20(?) Jan. "Hospital Sunday" for Protestant and Catholic Hospitals; 

Card. Cullen has declined to take part. 

Problem re Mgr. Curley and the Irish in Buenos Aires. 

4 29 Jan. Better sell all or nearly all. 

Unexpected general election. Catholics disorganised and divided over Home 

Rule. 

Fr. O'Keeffe's cases against Card. Cullen and +Moran. Great split between 

priests and people in Limerick. 

5 5 Feb. Make sure of getting the money for the vineyard. 

Gladstone will do badly in the election. The Cardinal hopes for about 50 

Catholic and 25 liberal Protestant M.P.'s in Ireland. 

6 16 Feb. More about depositing the money. 

Triumph for Tories in England. More Catholic M.P.'s in Ireland. 

7 19 Feb. There are 49 or 50 Catholic M . P . 's . 

8 24 Feb. More about the money for the vineyard. 

Must wait and see how Tories will treat Catholics. 

The 51 or so Catholic M . P . 's in Ireland, with about 

25 liberal Protestants, may prevent attacks on Caths. 

Card. Cullen has been 24 years a Bishop; only three 

others in Ireland longer than this. 

+MacHale and Fr. Lavelle were hooted by a mob at the Galway election, for 

supporting an unpopular candidate. 

9 11 Mar. Instructions re transfer of money to Bank of Ireland. Great Requiem Mass in 

Dublin for Card. Barnabo. +Moran's trial in Naas soon, before Judge O'Brien; 

a good chance of fair play. 

10 3 Apr. Old Fr. James Maher died on 2 Apr, +MacHale will not sign cheques if his name 

is last. 

11 7 Apr. More re +MacHale's obstinacy. 

12 8 Apr. More re problem of +MacHale's signature. 

Legal question re new trial for Card. Cullen. 

13 9 Apr. Stalemate re +MacHale's signature, 

14 23 Apr. Fr. O'Connor appointed Bishop of Ballarat, 

+Carfagnini and Irish Benevolent Society in Newfoundland. 

15 May O'Keeffe has had two set-backs in the courts -

CARDINAL CULLEN +Cullen to Kirby, 1865 Section 42/1 


16 27 July (To Moran) +Cullen's strong rejection of request for 

collections in Dublin diocese for support of "young Thieves" in English 

reformatories on the ground: that they are Irish. Necessity of good Bishops 

for Australia. 

17 14 Aug. Bishops to meet re Catholic University. Hard to agree 

because of +MacHale's opposition to everything. The Queen’s Colleges 

may go ahead. 

18 25 Aug. Report on Bishops’ meeting. Nothing decided yet re 

University. Govt. proposal of Royal University. Archbishops to treat with 

Govt. re model and training schools. +MacHale's dispute with +Butler 

(Limerick) 

19 27 Sep. Three Clonliffe students for Irish College, Rome: 

Byrne, Staples and Kinsella. 

Fenian leaders imprisoned and Irish People suppressed. 

20 8 Oct. Connaught Patriot suppressed and editor (Martin O'Brennan), 

arrested. Nearly 200 Fenians arrested; charged with proposing to establish a 

republic, confiscate property and massacre gentry and Catholic clergy. Arms 

and American money seized. High cost of meat, etc., in Ireland. 

21 20 Oct. Get Hutch to stay in Rome for further training;: 

Roman /professors needed in Ireland. 

22 19 Nov. Some medical students of Cath. University propose to 

join Order of St. John of God in the hope of introducing it into Dublin. 

+Cullen approves. Fenian trial soon. 

23 30 Nov. (From London) The four Archbishops have seen Sir 

George Grey re University and National Education; he seemed 

favourable. 

24 29 Dec. Get Cardinal Prefect to approve the Bishops’ Memorial 

to Sir G. Grey

CARDINAL CULLEN Card. Cullen to Kirby (some Moran), 1866 Section 42/1 


19 30 Oct. Cholera still raging 

20 1 Nov. (From Hugh Cullen in Dublin) Bright, the great English 

agitator, has spoken in Dublin in favour of Disestablishment and Tenant 

Rights 

21 6 Nov.? What are the prospects for Rome ? 

22 9 Nov. Still awaiting news from Rome 

23 16 Nov. Mrs. Fitzsimon, daughter of Daniel O'Connell, going to 

Rome 

24 27 Nov. Alarm in Ireland about the Fenians; 

Cholera still there; prayers and Masses for relief 

25 28 Dec. Death of +Cantwell (Meath)

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters to Kirby, 1873 Section 42/1 

No_. Date (1873) Main Topics 

28 30 Apr. Pray for success in trial. 

29 12 May Trial began today. Seven Catholics on jury. The two 

Romans came. 

30 26 May Judge Whiteside denies Cullen’s authority as Apostolic 

Delegate. 

31 28 May Whiteside forced jury to decide for O'Keeffe, but 

they assessed damages at one farthing. Whiteside then declared Card. Cullen 

liable for all O'Keeffe ’ s expenses, so the Cardinal had to apply for a new 

trial - perhaps in seven or eight months' time. The Roman canonists were 

excellent, and were impressed with the schools and religious institutions in 

Dublin. 

32 6 June A new judgment. Whiteside fought for O'Keeffe, but 

the other three judges resisted. Must wait till end of year. All think O'Keeffe 

is ruined. 

33 June Great celebration of Feast of S. Heart. 

O'Keeffe before a Parliamentary Commission in London re Callan schools. 

34 1 July Card. Cullen would like a Roman expert to teach Canon 

Law in Ireland. 

Even Protestants were impressed by the Catholic 

Church's showing in the trial. 

Lord Russell and Mr. Bouverie are making capital out 

of O'Keeffe's case. 

O'Keeffe's case against +Moran is due in Naas this 

month - before Judge Whiteside. 

O 'K . has also sued Dr. McDonald of Kilkenny. 

35 9 July French Government's control over Irish College, Paris. 

36 15 July More re French Govt.'s control over Paris College. 

Also re O 'K e e f f e 's case against +Moran. 

37 24 July O 'K e e f f e 's two cases against +Moran have been deferred. 

Fear of cholera spreading from America or Germany. +Manning to 

preach at dedication of new church in Armagh; Card. Cullen has asked 

him to spend a few days in Dublin. 

38 31 July Most of the Callan people have deserted O'Keeffe. 

Gladstone's ministry is falling to pieces. 

39 26 Aug. Armagh's new cathedral was opened on 24 A u g . ; £8,000 

collected. Orangemen stoned the returning trains. 

40 28 Aug. Clonliffe church coming on well. 

Expense of running College, with meat now a shilling a pound! 

41 8 Oct. William Cullen, who was seven years sick, can now resume his studies and 

be ordained. Fr, O'Keeffe tried to extract large sums of money from 

+Moran.



44 31 Oct. Fortini's visit to Ireland. 

Card. Cullen would like a Roman professor of theology and canon law for 

Clonliffe. 

45 4 Nov. Introducing Mrs. K. Blunt, an American convert who 

saved Paris from being sacking or burned during the Commune. Her problem 

re a daughter who has joined the Ladies of the Sacred Heart. Short note 

from Card. Cullen to Mrs. Blunt attached. 

46 13 Nov. (Long letter) Card. Cullen has got a conditional order 

reversing the verdict for O'Keeffe, who has done nothing about it yet. 

Italian Govt, persecuting religious orders. French Liberal Catholics not 

sincerely for the King. Hopes MacMahon will stand firm. 

Card. Cullen would prefer a secular priest as professor rather than a Jesuit. 

He gives a long account of his dispute with the Jesuits over their proposal to 

open a junior college on Killlney Hill. 

47 19 Nov. Case of broken marriage (Riviere). 

Clonliffe going well. 

Troubles re professors at Cat. University. 

48 22 Nov. Fr. O'Keeffe’s former assistant, Fr. O'Dwyer (O.S.A.), 

has gone to Rome, apparently repentant. Help him. Sudden death of one 

Benjamin Hawkins while giving a blasphemous lecture in Birmingham. 

Verdict: Died by the visitation of heaven. 

Big Home Rule meeting In Dublin; Card. Cullen not favourable. 

Govt, furious at Bishops' resolutions on University question; threat of 

prosecution if any degrees are conferred. 

49 26 Nov. Report that Filo Marino is up for auction. If so, 

Dr Kirby should legally protest In Card. Cullen’s name. 

50 28 Nov. More re sale of Filo Marino. Send particulars. Lord 

Granard has promised to intervene through Lord Granville. 

Little girl who rebuked +Moriarty after Vatican Council for what he said 

about the Pope. 

51 4 Dec. Take proper legal steps to stop auction of vineyard. 

52 5 Dec. Get +Conroy (then on visit to Rome) to act re vineyard. 

Dr. Molloy leaving Maynooth for Cath. University. 

53 7 Dec. Card. Cullen has written to Lord Granville re sale of vineyard, and will ask some other Bishops 

to write. 

54 9 Dec More re sale of vineyard. 

55 12 Dec. (Letter signed by P.J. Tynan, with P.S- in Cardinal 

Cullen's handwriting) 

It seems that Lord Granville will not prevent sale of 

vineyard. 

56 14 Dec. Glad to hear sale of vineyard (Over Kirby’s head) (text missing).

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters to Kirby, 1873 Section 42 1 


57 15 Dec. It would be well to sell the vineyard. 

58 19 Dec. Judge Keogh's son was arrested while drunk. 

59 23 Dec. Try to sell as soon as possible - at a good price. 

60 References to three letters of introduction dated 

8/10/73, 14/3/73 and 30/5/74 (74)


File VIII Letters of Card. Cullen to Mgr. Kirby, 1872(some up to 1875) 

No. Date Main Topics 

1 17 Feb (1872-75) Reports re students in Irish College trespass- 

ing in rooms of Rector and Vice-Rector. 

2 12 Apr. (1872-75) Problem of cheque for Irish College (re .vin- 

eyard); +MacHale refuses to sign after+Leahy. Lawsuit: O’Keeffe 

v. Cullen. How will it go? 

3 18 July, 1872 News of some Bishops, priests, relatives, etc. 

4 2 A u g . , 1892 Abstract of Italian letter to Kirby: 

Judge Keogh has recommended to Govt, to prosecute Abp. of 

Tuam and Bps. of Galway and Clonfert for using undue influence 

in procuring the election of a Catholic (Nolan) against a Protestant. 

5 2 Aug., 1872 Sending £2,000 for the Pope. 

Judge Keogh’s tirade against everything Catholic has roused the 

Fenians and the people to uphold religion. The Govt, supports 

Keogh. Card. Cullen preached in Liverpool. 

6 4 Aug., 1872 Both vineyards of the Irish College should be 

sold, for gold only, and the money invested securely. 

O'Keeffe's case against Card. Cullen is coming on; O'Keeffe 

refuses to abide by Church law. 

7 15 Aug., 1872 Funeral of +Walsh (Ossory). 

Smallpox over; many died. 

8 16 Aug 1872 Illness of Dr. Ryan, Bishop-Elect of Capetown; it would be 

better to appoint someone 

else. +Card. Cullen visited Newry. 

9 29 Aug., 1872 Card. Cullen thinks of visiting Rome at end 

of Sep., before O'Keeffe trial. 

10 3 Sep. 1872 Threat of potato blight; foot and mouth disease. 

O'Keeffe is almost sure to win his case; with 

an "orange" judge and jury. 

11 6 Sep., 1872 Abstract of Italian letter to Kirby: 

O'Hagan (lawyer) wants replies from good canonists re privileges 

granted to a Cardinal and Apostolic Delegate ( in reference to the 

O'Keeffe case) 

12 8-15 Sep.1872 Preparing for visit to Rome. 

Much misery in Ireland; potato blight, bad harvest, strikes, 

drunkenness. Card. Cullen dedicated church in KilCullen and 

confirmed some prisoners in Mountjoy. 

13 12 Sep., 1872 (From Kilkenny after +Walsh’s Month's Mind): 

Fr. O'Keeffe says posterity will wonder how an old man like 

him was able to vanquish (text missing)



13 19 Feb. £50,000 to a new mixed University; nothing to Cath. 

Contd. Univ. except privilege of sitting for exams. of new 

University. 

12 9 Feb. School Inspector Harking case against Fr. O 'Keeffe 

had to be withdrawn, as it had not been prepared. News new Bishops: 

O'Reilly for Liverpool; Vaughan for Sydney (Coadjutor); Fitzgerald for 

Waterford. 

14 23 Feb. Irish Bishops to meet re Gladstone's bill; he will 

not do much for Catholics. 

The National Board has abrogated the rule against 

which the Bishops protested. 

15 2 Mar. The Bishops have sent a petition to Parliament re 

Gladstone's bill. The Lord Lieutenant sent for Card. Cullen to try to win 

him over, but Cullen gave him "such a dose of truth as he never got before 

since he came to Ireland". 

16 5 Mar. The Liverpool Daily Post says Dr. Manning is to ask 

the Pope to make the Irish Bishops accept Gladstone's 

bill. Probably false. 

Lord O'Hagan favours the bill; he would lose his 

£4,000 a year job if Gladstone fell. Monsell would 

also lose his post. 

Proposed programme for National Synod of Bishops. 

17 10 Mar. Card. Cullen thinks Gladstone's bill is as bad as it 

could be. Some highly placed Catholics favour it. +Manning thinks it could 

be turned to good account. Day of Reparation in Dublin; great crowds. 

18 12 Mar. Gladstone's bill was defeated by three votes. Forty 

Irish M . P . ' s , normally followers of Gladstone, opposed him this time. 

19 24 Mar. Preparing for great Triduum in honour of the Sacred 

Heart. 

Fawcett's bill (to come on 2 Apr.) proposes to make 

T.C.D. godless. 

13/6 of each £1 of Govt, revenue comes from duty on 

drink. 

The jury for Card. Cullen's trial is to be special - 

probably mostly Protestant. 

20 27 Mar. Bogus priest (Seaton) from Nova Scotia deceived Card. 

Cullen and may go to Rome. 

21 31 Mar. Great Triduum and Consecration to Sacred Heart. 

Protestants' day of prayer for conversion of Ireland from popery. 

22 Apr.? Hopes Kirby will be able to sell the vineyard. 

23 8 Apr. The Consecration (Kirby's suggestion) was tremendous 

throughout Ireland - probably a million Communions. Some recent blasphemous attacks on 

religion. 

24 10 Apr. Lord J. Russell has attacked Card. Cullen and defended O'Keeffe. 

25 16 Apr. (some text missing).


No, Date Main Topics 

15 28 Oct., 1872 Rescript granting an indulgence for wearing a 

Sacred Heart emblem 

16 1 Nov.,1872 (From Paris) Safe journey from Rome, despite the 

destruction of bridges and other property in Tuscany and Lombardy 

17 8 Nov.,1872 Two Roman canonists will be required as witnesses 

in the O'Keeffe trial 

18 14 Nov.,1872 Three names for Waterford Coadjutorship: Fitzgerald, power, 

+Murray(Maitland). 

The trial may be in mid-December. 

Mgr. Fojrde is very gravely ill; he would have been 

an important witness. Dr. Leonard (Capetown) to be consecrated in 

Cabra 

Convent on 15 Dec. 

19 15 Nov.,1872 O'Keeffe sent a telegram claiming that some Bishops would give evidence 

for him 

20 17 Nov.,1872 Mgr. Forde still critically ill 

21 21 Nov.,1872 Abstract of Italian letter: A "Monsignor Curley" 

claims to be Superior of the Irish Catholics in Buenos Aires; he is 

probably an impostor. Some priests favour appointing +Murray, an 

outsider, because of abuses amoung the clergy (Waterford) 

22 1872 Trial coming on soon. +McEvilly has promised to 

give evidince against O'Keeffe. The Roman canonists should be 

warned to give clear, unequivocal answer, as the Irish lawyers are 

very acute 

23 24 Nov.,1872 Telegram: Trial deferred until Feb.; witnesses 

not required 

24 24 Nov.,1872 Trial deferred because of Mgr. Forde's illness. 

Under a new jury law coming into force on 11 Jan., the jury will be 

drawn by lot, so it should 

include a majority of Catholics. 

O'Keeffe lost three other cases this week, and 

a school inspector is suing him for £1,500 for 

assault. 

Mgr. Forde is a lattle better. 

Old Fr. Maher of Carlow is very ill. 

25 25 Nov.,1872 Catholic Union to be inaugurated next day 

26 1 Dec,1872 (Post-script only) First meeting of Catholic 

Union; good speeches by laymen, 

O'Keeffe in trouble with courts. "He was like a 

madman" 

27 3 Dec,1872 (Abstract of letter written partly in Italian): 

Comments on the three candidates for Caadjutor Bishop of Waterford; a strong hand 

is needed 

28 5 Dec,1872 Fr. Maher of Carlow is on the mend. Mgr. Forde 

better. 

Problem re citing priests before civil courts. 

Fr. O'Keeffe sues his former curate, Fr. Walshe.



29 13 Dec. Dr. Moran has opened a fine convent in Callan. 

30 18 Dec. (Abstract and quotation in Italian) Re O’Keeffe case: 

O’Keeffe claims to have appealed to Card. Cullen and to Propaganda 

without result; hence his recourse to civil law. 

A series of six: questions in Italian re citing a priest before a civil court. 

Special difficulties in Ireland, where civil power does not recognise authority 

of Catholic Bishops. 

Card. Cullen urgently requires answers to these questions, in view of his 

impending trial. 

31 19 Dec. (Transcript of letter begins "My dear Lord") 

Please get answers to above questions as soon as possible. The trial 

may be early in February. O'Keeffe won his case against Fr. 

Walshe. Irish Bishops divided over new law lessening the power of 

priest-managers of National Schools. 

32 27 Dec. Irish Bishops to meet on 21 Jan. to deal with new 

rule curtailing National School managers' power of dismissing teachers. 

33 29 Dec. (Abstract of Italian letter) Some disagreement among 

Bishops re resisting Govt. 

Card. Cullen sends some legal queries to be answered by the Roman 

experts in preparation for his forthcoming trial.



17 14 June (Question of Card. Cullen's new trial put off till 

November. 

FR. P. Fee's problem re faculty to absolve a priest. 

(Note from Fr. Fee attached). 

+Croke deserves promotion - perhaps to Cloyne ? 

18 27 June Problem re Bishop for Kingston (Canada). 

+MacHale has signed the cheque at last. 

+Croke (Auckland) has offered his resignation; Card. 

Cullen has written to Propaganda in his praise. 

19 9 July Fr. Verdon, President of Clonliffe, is in Rome to see 

the churches in view of furnishing the College church. Disraeli on the 

Pope's temporal, authority. 

20 20 July Presentation Nuns from Terenure to open in New York; 

get the Pope's permission for them. 

O'Keeffe's cases against +Moran and two laymen. He has 

few followers now in Callan. 

21 Aug. Mr. Creagh, kinsman of British Association for Science in Belfast. The mother of 

Fr. Jas. Maher (Rome) has died. 

22 22 Nov. O'Keeffe's cases against +Moran and Card. Cullen. 

Gladstone has ruined himself by his letter of expostulation. 

23 1 Dec. Question of ownership of a house belonging to 

Irish College in Rome (Jesuits claim it)- 

James Colahan (Propaganda student) wants to come home 

to Clonliffe because of his father's sudden death; 

his mother wishes him to stay put. 

An English newspaper reports that. + Manning is to be 

made Cardinal and is to become the next Pope. 

24 4 Dec. Inquiry re Dr. Michael F. O'Connell, alleged relative 

of "Liberator". 

+Leahy (Cashel) dying. 

Gladstone's "wicked" pamphlet will do little harm. 

25 6 Dec. The Bishops may reply to Gladstone, who seems; like 

"a madman trying to ruin himself". 

Scarlatina epidemic in Dublin; hundreds of children 

died. 

26 15 Dec. Gladstone has got the piper's pay - more kicks than 

pence. 

Conversion of some aristocrats has excited some 

bigots. 

Owen Lewis, M.P., a good convert, wants a private 

oratory and Mass. 

27 22 Dec. O'Keeffe's cases postponed. Two of his chief hench- 

men have died. 

No support for Gladstone in Ireland, but some gentry 

are influenced by The Times. 

William Cullen ordained priest.


File: Letters of Card. Cullen to Mgr. Kirby, 1875 


1 17 Jan. Some criticism of Dr. Newman’s reply to Gladstone. 

2 21 Jan. Some conditions for Jubilee Indulgence impossible, to 

fulfil in Ireland. 

Fr. O'Dwyer, O.S.A., former colleague of Fr. O'Keeffe, 

is back in Ireland. The Augustinians will not have 

him. 

Gladstone's malicious attack on the Pope's speeches. 

Meeting of Catholic Union. 

Severe winter; many old people have died of bronchitis, 

3 25 Jan. +Leahy is somewhat better, but can scarcely recover. 

Gladstone seems to be sinning knowingly and wilfully. 

4 3 Feb. +Manning's clear and complete refutation of Gladstone 

expo stulation. 

+Leahy has died; Card. Cullen cannot funeral 

because of a bad cold. 

Problem of Fr. O'Dwyer, O.S.A. 

No Catholic gets any public office of trust in Ireland, 

5 9 Feb. Lawsuits dragging on. Catholics unable to cope with 

Protestants on a jury. 

Dr. Taylor has died. 

Dr. Woodlock refused St. Kevin's parish in Dublin. 

6 14 Feb. Card. Cullen’s appeal against the former verdict has 

succeeded. 

Jury disagreed in +Moran's case, despite Judge Whiteside's orders to them. 

Sir A. Paget’s (British rep. in Rome about the Irish 

College shows that the present ministry is worse than 

the Past. 

7 13 Apr. Fr. O'Keeffe is collecting again to proceed against 

Card. Cullen. 

Meath election; the priests are supporting a Protestant. 

8 ? (Telegram from London) Invite Cardinal Franchi to 

Centenary. O'Keeffe summoned Cardinal (Cullen) again. 

9 ? Augustine O'Reilly, alumnus of Irish College, Rome, 

has left Capetown as a suspended priest.


File III: Letters of +Cullen to Mgr. Kirby(a few to Dr. Moran), 1863 


1 2 Jan. Snippets of news and comments 

2 2 Jan. (To Dr. Moran, Vice-Rector) Account of pantomime by 

Cabra deaf-mutes on Garibaldi and the devil 

3 9 Jan. Bad harvest; great misery; proselytism. 

Preparations for opening new college of Clonliffe 

4 20 Jan. Lady Catherine Petro, convert daughter of Lord Wicklow, 

wants to get the body of a saint. 

Odo Russell's proposal that the Pope should take 

refuge in Malta. 

5 5 Feb. Lord Palmerston, British Govt, and the Pope. 

Irish Bishops should congratulate Prince of Wales on his marriage. 

6 7 Feb. Problems of +Butler, Coadjutor-Bishop of Limerick, re 

Fr. Hickie and the appointment of P.P.'s 

7 10 Feb. Desirability of empowering +Butler to govern the 

diocese, owing to +Ryan's incapacity 

8 19 Feb. More re Limerick diocese. Cattle disease in Rome area; 

may it not visit Ireland, though here the landowners 

have exterminated people in millions to make room for 

cattle. 

Jesuit Confraternity for adoration of Bl. Sacrament 

9 27 Feb. (To Moran) Moran should come over to see Elizabethan 

State Papers. Dire poverty in Ireland. Scotch and 

English colonists. 

Clonliffe building nearly finished. 

10 27 Mar. Still trouble in Limerick. Address to Prince of Wales 

11 4 Apr. (To Moran) Bishops and the Morning News (Sullivan) 

A Few students giving trouble in Clonliffe 

12 11 Apr. The Hickie case in Limerick 

13 17 Apr. More re Hickie case. +Cullen's problems re Bishops' 

meetings 

14 15 May Catholics at Freemasons charity ball. 

Furniture for Clonliffe 

15 18 May Hickie case. Clonliffe nearly ready for students 

16 22 May +MacHale subscribes to The Irishman Newspaper 

17 27 May Introducing Fr. Leyndon of Boston, a native of Armagh 

diocese, who brought money to Ireland for poor relief 

18 29 May (To Moran) Fr. Meehan, the historian, wishes to go to 

Australia. 

