Series 28 - Father Pius Devine journals

238pp

Father Declan O'Sullivan donated reproductions of the Father Pius Devine journals to Kerby A. Miller via letter of 1 May 1978. The original manuscripts are in St Paul of the Cross Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin.

[These manuscripts contains outdated attitudes or language that does not reflect the current views or positions of the University of Galway Library. Reader discretion is advised.]
Materials pertaining to two journals written by Father Pius (née James) Devine (1838-1912), a native of Aclare, County Sligo who embarked on fundraising trips across North America, South America and Australia during the 1870s to raise money for the construction of the Church of St. Paul of the Cross, Mount Argus, Dublin (opened 1878).
Per Father Declan O’Sullivan: 'Although Fr. Pius Devine, CP, was not an Irish immigrant, this 1870 diary of his visit to the United States is of value. It tells us of the impact that country made on a newcomer from Ireland in the words of a talented, observant and cultured man, who could record in vivid language all that he saw and found strange to him: American usage of the English language, transport systems, food, the great spirit of hospitality, and what he calls 'domesticity', and we today would call 'democracy'. But, what really made an impression on him were those citizens of the United States -- MOSQUITOES!’
‘This Second Journal of Fr. Pius Devine, CP's covers a fund-raising tour in North and South America and Australia. But only those pages dealing with North America are photocopied here. On the occasion of his first coming to the United States Fr. Pius' business kept him in the main to the Passionist monasteries, but on this second visit he ranged further afiled and met many more Irish immigrants than he had in 1870. His Lectures seem to have gone down well, and it is interesting to note (as he did himself) that the lecture was tailored to the audience, the example he quotes being that on 'Burns, Moore, and Byron' given to an audience of Scots, Irish, and English folk! It is interesting, too, to note that it was the less better-off Irish immigrants who gave most generously when appealed to for alms to build Mt Argus church. The attitude of his fellow Catholic priests is worth noticing, too, Obviously the monolithic image of the Catholic Church existed only in the realm of doctrine! Aspects of Fr Pius own character peep out as well. He had a slightly 'racialist' (as we'd say nowadays) streak, betrayed by his attitude to the American Indian. He was quick to respond to any attack on the Catholic Faith, the result of inherited reaction to persecution, to Penal Laws. But, he had a saving sense of humour, and he was quick to acknowledge the good points of others, be they Catholics or not. We Passionists think of him with warm affection.'
The series includes correspondence between Declan O’Sullivan and Kerby A. Miller during 1978, information on Father Devine and the Church of St. Paul of the Cross/Mount Argus provided by O’Sullivan, and O’Sullivan’s reproductions of the Father Devine journals.