Brian Condon: Letters and Documents in 19th Century Australian Catholic History

[Source: Adelaide Archdiocesan Archives copy]

We are sorry to learn that the Funds of the Catholic Chapel are at a low ebb, and that on that account it is probable the progress of the building may be greatly retarded. In the completion of this structure the inhabitants of the Colony are much more deeply interested than is commonly imagined.

Every friend to peace and good order, every liberal promoter of religion must feel desirous of contributing his mite when he considers how much the having a Catholic place of worship may influence the morals of a great portion of the Community, and prevent many evils to which unoccupied time and thoughts give rise.

It is not for us to investigate the merits of different persuasions; all conduce to the same end, all are equally meritorious in the eye and estimation of One. Bigotry and intolerance may shrink from giving aid to the funds of the Catholic Chapel merely because the Catholic Faith would be thereby promoted. But the enlightened mind looks far beyond such narrow views. The followers of this religion are exceedingly numerous in all parts of the Colony and have no means of keeping the Sabbath as a day of devotion. The Protestant Religion is well taken care of because it is the religion of the Land as by Law established. Its institutions are a national concern and in truth are nationally supported. But when we consider that by preserving the religion of the people, though that be the Catholic Religion, we preserve their morals, we should not startle at "outward forms" nor be unmindful of affording the Catholic the means of attending his sanctuary on Sunday.

There is for the most part a more general inclination among Catholics to visit their Churches than among protestants but the neglect of public worship in the former when it is voluntary, arises from a total estrangement of the mind from the bonds of religion. Separate a Catholic from his religious duties, and you weaken the force of his conscience and destroy his religious faith. It is of consequence, therefore, to give all possible furtherance, not only to the Catholic Chapel in Sydney, but to the performance of the Catholic worship in such parts of the Colony as are known to contain a great many Catholic Members of Society. There is every inducement for persons not to be sparing in their contributions, as through the liberality of the Government the Colonial Fund is pledged to double the sum raised by the Public.

The want of Catholic Seminaries is likely also to become a matter of much consequence here, and since the attention has been directed to the establishment of Protestant schools it would not be illaudable in the Government to second and promote the liberal views in this respect of the worthy Catholic Pastor. This gentleman contemplates the institution of a school at which might be educated both Protestant and Catholic children. Though he may not on account of the Statute be able to effect his object on the liberal scale suggested by his unprejudiced mind, we hope it will be supported as far as it can and not left entirely to his single efforts.