1 S.G.M. Good Shepherd Convent, Belfast. May 7th 1916 My dearest Nan, I cannot tell you how deeply
grieved I was to learn of the very
bad end of my dear Cousin, Michael,
and now come to offer you my
heartfelt sympathy in your great
sorrow. I feel intensely for you, and
his four young children as it is a
great trial to lose a good husband
and father, but what must dear
Nell & Anna also be feeling at such
a tragic end to their loved brother.
I ask you please to convey to them 2 my feelings of condolence under the
weight of this heavy cross: I will ask Our Lord to console &
comfort you all in this hour of trial.
He knows what is best for us all
and perhaps much good may
arise, where now we cannot see
anything but sadness & trials. I would have written when I first
saw the sad announcement in
the papers but enquired first
from Father Dominic if such
were really true, only today I
heard the funeral took place on
Friday last & that Michael had
a happy death. I conclude from
this he didn't die immediately, &
I trust you had the consolation of
relieving his last moments by
every kind attention & that he was
fully conscious. Rev. Mothers had
a general Communion offered by all
here for the happy repose of his soul
and Father Con offered Mass on
Friday for same intention. R.I.P. Con is giving a retreat at present
in Belfast & he too is deeply
grieved at this sore trial. All
the Sisters are praying for dear
Michael & greatly sympathise 3 with you. How are you all feeling dear Nan?
I hope not fretting too much, he
died for his country & nobly did it.
We must hope he may soon enjoy the
everlasting bliss of heaven, where you
and he will be again united for ever. Get many Masses offered for his
soul, & tell Nell & Anna to do
likewise. Praying the sacred Heart to help you
to bear this great loss and with
fondest love to self, & children, Nell, Anna, I remain my dearest Nan
Your affectionate cousin in O. Lord Sr.M. of Good Counsel (Mangan) P.S.
I would write
to Nell & Anna
but don't know
their address.
I got Michael's
from Tom a few
years ago as I
intended writing
to him there on
a little business
matter which
dropped after
wards. What age are
your children
now? I hear they
are great Irish
speakers.