1
ST. Mary's, SLIGO
11th. Sept., 1917 Dear Fr. O'Flanagan, I regret to find that you still persist
in disregarding and
openly flouting the grave instructions and solemn admonitions which I have
deemed it necessary to address to you from time to time - most especially
in my communications of the 14th. January, 1916, the 26th January, 1917,
and the 12th. March, 1917. Consequently I now find it my painful duty to
withdraw from you,- as I do hereby- all diocesan faculties which you have
at any time received, including the permission to say Mass. If, after a retreat in
Roscrea or some other suitable place, you
give promise of amendment, I shall be prepared to reconsider your case,
but not otherwise.
I am,
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) BERNARD COYNE
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Fr Michael O'Flanagan (1876-1926) was a Catholic priest and republican activist. The
Bishop writes to forbid Fr. O'Flanagan from saying mass, unless he went on retreat
to Roscrea or 'other suitable place'. The Bishop might then reconsider.