Letter 14, to his brother, Peter Joseph Houben (1)

J. X. P.
St. Paul's College, Harold's Cross, Mount Argus, Dublin, Ireland. 26th January, 1874.

Dear reverend brother,
I have taken so long to answer your letter of the 6th that you must have thought I was ill or even dead. I hope you will forgive me. On the 9th of this month the provincial sent me to Dublin, Ireland, to the same house I was in before. (2)

I arrived here on the 10th. The sea was calm and the weather fine, so I had a smooth crossing and was only a little seasick, thank God. I was ill for about twelve days or so here in St. Paul's College, but it was nothing serious and did not prevent me from saying Mass. Thanks be to God, I have now recovered completely and am feeling quite well.

I wish you, dear brother, a happy and holy New Year; also our brothers and sisters, and our uncle, the retired mayor: may this year bring them many graces and blessings. I am glad to hear that you are all enjoying good health. I was delighted to hear that my brother Matthew's two oldest daughters have made their first communion, and also my sister Anne Mary's oldest son. He has had more time to prepare himself for holy communion. I don't forget to pray for all of Matthew's children, and for Mary Anne and Mary Helen's children too; I pray too for those priests who have died.

Almost all our houses in Rome and in Italy have been suppressed. Let us pray fervently to God, that he will free his holy Church from these persecutions.
I send sincere good wishes to you, dear brother, to my other brothers and sisters, and to my uncle. I commend myself to your prayers: please pray for me. I pray often for you, and every day I remember you all during holy Mass. Best wishes to all the family, to Father Gobbels and the curate, and all our friends. My superiors send their regards. I hope you are well.
God bless you, dear brother.

I remain in the sweet Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Your loving brother,
Fr. Charles of St. Andrew, Passionist.

Letter 14-Notes

l. Summ. p. 347, L. 30.
2. The Chronicler of Mount Argus, Father Salvian (Nardocci) c.p., wrote: "January 10th Saturday. This morning Father Charles (Houben) arrived here from Highgate, having been appointed to this community. Father Charles is well-known in this city of Dublin as well as throughout Ireland for the many miraculous cures which people say they have received from his blessing them with the relics of St. Paul of the Cross, and by using holy water, blessed with the same relic. Father Charles was one of the first Fathers who came to Dublin after its foundation; and left in 1867, when he was removed because of his having become too remarkable for his extraordinary cures. People came from every part of Ireland and crowds of them were continually about the place, and the poor man had not a moment to himself."