1 End of December 1917 My dear Reverend Fr Provincial P C I have nothing to write about, but
as we touch land again in a day or two I re-open
communications. I struck a bad patch on this return
journey, as about eighty per cent of our patients are
Mahommedans, and nineteen per cent Hindu. Of the
remainder not all even belong to me. I have four to
take care of! On of the Mahommedans wants to become
a Christian. I shall get him in touch with the Bombay
priests. As far as we can judge at present the early part
of our Christmas day will be spent at sea, the second half
in harbour. (Later I said my 3 Christmas Masses at sea. In harbour 5.30p.m.) I am hoping for a large Irish post when we land.
Fr O' Mahony if he is still in these parts will be able
to keep. Hoping all are as well as I am, I recommend myself
to your Reverence's Masses and prayers Your obediently in Christ
Frank Shaw SJ P.S.Fr Farley 17 Masses November 2018 Masses December P.S. ii There is a home mail in harbour, I believe, but as the outward mail closes tonight I cannot wait to
see if there is anything from Ireland. F.S.