The Vatican Pimpernel Read Online Free Page B

work. Particularly noteworthy are his humility, a gentle nature, care and concern for others (most particularly his parents), the strength of his vocation, a sense of humour and a willingness to help anyone – whether relative, friend or distant acquaintance – who might be visiting Rome. In addition of course he kept his family up to date on his developing career and was always anxious to hear news of home. For example, he wrote to his sister in July 1925 regarding his success in the examination for the Licentiate in Theology (L. S. T.):
    I just ‘flucked’ [fluked] through and no more – the narrowest shave I ever had … I was fortunate to slip through … I went in for the exam in the evening … with a cold perspiration all over because five went in that morning and only one got through the ordeal with success! Even the two Irishmen before me fell and here was I the sole hope of old Ireland and Mungret going in to try and lift the flag from the dust. Four professors were before me but only three can examine. For the first two I did splendid thanks to the prayers of many friends and St Theresa. But the third went well for half time and he glued me to the chair with rockers and the others helped him to crush and reduce the points which were mine in the beginning … However, they gave me the Degree and I have it. 1
    He contrasts his success in the Degree examination and the consequent entitlement he now had to place three letters after his name with the importance of his vocation:
    But there are also three letters before Hugh! ‘Rev’ after July 12 th . It was a great day and as usual when I am happy and the Lord showers blessings on me, then instead of laughing and thanking Him I cry, which of course is mother’s weakness. 2
    He then advises his sister that he was thinking of going on for a Doctorate in Theology.
    Though it seems an impossible thing … Father H. J. is nicer than Doctor H. J. so what was I to do. The Rector decided the question without knowing it. I was taken from my own fellows and made Prefect of twenty-seven of the liveliest wires in the house and so busy that I have not seen any of the papers Chris sent. 3
    The Rector he refers to is Monsignor Torquato Dini who was to prove a very valuable friend and mentor to the young Irishman over the next decade or so. He had obviously seen great potential in O’Flaherty and, as we can see from the letter, promoted him to work in the College as soon as he qualified and encouraged him to complete his further studies. During the next few years, O’Flaherty secured three Doctorates – in Divinity, Philosophy and Canon Law – and was promoted to the rank of Monsignor. Such a promotion so early in his career (he was, after all, still in his early thirties) underlines the high regard in which he was held in the Vatican.
    Of course the Bishop in Cape Town, Dr O’Reilly, was anxious to secure the services of the priest his diocese had sponsored. In December of 1926 O’Flaherty reports back to his parents:
    The Rector told me he had a great struggle with the Bishop and who would blame the poor man; he has only thirty-three priests for such a big place. 4
    The following year he wrote directly to the Bishop confirming that he was available:
    Last June I was ready to leave and had my work rushed in order to prepare for my journey to the Cape but the Cardinal Prefect told me I was to stay longer and he intended to write and let you know. Monsignor Dini also told me it was necessary to stay a little longer and when I said you needed priests he replied that he would compensate my loss by giving you a place for another student next year. 5
    This sort of negotiation went on for a number of years. Monsignor Dini was in the strategic position of being able to assign places in the College for young students to various dioceses across the world. O’Flaherty reported back to his mother in May 1928 that although