Lyell (geologist) on Evolution and the age of man. 

The Dublin Review becomes altogether English 

19 21 June Letter of Fr Lavelle in the Telegraph

Cardinal Cullen +Cullen to Kirby (and Moran), 1863 Section 42/1 


20 3 July Preparing for Bishops' meeting. Peel attacks +Cullen. 

Strange incident at new Protestant church in Enniskerry 

21 7 July A cook required for Clonliffe. Send a plan of St. 

Agatha's or some other church for Holy Cross church 

22 17 July Short note: Clonliffe new seminary now occupied 

23 11 Aug. Bishops met on 4- Aug. All except +MacHale and +Derry 

condemned Lavelle. Woodlock wants laymen on Board of University. 

Propaganda has unfairly decided for +MacHale and against +Gillooly in the 

case of Fr. Brennan. 

24 4 Sep. Propaganda should decide re laymen on University Board 

and should suppress Lavelle. 

25 11 Sep. Most of the Irish Bishops favour laymen on University 

Board; +Cullen is not so sure. Five new Dublin 

students for Rome 

26 29 Sep. Note accompanying the five new students 

27 1 Oct. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Gould 

28 2 Oct. Moran will get Chair of History in Maynooth if proposed 

29 8 Oct. Introducing Fr. Davis, of Tuam diocese. 

30 9 Oct. Reference to Pope's letter apparently censuring Fr. 

Lavelle and +MacHale. 

No vacancy in Maynooth after all. 

31 20 Oct. +MacHale will probably Compromise about Lavelle. 

"Brothers of St. Patrick" are spreading; also Fenians 

in America. 

+Cullen has bought a Unitarian church 

32 2 Nov. Lavelle attacks +Cullen again. 

33 5 Nov. Introducing Rev. Dr. McCorry 

34 17 Nov. Lavelle has not reformed. 

List of diocesan collections for Catholic University in 1862 attached 

35 c. end of Nov. Statement re Nicholas C. Whyte, Surgeon-Major in 

British service, who served with the Irish Battalion in the Papal Army, lost 

his position in the British service, and got neither compensation nor 

recognition from the Holy See. 

36 3 Dec. Criticism of Lavelle and the Fenians 

37 8 Dec. Introducing Mr. O'Brien, nephew of Judge O'Brien 

38 11 Dec. Need for outdoor relief of poor. 

+MacHale has been ordered to suspend Lavelle. Todd's Life of 

St. Patrick is of no merit. 

39 18 Dec Levelle s t i l l obdurate: +MacHale not restraining him.

CARDINAL CULLEN +Cullen to Kirby (and Moran), 1863 Section 42/1 


41 22 Dec. (incomplete, to Moran) A Protestant clergyman named 

O'Neill is in Rome; perhaps Moran should contact him. 

42 29 Dec. Lavelle on his way to Rome. He must publish a clear 

retractation. Keep the students away from him.


File: letters of +Cullen to Kirby, 1864 


1 20 Jan. Introducing Mr. and Mrs. White 

2 22 Jan. Adoration of Bl. Sacrament in Jesuit church, Dublin; 

young ladies in bridal dress 

3 12 Feb. Lavelle's retractation does not amount to much 

4 13 Feb. Cuttings from Tuam "Patriot": Lavelles'homecoming. 

Fr. Wm. P. McDonough of Toronto, native of Co. Galway. Two 

lapsed Achill Islanders return to the Church 

5 16 Feb. Introducing Mr, Corballis and his two sisters 

6 19 Feb. Huge crowd at Dr. Yore's funeral. 

News of some Irish Bishops: +Flannery, +Cantwell, 

+McNally and +Denvir. 

Lavelle's retractation unsatisfactory. 

+MacHale and the Fenians 

7 3 Mar. Introducing Mrs. Scully and her daughter 

8 3 Mar. Introducing Mr. O'Callaghan, of Dublin 

9 4 Mar. Problems re dioceses of Killaloe, Clogher and Meath 

owing to ill-health of their Bishops. 

Strong criticism of Connaught Patriot and Irish People. 

10 8 Mar. Lavelle has published "a most wicked document" in 

the Patriot. 

11 13 Mar. (From Liverpool) Lavelle's "memorial" to the Pope 

attributes "all possible offences" to +Cullen. +Cullen has 

succeeded in settling a very difficult case in Liverpool (among 

his relatives ?) 

12 15 Mar. Lavelle encourages the Fenians; +MacHale seems to be 

identified with Lavelle 

13 1 Apr. +Flannery of Killaloe is going to Rome. This should 

do him good 

14 5 Apr. Garibaldi being honoured in England. 

The Danes (anti-Catholic) deserve to be humbled. +Cantwell very ill; 

a Coadjutor to be appointed; Dr. Nulty is first choice of P . P . ' s Fr. 

Lavelle may be getting payment from the Fenians 

15 15 Apr. Rumour that +MacHale had suspended Lavelle for beat- 

ing a man. +MacHale's support for Fenians in Chicago Lavelle's 

defence of the Fenians 

16 8 May The Pope's "very beautiful letter" to +MacHale. 

What will Lavelle do now ? 

Terrible distress in Ireland; mass emigration. 

Fenian papers dying out 

17 13 May Has +MacHale really suspended Lavelle

18 24 May Lavelle's quibbling and prevaricating. His attempts to lecture in 

Glasgow



21 19 July Lavelle speaks against Rome. +MacHale not carrying 

out Pope's instructions. 

University site granted to a railroad company 

22 6 Aug. Lavelle doing mischief in England. He may go to Amer- 

ica. +MacHale is afraid of him. 

+Cullen has just consecrated 5 altar-stones in 5 hours. Charges against Dr. Nulty 

of Meath (re insanity in his family) refuted 

23 21 Aug. £2,000 "Peter's Pence" from Dublin. Other Irish dioc- 

eses should try harder. And how about England ? 

+MacHale has failed to deal with Lavelle, who is still 

away. His party's newspapers in Glasgow and Tuam are 

in great difficulties. 

Mgr. Talbot's visit to Dublin. 

Coadjutors for Meath and Clogher ? 

Severe drought in Ireland. Serious riots in Belfast 

24 4 Sep. Dr. Nulty appointed for Meath; +Cullen not enthusias- 

tic, 

+MacHale received money from America for Lavelle. 

"It will be said that Rome is afraid of the lion"- 

Kirby should urge Propaganda to unite Kirmacduagh and 

Kilfenora with Galway. 

No acknowledgment of "Peter's Pence" yet 

25 9 Sep. +MacHale is giving scandal by supporting Lavelle 

26 Oct.? The Sisters of Charity in Dublin seek jubilee 

indulgences in 1865, to mark their golden jubilee in Dublin 

27 4 Oct. Lavelle and Connaught Patriot still active and virulent. 

+Cullen has published Benedict XIV's excommunications against boxers, 

because of English boxers coming over 

28 7 Oct. Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora should be united with Galway, 

though +MacHale would not agree. 

Two letters (attached) from Fr. P. Moran of Killaloe diocese to Mgr. 

Woodlock, asking that +Cullen would appoint a Coadjutor for Killaloe, to 

circumvent factions. The English boxers returned without being able to fight. 

Sir H. Winston Barron is in Ireland trying to negotiate the Pope's loan 

29 22 Oct. Introducing Mrs. Grattan, widow of H. Grattan, M.P., 

(son of the great Henry) 

30 31 Oct. Introducing John Murphy (Dublin) and his sister 

31 31 Oct. Introducing Sir Bernard Burke, Ulster King at Arms, 

and Lady Burke 

32 6 Nov. Lavelle, the Fenians and +MacHale. 

Ceremonial opening of year at Catholic University. 

33 21 Nov. Death of +McNally (Clogher).Dunboyne students appealed to Chief Baron re 

parliamentary grants; +Cullen disapproves. [Text missing]



35 30 Dec. Dispensation for Joseph Woodlock to marry his sister-in-law. 

(Two other letters on this matter attached)


File V : Letters of +Cullen to Kirby, 1865 


1 3 Feb. Introducing Fr. Patk. McCabe, of Dublin diocese 

2 10 Feb. Mrs. Grattan's opposition to her daughters joining Poor Clares 

3 16 Feb. The Grattan case. Mr. Woodlock and bride have returned 

Exhibits from Rome for great Dublin Exhibition in May 

4 24 Feb. +Cullen was unfit to travel to Card. Wiseman's funeral. 

Lavelle in Connaught Patriot states that Propaganda has 

ruled that the Fenians are not to be disquieted. 

Some writers in the Irish People are Protestants, some 

apostates. 

5 10 Mar. Dublin preparing for the Jubilee. 

Critlcasm of +Nulty's pastoral. Government in Rome wants specimens of 

marble, bricks, etc., returned. 

6 17 Mar. Keep Fr, James Maher (just ordained) in Rome for a year 

or two. Few Roman priests do post-graduate studies, 

and so cannot compete with Maynooth men for higher 

posts. 

Great Mass for St. Patrick's Day. 

7 24 Mar. Urgent request for prolongation of the Jubilee in Dub- 

lin. 

+Cullen encloses a letter from the Grattan sisters for 

their mother. 

8 9 Apr. Dispensation sought for son of Protestant Bishop of 

Limerick. 

Huge crowds at Jubilee Missions in Dublin. 

Urge Mrs. Grattan to reply to her daughters without 

delay. 

9 21 Apr. Inadequate provision for spiritual welfare of soldiers. 

The Grattan case. 

Extravagant Exhibition in Dublin. 

10 25 Apr. The Grattan sisters have gone to Drumshanbo convent. 

Another note from +Cullen attached; also a letter to him from the two sisters. 

11 30 Apr. More about the Grattans 

12 2 May A Mr. McKenna of Belfast seeks a Papal knighthood; 

+Cullen disapproves. 

The great Exhibition will soon open. 

Lincoln's assassination in a theatre on Good Friday. 

Fr. James Cassin, a suspended priest from California, 

seeking redress in Rome. 

13 18 May Large statue of the Pope at the Exhibition; +Cullen thinks of buying it. 

14 21 May Proposed Constitution for Catholic University 

15 27 June Pope's statue being bought for £720; It will probably 

stand in new Clonliffe church.


File VI: Letters to Mgr. Kirby, mostly from +Cullen, 1863-65 

(not precisely dated) 

No . Main Topics 

1 (From Mrs. Joyce in Rome) Her second daughter has just died; 

Mgr. Kirby is asked to call and arrange about the funeral 

2 (From Fr. Nicholas Murphy; incomplete) Requesting prayers, 

advice, encouragement and Life of Bl. John Berchmans 

3 List of nine letters, some from +Cullen and some from his 

relatives 

4 (19 June, 1863?) Sending money for the Pope . 

Gentle rebuke to O'Hagan. 

5 (1863) Students at Cath. University and Maynooth disrupt celebrations 

in honour of marriage of Prince of Wales. 

Dinner of “Brothers of St. Patrick”; "wicked " speech by Mr. 

Holland; toast to +MacHale. 

Scandal of Fr. Treacy from Calcutta and Mrs. Jennings of Galway„ 

+MacHale impeding plans for building University. 

+Flannery's mental ill-health. 

6 (11 Mar., 1863?) Students of Cath. University and Prince's 

wedding celebrations. 

Bishops divided re address to Prince. 

7 Request for dispensation for first cousins to marry (O'Kelly 

and Borthwick) 

8 (1863?) Dispensation in mixed religion requested for Quinn 

and McGarry; also the ordinary and extraordinary faculties. 

Moran’s chance of chair of Church History in Maynooth 

9 (1863, to Moran) Lack of good newspapers in Ireland. 

Mobs and students give trouble during Prince's marriage celebrations. 

10 (28 July, 1864?) Drought in Ireland. 

Document sent to priests of the west for signature - for +Mac Hale and Lavelle and 

against +Cullen. 

11 (1863?) Bishops' meeting; +MacHale tried to prevent discussion of Lavelle's case. 

12 (Oct., 1865) New students for Rome: Kinsella, Staples, Byrne. 

Appeal in Freeman's Journal for clergy to present address and money to +MacHale. 

Arrest of Fenians and suppression of Irish People 

Untrue reports in Register and Tablet re Irish Archbishops' 

dealings with Govt. on Catholic Education 

13 Excessive marriage fees in Killaloe diocese 

14 Fragment, asking for a new precious mitre 

15 Short note from +Cullen in Rome (1866?) 

16 Introducing Fr. Thos. O'Reilly, C.C., Marlboro' St. 

17 Introducing Mrs. Mangan


File XII Miscellaneous Letters, 1862-78 (to +Cullen if not otherwise indicated) 

No. From Place Date Main Topics 

1 Henry J. Doogan, Forli 16 June, 1862 Persecution of Church in 

O.S.F.C. Italy; Fr. Doogan ready 

for martyrdom. 

2 Dean John Kenny Ennis 30 Aug. ,1863 Fr. McNamara's comp- 

laint to Holy See of 

insufficient support from his 

diocese (Killaloe) 

3 +MacHale Fecamp, France 15 July,1864 (From a newspaper) 

Praising Dr. Moriarty, O . S . A . , 

Philadelphia, for his lecture on behalf 

of Fr. Lavelle- 

4 References to six receipts from Rome for 

sums of money received on dates in 1862, 1863, 1864 and 

1867. 

5 +Butler Limerick 14 Mar.,1863 or 4 Referring to a fierce 

attack by Fr. Lavelle in Cannaught 

Patriot on Dr. C. (Cullen?) 

6 Jas. Maher, ? 18 Mar.,1864 Vile attack on +Cullen 

P.P. in Connaught Patriot. 

Lavelle should be checked. 

7 References to 4 letters: 23/8/69 (Rec 

eipt for £2,000 Peter's Pence); 22/10/70 

(Hugh Cullen to Mgr. Kirby re death of 

Thos. Cullen); 25/2/71 (Receipt for £100 

Peter's Pence firom a novice of Irish Srs. 

of Charity); 6/10/72 (Notice of papal 

audience for Card. Cullen) 

8 Maurice Mooney, Cahir 18 Dec,1872 Strongly urging that 

P.P. +Murray(Maitland) 

should be made Coadjutor of 

Waterford. Sent by Card. Cullen 

to Kirby, for Propaganda, with 

recommendation. 

9 (Lord?)Tenterden Foreign 17 Dec,1873 On behalf of Earl Gran- 

Office ville, re threatened 

sale of Irish College vineyard. 

10 Robt. O'Keeffe, Callan Feb.,1876 Three warnings received 

P.P. by Card. Cullen, dated 

16, 17, and 18 Feb. 

11 Card. Cullen Dublin 24 Jan.,1878 +Croke should not praise 

to +Croke released Fenians. 

(Cashel) Encloses letter from


File VII : Letters of + Cullen to Kirby, 1866 (a few to or from Moran) 


1 20 Jan. (+Cullen to Mo ran) No answer from Govt. to Bishops' 

memorials on education. 

+Cullen discounts fears of a Fenian rising. 

Question of Bishops going on Senate of proposed Royal 


2 23 Feb. About a thousand Fenians arrested recently. 

News and views on new Australian Bishops. 

3 20 Mar. Marriage case: Coupigny and Barron 

4 Apr.? An Irishman would be suitable as Coadjutor for Glasgow, 

in view of the large Irish Catholic population 

5 16 Apr. (Moran to Kirby, with a note from +Cullen) 

Problem of Coadjutor for Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. Plan for new Royal 


+Cullen’s suggestions for Kilmacduagh/Kilfenora differ from Moran's 

6 ? Fr. Walshe, ex-P.P. in Kildare and Leighlin diocese, 

accused of scandalous conduct, is in Rome to appeal against the Bishop. 

Question of University degrees for Catholic students. Dr. Lynch of Paris to be 

consecrated for Scotland. Cholera in Arklow; heroic work of Sisters of Mercy. 

7 4 May Funeral of +Dixon; he is a great loss 

8 13 May +Cullen "alarmed" at the Pope's decision to make him 

a Cardinal 

9 15 May What expenses would be involved in becoming Cardinal? 

10 11 Aug. Stormy voyage from Leghorn to Marseilles on way home 

from Rome 

11 14 Aug. The Emperor ill; his intentions re Rome - religious 

orders, etc. 

12 15 Aug. Reception in Dublin for Cardinal Cullen 

13 24 Aug. Great reception at Clonliffe. Also Pontifical Mass 

with "glorious " sermon by Fr. Burke, O.P. 

14 25 Aug. (From Fr. William Cullen in Howth) More about the 

great Welcome to the Cardinal; Fr. Burke's sermon. 

15 31 Aug. Card. Cullen’s letter in support of the Pope; nation- 

wide prayers for His Holiness 

16 10 Sep. Public prayers and Masses for the Pope. 

Some French Govt. ministers hostile to Rome. 

Kilmacduagh resisting union with Galway. 

Improve the toilet installations in the Irish College. 

17 18 Sep Cholera epidemic not too deadly. 

New churches at Monkstown and Roundtown (nr. Rathmines) 

18 30 Sep. Kilmacduagh/Kilfenora joined to Galway; hopes agitate[…]

(Many unsigned ones are from Fr. B. Smith, Vice-Rector of 

Irish College) 

No. From Date(1852) Main Topics 

1 Unsigned 20 Jan. Case of Dr. Newman going well. 

(B. Smith?) +Cullen’s high standing in Rome. 

2 Unsigned 31 Jan. Indulgence for those who contribute to 

(B. Smith?) Catholic University. 

3 Unsigned 10 Feb. Split in Senate. Dr. Lyons. 

(B. Smith) Reference to "my Bishop" and a public 

apology. 

4 Unsigned 

(B. Smith) 14 Feb. Abbot Bianchi grieved re Ireland; uncert- 

ain what to do for peace. 

5 Unsigned 16 Feb. +Cullen to be made Delegate for Catholic 

(B. Smith) University, with over-all authority. 

Abbot Bianchi displeased with many Irish Bishops. Let 

union with the English Bishops be your aim. 

6 Unsigned 20 Feb. Lord St. Germans saw the Pope re Queen's 

(B. Smith) Colleges and diplomatic links between 

Rome and England. 

Suggestion re Italian Nuncio for Ireland. Smith thinks 

+Cullen should be made Apostolic Delegate. 

7 Unsigned 29 Feb. Abbot Bianchi intends to write to all 

(B. Smith) the Irish Bishops. 

+Cullen will soon get faculties of Delegate for University. 

Trouble with northern dioceses re nominations. 

8 Unsigned 4 Mar. +Tuam’s hatred of England. 

(B. Smith) 

9 Unsigned 10 Mar. +Cullen’s Briefs have gone, with a letter 

(B. Smith) from Abbot Bianchi. 

No official notification of +Murray’s death received in 

Rome. 

Priests collecting in America for Irish University want 

dispensation from Divine Office and honorary doctorates 1 

10 Unsigned When better days come to Ireland, +Cullen 

(B. Smith) 12 Mar. may be able to regulate Irish College, 

Paris. 

11 Unsigned 16 Mar. Possibility of +Cullen’s transfer to 

(B. Smith) Dublin; Rome would wish it, If priests 

or Bishops requested it. 

12 "Pax"(B. Smlth)24 Mar. Hopes +Cullen will go to Dublin. 

English Bishops want special laws. Kirby ill.(text 

missing)


File 

Roman Letters, 1850-68 

1 Letters of Dr. Kirby to +Cullen, 1850 

2 Letters of Kirby and others in Rome to +Cullen, 1851 

3 Letters from Rome, mostly to +Cullen, 1852 

(Most of them from Fr. B. Smith) 

4 Letters from Rome to +Cullen, 1853 

5 Kirby to +Cullen, 1860 



8 Kirby to +Cullen (some from Moran), 1864-65 

9 Kirby to +Cullen (some from Moran and Maher), 1866 

10 Kirby (and Card. Cullen) to Moran, 1866 

11 Maher to Moran, 1866 

12 Maher to Card. Cullen (one from +Jas. Murray), 1866 

13 Kirby and Maher to Card. Cullen, 1867 

14 Kirby to Moran, 1867 

15 Kirby to Card. Cullen, 1868 


17 Kirby to Card. Cullen and Moran (not fully dated) 

18 Moran and Murphy to Card. Cullen (undated)

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to Moran, e t c . , 1866 Section 42/2 


18 Kirby 14 Dec. French gone. Rome quiet. 

19 Kirby ? (From Tivoli?) The Cardinal's visit to Maynooth 

should have good results.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby (and Moran) to +Cullen, 1864-65 Section 42/2 

No. From Date Main Topics 

10 Kirby 28 Feb.,1865 Lord Talbot of Malahide appointed by 

Card. Antonelli to take charge of the 

Roman oggetti in Dublin. This will not 

please Catholics. 

The Pope's fortitude. 

Card. Wiseman's death; he will be hard 

to replace. 

11 Kirby 4 Mar.,1865 Fr. Lavelle’s new lucubrations on the Fenians; all 

"a fable". 

Fr. Conway's defence against Propaganda's complaints; he is 

to be reprehended again. Dr. Taylor, P.P., Maryboro’, has 

written to Rome about a house he built. 

12 Kirby 18 Mar.,1865 Question of extending Jubilee. 

13 Kirby 28 Mar.,1865 Jubilee extended till Low Sunday 

for Dublin. 

News of students. 

Church being despoiled in Mexico. 

Kirby hopes for better Irish Catholic M.P’S 

How Quebec University got its charter. 

14 Kirby 3 Apr.,1865 Mrs. Grattan and the vocations of her 

daughters. 

Kirby reports widespread criticism, of 

Dublin prohibition of dancing. 

Fine marble statue of Pius IX for Dublin 

Exhibition. 

Report that Rome is not happy with the 

"terna" for Westminster. 

15 Kirby 5 Apr.,1865 Dr. Power appointed to Killaloe. 

Catholic members of Dublin Corporation now have an 

opportunity of setting aside the "wicked" custom of 

alternating Protestant and Catholic Mayors. 

16 Moran 8 Apr.,1865 Ald. McSwiney says the Catholic corpor- 

ators will break the old custom of alternating the Lord 

Mayoralty, but Moran doubts it. 

Question of approving a version of the Bible by Dr. 

Newman. 

English races in Rome led to a Garibaldian demonstration. 

17 Kirby 12 Apr.,1865 Propaganda worried that some Irish Bishops 

(including +Cullen) ignore their regulations re military 

chaplains. +Cullen should write about this. Mr. Duggan 

accuses Kirby of performing his sister's marriage for money. 

18 Kirby 2 May,1865 The Grattan vocation question. 

+MacHale and +Derry, on ad limina visits, may try to have 

Lavelle reinstated. Many Irish visitors in Rome. 

19 Kirby 5 May,1865 Dr. Manning for Westminster. 

[text missing]

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to +Cullen and Moran Section 42/2 

No. To Approx. Date Main Topics 

16 Moran 1869? Don Placido and his "brother monks. 

Massive emigration from Ireland to America. Irish Zouaves' reading-room 

opened. 

17 Moran 1869? Kirby's hopes for Irish education movement. 

Kirby will try to hurry the Armagh nomination; Fr. Harbinson seems 

suitable. 

18 Moran ? The "harpies" in Rome are imposing heavy 

taxes and are threatening the property of the Colleges. British subjects 

should be safe. 

19 Card. Cullen ? (A few small fragments)


File VI: Letters of Kirby to +Cullen, 1861 


1 15 Jan. Monsell spoke to Card. Barnabò in favour of Dr. Butler 

(for Limerick?). 

+Dixon asked Card. Reisach's advice re priests not going to confession, and was 

told that in Bavaria they are obliged to confess often and get a certificate. 

2 21 Jan. Senate of Turin tried to: impede Peter's Pence in the (Papal?) States 

Footnote (25Jan.) re report of Fr. Lavelle's new conduct 

3 28 Jan. Congratulations on pastoral and on promoting Peter's 

Pence. 

4 20 Mar. Sending biglietto. for Dr. Forde; it was a triumph to 

get it against the anti-Irish folk. 

5 6 Apr. Thanks for Dr. Moran's new hook. 

The Pope was ill, but has recovered. Kirby exhorts +Cullen not to be dispirited 

over the Bishops' meeting; immense good has been done since the Synod of 

Thurles. 

