Item 3 - Draft Report on the National Temperance Crusade

Draft report (28 Feb. 1907) by Fr. Paul Neary OSFC (1857-1939), Provincial Minister, on the work of the first year of the National Temperance Crusade led by the Capuchin friars. The report was compiled for Fr. Bernard Christen of Andermatt OSFC, Minister General of the Capuchin Order in Rome. With a cover letter (21 May 1907) from Fr. Paul and a manuscript copy of Fr. Bernard’s reply. The report reads:
‘The Irish Bishops confided this National Crusade to us in October 1905 … but the preaching of the Crusade did not practically begin before January 1906. … The preaching of this Temperance Crusade was specially carried out by twelve of our Fathers, who have been almost constantly engaged during the time. Their labours in the parishes partook much of the character of short missions or spiritual exercises, sometimes for three days, other times a week, and not infrequently a fortnight’.
The report also includes testimonials from various Irish bishops and other prominent figures commending the work of the Capuchin friars in leading the temperance crusade.