One of the first enquiries for the year was from someone wanting information on a relative and wondering if we have any information on his career. As well as checking our ‘Priest’ reference cards and photographs I went through the listings we have for Bishop Liston. In his file of correspondence with priests (LIS 142) I came across two telegrams that caught my eye.
The significance of these telegrams is clear in the date (September 1939) and the subsequent letter on the file.
“Hence, my Lord, the uncertainty of events in Italy, the likewise uncertainty of the duration of the war, and no definite instructions were the main factors which caused me to inform your Lordship of the probability of having to leave Italy.”
You can read the full letter below.
Leo Downey went on to be ordained and served the Auckland Diocese
Great to read this. I remember him but never met him. Only later did I learn that his sister was married to my great uncle.