6 23 May Propaganda upset at Dr. Woodlock's transfer from All 

Hallows. +Cullen should write and explain that he 

still supervises it. 

Papal finances are sound because of generosity of the 

faithful. 

Great triduum in Rome in honour of Our Lady, Help of 

Christians. 

7 28 June Irish soldiers seem contented. 

8 10/12 July Dr. Moran in Ireland; he needs a few weeks' rest. 

Tell Irish Catholic M.P.'s that the Holy See appreciates their efforts. 

News from Naples "appalling"; Protestants attacking Catholic doctrines. Bad 

in Florence too. Letter from Kirby to Moran attached: News re farm, etc. 

9 18 July Some falling-off in Peter's Pence. 

P.S. A Fr. Donovan from Australia seeking a place in Dublin diocese. 

10 26 Aug. Some confusion re decoration for M. 0'Reilly. 

11 19 Sep. Circular for chaplains intended more for England than 

for Ireland. 

+Cullen was right not to accept invitation (to dine with Peel?) 

Congratulations In advance on opening of Mater Hospital . 

Piedmontese seem unlikely to come to Rome. Letter to Moran attached: News of students, house, 

etc. Pope acclaimed in Rome. 

12 28 Sep. Snippets of news. 

13 5 Oct. Making their own wine in the College. 

Letter to Moran attached: The few Irish soldiers in Ancona feel mortified.

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters of Kirby to +Cullen, 1860 Section 42/2 


14 3 Apr. British subjects being advised to leave Rome. 

Lord J.R. (Russell?) blames Rome police for provoking 

trouble. He and his associate should be put out of 

Office. 

Great religious processions in Rome. 

15 4 Apr. Reducing number of students; sending home delicate ones. 

16 20 Apr. New Army chief (Gen. Lamoricière) and War Minister 

(Mgr. de Merode) give confidence. 

Volunteers from Ireland would be welcome. 

Naples suppressed rising In Palermo, in which many 

English were Involved. England also stirring up 

trouble In Spain. 

Kirby faults +Cullen for attacking not only Palmerston 

and Russell, but also the Tories who would be likely 

to succeed them. Kirby says what must be done is to 

put them out, and then hope for the best. 

Despite sins of Catholics, the Romans are now showing 

great piety. 

Sudden deaths of some enemies of the Pope. 

17 21 Apr. Buying Patrizi's field, though very short of money. 

18 27 Apr. Kirby explained to Abb. Bianchi from +Cullen's letter 

the impossibility of putting out Palmerston and Russell 

on the Papal question. 

More trouble in Sicily. 

Rome is renewed, and is most loyal to the Pope. 

Actors who had performed an anti-papal play were 

shipwrecked and drowned. 

19 23 May Small Papal forces have repelled Invaders in the Marches. 

No Irish workers or volunteers have come yet; Lord 

Russell threatens to prevent them. 

News of some clerics and students. 

20 4 June English ecclesiastics in Rome meddling in affairs of 

Irish immigrant workers. 

Revolution in Sicily and Naples fomented by England. 

Great procession in Rome. 

21 9 June Sicily seems lost. 

Immigrants from Kerry gave some trouble. 

22 15 June (Unsigned) Kirby has protested to the authorities 

about the Interference of Mgr Talbot, etc., with Irish 

immigrants. Fr. McLoughlin is succeeding well with 

them. 

Dr. Dorrian is nominated for Down and Connor. 

How stupid of English Govt, to oppose the Pope, who 

stands for justice! 

23 18 June Some drunkenness and fighting among the Irish; they 

would need a chaplain. 

24 24/25 June 150 Irishmen came yesterday and made a good 

impression: 160 more due soon.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to +Cullen, I860 Section 42/2 


25 13 July No more Irish to come for the present. 

Maguire, MpP. , wants his brother appointed chaplain. 

Mgr. Talbot still meddling. 

Fr. McDevitt sent to Ancona as chaplain; some trouble 

among the Irish troops there. 

Kirby suggests that +Cullen should write to Prop. about 

the question of chaplains. 

Some respectable Irishmen seeking commissions. 

A spy tried to bribe the Irishmen to go home. 

26 17 July (No signature) Some Kerry and Limerick men gave trouble. 

Howley appointed adjutant; not a pious Catholic. Naples is ruined. 

Grave fears in Rome. 

27 29 July Renewal of faculties for +Cullen to dispense In second 

degree of consanguinity and affinity. 

Letter from Kirby on back page : A student has died of 

consumption. 

Garibaldi seems to be making headway. 

28 4 Aug. Testimonial from Kirby for John McSwiggan(student). 

29 24 Aug. Recommendation for Dr. Patrick J. Hayes, who seeks an 

appointment in the new Mater Hospital. 

30 Aug.? Things look bad for temporal power of Pope. 

Ed. 0'Carroll(student) very ill. 

Students did well in concursust especially Jas. Maher. 

31 16 Sep. Some defeats for Papal troops; Irishmen involved. 

32 20 Sep. Irish troops fought bravely. 

Some French soldiers in Rome shouting for Garibaldi. Kirby worried about the 

students. 

Myles O'Reilly and his men taken prisoner at Spoleto. 

Napoleon's villainous conduct., towards the Pope. 

32A 30 Sep. French coming. Spoleto surrendered. Irish bravery. 

33 24 Oct. Irish soldiers praised. Some going home, others staying in Borne. 

Heavy financial losses for Pope's Government. 

"Peter's Pence" to be permanent. 

Footnote: Cayour refuses to release Irish prisoners. 

33A 25 Oct. Dr. Murray, not Dr. Forde, should come to Tome with the troops. 

34 3 Nov.? Most Irish soldiers have gone home; only a few have 

come to Rome. 

The experience has been worth while, and may be repeated later. 

Short letter on second sheet from Kirby to Mr. Lyons, regretting that he did 

not come and hoping to welcome him later. 

35 17 Nov. Roman schools open again. 

Piedmontese surround Rome. Neapolitan soldiers in 

great distress. 

About 20 Irish soldiers in Rome, with Irish officers; 

hoping to increase to 100. 

+Dixon (in Rome) has seen haw the support 

of Palmerston and Russell(?) helped the revolution. 

Kirby hopes +Cullen will often visit Miss Aylward; She is a real confessor. 

36 24 Nov. Testimonial for James Baxter(student) returning to

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters from Kirby, 1860 Section 42/2 


37 1 Dec. Testimonial for Joseph Wall (returning ill). 

Kirby will sell +Cullen's " con sol i dato' ” . He hopes the affairs of +Cullen's attorney will come right, and 

he urges trust in God. 

38 8 Dec. Testimonial for Nicholas Spellacy, returning due to 

poor health. 

39 12 Dec. Pope pleased with +Cullen , 's letter and donation. 

D. Giacomo saw Sir P. Hennessy, but agreed with +Cullen 

that there should be no amalgamation. 

Ab. Bianchi said Miss Aylward was "a martyr". 

Uneasy peace in Italy; perhaps forerunner of fatal 

coup. 

40 15 Dec. Propaganda asks +Cullen's opinion on a point re marriage dispensations. 

+Dixon has sent home a pastoral letter denouncing 

Russell and colleague. 

41 22 Dec. Kirby hopes Irish nationalists will not attempt force; 

they would be mowed down. They can get more by peaceful means. 

Church property confiscated in Umbria. King of Naples 

holding out. 

About 47 now In Irish College. Card. Tosti presented a lovely marble 

Bambino. 

42 27 Dec. Revolutionaries and Protestants are spreading vile 

literature and posters in Italy. 

+Dixon and Kirby saw Card. Reisach re registration of marriages as done in 

Germany; +Dixon will explain more fully to +Cullen. 

43 ? (Badly damaged) Someone from England(?) proposed a 

joint collection(Hennessy?), but +Dixon and Kirby 

opposed this. 

Kirby’s views on The Tablet.


VII 

File: Letters of Dr. Kirby to +Cullen, 1863 


1 28 Mar. News of lettery. 

2 11 Apr. Card. Barnabo has ordered +Leahy to accept Fr. Hickey's 

resignation. 

C. Barnabo wishes Dr. Flannery to come to Rome, perhaps 

with Dr. Woodlock. 

A rehabilitated priest fax from Australia, Fr. Madden, 

is being recommended to his native diocese, Ross. 

French(a Dublin student in Rome) does not seem to have 

a vocation. 

3 23 May Some young Dublin students in Louvain became Freemasons, 

Kirby would be pleased if O'Hagan were elected for Tralee. 

4 23 June Abuses re marriage fees in Kildare and in Province of 

Safes Cashel. News 

of vineyard. 

5 27 June Synod of Irish Bishops. Kirby hopes letter from Rome will 

restrain the Lion. 

6 14 July Propaganda to write to +Cullen re Fr. Lavelle. 

Madame Marianne Scully (Sacred Heart), now in Rome, 

suggests that +Cullen should apply to Mother-General for an Irish 

Novitiate and Vicar (Madame Julia). Cattle disease in Rome 

area. Rising prices of necessaries. 

7 31 July Sudden death of Abp. F.P. Kenrick of Baltimore on 8th 

July; a great loss. 

Propaganda annoyed with +Leahy over Limerick business. Things 

will now be better for +Butler. Kirby criticizes Monsell's speech 

on religious toleration in Spain. 

8 5 Sep. +MacHale's "fierce" letter to the Pope re laymen on 

University Board, etc. 

9, 30 Sep. 12,000 more French coming to Rome; it is hoped there 

will be no disturbance there. 

The Irish surrendered at Spoleto at the request of the 

Archbishop, after fighting like lions and mowing down 

the enemy. Still holding out in Ancona. (1 Oct.) News of King's 

entry into Naples; great joy. 

10 2 Oct. Renewal of +Cullen's faculties 

Kirby will not oppose Moran's possible appointment to a chair in 

Maynooth, though his loss to the Irish College would be great. 

Pope's strong letter to +MacHale directing him to suspend Fr. 

Lavelle. 

11 10 Oct. Reports of several statues of the Madonna whose eyes 

moved, especially one in Tivoli. 

12 16 Oct. +Cullen should tell some of the other Bishops about 

the Pope's letter to +MacHale. 

Kirby is glad that Moran is not going to Maynooth. 

Conversion of Miss Ross.


File Letters of Kirby to +Cullen, 1864-65 (with a few of Mo ran 

— and one from +Cullen) 


1 Kirby 15 Jan., 1864 Fr. Lavelle(in Rome) got a severe Drubb- 

ing from Card. Barnabo and fully submitted. 

Kirby urged on the Card, that Lavelle should 

be made repair scandal. Fr. Smith is in touch 

with Lavelle. News of students; 55 in College 

now. 

2 Moran 10 Feb.,1864 News of ceremonies in St. Agatha's. 

Threats of war. 

Three men convicted of murdering priests died 

unrepentant on the scaffold. Card. Wiseman's 

reported criticisms of Irish priests and 

seminaries. 

3 +Cullen 28 June,1864 (To Kirby. Draft?. Unsigned) 

Propaganda was right in rejecting laymen on 

Cath. University Board, but Dr. Woodlock is 

very annoyed. Railroad to run through 

proposed site for University. 

Pope's letter re Lavelle has been published in 

America, but the Irish papers are afraid of 

Lavelle. In a letter in a Scottish paper, 

Lavelle denies knowledge of Pope's letter. 

4 Kirby 13 Jan.,1865 Certificate of marriage of Joseph Wood- 

lock and Emily Duggan in Irish College 

chapel, 11 Jan., 1865. 

5 Kirby 14 Jan.,1865 Marriage of J. Woodlock and E. Duggan. 

Fr. Moriarty's retractation of "revolutionary" 

lecture 

Sixty new Catholic newspapers in Italy; infidel 

press declining. 

6 Moran }4 Jan.,1865 Moran refutes Lord Clancarty's charge 

that Cath. Church is hostile to Bible. 

Death of Chevalier Drach. 

Moriarty's retractation puts +MacHale 

in a ludicrous position. 

Propaganda seeks a superior for Hong 

Kong seminary; Moran would be willing. 

7 Kirby 18 Jan.,1865 More re Woodlock marriage. 

French Bishops standing up to Napoleon. 

8 Kirby 28 Jan.,1865 (Unsigned) Mrs. Grattan and her son-in- 

law, Mr. Esmonde, in Rome. There will be few 

good pastorals from Irish Bishops except 

+Cullen. Bl. Sacrament chapel In College 

church nearly finished. Defection of Cardinal 

D'Andrea. 

9 Kirby 16 Feb.,1865 (Unsigned) Extension of Jubilee. 

Bishops' pastorals. 

Syllabus of condemned propositions. 

Prop, has reprehended Fr. Conway(Tuam) 

for publicly abusing someone

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters of Kirby, 1863 Section 42/2 


14 7 Nov. +MacHale has written to the Pope saying he has carried 

out his instructions. 

The Cardinal (Barnabò) wants the Pope's letter to be widely known.



14 11 Oct. (To Moran, from Tivoli) Advises coming to Rome "by 

easy stages. 

Fr. Allen's sermon prevented a suicide. 

15 15 Oct. (To Dr. Murray) Money for Mr. Kennedy's voyage to 

Halifax. 

16 22 Oct. Fr. Passaglia has defected to the Piedmontese camp.


No. From 

1 Kirby 

2 Kirby 4/5 Jan. 

3 Moran 13 Jan 

Letters to Cullen from Kirby (also Moran and J. Maher) ,1866 

Date(1866) 

2 Jan. 

4 Kirby 8 Feb 

5 Moran 17 Feb. 

6 Kirby 6 Mar. 



9 Kirby 17 Apr. 

10 Kirby 18 May 

11 Kirby 1 June 

12 J. Maher 3 Nov. 

Main Topics 

Card. Barnabo pleased with report of Irish Bishops meeting and 

with British Govt.'s recognition of separate Catholic education". 

Indignation in Rome at Lavelle's recent "pranks Stephens may go to 

America to reorganize the Fenians. 

Education documents are likely to be approved by Propaganda. 

Freemason influences in European politics. Report of attempted 

shooting of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. 

Pope delays reply to Cullen's query. Moran preparing 

to go to Ireland. 

Moran will be a tremendous loss to the Irish 

College, but a great asset to +Cullen and to 

Ireland. 

Cardinal Vicar awaiting answer re vineyard 

question. It now rests with the Irish Bishops. 

William Cullen's continued ill-health. 

Boundaries of Australian dioceses. 

Moran's farewell audience of Pius IX; the Pope 

is beginning to look old. 

Moran nominated a Monsignor. William going 

home with him. 

British Govt. proposals on Cath. University 

would be disastrous. 

Following +Cullen's letter re catacombs, Kirby 

has withdrawn his opposition. 

(attached note) Rumours of diplomatic relations 

between Holy See and England. 

Australian diocesan boundaries agreed on. 

Barron marriage case. 

Mischievous article in Castlebar paper. Ridiculous article in Times suggesting 

Fenian leanings among Irish College students. 

Barron marriage case. 

Hutch recalled to St. Colman's. 

+Dixon's death greatly mourned. War expected in Rome. Italian Govt, 

persecuting religion. 

Some English Catholic laymen proposing Dr. Russ ell of Maynooth for 

Armagh. 

Arrangements for +Cullen's visit ±o Rome to be made Cardinal. 

News of College. 

The French seem likely to leave Rome. 

The Pope is often melancholy. 

13 Kirby 14 Dec. (Incomplete) French have left. 5hmr



14 11 Oct. (To Moran, from Tivoli) Advises coming to Rome by 

easy stages. 

Fr. Allen's sermon prevented a suicide. 

15 15 Oct. (To Dr. Murray) Money for Mr. Kennedy's voyage to 

Halifax. 

16 22 Oct. Fr. Passaglia has defected to the Piedmontese camp.



37 1 Dec. Testimonial for Joseph Wall (returning 111). 

Kirby will sell +Cullen's "consolidato'.' He hopes the affairs of +Cullen's attorney will come 

right, and he urges trust in God. 

38 8 Dec. Testimonial for Nicholas Spellacy, returning due to 

poor health. 

39 12 Dec. Pope pleased with +Cullen's letter and donation. 

D. Giacomo saw Sir P. Hennessy, but agreed with +Cullen 

that there should be no amalgamation. 

Ab. B£anchi said Miss Aylward was "a martyr". 

Uneasy peace in Italy; perhaps forerunner of fatal 

coup. 

40 15 Dec. Propaganda asks +Cullen's opinion on a point re marriage dispensations. 

+Dixon has sent home a pastoral letter denouncing 

Russell and colleague. 

41 22 Dec. Kirby hopes Irish nationalists will not attempt force; 

they would be mowed down. They can get more by peaceful means. 

Church property confiscated in Umbria. King of 

Naples holding out. 

About 47 now In Irish College. Card. Tosti presented a lovely marble 

Bambino. 

42 27 Dec. Revolutionaries and Protestants are spreading vile 

literature and posters In Italy. 

+Dixon and Kirby saw Card. Reisach re registration of marriages as done in 

Germany; +Dixon will explain more fully to +Cullen. 

43 ? (Badly damaged) Someone from England (?) proposed a 

joint collection(Hennessy?), but +Dixon and Kirby 

opposed this. 

Kirby's views on The Tablet.


File: Letters to Cullen from Rome, 1853 

No. From Date (1853) Main Topics 

1 Unsigned 10 Jan. +Cullen is asked to report to Card. Fornari 

(B. Smith) (Carmelite Protector) on alleged abuses in 

Carmelite houses in Dublin and Loughrea. Is Dr. Whelan making false 

charges? Bailly's works still in use in Maynooth; Decree of Index should be 

promulgated in Ireland. 

2 Unsigned 24 Jan. Galilean theologians. 

(B. Smith) The Lion has not replied to Abb. Bianchi 

and D. Fuligno. 

More honours "in petto" for +Cullen. Question of sale of 

Church lands at Benevento. 

3 Kirby? 31 Jan. Perhaps a favourable time to seek separate 

educational grants for Catholics. 

+Dixon appointed Apostolic Visitator of 

Ardagh. 

Bailly's condemnation a mortal blow for 

Gallicanism. 

4 (Signature 10 May Letter in Italian about various matters 

illegible) in general terms. 

5 F. Giullano? 14 May (Italian) Neapolitan case? 

6 (Signature 

illegible) 4 Nov. (Italian) News of sm± students; excellent 

retreat. 

Glad to hear relic of St. Patrick is to be publicly honoured 

(in Dublin?). News of some American Bishops.


File 




















18 Moran and Murphy to Card. Cullen (undated) 

»

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters from Rome, 1852 Section 42/2 


15 B. Smith 18 Apr. (To Moran) Card. Fransoni and Barnabo are 

awaiting official news from Dublin. 

16 Unsigned 20 Apr. Still no official news of Dublin priests’ 

(B. Smith) election. 

D. Dunne going for doctorates in theology and philosophy; 

very smart. 

17 B. Smith 21 Apr. (To Moran) Votes of suffragan Bishops of 

Dublin province have come. 

18 P.F. Moran 22 Apr. (From Filho Marino) Moran convalescing. 

Requiem for +Murray in Irish College 

church. 

Report on vineyard. 

English proposal to "pension" the Irish 

clergy. 

19 Unsigned 24 Apr. Still no word from Dublin Vicar Capitular, 

(B. Smith) 

20 Unsigned 30 Apr. Dublin suffragans did not recommend any 

(B. Smith) candidate. 

21 Unsigned 1 - 4 - May Extraordinary Congregation of Propaganda 

(B. Smith) held; result a secret, but +Cullen ’ s 

transfer is certain despite strong external 

opposition. 

Benedictines want to recall Smith; +Cullen 

should write to the Pope. 

22 Unsigned 10 May? +Cullen should publish Bianchi's rescr- 

(B. Smith) ipts and letter. 

Propaganda awaits official report from Dublin suffragans 

before announcing +Cullen's transfer. Rev. O'Toole of 

Galway College is in Rome, 

23 Unsigned 14 May +Murphy of Hyderabad sought a doctorate 

(B. Smith) for Fr. Browne without success. 

O'Toole hopes for a post in Cath. Univ. 

24 Unsigned 15 May O'Toole got a scolding from D. Fuligno. 

(B. Smith) 

25 Unsigned 22 May Bulls of appointment to be sent to +Cullen 

(B. Smith) on 24th; also Brief for administration of 

Armagh. Smith wonders who is the O'Brien sent to 

Rome by British Govt. 

26 Unsigned 24 May O'Brien seems to have tried to block 

(B. Smith) +Cullen's transfer. 

Trouble in Irish College, Paris. 

27 "B. Rabbi" 28 May The Vic. Cap. of Dublin had no right to 

(B. Smith) appoint P.P.'s; +Cullen can cancel these, 

but perhaps should consult Propaganda. Armagh priests 

cannot elect a Vic. Cap., as +Cullen is Apostolic 

Administrator. P. O'Brien came to Rome as a Bavarian 

from naples.



28 Unsigned 4 June? Mr. P. O'Brien pressed Abbot Bianchi to 

(B. Smith) prevent Irish Bishops from taking part 

In elections, but Bianchi refused. Penal laws must be 

repealed. O'Toole to do penance in a monastery. Pope 

wants Smith to stay in Ir. College. 

29 Fra Giuliano? 30 June Some Irish episcopal vacancies. 

30 Unsigned 10 Aug. Long account of interview with O'Brien 

(B. Smith) and of his intrigues in Rome on behalf 

of British Govt. 

Smith very critical of Maynooth. He hopes 

the new Primate will not favour the Lion. 

31 Unsigned 14 Aug. O'Brien wanted Rome to write to Irish 

(B. Smith) Bishops. 

Delay nomination of Bishops in Ireland. Why not make 

their election secret? Prop. has asked Smith to report on 

ecclesiastical education in Ireland. "The French are (or 

were) Gallicans in theory the Irish are Gallicans in practice." 

32 Unsigned 10 Sep. (From Tivoli) Bulwer and other British 

(B. Smith) agents very active in Rome, especially 

against Irish Bishops and clergy. Smith thinks strong 

counter-measures are necessary. Short footnote from P.P. 

Moran. 

33 Unsigned 20 Sep. The English intrigues were unsuccessful. 

(B. Smith) Question of econome for Irish College, 

Paris. 

34 Unsigned 31 Oct. Glad to hear "Quarant’Ore" introduced 

(B. Smith) to Ireland. 

Question of change in oath taken by Irish Bishops. 

35 Unsigned 10 Nov. O'Toole has submitted. 

(B. Smith) Bailly's textbook dropped by Irish Coll- 

ege, Paris. 

Strong letter from Propaganda to the Lion. Irish Bishops 

should unite in restraining: clergy's political activities. Fr. 

McKeown asked Pope to appoint him Abp. of Armagh. 

36 B. Smith 14 Nov. (To Dr. Forde) Condemnation of the Medici, whose house 

was used by anti-Catholic English and Prussian ministers. 

37 D. Columbano 23 Nov. Question of condemning Bailly's theology. 

(B. Smith) Tribute to Dr. Miley. 

Comments on Oath. 

38 Unsigned 30 Nov. Bailly prohibited donec corrigatur. 

(B. Smith?) 

39 Unsigned 10 Dec. More details re condemnation of Bailly. 

40 [text missing]


No_. From Date (1852) Main Topics 

39(continued) secret, and that Irish Bishops must 

visit "ad limina". 

Time to settle affairs of Irish College, Paris. 

Will Pius IX go to Paris to crown Napoleon? 

40 Kirby 12 Dec. Bailly's writings censured. 

Praise of +Cullen's pastoral on Immac. Conception and 

of his letter to Miley. 

41 Unsigned 24 Dec. Conversion of American Protestant minister 

(B. Smith) (bishop?). 

Mgr. Bouvier's Gallican Theology. Problem 

of Carmelites in Dublin.


File 




















18 Moran and Murphy to Card. Cullen (undated) 

»



15 B. Smith 18 Apr. (To Moran) Card. Franson and Barnabo are 

awaiting official news from Dublin. 

16 Unsigned 20 Apr. Still no official news of Dublin priests' 

(B. Smith) election. 

D. Dunne going for doctorates in theology and 

philosophy; very smart. 

