The Vincentians are Endorsed

Early in 1942 Archbishop Gilroy suggested to Father Cusack that the Vincentians might take over Marsfield. Fr. Cusack discussed the possibility with the Vincentians and replied in a letter to the Archbishop:

"l certainly think such a change would be for the good of souls as with their own nuns, the Daughters of Charity in their midst and their own novitiate, they could do great things. ..as they always have some Priest who has been educated in Rome they would be able to speak in Italian and hear confessions of the Italian people".

Marsfield finances were in a parlous state. The Sisters of Mercy collected only three or four shillings a week in school fees, Parish revenue was around 200 pounds per year and the debt was 1775 pounds. Fr. Cusack had done all that he could, but he could do no more.

On 5th May 1942 Archbishop Gilroy wrote the following letter to Pope Pius XII. The original is in Latin and as Italy and Australia were at war the letter was sent to the Pope' s representative in Australia, Archbishop John Panico S.T.D. J.U.D. the Apostolic Delegate.