Woodlock, Father Bartholomew, Dublin, Ireland, to Archbishop John Mary Odin, C.M., New Orleans, Louisiana, 1863 September 4

The Bishops of Ireland, assisted by several of their brethren, solemnly laid the first stone of their new Catholic University of Ireland in July 1863. The distress last year and other circumstances hindered the prosecution of the work. They held a general meeting last month and directed Woodlock to write Odin and the other prelates of America and Australia to ask aid. If Odin approves, they will send a collector again. Odin may be aware of the great interest which ^Pope Pius IX takes in this institution. For nearly 16 years the Pope has frequently recommended the Bishops of Ireland to found a Catholic University. He sees the importance of having such a leaven in this great Empire as may hinder it from becoming altogether Protestant and Latitudinarian. The work of raising Ireland to the position she deserves as a great Catholic nation cannot be achieved without a University. He hopes to be able to send several copies of the view of the proposed buildings and he asks that they be distributed among Odin's clergy. If Odin approved, he would ask him to authorize the foundation of a committee for collecting funds. Within the last year a large sum was collected in this way for the relief of distress in Ireland. The expense of the new buildings will be over 100,000 pounds sterling. The portion they are now commencing will cost 27,000 pounds. :: VI-2-g A.L.S. 4pp. 12mo.