17 B. Smith 21 Apr. (To Moran) Votes of suffragan Bishops of 

Dublin province have come. 

18 P.P. Moran 22 Apr. (From Filho Marino) Moran convalescing. 

Requiem for +Murray in Irish College 

church. 

Report on vineyard, 

English proposal to "pension" the Irish 

clergy. 

19 Unsigned 24 Apr. Still no; word from Dublin Vicar Capitular. 

(B. Smith) 

20 Unsigned 30 Apr. Dublin suffragans did not recommend any 

(B. Smith) candidate. 

21 Unsigned 1 - 4 May Extraordinary Congregation of Propaganda 

(B. Smith) held; result a secret, but +Cullen's 

transfer is certain despite strong extern? 

opposition. 

Benedictines want to recall Smith; +Cullci 

should write to the Pope. 

22 Unsigned 10 May? +Cullen should publish Bianchi's rescr- 

(B. Smith) ipts and letter. 

Propaganda awaits official report from Dublin suffragans 

before announcing +Cullen' s transfer. Rev. O'Toole of 

Galway College is in Rome 

23 Unsigned 14 May +Murphy of Hyderabad sought a doctorate 

(B. Smith) for Fr. Browne without success. 

O'Toole hopes for a post in Cath.. Univ. 

24 Unsigned 15 May O'Toole got a scolding from D. Fuligno. 

(B. Smith) 

25 Unsigned 22 May Bulls of appointment to be sent to +Cullen 

(B. Smith) on 24th; also Brief for administration of 

Armagh. 

Smith wonders who is the O'Brien sent to 

Rome by British Govt.. 

26 Unsigned 24 May O'Brien seems to have tried to block 

(B. Smith) +Cullen's transfer. 

Trouble in Irish College, Paris. 

27 "B. Rabbi" 28 May The Vic. Cap. of Dublin had no right to 

(B. Smith) appoint P.P.'s; +Cullen can cancel these, 

but perhaps should consult Propaganda. Armagh priests 

cannot elect a Vic. Cap., as +Cullen is Apostolic 

Administrator. P. O'Brien came to Rome as a Bavarian 

from Naples.



28 Unsigned 4 June? Mr. P. O'Brien pressed Abbot Bianchi to 

(B. Smith) prevent Irish Bishops from taking part 

in elections, but Bianchi refused. Penal laws must be 

repealed. O'Toole to do penance in a monastery. Pope 

wants Smith to stay In Ir. College. 

29 Fra Giuliano? 30 June Some Irish episcopal vacancies. 

30 Unsigned 10 Aug. Long account of interview with O'Brien 

(B. Smith) and of his intrigues in Roane on behalf 

of British Govt. 

Smith very critical of Maynooth.. He hopes 

the new Primate will not favour the Lion. 

31 Unsigned 14 Aug. O'Brien wanted Rome to write to Irish 

(B. Smith) Bishops. 

Delay nomination of Bishops in Ireland. Why not make 

their election secret? Prop, has asked Smith to report on 

esiastical education in Ireland. "The French are (or were) 

Gallicans In theory} the Irish are Galileans in practice ." 

32 Unsigned 10 Sep. (From Tivoli) Bulwer and other British 

(B. Smith) agents very active in Rome, especially 

against Irish Bishops and clergy. Smith thinks strong 

counter-measures are necessary. Short footnote from P.P. 

Moran. 

33 Unsigned 20 Sep. The English intrigues were unsuccessful. 

(B. Smith) Question of econome for Irish College, 

Paris. 

34 Unsigned 31 Oct. Glad to hear "Quaranf Ore" introduced 

(B. Smith) to Ireland. 

Question of change in oath taken by Irish 

Bishops. 

35 Unsigned 10 Nov. O'Toole has submitted. 

(B. Smith) Bailly’s textbook dropped by Irish Coll- 

ege, Paris 

Strong letter from Propaganda to the Lion, Irish Bishops 

should unite in restraining: clergy's political activities. Fr. 

McKeown asked Pope to appoint him Abp. of Armagh. 

36 B. Smith 14 Nov. (To Dr. Forde) Condemnation of the Medici, whose 

house was used by anti-Catholic English and Prussian ministers. 

37 D. Coikumbano 23 Nov. Question of condemning Bailly's theology. 

(B. Smith) Tribute to Dr. Miley. 

Comments on Oath. 

38 Unsigned 30 Nov. Bailly prohibited donec corrigatur. 

(B. Smith?) 

39 Unsigned 10 Dec. More details re condemnation of Bailly.



39(continued) secret, and that Irish Bishops must 

visit "ad limina". 

Time to settle affairs of Irish College, Paris. 

Will Pius IX go to Paris to crown Napoleon? 

40 Kirby 12 Dec. Bailly's writings censured. 

Praise of +Cullen's pastoral on Immac. Conception and 

of his letter to Miley. 

41 Unsigned 24 Dec. Conversion of American Protestant min- 

(B. Smith) ister (bishop?). 

Mgr. Bouvier's Gallican Theology. Problem o;f 

Carmelites in Dublin.


File 




















18 Moran and Murphy to Card. Cullen (undated)


Copies of Letters in Archives of Irish College, Rome 

File I : Lists of numbers of words typed and payments to typists, 

1912 -1915 

File II: Letters of Cullen to Mgr. Kirby (Rector), 1858, 1862 


1 21 Sep., 1858 Cardinal Antonielli(?)'s recent visit to Ireland 

2 6 Oct., 1862 Exorbitant marriage fees in Kildare diocese 

3 8 Nov., 1862 Introducing young Mr. De Poer of Gurteen, Co. 

Waterford, who wants to join the Pope's army 

4 15 Nov., 1862 Introducing some of the Sweetman family of 

Booterstown 

5 20 Nov., 1862 News of Clonliffe seminary


File IV: Letters to +Cullen from Rome, 1853 

No From Date(1853) Main Topics 

1 Unsigned 10 Jan. +Cullen is asked to report to Card. Fornari 

(B. Smith) (Carmelite Protector) on alleged abuses in 

Carmelite houses in Dublin and Loughrea. Is Dr. Whelan 

making false charges? Bailly's works still in use in 

Maynooth; Decree of Index should be promulgated in 

Ireland. 

2 Unsigned 24 Jan. Gallican theologians. 

(B. Smith) The Lion has not replied to Abb. Bianchi 

and D. Fuligno. 

More honours “in petto" for +Cullen. 

Question of sale of Church lands at Benevento. 

3 Kilrby? 31 Jan. Perhaps a favourable time to seek separate 

educational grants for Catholics. +Dixon appointed 

Apostolic Vlsitator of Ardagh. 

Bailly's condemnation a mortal blow for Gallicanism. 

4 (Signature 10 May Letter in Italian about various matters 

illegible) in general terms. 

5 F. Giuliano? 14 May (Italian) Neapolitan case? 

6 (Signature 

illegible) 4 Nov. (Italian) News of students; excellent 

retreat. 

Glad to hear relic of St. Patrick is to be 

publicly honoured (in Dublin?). 

News of some American Bishops.


File V: Letters of Dr. Kirby to +Cullen, I860 


1 12 Jan. Kirby's audience of Pius IX, who was thrilled to hear 

of the great demonstrations In his favour in Ireland. Tremendous support also 

In Germany. Monsell should not attack Austria, the only power that stands for 

the Pope. 

2 3 Feb. Kirby hopes Catholic members will unite to kick out 

Palmerston. If not, the state of Italy and the Holy 

See will get worse. 

Kirby presented more Irish addresses to the Pope. 

3. 8 Feb. His Holiness is hopeful, and grateful for all the efforts on his behalf. 

4. 11/12 Feb. +Cullen's excellent letter to his P.P.'s re the Pope's collection. 

Rome Is quiet; many think things would be better if the French left. 

Kirby would be glad to buy Patrizi's field if he could pay for it. 

5. 22 Feb. Kirby presented £1,000 from +Cullen to the Pope. 

Kirby refused, and pressed all the Irish in Rome to refuse to join Card. 

Wiseman and British Catholics in presenting an address to the H. Father. 

"We are Irish subjects of Victoria, Queen of Ireland; they are British subjects 

of Victoria, Queen of Gt. Britain". 

6. 25 Feb. (Badly damaged letter) Another £1,000 received from 

+Cullen. Further explanation of the Irish stand vis- a-vis the British 

Catholics. 

7. 29 Feb. Enclosing Holy Father's acknowledgment of collection. 

8. 4 Mar. Kirby and Moran presented £2,000 from +Cullen, making £3,000 to date. 

Pope delighted. 

Irish address to be presented an following Sunday. +Cullen's magnificent reply 

to Cardwell should lead to granting of separate Catholic education. Attacks 

on Holy See only serve to show the necessity for its temporal power. 

9 10 Mar. All Rome admires generosity of Dublin's Catholics. 

10. 11/13 Mar. Great admiration for Ireland, especially Dublin; English feeling sore. 

Kirby is made a private chamberlain. 

Pope receives wonderful gathering of Irish In Rome, and is moved even to 

tears. 

11. 14 Mar. Kirby gave in a further £8,000 from Dublin. Holy Father overwhelmed. 

The Irish demonstration and address made a great impression. 

12. 20 Mar. The Pope's magnificent present of vestments to the Irish College. 

13. 22 Mar. Pope's visit to Irish College. Kirby explains Irish stand to Mgr. 

Talbot.


File VI: Letters of Kirby to +Cullen, 1861 


1 15 Jan. Monsell spoke to Card. Barnabo in favour of Dr. Butler' 

(for Limerick?). 

+Dixon asked Card. Reisach's advice re priests not going to confession, and was 

told that in Bavaria they are obliged to confess often and get a certificate. 

2 21 Jan. Senate of Turin tried to. impede Peter’s Pence in the 

(Papal?) States. 

Footnote (25Jan.) re report of Fr. Lavelle's new conduct. 

3 28 Jan. Congratulations on pastoral and on promoting Peter' s 

Pence. 

4 20 Mar. Sending biglietto for Dr. Forde; it was a triumph to 

get it against the anti-Irish folk. 

5 6 Apr. Thanks for Dr. Moran's new book. 

The Pope was ill, but has recovered. Kirby exhorts +Cullen not to be 

dispirited over the Bishops' meeting; immense good has been done since the 

Synod of Thurles. 

6 23 May Propaganda upset at Dr. Woodlock’s transfer from All 

Hallows. +Cullen should write and explain that he 

still supervises It. Papal finances are sound because of generosity of the 

faithful. 

Great triduum in Rome in honour of Our Lady, Help of 

Christians. 

7 28 June Irish soldiers seem contented. 

8 10/12 July Dr. Moran in Ireland; he needs a few weeks' rest. 

Tell Irish Catholic M.P.'s that the Holy See appreciates their efforts. 

News from Naples "appalling"; Protestants attacking Catholic doctrines. 

Bad In Florence too. Letter from Kirby to Moran attached: News re farm, etc. 

9 18 July Some falling-off in Peter's Pence. 

P.S. A Fr. Donovan from Australia seeking a place in Dublin diocese. 

10 26 Aug. Some confusion re decoration for M. O'Reilly. 

11 19 Sep. Circular for chaplains intended more for England than 

for Ireland. 

+Cullen was right not to accept invitation (to dine with Peel?) 

Congratulations In advance on opening of Mater Hospital . 

Piedmontese seem unlikely to come to Rome. Letter to Moran attached: News 

of students, house, etc. Pope acclaimed in Rome. 

12 28 Sep. Snippets of news. 

13 5 Oct. Making their own wine in the College. 

Letter to Moran attached: The few Irish soldiers in Ancona "feel 

mortified" .


File VIII: Letters of Dr. Kirby to +Cullen, 1863 


1 28 Mar. News of lettery. 

2 11 Apr. Card. Barnabo has ordered +Leahy to accept Fr. Hickey's 

resignation. 

C. Barnabo wishes Dr. Flannery to come to Rome, perhaps 

with Dr. Woodlock. 

A rehabilitated priest from Australia, Fr. Madden, 

is being recommended to his native diocese, Ross. 

French(a Dublin student in Rome) does not seem to have 

a vocation. 

3 23 May Some young Dublin students in Louvain became Freemasons, 

Kirby would be pleased if O'Hagan were elected for Tralee. 

4 23 June Abuses re marriage fees in Kildare and in Province of 

Cashel. News of vineyard. 

5 27 June Synod of Irish Bishops. Kirby hopes letter from Rome 

will restrain the Lion. 

6 14 July Propaganda to write to +Cullen re Fr. Lavelle. 

Madame Marianne Scully (Sacred Heart), now in Rome, suggests that +Cullen 

should apply to Mother-General for an Irish Novitiate and Vicar (Madame 

Julia). Cattle disease in Rome area. Rising prices of necessaries. 

7 31 July Sudden death of Abp. F.P. Kenrick of Baltimore on 8th 

July; a great loss. 

Propaganda annoyed with +Leahy over Limerick business. Things will now be 

better for +Butler. Kirby criticises Monsell's speech on religious toleration In 

Spain. 

8 5 Sep. +MacHale's "fierce" letter to the Pope re laymen on 

University Board, etc. 

9, 30 Sep. 12,000 more French coming to Rome; It is hoped there 

1860 Transferred will be no disturbance there. 

TO FILE V F.O.H. The Irish surrendered at Spoleto at the request of the Archbishop, after 

fighting like lions and mowing down 

the enemy. Still holding out in Ancona. (1 O c t . ) News of King's entry into 

Naples; great joy. 

10 2 Oct. Renewal of +Cullen's faculties. 

Kirby will not oppose Moran's possible appointment to a chair in Maynooth, 

though his loss to the Irish College would be great. 

Pope's strong letter to +MacHale directing him to suspend Fr. Lavelle. 

11 10 Oct. Reports of several statues of the Madonna whose eyes 

moved, especially one in Tivoli. 

12 16 Oct. +Cullen should tell some of the other Bishops about 

the Pope's letter to +MacHale. 

Kirby is glad that Moran is not going to Maynooth. 

Conversion of Miss Ross.

CARDINAL CULLEN Section 4-2/2 

File VIII: Letters of Kirby to +Cullen, 1864-65 (with a few of Moran 

and one from +Cullen) 


1 Kirby 15 Jan.,1864 Fr. Lavelle(in Rome) got a severe drubb- 

ing from Card. Barnabo and fully submitted. Kirby urged on the 

Card, that Lavelle should be made repair scandal. Fr. Smith is in 

touch with Lavelle. News of students; 55 in College now. 

2 Moran 10 Feb.,1864 News of ceremonies in St. Agatha's. 

Threats of war. 

Three men convicted of murdering priests died 

unrepentant on the scaffold. Card. Wiseman's reported 

criticisms of Irish priests and seminaries. 

3 +Cullen 28 June,1864 (To Kirby. Draft?. Unsigned) 

Propaganda was right in rejecting laymen on Cath. 

University Board, but Dr. Woodlock is very annoyed. 

Railroad to run through proposed site for University. 

Pope's letter re Lavelle has been published in America, 

but the Irish papers are afraid of Lavelle. In a letter in a 

Scottish paper, Lavelle denies knowledge of Pope's letter. 

4 Kirby 13 Jan.,1865 Certificate of marriage of Joseph Woodlock and Emily Duggan 

in Irish College chapel, 11 Jan., 1865. 

5 Kirby 14 Jan.,1865 Marriage of J. Woodlock and E. Duggan. 

Fr. Moriarty's retractation of "revolutionary" lecture 

Sixty new Catholic newspapers in Italy; infidel press 

declining. 

6 Moran 14 Jan.,1865 Moran refutes Lord Clancarty's charge 

that Cath. Church is hostile to Bible. 

Death of Chevalier Drach. 

Moriarty's retractation puts Fr. MacHale 

in a ludicrous position. 

Propaganda seeks a superior for Hong 

Kong seminary; Moran would be willing. 

7 Kirby 18 Jan.,1865 More re Woodlock marriage. 

French Bishops standing up to Napoleon. 

8 Kirby 28 Jan.,1865 (Unsigned) Mrs. Grattan and her son-in- 

law, Mr. Esmonde, in Rome. There will be few good 

pastorals from Irish Bishops except +Cullen. Bl. Sacrament 

chapel in College church nearly finished. Defection of 

Cardinal D'Andrea. 

9 Kirby 16 Feb.,1865 (Unsigned) Extension of Jubilee. 

Bishops' pastorals. Syllabus of condemned propositions. 

Prop, has reprehended Fr. Conway(Tuam) for publicly 

abusing someone.


File IX: Letters to +Cullen from Kirby (also Moran and J. Maher),1866 


1 Kirby 2 Jan. Card. Barnabo pleased with report of Irish 

Bishops' meeting and with British Govt. ’ s recognition of separate 

Catholic education. Indignation in Rome at Lavelle's recent “pranks”. 

Stephens may go to America to reorganise the Fenians. 

2 Kirby 4/5 Jan. Education documents are likely to be approved 

by Propaganda. 

Freemason influences in European politics. Report of attempted 

shooting of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. 

3 Koran 13 Jan. Pope delays reply to +Cullen’s query. 

Moran preparing to go to Ireland. 

4 Kirby 8 Feb. Moran will be a tremendous loss to the Irish 

College, but a great asset to +Cullen and to 

Ireland. 

Cardinal Vicar awaiting answer re vineyard 

question. It now rests with the Irish Bishops. 

William Cullen's continued ill-health. 

5 Moran 17 Feb. Boundaries of Australian dioceses. 

Moran's farewell audience of Pius IX; the Pope is beginning to look 

old. 

6 Kirby 6 Mar. Moran nominated a Monsignor. William going 

home with him. 

British Govt. proposals on Cath. University 

would be disastrous. 

Following +Culle’ r s letter re catacombs, Kirby 

has withdrawn his opposition. 

(attached note) Rumours of diplomatic relations 

between Holy See and England. 

Australian diocesan boundaries agreed on. 

7 Kirby 13 Mar. Barron marriage case. 

8 Kirby 17 Mar. Mischievous article In Castlebar paper. 

Ridiculous article In Times suggesting Fenian leanings among Irish 

College students. 

9 Kirby 17 Apr. Barron marriage case. 

Hutch recalled to St. Colman's. 

10 Kirby 18 May +Dixon's death greatly mourned. 

War expected in Rome. Italian Govt. persecuting religion. 

Some English Catholic laymen proposing Dr. Russell of Maynooth 

for Armagh. 

11 Kirby 1 June Arrangements for +Cullen's visit to Rome to be 

made Cardinal. 

12 J. Maher 3 Nov. News of College. 

The French seem likely to leave Rome. The Pope is often 

melancholy. 

13 Kirby 14 Dec. (Incomplete) French have left. 

[text missing]

pCARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to Card. Cullen, 1868 Section 42/2 


14 29 Nov. Case in Acta S. Sedis of a Cure who was harshly 

treated by Abp. of Paris. 

Preparations for the Council; Ireland should have a 

representative in Rome. 

Two' men sentenced to death in Rome for blowing up a 

barracks; they repented. 

Irish College buying a neighbouring vineyard. 

15 4 Dec. Card. Cullen's generous donation for persecuted nuns 

in Assisi. 

Good news of Irish elections. 

Condemned criminal's affecting letter to the Pope. 

16 13 Dec. Preparations for Council; still no Irish theologians. 

Good reports of Queen Isabella of Spain. 

The archaeologists are restoring the College vineyard 

to its former state. 

Card. Antonelli on Gladstone's views re temporal power 

of Pope. 

17 17 Dec. Fr. Jones bringing two precious relics to Card. Cullen 

as thank-offering from Assisi nuns.




Lord J.R.(Russell?) blames Rome police for provoking 


Office. 


15 4 Apr. Reducing number of students; sending home delicate 

ones. 

16 20 Apr. New Army chief (Gen. Lamoriciere) and War Minister 

(Mgr. de Merode) give confidence. 


Naples suppressed rising in Palermo, in which many 

English were Involved. England also stirring up 

trouble in Spain. 






great piety. Sudden deaths of some enemies of the Pope. 



the impossibility of putting out Palmerston and Russell 


More trouble in Sicily. 

Rome is renewed, and is most loyal to the Pope. 

Actors who had performed an anti-papal play were 


19 23 May Small Papal forces have repelled invaders in the Mar- 

ches. 

No Irish workers or volunteers have come yet; Lord 


News of some clerics and students. 








about the Interference of Mgr Talbot, etc., with Irish 


them. 



stands for justice is 



24 24/25 June 150 Irishmen came yesterday and made a good Impression: 160 more due 

soon.




Lord J.R. (Russell?) blames Rome police for provoking 


Office. 


15 4 Apr. Reducing number of students; sending home delicate 

ones. 

16 20 Apr. New Army chief (Gen. Lamoricière) and War Minister 

(Mgr. de Mérode) give confidence. 


Naples suppressed rising in Palermo, In which many 

English were involved. England also stirring up 

Trouble in Spain. 






great piety. 

Sudden deaths of some enemies of the Pope. 



the impossibility of putting out Palmerston and Russel 


More trouble In Sicily. 

Rome Is renewed, and is most loyal to the Pope. 

Actors who had performed an anti- papal play were 


19 23 May Small Papal forces have repelled invaders in the Marches. 

No Irish workers; or volunteers have come yet; Lord 


News Q;f some clerics and students. 








about the interference of Mgr Talbot, etc., with Irish 


them. 



stands for justice la: 



24 24/25 June 150 Irishmen came yesterday and made a good impress 

ion; 160 more due soon.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to +Cullen and Moran Section 42/2 


16 Moran 1869? Don Placido and his brother monks. 

Massive emigration from Ireland to America Irish 

Zouaves' reading-room opened. 

17 Moran 1869? Kirby's hopes for Irish education movement 

Kirby will try to hurry the Armagh nomination; Fr. 

Harbinson seems suitable. 

18 Moran ? The "harpies" in Rome are imposing heavy 

taxes and are threatening the property of the Colleges. 

British subjects should be safe. 

19 Card. Cullen ? (A few small fragments)

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby (and Moran) to +Cullen, 1865-65 Section 42/2 


10 Kirby 28 Feb.,1865 Lord Talbot of Malahide appointed by 

Card. Antonelli to take charge of^the 

Roman oggetti in Dublin. This will not 

please Catholics. 

The Pope's fortitude. 

Card. Wiseman's death; he will be hard 

to replace. 

11 Kirby 4 Mar.,1865 FR. LAVELLE'S new lucubrations on the Fenians; all 

"a fable". 

Fr. Conway's defence against Propaganda's complaints; he is 

to be reprehended again. Dr. Taylor, P.P., Maryboro', has 

written to Rome about a house he built. 

12 Kirby 18 Mar.,1865 Question of extending Jubilee. 

13 Kirby 28 Mar.,1865 Jubilee extended till Low Sunday 

for Dublin. 

News of students. 

Church being despoiled in Mexico. 

Kirby hopes for better Irish Calholic M.P's 

How Quebec University got its charter. 

14 Kirby 3 Apr. ,1865 Mrs. Grattan and the vocations of her 

daughters. 

Kirby reports widespread criticism of 

Dublin prohibition of dancing. 

Fine marble statue of Pius IX for Dublin 

Exhibition. 

Report that Rome is not happy with the 

"terna" for Westminster. 

15 Kirby 5 Apr.,1865 Dr. Power appointed to Killaloe. 

Catholic members of Dublin Corporation now have an opportunity of 

setting aside the "wicked" custom of alternating Protestant and Catholic 

Mayors. 

16 8 Apr., 1865 Moran 8 Apr.,1865 Ald. McSwiney says the Catholic corporators 

will break the old custom of alternating the Lord Mayoralty, but Moran 

doubts it. 

Question of approving a version of the Bible by Dr. Newman. 

English races in Rome led to a Garibaldian demonstration. 

17 Kirby 12 Apr.,1865 Propaganda worried that some Irish Bishops 

(including +Cullen) ignore their regulations re military chaplains. 

+Cullen should write about this. Mr. Duggan accuses Kirby of 

performing his sister's marriage for money. 

18 Kirby 2 May,1865 The Grattan vocation question. 

+MacHale and +Derry, on ad limina visits, may try to have Lavelle 

reinstated. Many Irish visitors in Rome. 

