Loreto 1916

April 24th Easter Monday Two of our young workmen James Waddoch & Tom Corbally went off early simply leaving a message in the yard to the effect that they were obliged to obey orders & go. We little knew the signifigance of this. We heard afterwards that when first order was given them to go, they did not obey but a couple of hours later on reception of a sealed envelope both left.

At 12.30 p.pm Mother General went to town to pay a short visit to each of our Convents, half an hour after this, most astounding news came through telephone - an insurrection in Dublin, Post Office taken by Sinn Feiners, who had hoisted Irish Republican flag over it. Stephen's Green, Jacob's Factory, College of Surgeons also taken possession of. Mother General 'phoned to say she was returning immediately, the cab man drove them home a round-about way, and to our joy she arrived safely, a little after 2.30 p.m. Nuns who were spending the day here could not return to town - they were

kept for 10 days - and then a permit had to be got for them before they could enter the city. Meanwhile, reports of all kinds flew round. The woman in charge of Telephone at Ballyboden (Centre for this) rang up every time she had any startling news & gave it - and indeed some the items she told were very frighteneing, - before long were heard the whole city was occupied, & the looting of all the big establishments in O'Connell Street began. Mother Provicial got on phone to Stephen's Green, news confirmed that Park was occupied, trenches had been dug by Sinn Feiners. No police or Military about till late in the day.

25.th Tuesday.

Mother General made arrangements that day with our Baker, Ch.s Laudy for bread & in case he was unable to bake to supply us with sacks of flour. Mr. Nugent (of the Irish Creamery, Dublin) that same evening brought eggs and butter - he was most kind bringing supplies to all our Convents in town

of their strong holds would make a rush for the mountains & in that case might visit us for food and shelter.)

29th Saturday.

Chaplain and all who came took a most gloomy view of all this dreadful business. Dublin threatened with famine - the better classes as much as the poor were almost starving. The looting in City was very bad. In the evening, telephone rang up & gave news that G.P.O. had surrendered, & we thought all was over - the firing however continued all night.

30th Sunday

We heart that the College of Surgeons & Jacob's Factory would not surrender. It was announced after Mass that if they did not surrender that every inhabitant of Stephen's Green & neighbourhood would have to leave. They were then given a short notice & alas told in what order they were to depart - women & children first Permit for nuns from George's St & Green had been obtained from Dublin Castle

by a kind friend. The poor nuns in Green were in a very anxious state for some hours - lest they should have to leave, & in that case not knowing in what state they would find the Convent on their return.

Mother General g[ot] on to George's St & Stephen's Green by telephone - this was an immense relief to her - to be able to speak to the nuns even for a minute or two & then to hear that all were well.

Firing continued all day - towards eve. our suspense was ended by hearing Jacob's Factory & College of Surgeons had surrendered & our Convents on Green which had been in great danger were safe.

During all the week the children were wonderfully good. Musical exams went on, & classes as usual.

Sunday 7th May.

Mother General went to town to visit the nuns in the 3 houses who had gone through so much - taking the 5