Letter from Bishop Patrick O'Donnell to Hagan

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View/Open: HAG1-1923-436.pdf (96.MB) Bookview

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DigitalGeorgetown

Pontifical Irish College

Contributor

O'Donnell, Patrick

Hagan, John, 1873-1930

Description

Holograph letter from Bishop Patrick O'Donnell, Dundalk (County Louth), to Hagan. A donation from the Raphoe clergy will be used for the foundation of the St. Columba burse for the Irish College. Then responding to Hagan's letter and his discussion of the grave situation. Agreeing the College ought to have been consulted and the bishops' representative heard on such important matters. Giving two reasons why diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the Free State are inopportune at the present time: it would not help towards bringing the north into the national government, and the latter would obviously be a great service for Catholicity in Ireland. Also, republicans who are 'sufficiently [embittered] already, will be greatly annoyed at the establishment of such relations'. He will meet a northern bishop who might urge the subject of the north with President Cosgrave. While the bishops will not invite it, it can be seen as natural that Hagan would report on the matter; cautioning him not to discuss the 'general question'. He could strengthen his own position by pressing the point that the bishops ought to have been heard to have avoided the present regretful situation.