19 Kirby 5 May,1865 Dr. Manning for Westminster.


File: Kirby to +Cullen, 1865 


21 13 May Card. Barnabò gave +MacHale a severe dressing-down re 

Lavelle, etc. 

Trouble re Irish College vineyard and catacombs. 

22 20 May Kirby with some fourth divines had audience of the 

Pope. 

+MacHale and +Derry's audience was short. 

+Derry expressed to Kirby disapproval of Lavelle. 

Military Chaplains. 

The Dublin Exhibition; why +Cullen was not invited. 

+Derry's "new theory" re Irish poverty. 

23 26 May Kirby bargains for statue of Pius IX for Dublin. 

24 31 May Report on important meeting re catacombs in College 

Kirby strongly resisted demands for a new entrance. 

25 12 June Kirby has succeeded in negotiating purchase of statue 

at less than half what was asked. 

+Cullen ought to censure Keogh's "abominable propositions". 

26 5 July Price of statue received from +Cullen. 

Kirby congratulates Drs. Murray and M. Quinn on being 

appointed Bishops for Australia. 

Card. Barnabò to write to the four Archbishops re the vineyard. 

27 8 July Holy See displeased with Irish Bishops' reactions re 


I Question of laws of Catholic University. 

28 27 July A Roman tapestry at the Dublin Exhibition is also for 

sale. Hutch (Student) has brilliant "prova". 

29 27 July More re statue of Pius IX. 

30 4 Aug. More re vineyard problem. 

Mrs. Plowden a bitter antagonist of temporal power 

of the Pope. 

Fermoy students prefer Rome to Maynooth. 

31 7 Aug. Kirby*s arguments against the archaeologists re entrance to vineyard. 

32 17 Aug. Kirby sees Pope at Castelgandolfo; H.H. thanks +Cullen 

for Peter's Pence and pastoral. Pope relaxes by playing a species of billiards, 

by himself. 

33 4 Sep. University proposals put before Propaganda. 

34 17 Sep. Commendation of Thomas Kerrigan (student), returning to Ireland in poor 

health. 

35 18 Sep. Cattle disease in Ireland? News of students. 

36 22 Sep. How to prevent spread of cattle disease. Serious forest fire near 

Rome.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to +Cullen, 1865 Section 42/2 


38 3 Oct. (From Tivoli, to Moran) Fenian arrests. Plan to make 

Ireland a state of the U . S .A. Dr. Murray 

now for Maitland. News of students. 

39 8 Oct. Moran has returned from Ireland. * 

40 25 Oct. Visit of students to shrine of Vicovaro. 

Festivities in Tivoli. 

41 28 Oct. Commendation of Thomas Murray, returning to Ireland 

in poor health. 

42 28 Oct. Commendation of Mr. Geary (student), returning home ill 

43 30 Oct. Hoping Fenianism may soon he eradicated. 

Dangers of new British Govt. scheme for Irish University. 

Kirby has sent +Cullen a Madonna and Child, ascribed to Carlo Dolce. 

44 19 Nov. Pope orders extraordinary retreat for clergy of 

Rome. 

45 28 Dec. Kirby addressed the Pope on behalf of the entire 

antechamber. H.H. in his reply praised +Cullen and 

condemned Lavelle and Fenians. 

Florence seems about to fall into the hands of the 

Mazzinians. 

46 1865 

Apr. or May? Trouble with Catacombs Commission re vineyard. Mrs. Grattan and her daughters' 

vocations.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to Card. Cullen, 1868 Section 42/2 


14 29 Nov. Case in Acta S. Sedis of a Cure who was harshly 

treated by Abp. of Paris. 

Preparations for the Council; Ireland should have a 

representative in Rome. 

Two men sentenced to death In Rome for blowing up a 

barracks; they repented. 

Irish College buying a neighbouring vineyard. 

15 4 Dec. Card. Cullen's generous donation for persecuted nuns 

in Assisi. 

Good news of Irish elections. 

Condemned criminal's affecting letter to the Pope. 

16 13 Dec. Preparations for Council; still no Irish theologians. 

Good reports of Queen Isabella of Spain. 

The archaeologists are restoring the College vineyard 

to its former state. Card. Antonelli on Gladstone's views re temporal power 

of Pope. 

17 17 Dec. Fr. Jones bringing two precious relies to Card. Cullen 

as thank-offering from Assisi nuns.


File: Kirby to Cullen, 1865 


21 13 May Card. Barnabo gave +MacHale a severe dressing-down re 

Lavelle, etc. 

Trouble re Irish College vineyard and catacombs. 

22 20 May Kirby with some fourth divines had audience of the 

Pope. 

+MacHale and +Derry ’ s audience was short. 

+Derry expressed to Kirby disapproval of Lavelle. 


The Dublin Exhibition; why +Cullen was not invited. 

+Derry ’ s "new theory" re Irish poverty. 

23 26 May Kirby bargains for statue of Pius IX for Dublin. 

24 31 May Report on important meeting re catacombs In College 

Kirby strongly resisted demands for a new entrance. 

25 12 June Kirby has succeeded in negotiating purchase of statue 

at less than half what was asked. 

+Cullen ought to censure Keogh's "abominable propositions". 

26 5 July Price of statue received from +Cullen. 

Kirby congratulates Drs. Murray and M. Quinn on being 

appointed Bishops for Australia. 

Card. Barnabo to write to the four Archbishops re the 

vineyard. 

27 8 July Holy See displeased with Irish Bishops' reactions re 


Question of laws of Catholic University. 

28 27 July A Roman tapestry at the Dublin Exhibition is also for 

sale. Hutch (Student) has brilliant "prova". 

29 27 July More re statue of Pius IX. 

30 4 Aug. More re vineyard problem. 

Mrs. Plowden a bitter antagonist of temporal power 

of the Pope. 

Fermoy students prefer Rome to Maynooth. 

31 7 Aug. Kirby's arguments against the archaelogists re ent- 

rance to vineyard. 

32 17 Aug. Kirby sees Pope at Castelgandolfo; H.H. thanks +Cullen 

for Peter's Pence and pastoral. Pope relaxes by playing a species of billiards, 

by himself. 

33 4 Sep. University proposals put before Propaganda. 

34 17 Sep. Commendation of Thomas Kerrigan (student), returning 

to Ireland in poor health. 

35 18 Sep. Cattle disease in Ireland? News of students. 

36 22 Sep. How to prevent spread of cattle disease. Serious forest fire 

near Rome.



25. 13 July No more Irish to come for the present. 

Maguire, MpP., wants his brother appointed chaplain. 

Mgr. Talbot still meddling. 

Fr. McDevitt sent to Ancona as chaplain; some trouble 

among the Irish troops there. 

Kirby suggests that +Cullen should write to Prop.' about 

the question of chaplains. 

Some respectable Irishmen seeking commissions. 

A spy tried to bribe the Irishmen to go home. 

26. 17 July (No signature) Some Kerry and Limerick men gave trouble, Howley 

appointed adjutant; not a pious Catholic. Naples is ruined. Grave fears in Rome. 

27. 29 July Renewal of faculties for +Cullen to dispense in second degree of consanguinity 

and affinity. 

Letter from Kirby on back page: A student has died of 

consumption. 

Garibaldi seems to be making headway. 

28. 4 Aug. Testimonial from Kirby for John McSwiggan (student). 

29. 24 Aug. Recommendation for Dr. Patrick J. Hayes, who seeks an appointment in the 

new Mater Hospital. 

30. Aug.? Things look bad for temporal power of Pope. Ed. O'Carroll(student) very ill. 

Students did well in concursus. especially Jas. Maher. 

31. 16 Sep. Some defeats for Papal troops; Irishmen involved. 

32. 20 Sep. Irish troops fought bravely. 

Some French soldiers in Rome shouting for Garibaldi. 

Kirby worried about the students;. 

Myles O'Reilly and his men taken prisoner at Spoleto. 

Napoleon's villainous conduct., towards the Pope. 

32A 30 Sep French comings. Spolato surrendered.Irish bravery. 

33. 24 Oct. Irish soldiers praised. Some going home, others staying In Rome. 

Heavy financial losses for Pope's Government. 

"Peter's Pence" to be permanent. 

Footnote: Cavour refuses to release Irish prisoners. 

33A 25 Oct Dr Murray, not Dr. Forde should come to Rome with the troops. 

34 3 Nov.? Most Irish soldiers have gone home; only a few have 

come to Rome. 

The experience has been worth while, and may be repeated later. 

Short letter on second sheet from Kirby to Mr. Lyons, regretting that he did 

not come and hoping to welcome him later. 

35 17 Nov. Roman schools open again. 

Piedmontese surround Rome. Neapolitan soldiers in 

great distress. 

About 20 Irish soldiers in Rome, with Irish officers; 

hoping to increase to 100. 

+Dixon (in Rome) seen how the support 

of Palmerston and Russell (?) helped the revolution. 

Kirby hopes +Cullen will often visit Miss Aylward;She 

is a real confessor. 

Testimonial for James Baxter(student) returning to 

36 24 Nov.


No. Date(l865) Main Topics 


Ireland a state of the U.S.A. Dr. 

Murray now for Maitland. News of 

students. 

39 8 Oct. Moran has returned from Ireland. 


Festivities in Tivchli. 



42 28 Oct. Commendation of Mr. Geary (student), returning home ill 

43- 30 Oct. Hoping Fenianism may soon be eradicated. 

Dangers of new Bitish Govt, scheme for Irish University. 



Rome. 

45 28 Dee. Kirby addressed the Pope on behalf of the entire 



Florence seems about to fall Into the hands of the 

Mazzinians. 

46 1865 

Apr. or May? Trouble with Catacombs Commission re vineyard. Mrs. Grattan and her daughters 

vocations.




Ireland a state of the U.S.A. Dr. Murray now for 

Maitland. News of students. 

39 8 Oct. Moran has returned from Ireland. 


Festivities in Tivoli. 



42 28 Oct. Commendation of Mr. Geary (student), returning home iII 

43 30 Oct. Hoping Fenianism may soon be eradicated. 

Dangers of new British Govt. scheme for Irish University. 



Rome. 

45 28 Dec. Kirby addressed the Pope on behalf of the entire 



Florence seems about to fall Into the hands of the 

Mazzinians. 

46 1865 

Apr. or May? Trouble with Catacombs Commission re vineyard. Mrs. Grattan and her daughters’ 

vocations.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to Moran, etc., 1866 Section 42/2 


18 Kirby 14 Dec. French gone. Rome quiet. 

19 Kirby ? (From Tivoli?) The Cardinal's visit to May 

nooth should have good results.


File : Letters of Dr. Kirby (and Card. Cullen) To Dr. Moran, 1866 

(one to +Quinn) 


1 Kirby 23 Mar. Neapolitan nun's "prophecy" was a fake. 

Australian Bishops' affairs settled. 

2 Kirby 3 May War seems imminent. 

3 Kirby 25 May Telegram in code: +Cullen to arrive in Rome 

on 10 June; Consistory on 18 June. 

4 Kirby 18 June (To +Quinn) How +Quinn is to secure the two 

men from Mt. Melleray for Australia.. Forthcoming Consistory. 

Much good will for +Cullen and Ireland. War about to break out. 

5 J. Maher 30 June Moran got the Bl. Sacrament altar-piece very 

(and C.Cullen) cheap. 

(Note from Card. Cullen) Dr. Kieran for Armagh 

Kilfenora and Kilmacduagh will probably be 

joined to Galway. 

Approbation of Rathfarnham rules (Loreto?) 

expected. 

6 Card. Cullen 5 July (Unsigned) Marriage dispensation (Conroy). 

(in Rome) News of war. 

7 Kirby 14 July Great difficulties with currency in Rome. 

Death of Card. Matteucci after 15 days as Cardinal. 

8 Kirby 28 July Currency problems. 

9 Kirby 7 Aug. Kirby is advising Irish Bishops not to send 

students to Rome for the present. 

10 Kirby 9 Aug. Pope's gift to Card. Cullen; also gift from 

Dublin Diocesan Chapter. Rome in a bad 

way. 

11 Kirby 1 Sep. Students did very well in exams., especially 

Tynan and Kinsella. 

12 Kirby 7 Sep. (Unsigned) Pope delighted with Card. Cullen's 

pastoral. 

Kirby urges Moran to promote devotion to the 

Sacred Heart. 

13 Kirby 10 Sept. Pope praises Card. Cullen's pastoral. 

14 Kirby 18 Sep. (From Tivoli) Great celebrations in Tivoli. 

15 Kirby 4 Oct. Kirby sends a booklet of devotion to the 

Sacred Heart, suggesting that Moran might 

use it in the prison. 

News of college, garden and vineyard. 

16 Kirby 26 Oct. Card. Cullen's visit to Belfast. 

Students go to shrine of Vicovaro; festivities at Tivoli. 

[text missing]


File XI: Letters of Fr. Jas. Maher (Rome) to Mgr. Moran, 1866 


1 Apr. (Incomplete, unsigned) Queries re College: How regul- 

ate tradesmen's charges? 

News of vineyards, etc. 

Fr. Maher worried about his mother, who is poorly. 

2 2 May (Incomplete) Maher thinks he ought to visit his mother 

and set her mind at rest. 

3 19 May Fr. Rinaldini's collapse. 

Maher is resigned to not going home this year. +Polding has left in Rome a 

monumental "relatio"on Australia. 

4 8 Aug. Card. Cullen has just left Rome. 

Fr. McCabe made Papal Chamberlain. 

List of questions set in Concursus in theology. 

5 21 Sep. Sending some copies of Card. Cullen's ritratto (portrait] 

which is better than the Dublin one. 

6 30 Oct. Snippets of news. 

Note attached from D. Pietro Avanzini, mostly re The Irish Record.


File XII: Letters of Fr. Jas. Maher(Rome) to Card. Cullen, 1866) 

(one from +James Murray) 


1 +Murray 20 Jan. +Polding is due In Rome soon. +Murray hopes 

the boundaries of Australian dioceses will be settled 

amicably. +Hayes has resigned from Armidale. 

+Polding will try to have Hanly appointed, which would be 

a calamity. 

2 Maher 21 Aug. Pope's kindness to a group of Irish students 

Maher urges Cardinal to take precautions against the 

change of climate. 

3 Maher Nov. Report on Mgr. Kirby's illness(fever). 

Mr. Grotty(student) still dangerously ill. Rough draft of 

note from Card. Cullen on back, dated 21 Nov. It 

refers to +Barberi of Nicastro in Calabria, who has come 

out in favour of the Italian Government.


File XIII : Letters to Card, Cullen from Kirby and J. Maher, 1867 


1 Maher 4 Jan. Uncertainty in Rome re plans of Italian Govt. 

Maher’s visit to Pope with an Australian couple 

(O 'Shannessy), who thanked H.H. for sending Irish 

Bishops to Australia. 

+Murray wrote to Kirby saying he had been well 

received in his diocese. 

Fr. Burke preaching in Rome. 

2 Kirby 3 May Preparations for war increasing. 

The Lion is looking for trouble by allowing 

his "pet" to go on as he is doing. 

Kirby glad to hear the London Irish News has 

fallen; it was full of Fenianism. 

Opposition to +Lynch in Scotland; Card- Barnabo 

has protested to +Gray. 

Card. Cullen should come to Rome in good time 

for the canonisation. 

Pope's allocution in praise of pious women. 

3 Maher 7 May Mrs. Sherlock has died- 

Fr. Walsh of Cloyne has left for home in a dying condition. 

The College hopes to put up seven or eight Bishops and priests 

besides Card. Cullen during the coming festivities. 

4 Kirby 20 May Dates of Consistories in June. 

Bishop of Brisbane in trouble. 

5 Kirby 1 Aug. News of sick students. 

+Lynch in some trouble in Scotland; Propaganda 

supporting him,.Students not studying for concursus, on doctor's 

orders. 

6 Kirby 18 Aug. Cholera in Albano. Sick student. 

Funeral of Queen of Naples. 

7 Kirby 6 Nov. Rome saved from Garibaldians as if by a miracle. 

Great victory of Papal Army at Monte Rotondo. 

8 Kirby 28 Nov. Fr. McCabe appointed for Ardagh.


File XIV: Letters of Mgr. Kirby to Mgr. Moran, 1867 


1 14 Jan. Rome is at the mercy of the Piedmontese. 

Clarendon and Gladstone have left; they saw how loyal 

to the Pope the Romans are. , 

2 4 Mar. Rome peaceful despite threats on frontiers. 

3 18 May Be sure to come with His Eminence (for canonizations). 

4 11 Aug. Severe cholera in Albano; heroic clergy and nuns. 

+Lynch seems to have triumphed. 

5 28 Sep. (Prom Tivoli) Make Abp. Spalding and American Bishops 

pay well for the Vatican's work on the Baltimore Synod. 

6 26 Dec. All in Rome were delighted with the grand demonstration 

in Dublin for the Pope. 

7 30 Dec. The fact that few of the Irishmen (in the Papal Army) 

can speak French impedes promotion.


File XIV: Letters of Mgr. Kirby to Mgr. Moran, 1867 


1 14 Jan. Rome is at the mercy of the Piedmontese. 

Clarendon and Gladstone have left; they saw how loyal to the Pope the 

Romans are. 

2 4 Mar. Rome peaceful despite threats on frontiers. 

3 18 May Be sure to come with His Eminence (for canonisations). 

4 11 Aug. Severe cholera in Albano; heroic clergy and nuns. 

+Lynch seems to have triumphed. 

5 28 Sep. (From Tivoli) Make Abp. Spalding and American Bishops 

pay well for the Vatican's work on the Baltimore Synod. 

6 26 Dec. All in Rome were delighted with the grand demonstration in Dublin for the Pope. 

7 30 Dec. The fact that few of the Irishmen (in the Papal Army) can speak French 

impedes promotion.


File XV: Letters of Mgr. Kirby to Card. Cullen, 1868 


1 26 Jan. Near-famine in France, Russia, Prussia and even America. 

Question of High Mass for "'Manchester Martyrs", Better for no more Irish to 

join Papal Army just now, owing to English Attempts to domineer, spiritually 

and militarily. Cabra nun who seeks to enter a convent in Rome. 

2 11 Feb. British Govt. may grant some concessions re education. 

Many German pontifical soldiers being converted to 

Catholicism. 

The English with Mgr. Stonor still control the Irish 

soldiers. 

3 26 Feb. Glad to hear Fr. Delany had reported to Card. Cullen 

re Irish Zouaves under English direction. This is most undesirable, and should 

be referred to competent authorities. 

4 4 Apr. Card. Pitra hopes +Manning's pamphlet may help to rec- 

oncile English and Irish clergy. 

5 9-11 Apr. Great rejoicing in Rome at success of Gladstone's mot- 

ion (re Irish Church?). Mgr. Franchi was delighted with Dublin, especially 

Clonliffe. 

Card. Antonelli defends Irish Bishops' refusal of Govt. endowment. 

6 26 Apr. Card. Antonelli again applauds Irish Bishops' stand. 

Bishop of Orleans and Evolution. 

7 28 Apr. Sister McKenna has left her aunt and seems to have no 

notion of entering a convent in Rome. 

Kirby hopes the visit of the Prince of Wales to the 

Catholic University may produce some good results. 

Edward Cummins feels he has no vocation to be a priest. 

8 2 July Marshal MacMahon's communication to Card. Cullen re 

orphanages. 

Solemn announcement of Ecumenical Council, to Commence 

in December, 1869. 

9 6 July Problem re ex-Passionist. 

Pope said Mass for troops in torrential rain. Lt.-Col. de Charette's visit to 

England and Ireland; the English tried to win him to their views. 

10 28 July Glad to hear Card. Cullen was on the mend; the Pope, 

Cardinals and all in Rome were anxious and praying for him. 

11 6 Sep. The Pope thanks Card. Cullen for £1,800. 

The students are at Tivoli. 

12 15 Oct. (From Tivoli) Glad to know Card. Cullen is back in Dublin after convalescence. 

Great praise of old Fr. O.'Reilly of New Zealand, now visiting at Tivoli. Kirby 

learns that letters from Rome to Cardinals go free. 

[text missing]

CARDINAL CULLEN . Section 42/2 

File XVI: Letters of Mgr. Kirby to Mgr. Moran, 1868 


1 17 Apr. Delight at success of Gladstone's motion. 

2 24 July Great rejoicing in Rome that Card. Cullen is out of 

danger. 

French Govt. assure the Pope they will not withdraw 

troops from Roman territory. 

3 29 July +Moriarty's tribute to Card. Cullen. 

4 3/5 Aug. Hoping the "Orangeman" Mackey will not become Lord 

Mayor of Dublin. 

The Pope inquired for Card. Cullen. 

5 14 Oct. (From Tivoli) Thanks for Moran's work on Peter Lombard. 

The Pope's letter to Protestants. 

6 16 Oct. Dr. Errington resigned Glasgow. Dr. Manning presented 

two other names. Ad interim he recommends that Dr. Lynch should 

continue. 

7 21 Nov. Requiem for dead Zouaves. 

Irish soldiers would not want to visit English reading-room. 

Card. Cullen is not fit to appear before a royal commission; he should at least 

consult a doctor about it. 

8 11 Dec. Cure for sciatica. 

Glad to hear Sir J. Grey beat Mackey for Lord Mayoralty, thus ending the humiliating 

alternation of Protestant and Catholic.


File XVII: Letters of Kirby to Card. Cullen and Moran (not fully dated) 


1 +Cullen 8 May, 1862 Rome quiet. 

2 +Cullen 1863? Hardships of Irish Papal troops at 

Ancona. 

3 +Cullen 1865? Kirby states his case against a new 

entrance to the catacombs at the College vineyard. 

4 +Cullen 5 Apr.,1866? Hoax on Times correspondent; it serves 

the English right. 

Perhaps some hope of reform of Hibernian 

School. 

5 Moran 1866? Kirby glad that +Cullen has condemned 

the Model School. 

Many Protestant visitors to Rome are 

favourably impressed. 

6 Moran Late '66 or Death of Card. Altieri, heroic Cholera 

early '67 Victim. 

7 Card. Cullen 1867? Kirby wrote to Dr. Moriarty criticising 

his pamphlet on the application of the 

funds of the Establishment. 

Kirby is expecting Card. Cullen for the 

canonisation. 

8 Card. Cullen 1867? His Eminence should come for the consistories in June. 

The Papal territory is scourged by briganti. 

9 Moran 4 Feb.,1867 News of students. 

10 Card. Cullen 1867 Card. Antonelli hopes for satisfactory 

agreement with Italian Govt. re appointment of Bishops. 

Fr. Burke's fine sermons in Rome. 

11 Card. Cullen 1868? A Neapolitan priest collecting in Ireland 

for poor Sicilian nuns may not be very 

trustworthy. 

Acts of Baltimore Synod published; they 

are recognized, rather than approved, by 

the Holy See. 

The Osservatore says the Irish elections 

were more peaceful than the English. 

Kirby's only brother has just died. 

12 Card. Cullen 2 Oct.,1868? Successful revolution in Madrid; Queen 

exiled. 

Pope's fine encyclical to Protestants should be followed by a 

worldwide crusade of prayer. 

13 Card. Cullen ? Fr. O'Keeffe met his match in Armstrong 

(barrister?) 

14 Card. Cullen 1868? Warm commendation of Rev. Bernard Farr- 

[text missing]


File XVIII: Two Letters from Dr. Moran and one from Fr. Murphy (undated) 

No. From To Place Main Topics 

1 Moran +Cullen Rome Dr. Moriarty's "escapade" in Tralee. 

2 Moran +Cullen? Rome (Incomplete) New Cardinals. 

“Station ” Churches in Rome; discovery of old St. 

Clement's. 

3 N.orW. Murphy Marlboro' Some baptisms of children at 

Card. Cullen St. unseasonable hours.


File 

Roman Correspondence, 1850-66 

1 Fr. Bernard Smith (Vice-Rector) to +Cullen, 1850 

2 Kirby (mostly) to +Cullen, 1850 

3 Smith to +Cullen, 1851 

4 Various Letters, 1851 

5 Moran and Smith to +Cullen, 1853 

6 Kirby, Moran, Smith, etc., to +Cullen (mostly), 1854 

7 Moran to +Cullen, 1855 


9 Kirby and Moran to +Cullen, 1862 

10 Kirby (and Moran) to +Cullen, 1863 

11 Kirby, etc., to +Cullen, 1864 

12 Kirby (and Moran) to +Cullen (and Moran), 1865-66


File: Kirby to +Cullen, 1865-66 (a few others included). 


