Correspondence with Fr. Benson

SSJE/6/2/2/1

Correspondence with Fr. Benson

1874-1882

Series of letters sent by Fr. O'Neill from India whilst he was carrying out missionary work for SSJE. Such is the regularity of the letters, often written on a weekly basis, they provide a vivid record of missionary life for the Fathers in India, with regular references being made to the relationships with other missions, harshness of conditions and resulting poor health, problems faced with differences in language and custom, progress of Christianity and education, and the general day to day activities of a SSJE Father. Also discernible are the problems faced by Fr. Benson is orchestrating missions at such great a distance and the perpetual need for more people to help with the work. Some detail of the financial considerations of the missions can be gathered from the quarterly accounts which Fr. O'Neil returnedl to Cowley. A number of the letters have sections of text struck though, probably as part of an editing process prior to possible publication or for inclusion in the 'Cowley Evangelist' magazine. However, almost without exception the letters are still readable.

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