Family correspondence, 1939-97

Component identifier:

Series 1

Content Summary:

This series comprises correspondence between Molony and his immediate and extended family. There are letters from his parents, brother Brian and sister Margaret, his wife Denise, his children Damien, Michael, Leah and Justine, his aunts and his parents-in-law. There is also a collection of letters written by his aunt, Sister Mary Loyola, a Catholic nun, to both Molony and members of the family.

In 1945, Molony entered the Seminary at Corpus Christi College, Werribee, to train for the priesthood. In 1947, he travelled to Rome to undertake further studies and did not return to Australia until 1954. Included are the many letters Molony wrote to his parents during his time overseas. They contain much detail about his life during this time, as well as expressing many of his thoughts and ideas.

In 1964, Molony decided to leave the priesthood and marry. This was a difficult decision and one which was not supported by either the church or his family. The distress caused to both himself and his family by this decision is reflected in the correspondence of this time. In 1969, Molony and his wife appeared on a program of the ABC-TV documentary series Chequer Board. Correspondence received from extended family and friends after the program was aired expresses overwhelming support for them and a better understanding of what they had experienced.

Immediate source of acquisition:

The bulk of the papers were acquired from John Molony in 1998, under the Taxation Incentives for the Arts Scheme (TIAS). Three earlier small consignments were received from Molony - two donated in 1981 and 1985 and one acquired under the TIAS in 1989.

Names:

John Molony

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