1 5 Jan.,1865 Congratulations on +Cullen's discourse to the 

Association. 

The Pope's great encyclical granting a general Jubilee and condemning 

modern errors. The Irish Bishops should follow up with good pastorals, 

or even a collective one. 

2 7 Jan.,1865 (From Moran) Congratulations on glorious meeting 

and fine discourse against Established Church. How Hynes (student) 

dealt with a stubborn Protestant lady in St. Peter's. The Syllabus has 

caused consternation in France. 

3 7 Aug.,1865 +MacHale has been ordered to get Fr. Lavelle to 

retract publicly and make a retreat. Fenianism will be hard to put down; 

even some priests and pious Catholics support it. The Pope's allocution 

against secret societies and freemasonry implies a rebuke to the 

Archbishop of Paris for officiating at a freemason's funeral. Appointment 

of Australian Bishops. Hutch (brilliant student) must prepare well for 

Maynooth. 

4 29 Nov.,1865 If +Cullen wants to keep Moran in Dublin, Kirby 

will try to manage with James Maher. Mgr. Talbot reports that the 

English Govt. is to disestablish the Church of Ireland and grant all just 

demands of Irish Catholics. But the Bishops should not accept a mixed 

senate (University) -Kirby thinks. 

5 11 Dec.,1865 Card. Antonelli has been assured that the 

English Govt. will grant Catholic education in Ireland. Kirby warned 

him about the university system. 

Fenian movement still dangerous, especially Stephens, who is involved 

with the Mazzini faction in Paris. 

French (very clever student) is leaving; he may do good work as a 

layman. 

6 16 Feb.,1866 Moran is preparing to leave; he will be sorely 

missed. 

Fenians not influential in U . S . A . , though collecting plenty of money. 

7 27 Apr.,1866 Miss Barron's marriage considered invalid. 

The Pope's new loan is a good investment. Note to Dr. Moran 

appended: Great ceremonies in honour of St.Catherine of Siena and of 

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour. 

8 25 May, 1866 +Cullen should be in Rome by 10 June; Consistory 

not later than 22 June. 

Amazing escape of a man who was being executed. 

9 10 Aug.,1868 (To Mgr. Moran) Glad to hear Card. Cullen is recovering. Anxious 

inquiries about him in Rome. 

10 ? Anonymous warning about a Dublin student in Rome



11 5/12 Apr. The Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda will write to the Irish Bishops about the 

Brotherhood of St. Patrick; the Bishops should condemn it in their pastorals, 

and also urge support for the Pope. Criticism in Rome of Mr. O'Reilly, M.P. 

12 24 Apr. Pope sends blessing and thanks to Irish contributors. 

Kirby has urged Propaganda to send another strong letter to +MacHale re 

Lavelle. 

Attached: Official acknowledgment of £100 received from +Cullen, with 

Apostolic Blessing.. 

13 9 July (Feast of the Opening of the Eyes of the Madonna) 

Note appended to a Grant of Faculties to +Cullen. Attempts to have Mgr. 

Manning appointed Coadjutor of Westminster. 

14 21 July Lord Palmerston's hypocrisy re Irish Catholics. 

Trouble in Church in Newfoundland. 

Also an incomplete undated letter re +MacHale, Lavelle, Society of St. 

Patrick, and alleged prodigies at Subiaco. 

15 26 July News of staff and students of Irish College, etc. 

16 29 Aug. Question of letter from Pope to Ab. Perraud. 

Procession in Rome in reparation for Renan's blasphemies. 

Kirby chides +Cullen for not expressing adherence to Malines and for 

something lacking in his communication to the Pope. 

17. 30 Aug. The Piedmontese seem to be encouraging Garibaldi. Irish students' 

success in examinations. 

18. 13 Sep. The Pope's thanks for £500 from +Cullen. Death of a fallen Bishop; his friends 

refused him a priest at the end. 

19 20 Sep. Fervent prayers for safety of Rome and Holy See. 

20 26 Sep. Rome quiet and hopeful.Many Irish students lack a good grounding in Latin. 

21 10 Oct. Recommending Mr. Jones, a protege of the Earl of Donoughmore; he has been 

accepted for Propaganda College provided he spends a year in All Hallows. 

22 4 Nov. Clonliffe should be diocesan and not in the hands 

of regulars. Financial provision for the seminary. +Gillooly's mistaken 

appeal to Rome against a decision of +MacHale's. 

Lord Donoughmore says Sir Robt. Peel should be attacked without mercy for 

his offences to Catholics. 

23 10/12 Nov. News of students. 

The Pope's thanks and blessing to Dr. Geoghegan, who is ill. 

24 20/21 Nov. Dr. Woodlock's superb circular does honour to him and 

to the Catholic University. 

Prince of Wales in Rome. 

Proposed purchase of a small field adjoining vineyard.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to +Cullen (nearly all), 1861 Section 42/3 


12 11/13 Apr. Mgr. Capalti appointed Secretary of Propaganda; +Cullen 

should mention to him and to the Cardinal about the new Irish Patriotic 

Movement.. This should be blown up in time. Such foreign protection would 

injure or destroy religion in Ireland. 

Question of support of Bishops provided for in Council 

of Clones (in D. Oliviero's book, which is very good). 

Romans quiet despite much provocation to sedition. 

Victor Emmanuel sent a special messenger to D. Giacomo 

demanding submission, which was indignantly refused. 

Napoleon may yield up Rome. 

The English Consul asked for a list of British subjects in the 

Irish College. 

13 17 Apr. The Pope consecrated Mgr. Socolski, former schismatic, 

as Archbishop and Vicar Apostolic of Bulgaria. 

Great celebrations in honour of Bl. Joseph Labre. 

Irish Bishops' support for the Pope; every diocese 

should establish Peter's Pence. 

Rome seems to be heading for a crisis. 

But the Papal finances are sounder than the Piedmontese. 

14 26 Apr. The two Syrian priests on collection in Dublin are not 

authorized. 

Fr. 0'Grady has come re Limerick affairs; Kirby has heard that he never 

celebrates nor preaches to his people. 

While the world awaits a catastrophe for Rome, the Romans celebrate 

joyfully the feasts of Our Lady and the Saints. 

Kirby has bought twenty (Papal) lottery tickets for +Cullen. 

15 3 May (Damaged) Glad to hear the Irish Bishops were unanim- 

ous. There must be no compromise on mixed education. 

16 7/8 May Audience of Pope. The Church will resist injustice to 

the last. 

Dr. O'Brien reported in Rome Dr. Moriarty's "mischievous movement" re 

University. +Moriarty is a great pet of the English in Rome. +MacHale sent 

his subscription to the Pope through Mgr. Talbot. 

17 15 May Irish Bishops' Pastoral well received in Rome. 

One of the Irish tickets may have won first prize 

(a beautiful statue) in the Papal lottery. 

+Cullen should persevere until separate Catholic 

education is obtained. 

18 18 May The Pope has reviewed his troops. 

19 8?June Rome pleased with +Cullen's examination (before Govt. 

Commission on Poor Law). 

Mgr. Nardi Is to make a discourse on "Peter's Pence". 

and wants a report from Ireland. 

Cavour died very rich, but Bl. Joseph Labre was really 

richer. 

20 15 June Card. Barnabo concerned about +Dixon's Illness. 

Mgr. Manning foresees downfall of Pope's temporal power. 

21 22 June Rumour that: "your sovereign" (Victoria) wants to become a Catholic

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby to +Cullen (nearly all), 1861 Section 42/3 


22 25 July Not to be despondent because of calumnies. Bishops 

staying in Irish College get the same food as the 

students. 

Theiner sends his book on the Holy See to +Cullen, 

and a copy for the Irish College. 

23 17 Aug. The last census shows a big drop in the Protestant 

population in Ireland. 

(Also a note to Moran, then in Ireland) 

24 20 Aug. English fleet In Bay of Naples. Russian, German, 

Prussian and Spanish vessels at Ancona. Rome quiet. Trouble in 

Naples. Slaughter in Florence. 

25 2 Nov. The Pope deeply grateful for £1,000 Peter's Pence 

from +Cullen. 

Council of Constance and Papal States. 

26 ( 2 D e c . ) Messrs. Monsell and Pope-Hennessy in Rome; also +Dixon 

2 Jan. with whom Mgr. de Merode had a long conversation. The English are trying 

to gain influence over the Irish soldiers. The Pope is acclaimed in Rome 

on last day of Old Year. 

27 10 Dec. Card. Barnabo to write strongly to Lavelle. He (Card.) 

annoyed at a letter from +MacHale re appointing a Dean. Kirby hopes England 

will be just to Irish Catholics, and that there will not be a revolution. 

28 ? Sending Theiner's book, to be reviewed in the papers. 

29 ? Sending the P o p e ' s reply to +Cullen's letter. 

The Pope is holding out bravely against his enemies. Heavy taxation in 

Umbria and the Marches; also conscription. 

30 ? Dr. Woodlock is in Rome, working hard for the Univ. 

+Leahy's strange doings in the Limerick case. 

Fr. Passaglia's debut in Turin parliament; corruptio 

optimi pessima.

CARDINAL CULLEN Moran to +Cullen, 1855 Section 42/3 


13 26 Nov. Irish students had mixed fortunes in prizes. Anti-Papal views in France. 

Rumours of "red hat" for +Cullen 

14 1O Dec. The picture of the Immaculate Conception procured for +Cullen is much 

admired. 

15 15 Dec. French Emperor tries to interfere in appointing Bishops.Card. Wiseman and 

other prelates made much of Victor Emmanuel. Propaganda complained to +Cantwell 

(Meath) re priests in politics.Kirby and Moran sometimes disagree, but Kirby's plans usually 

turn out well.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby, Moran, Smith to +Cullen Section 42/3 


17 Smith 28 June Card. Mai claims credit for suggesting Cath. 

University. Its Chancellor should be a Cardinal , and Pius IX will 

do this if the British Govt. does not o b j e c t . 

Card. Fornari's death is a great loss; it was chiefly he who put 

down Gallicanism in France. Question of restoring Cong Abbey; 

Abbot Casaretto might be interested. 

18 Moran 10 July The Tablet in reviewing Fr. Perrone's book 

should have exposed the proselytisers in Italy. 

Moran's views on the rule of faith. 

Good Italian historians. Comments on Catholic 

reviews. 

News of students and vineyard. 

Crolly(Maynooth) has Gallican views and will 

be rapped. 

19 Smith 12 July Smith has heard that Kirby wants Moran as 

Vice-Rector. What is Smith to do? He has sacrificed 

everything at +Cullen's request, and cannot now return to his 

monastery. He begs +Cullen's help and advice. (But cf. Smith's letter 

of 29 Oct., 1853) 

20 Moran 24 July News of College and vineyard. 

Secret Societies, Garibaldi, etc. Academic and pastoral exercises. 

Inscriptions found in Catacombs of St. Callistus. 

21 Smith 8 Aug. Smith begs +Cullen to save the College from 

further losses, and not to let Michael Cullighan return to Ireland. 

22 Moran 24 Aug. Cholera scare in Rome. 

News of vineyard ; Mick does not get on well with Dr. Kirby. 

23 Smith End of Aug. +Cullen's success in uniting Bishops of Ireland 

1854? England and Scotland. Card. Wiseman's views 

on this. Success of Moran and D. Dunne in exams, etc. 

24 Moran 17 Sep. (From Tivoli) Moran describes charms of Tivoli, 

hoping to entice +Cullen to come. Cholera in Rome 

area. Bad vine harvest. Death of Cardinal Mai.



25 Early Dec. The Misses 0 'Hagan (in Rome) are well and making a 

good impression. 

26 13/18 Dec. Card. Antonelli was pleased that Dr. Woodlock had 

conferred degrees without Government's consent. Kirby (also Nardi) urged 

Woodlock to establish law schools. The English do not really study the 

true principles of law. 

Death of Count de Maistre's daughter, a benefactress of the Irish College. 

27 24 Dec. Kirby's audience of the Pope, with the Sweetman fam- 

ily. The Pope praised +Cullen and Ireland. He was 

pleased at the conclusion of the "Tipperary bull" 

affair. 

Propaganda College has added Experimental Physics to 

its second year Philosophy course. 

28 26 Dec. Propaganda sends to +Cullen a copy of a petition 

presented by Moran in the name of the Irish Bishops, together with some 

observations drawn up by the Archivist. 

29 ? Card. Antonelli's mother has died, and her remains 

will be brought to the church of the Irish College.



15 25 July The Pope 's letter to Emperor of Russia in defence of 

the Poles, in which he criticized political priests. 

This should do good in Ireland. 

Kirby told the Pope about Clonliffe. 

Great Catholic assemblage to be held in Belgium. 

16 28 July +Dixon's praise of +Cullen's letter to Attorney-Gen. 

Prance and England cannot match Russia'a arguments; 

only the Pope can, because he stands for right and 

justice. 

Attached: Official acknowledgment by Card. Antonelli 

of £500 from +Cullen. 

17 12 Aug. Prodigies at shrine of Vico Varo. 

18 18 Aug. Propaganda pleased with Irish Bishops' meeting, but 

annoyed at +MacHale's conduct re Lavelle. Rome is 

waiting for the Bishops to deal with the latter. 

+Mc Evilly has been asked to persuade +Fallon to resign. 

+Gillooly was wrong on a point of law in Fr. Brennan's 

case. 

Kirby has sent +Cullen the designs of the church 

(Clonliffe?). 

19 12 Sep. Crowds praying publicly in Rome. 

Lavelle wrote to Propaganda, which is briefing the Pope on the matter. 

20 18/19 Sep. Kirby saw the eyes of the sacred image moving (at Vico 

Varo?). A similar prodigy at Subiaco. 

The Pope is to write again to +MacHale. 

Lavelle is sponsoring a new society to replace the 

"Brothers of St. Patrick". 

21 24 Sep. Students' pilgrimages and devotions while at Tivoli. 

22 10/13 Nov. Rings with obscene pictures. 

Lavelle's retractation. What should Rome do in the 

matter ? 

Story of Sign of Cross as password for Southern Army 

in U.S. Civil War. 

+Dixon to be asked to get +Denvir to resign. 

23 7 Dee. Hoping the Pope's latest letter to +MacHale will do 

good. 

24 18 Dec. The Pope's letter to +MacHale should put a stop to 

Lavelle's activities. 

The great majority of the Tuam clergy are against L. 

The Pope's strong reply to Napoleon's invitation to a 

Congress. 

Kirby hopes Dublin will start a Catholic periodical. 

25 28 Dec. +Denvir should give carte blanche to his Coadjutor. 

Possible damage to one of the catacombs under College 

vineyard. 

Great praise for Unita Cattolica of Turin. 

26 ? Kirby's long discussion with See. of Propaganda re 

the Limerick business, in which Abp. Leahy was in 

error.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby, etc., to +Cullen, 1864 Section 42/3 


13 27 May Recommendation of Rev. Joseph McSwiggan (subdeacon). 

14 1 June Fr. Lavelle and Dr. Murdoch. 

+Cullen is working too hard. 

New investigations for election of Bishops. 

(interrogatories) Kirby suggests a Catholic Academy for Dublin. 

15 19 July The Pope has gone to Castello. 

+MacHale has been ordered to suspend Lavelle wherever he may be. 

Fr. Nulty cleared of suspected insanity in family, etc. Dellanger - Lafitte 

marriage case. 

16 28/30 Jl. Rome has written to English and American Bishops re 

Father Lavelle's suspension. 

Good work of Irish priests and nuns in Monte Video. 

17 6 Aug. £1,000 for Pope received from Dublin. 

The Pope condemns both Whigs and Tories, especially the 

latter. 

Propaganda annoyed with +MacHale over Lavelle. 

Mr. Monsell's liberal views on religious freedom; Kirby 

has warned +Butler. 

18 11 Aug. +MacHale has complained of the publication of the Pope's 

letter to him; Prop. will reply that this was intended. 

Lavelle may seek support in England. 

The Piedmontese Govt. has suppressed all religious orders 

and demanded a veto on the appointment of P.P.'s and 

curates. 

19 27 Aug. The Pope encourages Bishop of Freiburg in his stand for 

Catholic education. Belfast 

riots. 

20 30 Aug. Fr. Nulty appointed Coadjutor of Meath; the plot against 

him failed. 

Dr. Donnelly likely for Clogher. 

21 6 Sep. Mgr. Talbot delighted with his visit to Dublin. 

Italian farmers' thanksgiving to God; Irish farmers should do likewise. 

22 15 Sep. If Propaganda had known that Fr. Nulty favoured +MacHale, 

he would not have been appointed. 

Miss Aylward in Rome, just in time for Beatification of 

Margaret D'Alacoque. 

Perversion of Miss Byrne's married sister. 

23 25 Sep. Propaganda does not favour uniting Kirmacduagh and Kil- 

fenora to Galway. 

Miss Aylward's audience of the Pope 

24 1 Oct. Rome incensed at +MacHale's letter to Dr. Moriarty of 

Philadelphia. 

Discovery of conspiracy against the Pope, King of Naples, 

etc.


File V: Letters to +Cullen from Moran and Smith, 1853 

No. From Date(1853) 

2. Moran C. early April. 

3 Smith 30 Apr 

4 Moran 27 Oct 

5 Smith 29 Oct 

6 Moran 4 Nov 

7 Smith 2 Dec 

Main Topics 

1 Smith 4 Feb. 

Primate Dixon is to make own the visitation in also ask the his 

province. He should appoint a Pope 

to 

Bishop for Ardagh. No decision yet re 

Delahogue; unlikely. Bailly's books are in a condemnation is still 

some French seminaries. 

being used 

Smith suggests D. Dunne for chair of moral philosophy in 


Moran was ordained priest on 19 March. Criticism of book of 

Bunsen. Great work of Card. Mai on the Fathers. Moran 

seeks +Cullen , s advice re his future- 

Meeting of Index to condemn books at Smith's instance. How 

Smith stood up for Gunther of Vienna, some of whose writings were 

delated to the Index. +Cullen should not fear the Maynooth 

Commission. 

(From Marseilles) News of journey, especially re Lyons. 

D. Fuligno annoyed with Irish Bishops, especially Cashel; Rome 

stands by +Cullen. The Pope wants to see +MacHale; Prop. 

wants Kirby to write to him. +Cullen should come. Smith 

proposes to return to his monastery and let Moran replace him in 

the Irish College. 

Card. Wiseman in Rome. 

Fr. Passaglia's work on the Immaculate Conception will appear 

soon. 

+Keane of Ross is in Rome; he is very reserved. Dr. Furlong 

(Maynooth?) also there; he defends Delahogue as orthodox. 

Dr. Moriarty will be Bishop of Kerry, but will lose about six 

parishes to Ross. Card. Fornari wants to see +Cullen. Card. 

Wiseman praises +Cullen. A Carmelite Definitor is going to 

Dublin, but cannot impede +Cullen's reform. Card. Fornari thinks 

Maynooth education pernicious. 

If +Keane suggests changing the Thurles decrees, he will insult the 

Pope. 

The teaching of Dr. Crotty in Maynooth was not only Gallican but 

schismatical.

CARDINAL CULLEN 

Section 42/3 

File VI: Kirby, Moran , Smith, e t c . , TO +Cullen (unless otherwise noted) 

No. Prom Date(1854) Main Topics 

1 Smith 7 Jan. Questions to Rome from Maynooth Commission: 

Should they "be answered? It looks as If they want to make a 

University of it. Carmelites In Holland offer a house for Irish 

novitiate; Smith recommends this. 

2. Kirby 14 Jan 

3. Smith 14 Jan 

4. Mgr. G. Talbot 15 Jan 

5 Kirby? 17 Jan 

6 Smith 21 Feb. 

7 Moran 27 Feb. 

8 Moran 

. 

10 Mar 

As none of the three proposed for Dromore seems acceptable, 

someone else must be nominated. Fr, Leahy, O.P. is highly 

esteemed. It is well to appoint a fervent religious from time to 

time. Belgian school system - safeguards for Catholic faith. 

Bishop of Ross stands up for Bps. of Cork and Cashel. Kirby’s 

nephew in some trouble in M. Melleray. 

Smith communicates the contents of a private letter from Lucas of 

The Tablet re Fr. Maher and some priests involved in Sadleir's 

trial. +Cullen should restrain Lucas from dangerous writing. 

(To Fr. Scally, Carmelite) Need for reform of 

religious orders in Ireland. Rome will not 

interfere with +Cullen's mandate as Apostolic 

Visitor. 

Talbot would like to know pros and cons re 

Queen's Colleges. 

(To Lucas; names of writer and addressee crossed out). The writer 

criticizes The Tablet for attacks on clergy, which could do great 

harm to religion. 

The Church has no deposing power, though It 

might not be wise to publish this. 

Card. Mai's discovery of a MS of a 9th cent. 

Irish Bishop. 

+Keane, still in Rome, is a Gallican or worse; 

he supports the Impertinent conduct of the 

Cashel Prelates. Dr. Furlong is also active. 

+Keane is a great patron of the Stations, and speaks constantly of 

the zealous work of Irish priests. 

All delighted at Dr. Moriarty's nomination. Rumour that Dr. Kirby 

will be Bishop of Dromore; this would be disastrous for the Irish 

College. Card. Wiseman's lecture on Religion and Pine Arts. He 

is writing a novel on the Catacombs. He seems to have excited 

the Vatican against the involvement of Irish clergy in politics. 

Serious earthquake at Perugia. 

(The ink has faded) Paris - Marseilles railway nearly 

completed. 

Student bringing balsam as +Cullen requested. Criticism of Dr. 

Russell's article on Canonical Penances as ill-informed.


File : Kirby, Moran, Smith, etc., mostly to +Cullen, 1854 


9 Smith 1 Apr. Card. Wiseman has left Rome. +Keane at Naples. 

Great praise of +Cullen's recent letter to the Univers. 

The Pope's circular to the Irish Bishops covers the University 

question, holding of Synods and ad limina visits. 

10 Smith 27 Apr. A congregation of Cardinals on 27 May is to 

examine the question of the Immaculate Conception . 

Card. Fornari says the Synod of Cashel province was wrong in not 

conforming to the National Synod re Confession. 

Smith thinks it might not be prudent to Make Dr. Brownson a 

professor in the Cath. University, because of a strong anti- 

English spirit in the U.S.A.. 

11 Kirby 30 Apr. (In Moran's handwriting) Introducing Nicholas 

Devereux of Utica(USA), his wife and daughter and Rev. Mr. 

Clarke. 

12 Kirby 10 May Status of the Irish College: 28 students, 

working hard and behaving well. Very difficult to make ends 

meet. 

13 Moran 10 May Mgr. Barnabo's encounter with a robber. 

+Keane disappointed at decision re the "Stations" of the Southern 

Synod, but pleased with the kindness of the Cardinals. Beatification 

of Marianne Cousin, French shepherdess. 

Definition of Imm. Conception expected. News of 

vineyard. 

The Pope gave Dr. Forde of Irish Colleg, Paris a sharp lecture re 

obedience to Dr. Miley (Rector) . 

Sir Robt. Peel escaped drowning in a shipwreck in the 

Mediterranean. 

14 Smith 13 May Great praise of +Cullen's latest pastoral - 

Catholic and Roman. 

American Bishops embarrassed by Dr. Brownson's article on Papal 

Power. 

15 Kirby 14 May Sending faculty to dispense in spiritual rel- 

ationship (Casey - Koran). 

+Keane hopes to be in Dublin for the Synod, to testify to the 

Pope's deep interest in the Catholic University. 

16 Smith 9 June Glad to hear of unanimity at Dublin Synod. 

Smith please that they adopted rules of Louvain University, but 

suggests caution re some of Louvain handbooks and opinions. 

There is a great party in Rome against the Louvain professors.


File VII: Letters of Moran to +Cullen, 1855 


1 10 Mar. (From Naples, to +Cullen in Rome) News of journey. 

