Fr John Smith writes to say that the Visitation scheduled for 16 April [1978] will now take place on 19 November 1978, following Fr Thomson's willingness to reschedule.
Bishop's OfficeSister M Paul writes asking for a replacement Extraordinary Confessor now that Fr Thompson has died.
Manuscript annotation: "Appointed Mgr. Ireland VG. He will write to you to say what day, next wk., he is coming. Hope you will accept and like him. Mch 15/27."
1st RCDEA retreat held at Massingham St Mary, Group members:
Back row: Peter March, Tony Seely, Ken Chapman, Artur Speight, Dick Wilson, Denis Brophy, David Thompson, Des MacMorrow
left back: John Smith
Middle row: Peter Brown, Henry McCarthy, Harry Wace, Gerry Langley, Joe Teeling, ? , Bob McCormick
right midrow: George Grace
Seated: John Cureton, Bishop Clark, Leonard Boase SJ
Front row: Peter Wynekus, Philip Shryane, Francis "Sam" Leeder, Tony Shryane
Fr Boase SJ was Chaplain to Massingham and gave the retreat.
UnknownEncloses a letter for the Bishop to approve in reply to the "blatant spiritualist apostles here". Fr Thompson was one of the experts invited to publish their views on Spiritualism - plain speaking but direct it drew criticism, abuse and false statements. Fr Courtney has been asked by Fr Thompson to reply. He is grieved at the spread of this cult which is going far and wide, leading simple folk into necromancy.
Manuscript annotation 1 (different hand to Bishop's): "L'Estrange is a vulgar fanatic, I should guess from Belfast. I treat him to a little banter only."
Manuscript annotation 2 (Bishop's): "Yes, send it! Look out for Spiritualist Sunday Schools!"
Accepts the duties of Extraordinary at Kirkley Cliff Convent [St Mary's Convent, Kirkley Cliff, Lowestoft]. First meeting of Gt Yarmouth Education committee - shame no English Education Act in the same manner as the Education(Scotland) Act of 1918. Fr Thompson's many hobbies and related gear and appliances need assessing before putting aside for sale - hence his visit to Northampton will have to be delayed.
Manuscript annotation: "Ans: Sent faculty as Extraordinary for Lowestoft Convent. Don't expect to see you this side of Easter!".
Proposes a date for his visit to the Bishop. Yarmouth air agrees with him very well and the people are friendly. On Wednesday and Sunday evenings in Lent he & Fr Riley are giving courses of sermons on Eternal Truths.
Manuscript annotation: "Asked for 22nd instead, in case I had to go to Plymouth for Bishop's Jubilee on the 20th. Asked for statistics form to be filled in, as owing to Fr Thompson's death it was not done. Enclosed a 1925 copy as a guide. Ap 9/27."
Letter accompanying his signed Profession of Faith. Arrived last evening and looking forward to working in the diocese and the bracing air of Yarmouth should keep him very fit.
Manuscript annotations: "Ans. Hope to make your acquaintance soon. Very keen on good relations between Clergy, [?] & reg. in this Diocese. It is our boast! Wd. not be best for your Nuns to have as Extraordinary one who had always doing business with them? Fr Thompson RIP acted for them, but I did not care for this [?]. Feb 12/27"
Circumstances of Fr Thompson's death. He had had 3 or 4 heart attacks earlier in the month. Yesterday he was about to say Mass and had a severe heart attack. Rallied sufficiently to sit in his room and Fr Riley & Fr Daly chatted to him. In the morning he was found to have passed away. Funeral on Monday January 3rd with Mass at 11am.
Riley, John Rev SJ ( -1935)Confirming arrangements for Passion Sunday. Reporting on the great esteem in which Fr Thompson was held in the area. Everyone has been singing his praises. Only now realising what a great influencer he was in breaking down prejudices among outsiders.
Riley, John Rev SJ ( -1935)Explains why he has not sent his pagella to the Bishop - Fr Thompson said hat he'd got the faculty for Fr Riley from the Bishop. Requests duplication faculties for the mission.
Manuscript annotations: "Sent pagella & duplication faculty July 25/28 "
Telegram sent at 10.00am on 31 December 1926 from Great Yarmouth and received at 10.30am. in Northampton: "Bishop Bishop House Npton Father Thompson died suddenly heart Riley"
Riley, John Rev SJ ( -1935)Fr Ryan, PP at Borrisleigh, has written providing background information about the Shanahans.
Ryan, P W RevJ T Oakleigh asking that enclosure be passed to Private Walding RAMC, unknown regimental address. Thanks priest for the good he does in Gt Yarmouth through the club-room behind the church.
Parishioner