Father Lucchesi’s second story has nothing directly to do with our present subject [poltergeists in the West Indies], but it is curious, and I trust that I may be excused for quoting his letter to the end, if only as a further illustration of the writer’s attitude, so obviously free from any desire to exaggerate or improve the occasion. [Previously it has been said that Father Lucchesi was 79 in 1937].
“Another strange queer thing went on for years in a convent of Capuchin friars in Genoa, Italy, my birthplace. The convent St Barnaba, is apart on a hill; it is in great esteem and veneration by the people, on account of the strict observance and holiness of the generally old and selected monks who dwell in it, and their flourishing novitiate. However, a room, the guest room I think, was for many years haunted so that nobody could live or even sleep in it. Invisible beings were blowing out the light, pulling away the blankets, etc., etc., many of such annoying tricks without ever any real harm or injury.
All blessings, exorcisms, etc., proved useless. All the community and many others knew that. The probity and truthfulness of the Capuchins was above all suspicion. The people say that it is the work of the “folletti.” Folletti according to their theology are a kind of spirits, himps (sic), harmless but mischievous, who seem to be permitted or ordered to do such things for some reason or other.
So were things when I left, and since, I have had no more news, but I am writing and asking more information and details, as I was always a familiar friend of those Capuchins. If there will be anything interesting I will let you know.
Excuse my intruding on your precious time with these bagatelles. Asking the charity of your good prayers for the grace of a good death, Yours fraternally in Xt.,
John L. Lucchesi, S.J.
*The letter I need hardly say was written in English. I have only corrected one or two slips made by Father Lucchesi in typing it.
Herbert Thurston in This Month, August 1937.