Jesuit fracasso in Naples. 

Interview with Cardinal at Naples. Big ceremony of 

"via rougia". 

Soldiers on Retreat. 

2 4 July Mr. Nelligan's departure from Irish College (for New 

York?). 

News of vineyard and College. 

3 14 July Moran helping Temporarily in Scotch College. 

Execution of man who tried to assassinate Cardinal Antonelli; the Cardinal 

pleaded for him, but the Pope was adamant. why Nelligan left Rome. 

4 11 Aug. News of vineyard and students. 

5 14 Aug. The English trying to foment discord and disunion in 

Ireland, as usual. 

Moran's researches into Immaculate Conception. 

News of vineyard and College. 

6 4 Sep. Some trouble with Propaganda re Maynooth. 

Question of which College the students should attend for philosophy and 

theology. 

Moran answers charges of interfering in Smith's business. 

News of Crimean War: Chaplains; Armenians; Florence Nightingale; Irish 

and English soldiers. 

7 13/14 Sep. (From Tivoli) News of paintings. 

French priest with students at Tivoli to teach them 

some French. 

Smith nominated for See of Cape of Good Hope, but may 

not have accepted. 

Moran cleared of mysterious charges at Propaganda. 

Conversion of Mrs. Waters, relative of Sir R„ Peel. 

8 28 Sep. (From Tivoli) Exposition of relics because of cholera. 

Sacrilege in diocese of Sabina. News of 

students and vineyard. 

9 19 Oct. (From Tivoli) Dr. Kirby's fall from a mule. 

Strange illness of student (0'Carroll). 

10 13 Nov. News of students and vineyard. 

Smith refused the mitre. 

Mgr. Talbot going on secret mission to Trinidad, perhaps to see how the 

French and Irish get on together. Mgr. Berardi's visit to England. 

11 17 Nov. Card. Gousset's work on Immaculate Conception. 

12 20 Nov. Keogh's defence of theses at Propaganda went very 

well; the Pope attended. 

P. McAuley joining the Corfu mission. 

Good report received of Catholic University. 

Card. Gousset's praise of Irish National Address on the Immaculate 

Conception.


File VIII: Kirby to +Cullen (unless otherwise stated), 1861 


1. 25 Jan. (see no. 26 below) Kirby dissuaded +Dixon from seeking a special Indulgence for 

contributors to Orphanage ( o f French Sisters of Charity?) 

A disabled Irish soldier whom the Irish College could 

not accommodate was taken into the English College. 

Thousands of Bulgarians in Constantinople submitted to 

the Church despite the efforts of English and Russian 

diplomats. 

Perhaps attacks on friars should be omitted from Moran's book, to prevent 

scandal. 

Miss Aylward's imprisonment will bring great good. 

The English are trying to procure Irish emigrants (for 

Papal States? ) without the intervention of the Irish 

clergy. 

2 26 Jan. Sending to +Cullen the fine address of the Ladles of 

Munich to the heroic Queen of Naples. Kirby has suggested to Miss Aylward to send one from 

Ireland. 

3 2 Feb. Card. Barnabo says the Dominicans have no right to sell 

their old church. 

Brave conduct of young Queen of Naples. 

4 9 Feb. Humanly speaking, the future looks bleak for the Holy 

See. 

Kirby suggests how to apply for indulgences for the 

Catholic Association. 

Any chance of overthrow of Palmerston and Russell, who 

are helping to destroy religion in Italy ? 

5 15 Feb. How many Masses annually for FR. Mathew's intentions? 

Siege of Gaeta, Story of "lady in white" protecting 

the fortress. 

The King of Naples has come to live in Rome. 

6 2 Mar. More re Masses far Fr. Mathew's intentions. 

Donnelly should not have been ordained; he has a drink 

problem. 

Kirby glad that +Cullen suppressed the worst references 

to the friars in Moran's book. 

7 5 Mar. A "scene" at Propaganda over the disclosure of English 

intrigues re Irish soldiers. 

Dr. Forde is made a Monsignor - well deserved. 

Fr. McDevitt got a medal from the Pope; would +Cullen 

have a vacancy in Clonliffe for this worthy and learned 

priest? 

8 .19 Mar. Rome still quiet but apprehensive. 

Cardinals Barnabo and Reisach at Irish College on 17th. Donnelly should 

finish the year's studies before going on the mission. 

9 19 Mar. Recommending the bearer, Rev. J. Ryan, D.D. 

10 22/23 Mar. (Damaged) +Cullen is probably right in trying to keep 

English Chaplains out of Ireland. 

11 6 Apr. Recommending the bearer, Rev. Nicholas Donnelly. 

(Rough note added in +Cullen's handwriting(?) re av-


File IX: Kirby and Moran to +Cullen, 1862 

No_. From Date (1862) 

Main Topics 

1 Kirby 1/2 Jan. 

2 Kirby 3 Jan. 

3. Moran 

4 

Moran 11 Jan 

5. Kirby 17 Jan 

6 Moran l8 Jan 

7 Moran 

8 Kirby 8 Feb 

3 Jan 

25 Jan 

Section 42/3 

The Pope sends his blessing to +Cullen. Irish soldiers in a scrape; they 

should go home. 

More news of soldiers. War office dislikes Major O'Reilly. Sympathy in 

Rome with Irish soldiers. 

Introducing the bearer, Fr. Hugh Flattery, a Franciscan. 

Some Irish soldiers sent home. Capt. Russell has resigned 

Eastern and Western Church affairs are now separated in Propaganda. Dr. 

Bernard Smith is one of the new Oriental Consultors. 

Russia offers to receive a Papal Nuncio. 

War seems certain, and may save continental 

society from destruction. 

Ireland could become again the light 

of Europe. 

"Lazzaroni" (beggars) defend a church and 

convent in Naples against the army. 

The Emperor is in low water, and may try to conciliate the 

Church. 

Another account of the exploit of the Lazzaroni in Naples. 

Growing opinion among the Monsignori in Rome against 

Concordats. 

Question of the use of Pontificals in Ireland. Alatri occupied by 

French and Roman troops -a blow to the Reactionists. 

Exaggerated reports of Piedmontese demonstrations in Rome. 

Fr. Daly's dispute with +McEvilly (Galway); Kirby corrects D. 

Fuligno on the matter. The Irish College must not allow itself to 

be kicked about by officials of Propaganda. General invitation to 

Bishops for Canonization Right of Irish Bishops to appoint to 

vacant canonries and dignities of Chapters. 

9 Kirby 8 Mar Kirby sees Madame Mary Anne Scully (S. 

Heart) 

re property in dispute. Propaganda ordered +MacHale to recall 

Lavelle from Dublin; hence the latter's flight 

to Scotland. 

Conspiracy discovered in Rome; some English 

said to be involved. 

Kirby sends alms for Dublin poor. 

10 Kirby 30 Mar. Kirby hears that several Italian revolutionaries are in 

Ireland to foment rebellion against Church and State. Some newspapers are 

venemous. The Holy See will give all possible help.


File X: Kirby to +Cullen (with two from Moran). 1863 


1 8 Jan. The Holy See grants the privilege of saying Mass seated 

only to very high ecclesiastics. 

Fr. Jas. Maher has been awarded a doctorate. 

The College had a good "academy with a dissertation 

by 0'Leary on the Church's triumphs over heresies. Persecution of religion in 

the usurped provinces still continues. 

2 19/20 Jan. The Ab. Veglia (Vice-Rector of Prop.) says he has made 

the Irish College his sole heir. 

Propaganda says +Cullen has the right to regulate singing in the churches, 

even of regulars. 

3 24 Jan. Kirby quotes Church laws against vernacular singing in 

the liturgy, and suggests that +Cullen should issue a 

circular on the matter. 

Foundation Masses from Card. Antonelli ? 

Efforts to force the Pope to consent to spoliation of 

his States. 

4 31 Jan. Diabolic efforts to strangle the Holy See's temporal 

See no. 12 below power. 

5 15 Feb. Kilmore to be decided soon. 

6 17 Fell. The Pope, Lord John Russell and Odo Russell. 

7 7 Mar. Fr. Conaty appointed Coadjutor of Kilmore. 

Serious rupture between Card. Antonelli and some of the Pope's Ministers. The 

Cardinal threatened to resign. 

8 30 Mar. (From Moran) American visitors; one of them received 

into the Church by Mgr. Kirby. 

9 7 Apr. +Leahy (Cashel) and +Butler (Limerick Coadjutor) and 

the case of Fr. Hickey. 

Huge crowds in Rome. 

The Pope's thanks for Fr. Perraud's book on Ireland. 

10 11 Apr. (From Moran) Canon Walshe's efforts to get a doctorate. 

He offered money to Mgr. Capalti. 

Moran was confused with an Irish-American priest who 

was arrested for being drunk, 

Moran's historical researches. 

11 18 Apr. Dr. Woodlock has arrived and has seen Mgr.Capalti. 

Great celebrations for anniversary of Pope's escape (in accident ? ), 

12 Jan./Feb. Coadjutor for Kilmore soon; probably Fr. Conaty. 

Spoliation and persecution in usurped provinces. 

Some Irish ladies were allowed to visit the College Crib (while 

the students were out). 

+Moriarty put himself in a false position. 

13 5 May Propaganda has received a long report from +Leahy 

which upsets the facts as previously stated (Re Hickey case). 

(On the back: The beginning of a letter to Mrs. Ross, sister of Lord 

Massareene).


File XI: Kirby to +Cullen (with one each from Moran and J. McSwiggan), 

1864. 


1 9 Jan. Lavelle in Rome. 

Mgr. Cruise organizing a great ceremony for Notre Dame de la Garde, 

Marseille. 

2 8 Feb. Lavelle on his way home after making a full retractation. 

How the College celebrated St. Agatha's feast. 

Important discoveries in catacombs under College vineyard 

after the ground had subsided under a cow! 

3 13 Feb. Cardinal Sforza's Confraternity for Bishops; only the Ulstermen have so far 

joined from Ireland. +MacNally (Clogher) is to be invited to apply for a 

Coadjutor. 

4 7 Mar. Card. Barnabo has authorized the publication of his 

letter to +Cullen re Lavelle. 

Napoleon has ordered Voltaire's heart to be preserved 

in a silver urn. 

5 16 Mar. Fr. Lavelle's "memorial" and retractation, 

Kirby encourages +Cullen in his trials and sufferings. 

6 23 Apr. The Pope has ordered +MacHale to suspend Lavelle at once. 

This fact should be published. 

Rome will probably ask +Cullen to intervene in a dispute between 

Augustinians and secular clergy in Drogheda. Rome seeks clarification of the 

fact that the Fenians are a secret society. 

7 27 Apr. Recommendation of Fr. James Maguire (Dublin), alumnus 

of Irish College. 

8 27 Apr. Recommendation of FR.. Henry Murphy (Dublin), alumnus 

of Irish College. 

9 28 Apr. The Pope tried to help +Flannery (Killaloe) to overcome 

his fears and depression. 

Much sickness In Rome, due to very severe winter. 

10 7 May (From J. McSwiggan, subdeacon). He has heard that +Cullen 

intends to send for him, and points out that he is still under age for 

priesthood. 

Footnote from Moran asking +Cullen to arrange for James Maher's transfer 

from Meath to Dublin diocese. 

11 10 May Moran's essays are fine.Praise of +Cullen's pastoral on month of May. 

+Flannery has left Rome in better health, but otherwise 

little improved. 

12 20 May Fr. Scully's account of the sad state of religion in Australia.

CARDINAL CULLEN Kirby, etc. to +Cullen, 1864 Section 42/3 


25 12 Nov. Killaloe to have a Coadjutor. 

Controversy re union of Greeks, Anglicans and Catholics. Tuam Patriot attacks decision re secret 

societies. Brigands on Roman frontiers. 

26 Nov. Kirby pleased that Lord Mayor (Dublin?) proposed the 

Pope's health. 

New Cork student (Sutton) assaulted and robbed. 

27 29 Nov. Death of +McNally (Clogher). 

Card. Barnab was very ill. 

"Scandalous" memorial of Dunboyne students in favour 

of state pensions for clergy. 

Piedmontese spoliation of Church property. 

Proselytism in Ireland. 

Glad to hear +Cullen had ordered a harvest thanksgiving. 

28 6 Dec. The Piedmontese are almost bankrupt, while the Pope is 

solvent. 

29 24 Dec. The "memorial" from the West arrived, with 94 names, all 

in the same handwriting. +MacHale tries to justify himself over the Patriot 

and the money from Philadelphia. 

30 24 Dec. (From Moran) Quotations from +MacHale's letter to the 

Pope, saying he has suspended Lavelle as directed. He says he himself has no 

control over the Connaught Patriot and he must beware of the danger of libel. He 

defends his acceptance of money from Dr. Moriarty for Lavelle's Poor. He 

complains of evils resulting from lack of coordination between the four 

Archbishops. He objects to the publication of the Pope's letter to him.


Notes and Drafts of Card. Cullen at Vatican Council, 1890 

No. Description 

1 Collection of notes pinned together:- 

Extract from 2nd Council of Baltimore, 1866, on Roman Primacy. Two quotations from St. 

Aldhelm (A.D. 690). 

Extract from Letter of St. Thomas of Canterbury to the English Bishops. 

Pour extracts from decrees of Hungarian Synods: 1682, 1858, 1863, 1560. 

Quotations from St. Avitus of Vienne (6th cent.), Jess Ambionensis (c. 809), Hincmar of 

Rheims, St. Anselm of Canterbury, fit. St. Bernard, St. Thomas Aquinas. 

2 Rough headings of objections to papal infallibility. 

3 Press cutting in French: Two letters to Pere Gratry from Council 

Fathers, Bishops Strossmayer (Bosna-Syrmium) and David (Saint- 

Brieuc), both dated 25 Jan., 1870. Council 

A printed extract from decrees of ProvincialCouncil of Prague,1860. 

4 Rough notes of objections headed "Mgr. Kellter(?). 

5 Comments (in Moran's handwriting) on objections by Dr. Hefele 

regarding Pope Honorius. 

6 Quotations (Moran) from:- 

Letter of St. Oliver Plunkett to Card. Altieri, 1677. 

Letters of Dr. John Brennan, Abp. of Cashel, 1677 (re Jansenism) 

Declaration of Abp. of Armagh and other Irish Church leaders, 

1666 (re infallibility). 

Provincial Synods of Tuam (1660) and Cashel (1685). 

Treatise of Peter Lombard, Abp. of Armagh, 1605. 

Reply of Fr. William Malone, S.J., to Usher, 1627. 

James White (? ), Vicar Apostolic of Waterford, to Clement VIII, 

1604. 

Report of Eugene MacMahon, Abp. of Dublin, to Propaganda, 1623. 

John Lynch, Archdeacon of Killala, 1662 ("Cambrensis Eversus"). 

7 Collection of Notes:- 

Errors: Jansenists, Febronians, etc. 

Council of Trent. 

"Feed my lambs.... sheep". (Syriac and Greek). 

Scriptural Texts (Moran). 

Basic argument for infallibility in Petrine texts. 

8 Long extract from Natalis Alexander. 

9 Rough pencilled notes, perhaps made during speeches. 

10 Printed quotation from Primate of Hungary, 1682 (re infallibility 

of Holy See). 

11 Notes on Card. Schwarzenberg and Rauscher (speeches?). 

12 Quotation from Pope Gregory IX to Germanus, Abp. of Greeks 

(A.D. 1227-41). 

13 Quotation from St. Anselm (Defence of Gregory VII). 

14 Printed quotation from Allocution for celebration of martyrdom 

of SS. Peter and Paul, 1867. 

15 Declaration of Irish Bishops re teaching authority of See of

CARDINAL CULLEN Notes and Drafts at Council, 1870 Section 42/4 



Extracts from letters to and from St. Aldhelm, showing faith of 

Irish Church. 

Christopher Butler, Abp. of Cashel (18th cent.), to Pope Clement 

XI. 

Printed letter of Bishops of Dublin Province to Pius VI, 1796. 

Extract from Hibernia Dominicana, by Dr. Thomas De Burgo, O.P., 

Bishop of Ossory (18th cent.). 

Testimony of St. Columbanus (Moran's handwriting). 

17 Quotations from St. Peter Chrysologus, etc. 

18 Quotations from Tertullian, Optatus Milev. and St. Leo the Great. 

19 Note on Ecclesiastical Immunity, with quotations from the Roman 

Emperors Constantius and Theodasius. 

20 Notes on Hurter. 

21 Long incomplete notes on Irish missionaries (Columba, Columbanus, 

etc.); references to Benedict XIV and to later Irish Church 

(Oliver Plunkett, etc.) 

22 Quotations from the Fathers: Tertullian, St. Jerome, St. Augustine, 

St. Cyril of Alexandria, Origen. 

23 Various notes re papal power, etc. 

24 Telegram from Kirby to Moran (in Dublin), 24 April, announcing 

"glorious unanimity" at Council. 

25 Nominees of U.S. Bishops for Congregations or Deputations. 

26 Members of Disciplinary Deputation (Committee?), including 

+MacHale. 

27 Commentary on literary contacts between an Anglican bishop 

and a Belgian Jesuit (Victor de Buck), relevant to the Vatican 

Council. 

28 Comments on the state of the discussion, with practical reasons 

for defining papal infallibility. 


List of various classes of people who are hostile to the definition, with special reference to the 

Gallieans. Extract from letter of Pope Gregory IX to St. Louis, King of France, c. 1240. 

Long extract from letter of French Bishops to Pope Innocent X, 1653. 

30 Extract from work of Reginald Pole De Summo Pont if ice. 

31 Long extracts (in Moran's handwriting) from old Irish Synods. 


List of countries. 

Procedure of Council. 

Quotation from Joannes de Monte Nigro, O.P. 

Comments on the debate. 

Quotations from St. Leo and Reginald Pole. 

St. Columbanus and Pope Vigilius (Moran). 

Vigilius, Pelagius II, Gregory the Great. (Several notes from Moran)

CARDINAL CULLEN Notes and Drafts at Council Section 42/4 


34 Letter of Dr. William J. Walsh, Maynooth College, 1882 (perhaps to Abp. 

McCabe), enclosing Comments on Card. Cullen's Council speech by "Quirinus".


File : Printed Documents of Vatican Council, with Card. Cullen's Notes 


1 Theologico-Dogmatic Commision: 

Brief Exposition of the Heads of Doctrine contained in the Scheme of Constitutions to be proposed to the 

Council. (Not annotated by Card. Cullen) 

2 Exposition of Doctinal Questions, with first seven chapters 

missing. 

(A few parts annotated by Card. Cullen) 

3 Bundle of Pencilled Notes, evidently taken during the sessions. 

4 Postulations proposed by several French Bishops to the Pope and 

Council. 

(With some marginal notes by Card. Cullen) 

5 Analytical Synopsis of Observations made by the Council Fathers 

on the Primacy of the Roman Pontiff. 

(With some pencilled notes) 

6 Scheme of Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ. 

(With many pencilled notes)


File: Documents of Vatican Council 

So. Description 

1 Disquisition by Fr. J.B. Franzelin, S.J., on the First Scheme of 

the Dogmatic Constitution : on God (?). 

2 Scheme of Dogmatic Constitution on Catholic Doctrine against 

multiple errors derived from Rationalism. 

(With pencilled notes) 

3 First Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ. 

Preface, Chapters I and II: on the Primacy. 


(With some pencilled notes) 

5 Emendations from some of the Fathers to the Preface of the 

First Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of Christ. 

6 Analytical Synopsis of Observations of the Council Fathers on the 

Primacy of the Roman Pontiff. 

(With some marginal notes) 

7 Account of the Observations of the Council Fathers on the Scheme 

on the Primacy. 

8 The case against Papal Infallibility. 

9 Statement on Papal Infallibility by +Bartholomew (d'Avanzo) of 

Calvi. 

10 Scheme of Constitution on Vacant Episcopal Sees. 

11 Scheme of Constitution on Titles for Ordination. 

12 Scheme of Constitution on a Short Catechism. 

13 The same, with an account of the work of the Commission on Eccliastical Discipline on the 

matter. 

14 Scheme of Constitution on Bishops, Synods and Vicars General. 

15 Scheme of Constitution on Regulars. 

16 Scheme of Constitution on the Studies of Regulars. 

17 Scheme of Constitution on the Ordinations of Regulars. 

18 Scheme of Constitution on Perfect Common Life. 

19 Scheme on Constitution on the Vow of Obedience. 

20 Scheme of Constitution on Enclosure. 

21 Scheme of Constitution on Small Convents. 

22 Scheme of Constitution on Expulsion of Incorrigible Religious. 

23 Scheme of Constitution on Mass-Stipends and other Pious 

Dispositions. 

24 Two Postulations: 

That St. Joseph be declared Patron of the Universal Church. That the Conferences of St. V. de Paul be 

commended.


File: Documents of Vatican Council, etc. 


1 Dogmatic Constitution on the Catholic Faith: Chapter II. 

2 Emendations proposed by the Council Fathers to Chap. II of the 

Scheme on the Catholic Faith. 

3 Emendations proposed to Chap. III of same. 

4 Emendations proposed to Chap. IV of same. 

5 Emendations proposed to ? (Title page missing). 

6 Analytical Synopsis of Speeches on Scheme of Dogmatic Constitut 

ion on Catholic Doctrine. 

7 Emendations proposed "by the Fathers to the Preface (on the Church?) 


9 Analytical Synopsis of Observations on the Roman Primacy. 

10/11 Exceptions by some Council Fathers to the First Dogmatic Constitution on the Church of 

Christ. (Two copies). 

12 Exceptions by some Council Fathers to Chap. IV of the First Dogmatic 

Constitution on the Church of Christ (Papal Infallibility) 

(With some pencilled notes). 

13 Four-page printed document in favour of Papal Infallibility 

definition. 

14 Voting List of Council Fathers (on Papal Infallibility ?). 

15 Pastoral Letter of +Michael-Angelus Celesia, O.S.B., Bishop of 

Patti (Sicily) on Papal Infallibility, 14 May, 1870. 

16/17 Scheme of Constitution on the Life and Virtue of Clerics. (Two copies) 

18 Scheme of Constitution on Ranks and Titles of Regulars. 

19 Letter to Council Fathers from Daniel Combonius, Apostolic Miss 

ionary to Central Africa, begging them to sign a Postulation ask 

ing for urgent help for this neglected region. 

20 Circular Letter from Cav. A. de Singlan announcing a photographic 

album of the Council Fathers.


Vatican Council, 1869-70 

Copies of Letters from Card. Cullen to Dr. Conroy, 1869-70 

(and one from Mgr. Forde) (Bound together; also another set with hard 

binding, but someof the letters missing) (72-81) 


1 28 Nov. (From Liverpool) Send newspapers, including Fenian ones. 

2 1 Dec. (From Paris) Warning re a Fr. McMahon, lately prisoner in Canada; he may come to 

Ireland to promote Fenianism. 

3 3 Dec. (From Turin) Awful crossing of Mt. Cenis. 

4 9 Dec. (Prom Rome) Splendid opening of Council. 

Card. Cullen has heard that over 20 French Bishops and 

several Germans will follow +Dupanloup (Orleans) in 

opposition. 

Cullen is one of 12 Cardinals on a Commission to check 

on new business. 

5 17 Dec. Card. Cullen believes there will be a large majority for 

defining Papal Infallibility. Leading American Bishops oppose it. 

Cullen is actively promoting it. 

6 17 Dec 17 Dec. It matters not if Irish laity and priests are unfavourable to Infallibility; 

they have never studied the question:. Maynooth was Gallican. 

7 20 Dec. The Irish Bishops have chosen +MacHale to represent them 

in disciplinary matters. This seems incongruous, and the Fenians may claim it as 

a victory. 

8 23 Dec. The Irish Bishops met and discussed Lavelle. +MacHale 

heard some home-truths. 

Card. Cullen thinks there will be 700 for Infallibility 

and 100 against. 

9 28 Dec. Card. Cullen is preparing a memorial on the Fenians for 

the Pope. He awaits important documents from Dublin. The Irish Bishops 

(except +MacHale and +Derry) are drawing up a memorial for Propaganda about 

Lavelle. The Times correspondent writes "moonshine" about divisions among the 

Bishops. 

10 30 Dec. The Council may move to the Quirinal Palace, as speakers 

cannot be heard in the huge high conciliar hall. Good wishes to the Lord 

Chancellor (O'Hagan?). Tell him the government is at fault in allowing the worst 

doctrines and opinions to be published. 

The Irish Bishops agreed to petition the Holy Office to condemn Fenianism; 

+MacHale and +Derry were absent. 

11 31 Dec. Card. Cullen has heard that the Times correspondent is 

being deceived by some mischievous wags. 

Cullen could not hear the speeches at the Council. 

Date (1870) 

12 3 Jan. Directions re application of a charitable bequest. 

130 Bishops have signed a petition against defining Papal Infallibility, and about 430 or 440 

for it. 

13 7 Jan. Dublin students at Prop. are doing very well. Tell

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters from Vatican Council to Dr. Conroy 


14 8 Jan. Mr. Sweetman's erroneous views re certainty of faith. 

Doellinger heads the opposition to Infallibility; Lord 

Acton is his disciple. 

The Council sessions are very long and achieve little. 

Section 42/8 

15 11 Jan. Card. Cullen is sure that Infallibility will be defined, 

despite strong opposition. 

How +MacHale was elected on the committee. 

The Irish Bishops meet in Cullen's rooms an Wednesdays. 

16 12 Jan. (In Latin, with long P.S. in English). The Fenians have 

now become "the Irish Republic". The claim that they have 120,000 men 

ready to take arms is incredible. The speeches of some priests in their favour are 

not surprising. 

At the Council, there is full freedom of speech yet great charity. This is largely 

because the Church has a supreme pastor, Christ's Vicar. 

A petition against defining Infallibility has received only about thirty signatures, 

with 400 on the other side Fr. M. O'Ferrall, S.J., has cautioned +Manning 

against Infallibility. Fr. De Buck, S.J., may have had a hand in this. 

17 13 Jan. Inquire about Fr. McDonald (Armagh) as a possible Rector for Irish College, 

Salamanca.All the Irish Bishops, except +MacHale and +Derry 

agreed in condemning Dean O'Brien's proceedings. 

18 20 Jan. The Holy Office has condemned the Fenians. 

No funeral in Marlboro St. for Fr. Cahill; it would be a Fenian demonstration. 

19 21/24 Jan. The Council involves hard work. 

Lobbying for and against Infallibility continues. 

Card. Cullen authorizes publication of decree against 

Fenians. 

In Rome he has a coachman and three other servants. 

Some of the Bishops are very poor, especially Italians 

and Spaniards. 

20 28 Jan. Some American Bishops (notably Spalding) find fault with 

the Irish Bishops for getting the Holy Office to condemn the Fenians; they think 

it will only make them worse. The Americans don't know the full facts. The 

opponents of Infallibility have found it hard to get anyone to present their 

petition. 

21 1/2 Feb. Long speeches at Council. Card. Cullen thinks members 

wishing to propose amendments should have to do so in writing, and then 

speak only to their own amendments. The opposition want to delay the question 

of Infallibility, hoping something may happen to prevent it. Story of Card. 

Ferretti and Grand Duke of Tuscany. Propaganda has to pay for the oriental 

Bishops at the Council. 

22 5 Feb. Some of the oriental Bishops, with small congregations, 

are over-pretentious. 

Many of the opposition now say they believe in Papal Infallibility, but hold 

its definition to be inopportune. Dupanloup is very active and is said to 

have gained

CARDINAL CULLEN Letters from Vatican Council to Conroy Section 42/8 

No. Date (1870 ) Main Topics 

22(contd.) +Moriarty is expected to go on the wrong side; hard to 

know about +MacHale and +Derry. 

Fragment +Moriarty is going home, after signing declaration against Early Feb.? against 

Infallibility. 

Dr. Gould reports unfavourably on New Zealand. Non-French Bishops should 

be sent there, as all the Catholics are Irish. 

Armagh to be provided for soon; also Newfoundland; Card. Cullen seeks 

information about priests there. 

23 10 Feb. +Strossmayer (opposition orator) looks and speaks like 

Archdeacon Redmond. 

24 12 Feb. +Leahy (Dromore) is said to have gone astray, as well as 

+Moriarty. 

25 14 Feb. The orientals, living in Rome at the Pope's expense, 

have turned against him. Card. Cullen thinks of proposing that the Pope 

should nominate all oriental Bishops, that their clergy should be celibate and that 

the Peters Pence collection should be made general. 

26 16/17 Feb. Card. Cullen hints at the possibility of Conroy's appointment 

to Armagh. 

27 18/19 Feb. Armagh postponed again. 

Great Exhibition of Christian Art; fine speech by Pope. 

28 23 Feb. Don't let +Whelan come to Rome after his illness; 

the Bishops' living conditions here are not good. 

Some advice to Conroy in case appointed to Armagh. 

Many Bishops are deserting Doellinger. 

The Irish Bishops are shunning +Moriarty and +Leahy. 

+Dupanloup is very active. 

Tynan is one of the best at taking down speeches-. 

29 26 Feb. Re Armagh: Card. Barnabo had told Cullen that Conroy 

was certain, but the Congreg. decided for +McGettigan. However, as he had said 

he would not accept, the Pope is to decide. 

Some of the opposition leaders arefighting among themselves. 

The Abp. of Paris says the Council will be prorogued at Easter, but this is not 

correct. 

30 28 Feb. Card, Cullen sends a letter for the people. 

31 28 Feb./l Mar. Cullen authorizes Conroy to make changes in the 

pastoral letter. 

Cullen is getting good practice at Latin and theology. Perhaps Fr. Maher should 

not trouble to reply to Sullivan. 

32 3 Mar. Lavelle's visit to Maynooth was deplorable - the idol 

of the students. The superiors are evidently weak. 

33 6 Mar. Better not sanction any new religious institutions in 

Dublin diocese pending regulations to be made by the 

Council. 

+Moriarty is friendly with +Dupanloup, and says that 

the latter claims to have got important help from a 

distinguished Irish Jesuit.

Cardinal Cullen Letters from Vatican Council to Conroy Section 42/8 


34 10 Mar. Card. Cullen condemns authorities in Ireland for all- 

owing obscenity on the stage. 

+McGettigan appointed to Armagh; +Nulty made him accept. The Bishops 

praised +McG. so highly that the Pope could not pass him over. 

The French threaten to withdraw their troops if Infallibility be defined. 

+Dupanloup is rampant. 

35 11 Mar. Card. Cullen suggests some theses on Papal Infallibility (for Clonliffe?) 

Dr. Crolly's De Justitia et Jure is written in atrocious Latin. 

Cullen still speaks to +Haynald, one of +Doellinger's chief followers, 

whom he had known formerly in Rome. +Dupanloup avoided Cullen when 

they met. +Leahy (Dromore) says he believes in Papal Infallibility though he 

opposes its definition. 

36 13 Mar. The Schema De Ecclesia was published in Augsburg by 

some traitor 

+Ketteler of Mayence has proposed a new schema - quite 

good. 

Re Gladstone's bill Jon land tenure?): Better to take 

what is good in it, and try afterwards to get more. 

37 16 Mar. Gladstone may prevent publication of treason but not 

of attacks on religion. 

A.M. Sullivan's impudence in attacking Fr. Donnelly's sermon. 

Montalembert's last letter shows signs of pride. If France send an ambassador, 

this may break up the Council. 

The prolonging of the Council is very expensive. The Bishop of Brieux, a 

violent Gallican, has retracted. 

38 19 Mar. Some Bishops have protested against new rules for the 

Council. 

Dupanloup was to have preached at Montalembert's requiem, but did not. 

Infallibility may not come on until June. Some American Bishops have 

gone home. 

39 22/23 Mar. Some Meath priests violently opposed to +McCabe and 

Ardagh priests. 

The Pope has rejected the French proposal of an ambassador to the Council. 

The Gallicans are still very active against Infallibility. 

40 March? The state of Ireland is deplorable - but so is half 

the world. 

+Scandella of Gibraltar wants the Christian Brothers. 

41 25 Mar. O'Ferrall wants Card. Cullen's approbation for the 

Evening Post, but won't get it. 

Propaganda pays 3,200 scudi per month for orientals 

attending the Council. 

42 26 Mar. Be cautious about taking Ffrench 0'Connell's (?) 

grandson Into Clonliffe. 

Someone met +Dupanloup and Lord Dunraven with +Moriarty 

in Rome recently.



44 1 Apr. Three Irish Bishops from U.S.A. and +Moriarty protested 

against debating Infallibility soon. 

45 2 Apr. Armenians (with French support) protesting at the Pope 

appointing their Bishops, 

Singular +Manning (in Rome) to Card. Cullen (in Ireland): Item 25 Apr. Please return to Rome at once. "We have 

much needed your firm courage and advice". 

46 2 May Prom Card. Cullen in Liverpool on way back to Rome. 

47 3 May (Prom Paris) Smallpox in Paris; Irish College has 

escaped. 

48 4 May (From Marseilles) The Univers has a letter from +Ken- 

ick and +Purcell to +Dupanloup, which will do them no credit; they accuse 

+Spalding of formerly inciting American Bishops against Infallibility, though 

he is now for it. 

49 7 May (From Rome) Canon Power made Bishop of St. John's and 

Fr. Carfagnini of Harbour Grace (Newfoundland). Some Armenian 

Bishops and monks have joined the schismatics. 

50 10 May +Kenrick and +Moriarty are opposing; +Leahy (Dromore?) 

has come round. 

51 11 May Card. Cullen wants copies of catechisms used in Dublin, 

for a commission re a universal one. Battles looming at the Council. 

+Kenrick has lost his head. +Moriarty follows +Dupanloup. +MacHale 

"not with us". +Derry gone home. Young American and Canadian 

Bishops mostly wrong. Old Maynooth teaching has left its traces. 

52 19 May Card. Cullen describes his two-hour speech, in which 

he refuted +Hefele and two Cardinals. A hundred Bishops congratulated 

him. 

53 20 May More re Cullen's speech. Two hundred Bishops have 

thanked him. He praised the faith of Spain. +MacHale spoke 

against, but ineffectively. 

54 21 May +Leahy (Cashel) spoke magnificently, demolishing +Mac 

Hale and the Primate of Hungary. 

How Card. Barnabo" teased Card. Schwarzenberg during 

Card. Cullens speech. 

It was +Manning who encouraged Card. Cullen to answer 

the two Cardinals. 

Fr. Verdon is to be interim rector of Clonliffe (in 

place of Canon Power). 

55 26 May +Kenrick's bad pamphlet. 

+McEvilly , s speech was quite orthodox. 

56 27 May Card. Cullen fears long delay and possible disruption 

of Council. 

57 29 May Prvision for Ryder family. 

Long speeches delaying Council. +Furlong gone home.


Letters from Vatican Council to Conroy Section 42/8 

Main Topics 

No. Date (1870) 58 

31 May 

Some American Bishops spoke against. 

+Purcell attacked Card. Cullens speech. 

59 1 June Strossmayer holds moral unanimity 

essential for a definition. 

+Leahy (Dromore) is going home. 

Schism among Armenians in Constantinople. 

60 

61 

62 

3 June 7 Dr. Power must try to correct grave abuses in Newfoundland. 

June 

10 June 

+Purcell and others spoke badly. 

It was decided to close the debate soon. 

Card. Cullen hopes to get away for a while, as he has 

been unwell. 

The opposition is still promoting delay. The Armenian Patriarch's cathedral, 

etc., in Constantinople burned down. 

63 11 June Card. Cullen will not pay for Mr. Gallagher's monument 

in Glasnevin. 

Kerry diocese should agitate to set +Moriarty right. 

64 13 June Decision postponed, probably until mid-July. 

Some of orientals may defect, but they would be no 

great loss. 

No-one at the Council has yet refuted Card. Cullen's 

arguments. 

65 14 June Getting near end of debate on Roman Pontiff. Congratulations to Lord Chancellor 

(0'Hagan?) on promotion to House of Lords. 

A French Baron has brought an address for Infallibility against their 

Bishops. 

66 15/18 June Card. Cullen spoke again mostly extempore, refuting 

an Italian Cardinal. He suggested a new and simpler form for the 

definition. 

Someone proposed Conroy for Australia or NT. Zealand, but Card. Cullen 

opposed it and Dr. Croke was appointed for Auckland. 

67 20 June +MacHale spoke again and made a fool of himself. 

The Pope and Cardinals thanked Cullen for refuting Card. Guidi. 

68 21 June 

Card. Cullen's proposed form of definition will probably be accepted. 

+Dupanloup is reported to have approved of it. 

69 24 June Fr. Verdon should lecture Clonliffe students re con- 

duct during vacation.An old Italian Bishop spoke badly against 

Infallibility, +Connolly of Halifax also spoke against. 

70 26 June Card. Cullen hopes the Carlow magazine has given up. 

He has been suffering from rheumatism in the left foot. 

71 29 June +Moriarty spoke poorly for an hour and a half. +Kenrick has issued a 

printed speech against Cullen, thereby violating the secret of the 

Council. Several Irish-born Bishops are on the wrong side.



72 1 July Sorry to hear of +Derry's death. He is said to have 

declared his belief in Papal Infallibility before he 

died. 

+MacHales nephew is likely to be elected for Killala; 

he is very like his uncle. 

+Kenricks concio is scandalous and is really an attack 

on the primacy of Pope and Council. 

73 5/7 July Germans and Hungarians have agreed to give no further 

opposition; also the French, but the Abp. of Paris and Dupanloup were absent. 

Card. Cullen's proposed form of definition may be amended. 

Perhaps +MacHale is converted. Vote on Infallibility now 

imminent. 

+Kenricks pamphlet is almost heretical. He calls +Mac Hale the greatest Bishop on earth. 

74 8 July The opposition has virtually collapsed. Even +Hefele 

has come round. 

The Pope thanked the Irish and Spanish Bishops; he must 

have forgotten that +Kenrick and Co. were Irish. 

75 9/11 July Card. Cullen's form of definition has been substantially 

adopted. 

Today (llth) +MacHale voted with majority; +Moriarty 

did not vote. 

76 12 July Public voting tomorrow. +Moriarty went away. 

77 13 July General congregation to vote on the whole constitution 

re the Pope. 88 were absent (though in Rome). 513 voted for (but 62 

proposed changes). 88 voted against, including +MacHale, +Moriarty and all who 

had spoken against Infallibility. 

78 15 July +Kenrick's views have changed greatly since 1858. 

Forty of the opposition are Germans and Hungarians. Hungary seems to have 

lost its Catholic tradition. The Irish Bishops (including +MacHale) visited 

Pope. The acts of the Council show how wrong are those who think the Church 

should be governed by general Councils, Another result is to show the need to 

revise the study of theology. It is badly neglected. 

79 16 July All arranged for public session on 18th. 

War has broken out between France and Prussia. Council to continue; all 

Bishops expected back in Nov. 

80 19 July Card. Cullen's amendment, containing the definition, 

was adopted. 

At the pub|ic session, 533 voted "Placet" and only two 

"Non Placet" - one a Neapolitan, the other Fitzgerald 

of Little Rock (U.S.A.) Other opponents stayed away, 

including +MacHale and +Moriarty. A few were converted. 

Several Bishops (opponents?) are said to have sent 

their submission to the Pope. 

The Hungarian Bishops are very rich and are afraid of 

being robbed should they offend the radicals. 

The Irish Bishops (26) presented an address of thanks 

to Card. Cullen. Final vote greeted with great acclamation.


Letters from Vatican Council 

Additional Item: Letter from Mgr. Forde (in Rome) to Dr. Conroy, 

Main Topics 

Card. Cullen annoyed at getting so few letters from Dublin. 

Advice re posting, etc. 

Dr. Moran's discoveries on many Irish saints on the Continent. 

Not much really important work done yet at the Council. 

The Irish Bishops are discussing the matter of Lavelle v. Card. 

Cullen. 

» 

22 Dec., 1869


Documents, Notes, et c ., from Vatican Council, 1869-70 


1 Booklet: Method to be observed in First Session (Name "P.Tynan" 

on title page). 

Also handwritten notes on ceremonies of episcopal consecration. 

2 Booklet: List of all the Council Fathers. 

3 Loose page: From Emendations to Schema on Catholic Faith. 

4 Book of 105 pages of Recommendations to the Council, dealing with Doctrine and Practice, drawn up by the 

Bishops of the Neapolitan jurisdiction, with a covering letter (also printed) subscribed by Card. Sforza 

of Naples, ten other Archbishops and 27 Bishops. (With copious marginal notes by Card. Cullen) 

5 Dogmatic Postulations re Supreme Power in the Church from the Archbishop of Malines. 

6,7 Single sheet: Chapter to be added to the Decree on the Primacy (2 copies) of the Roman Pontiff, defining his 

Infallibility. 

8 Single sheet: Notice concerning the proposed theme of Papal Infallibility, 

(From the Secretary of the Vatican Council) 

9 Printed Letter from +Martin J. Spalding, Abp. of Baltimore, setting forth the opinion of his 

predecessor, +Francis P. Kenrick, re Papal Infallibility. 

10-14;: Schema for definition of Papal Infallibility, with reasons. (5 copies) 

15 Single sheet: Additions proposed by +H.E. Manning, Abp. of Westminster, to Schema on Primacy of Roman 

Pontiff. 

16 Notice from Council Secretary re General Congregation on 13 May, 

1870. 

17 Annotation to be added to Chapter on Infallibility; list of misprints in previous annotations; and Chapter IV: On the 

Infallibility of the Roman Pontiff. 

18 Lists of Prelates proposed for two Commissions (?) (in Card. Cullen's handwriting). 

Also some notes by Card. Cullen on points in the Neapolitan 

Postulation. 

19 Handwritten Document of 14 pages (not in Card. Cullen's writing) 

on the Catholic Education of Youth in Ireland. 

20 Book of 242 pages: Analytical Synopsis of Observations by Council 

Fathers on Chapter to be added to Decree on Primacy of Roman Pontiff. (No handwritten notes except 

one pinned on to p.218; also 

names of some prelates on back cover, showing on what 

pages their speeches are). 

21 Chapter IV on Papal infallibility written in "copper-plate" 

hand.

CARDINAL CULLEN Vatican Council Documents, 1869/70 Section 42/9 


24 Several Documents stitched together (with many notes by Cullen):- 

(a) Apostolic Letter of Pius IX setting out the general 

order to be observed in the celebration of the Council. 

(b) A large number of Proposals and Postulations addressed to 

the Special Congregation for receiving them, of which Cullen 

was a member. The ones bound together here deal with: 

The Pope's Civil Power. 

Ecclesiastical and Secular Power. 

Education of Youth. 

So-called Freedoms. 

Christian Beneficence. 

Privileges and Exemptions. 

Charitable Work of the Propagation of the Faith. 

Papal Infallibility (369 signatures) - with reasons. 

Moderation in defining Infallibility. 

Define Infallibility in the words used by St. Alphonsus 

Liguori. 

Several Requests to debate and define Papal Infallibility. 

Schema for the definition, with reasons. 

Statement from Belgian Bishops conveying declaration of 

Louvain University in favour of Papal Infallibility. 

Five requests from groups of Council Fathers against the 

definition (introduced by Card. Schwarzenberg;, Abp. of 

Prague). 

Press cutting with list of French Bishops against. Several requests from 15 German Bishops concerning 

matters of discipline :- 

Division of large dioceses. 

Marriage dispensations. 

Revision of Censures. 

Prohibition of Books. 

Reform of Canon Law. 

Revision of Breviary and Anticipation of Matins. 

Examination of prospective Parish Priests. 

Lay Patronage. 

Removal of unworthy or unsuitable P.P.'s. 

Decrees against Freemasons and other Secret Societies. Note from 11 French Bishops introducing a 

series of requests (not Included here). Several requests from the Bishops of Belgium re discipline. 

(c) Statement of the Special Congregation re certain questions 

of procedure at the Council. 

(d) Several requests from the Bishops of Quebec and Halifax 

Provinces, re Canon Law, Marriage Impediments, Breviary. 

(4) Request from +Zinelli (Treviso) re timing of publication of Schemata in public sessions of 

Council. 

25 Request from +R. Ferrigno, Abp. of Brindisi, to have a new pro- 

per Preface, which he has composed, inserted in the Mass of the Most Holy Name of Jesus. 

26 Request to the Pope to declare St. Francis de Sales a Doctor of 

the Church. 

27 Series of propositions on disciplinary matters from +N. Frangi-pane (Concordia). 

28 Request from 40 Council Fathers for a Declaration against War. 

29 Request from +W. de Ketteler (Mainz) to have the statutes of 

Trent re appointment of Bishops and Cardinals confirmed and 

implemented.

CARDINAL CULLEN Vatican Council Documents Section 42/9 


30 Protest from six Council Fathers re long tedious speeches, with 

request for remedial measures. 

31 Request from 33 Council Fathers for a new Code of Canon Law. 

32 Request from +Natoli, Abp. of Messina, re problem of Basilian 

Archimandrite. 

33 Request from +V. Grande, Abp. of Hydruntinum (?), for a pron 

ouncement on Usury. 

34 Proposition from +R. Biale (Aibenga) re Clerical Discipline. 

35 Observations re problems in Syria by +Tobias Aun (Maronite). 

36 Request by 30 Fathers for commendation of a Workmen's Society 

in Germany. 

37 Petition by +P. Krementz, of Varmia (Poland), re priests who rarely go to confession. 

38 Statement and request from the Abbot-President of the Swiss Benedictine Congregation re 

reception of Novices and profession of Simple Vows. 

39, 40 Request from almost 200 Council Fathers for the dogmatic def-(2 copies) inition of 

the Bodily Assumption of the Mother of God. 

41 Request from 30 Fathers for commendation of Society of St. Vin 

cent de Paul. 

42 Request from 510 Fathers for a paternal invitation to the Jews 

to acknowledge the Messiah. 

43 Request from +V. Dechamps, Abp. of Malines. for action against 

a small group of schismatics ("Stevenists") in his diocese; 

44 

Series of Requests from some Bishops of Central Italy re matters of discipline, mostly 

concerning marriage. 

45 

Notices of three meetings of the Special Congregation for dealing with the Bishops' postulations, 

together with names of members of Its four Commissions and matters to be dealt with by each. 

46 Request from 8 Council Fathers for a pronouncement on the evils 

of Socialism. 

47 Request from 109 Council Fathers to have the words "Immaculate 

Virgin" inserted in the second part of the "Hail Mary". 

48 Request from 13 Council Fathers for greater support for Oriental 

Catholic Schools. 

49 Request from 61 Council Fathers for a decree consecrating and 

commending the charitable work of support for Oriental Schools. 

50 Request of 7 Council Fathers that the Council should insist on strict 

observance of Tridentine rules re appointment of Bishops, etc. 

51 Document of the Armenian Patriarchal Synod re Military matters 

and War.

CARDINAL CULLEN Vatican Council Documents Section 42/9 

No Description 

53 Proposition from Fr. Raphael Ricca, General of the Minims, urging 

conformity and unity in reciting Divine Office and celebrating 

Mass. 

54 Request from 43 Generals of Religious Orders to have St. Joseph 

declared Patron of the Universal Church. 

55 Request from 11 Council Fathers of the Armenian Rite for a declaration on War. 

56 Requests from +J.A. Farina (Vicenza) re certain matters of discipline (Liturgy, Marriage, 

Excommunication, Denunciation of Heresy). 

57 Booklet of 74 pages by +F.M. Zinelli (Treviso) on Unanimity of 

Voting in Dogmatic Definitions on Ecumenical Councils. 

58/9 Short-hand Notes (two sets). 

60 Long-hand Notes of some of the speeches; also List of 36 speakers 

at 6 General Congregations, Dec. 1869 - Jan. 1870. 

61 Lists of speakers at most of the General Congregations, with some 

other information. (Handwritten: P.J. Tynan, Irish College). 

62 Handwritten Analytical Synopsis of Speeches on Catholic Doc 

trine against Rationalism. 

63 Pastoral of +J.T. Ghilardi (Mondovi), 20 July, 1870, announcing 

Definition of Papal Infallibility, with short letter from Pius IX 

to him.

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