Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886

Monday August 1st. I rose this morning at the usual hour. I heard Confessions from 7 to 8, when I prepared to celebrate Mass. At 9 I took breakfast. Business, study and answering letters occupied me from 10 to 1. I took a walk immediately after - returning to the presbytery a little before 3. I read and wrote until near dinner hour. At 6.30 I assisted at night prayers, after which I heard Confessions. Retired to rest a little after 10.

Tuesday August 2nd. I heard Confessions this morning from 7 to 8, after which I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. I breakfasted at 9. From 10 to 1 study, writing letters and transacting business engaged my attention. I visited a few of the schools between 1 and 3. The time preceding dinner - that is, from 3 to 5 - I employed in reading the Divine Office and study. At 6.30 I assisted at night prayers, after which I heard Confessions. Retired to bed at 10.

Wednesday August 3rd. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 8. At 10 I left for Heidelberg, where I commenced the spiritual exercises for the Jubilee. The people attended very well. At the post-Communion I gave a short instruction. The hours observed here for hearing Confessions - the celebration of Mass - night prayers and instruction are the same as were observed at the other stations. The Clergyman charged with the care of this mission is a native of France. In the evening immediately after prayers I again spoke to the people on the importance of preparing through penance to receive the grace offered them by the Jubilee. A great many - nearly all present - went to Confession. It was 8 when we left the temporary Chapel to return to the presbytery situated a mile and a half from the township. I retired to rest about 10.

Thursday August 4th. I rose this morning a little after 6. I proceeded at once to the Chapel - we heard confessions until 9, when I prepared to celebrate Mass. The resident Clergyman offered up the Holy Sacrifice immediately after me. I instructed the people at this Mass. The Chapel was crowded. We did not breakfast until 11, having to walk to the Clergyman's residence. It was 12 when we again returned to the Chapel to hear Confessions. The people patiently waited our return. By 3 we finished their Confessions. At 4 we dined. Returned to the Chapel at 6 - had night prayers, after which the resident pastor delivered a short discourse - his inaccurate pronunciation here and there changed the sense and meaning. We heard Confessions until 8, when we returned home.

Friday August 5th. I heard Confessions and celebrated Mass this morning at the appointed time. I gave instruction at the second Mass. From 11 to 3 heard Confessions and instructed the children who were preparing for Confirmation. At 4 we dined. Evening prayers and instruction at 6, after which Confessions were heard. Retired to rest at 10.

Saturday August 6th. Feast of the Transfiguration and the 5th Anniversary of my Confirmation [Consecration]. I returned to Melbourne this morning and celebrated Mass in St Francis' Church. Study and Confessions occupied me during the day. We dined at the usual hour. At 7 I went to the Confessional and remained there until 9. At 11 I retired to rest.

Sunday August 7th. I rose this morning at a little after 6. I proceeded to Heidelberg. I heard Confessions until 11, when I offered up the Holy Sacrifice and gave Holy Communion to a hundred and twenty persons. After Mass I instructed the people and administered Confirmation to about forty persons - children and adults. It was after 12 when I had concluded. The Clergyman in attendance offered up the Holy Sacrifice immediately after I had done. I assisted at his Mass. The congregation at the two Masses was very large. There were a great many Protestants present.

I returned to Melbourne a little after 4. And here one of the troubles of the Episcopacy awaited me. On my study [desk?] was an offensive letter from one of the clergy, who objected to divide - as directed by me - money obtained in his name from the Treasury with another priest whose claim to an equal share of remuneration was established on the just plea of having performed an equal amount of missionary duty with the other.

I noticed the offensive style of the letter in the manner most suited to my position and his. He disclaimed all intention of being disrespectful and offensive. I returned him his letter. I assured him that I would not oppose any obstacle to his leaving the Diocese as he threatened - though I reminded him that I acceded to his earnest and pressing solicitation to be engaged on the mission on the sole condition of his remaining. However, on his refunding the money advanced for his passage out, I would not object to his leaving. With this our conversation concluded.

I dined alone this evening. At 7 I assisted at Vespers and Benediction - the usual lecture was delivered after Vespers. I retired to rest at 11.

Monday August 8th. I heard Confessions from 7 to 8 this morning. At 8 I offered up the Holy Mysteries.

I had another long conversation with Dr Geoghegan concerning his wish to take charge of a mission in the Country. I adhered to my former decision. He evidently feels disposed to give trouble and annoyance. I bore patiently whatever was offensive in his remarks in consideration of his unhappy temper - which is beyond his control. I am afraid he will endeavour to create a party amongst the laity - however, I am prepared to counteract any unscrupulous intrigue he may engage in against the interests of the mission. He has already succeeded in advising one of our few missionaries to resign.

From 12 to 1 I transacted business and received those poor people who are crowding to our shores - to whom I have given advice and, where I could, assistance. I visited schools at St Patricks - and attended the examination held in the schools at Newtown. The latter was most satisfactory. In distributing the premiums I addressed a few words to the children. It was near dinner time when I returned to the presbytery. I assisted at night prayers in the church, after which I heard Confessions. Retired to rest at 10.

Wednesday August 10th. I rose this morning at the usual hour, I heard Confessions from 7 to 8. At 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. At 10 I proceeded to Richmond where the Clergyman expected me, in order to go with him to Elgar's Special Survey where there is a large Catholic population and conduct the Spiritual exercises of the Jubilee. We reached the little chapel about 11. The people had assembled there from an early hour. The weather is clear, calm and bright. It is one of those lovely days so frequent in our Spring. The Holy Sacrifice was offered up by the clergyman in charge of the district. At the post-Communion I gave instruction to the people explanatory of the Jubilee, concluding with an exhortation to a strict compliance with the conditions prescribed by the Holy Father. The congregation considerably exceeded a hundred. The temporary chapel, which on other occasions is used as a school, is a very durable wooden structure. It is however neatly fitted up. The Sanctuary shows care and attention.

We heard Confessions from 11 to 1. At 2 I gave instruction to the children in the Catechism, after which their Confessions were heard. We dined at 3. From 4 to 5 I was engaged reading the Divine Office and preparing for the instruction of the people. Night prayers and instruction were given at 5. This has considerably increased since yesterday. We heard Confessions at the conclusion of night prayers. I retired to rest at 10. The weather is surprisingly fine for the season.

Thursday August 11th. Two Masses were celebrated at 8 and 9 this morning. I preached to the people at the Mass which I said at 9. Confessions and instructions to the children were given at the appointed hours. In the evening the same order was observed as yesterday. The people are most regular in their attendance. I retired to rest a little before 10.

Friday August 12th. The same duties engaged our time and attention today as yesterday. I received letters, to some of which I had to give an immediate answer.

In the evening, prayers, instruction and Confessions as agreed upon. At 10 I retired to rest. The weather continues most favourable.

Saturday August 13th. We were engaged soon after the celebration of Mass, until 12, hearing Confessions. At 1 o'clock I returned to Melbourne. Business connected with the general interests of the Diocese occupied a great part of the afternoon.

The Divine Office, a preparation for tomorrow's instructions to the people and Confessions filled the remainder of my time until 10, when I retired to rest.

Sunday August 14th. I proceeded this morning to the Elgar's Survey, in order to close the Jubilee. The people were already assembled at the little chapel. I think they could not have numbered less than three hundred. At 11 I commenced Mass. About 120, mostly adults, men and women received the Holy Communion. Mass concluded, I gave instruction to the people on the nature of the blessings they had reason to hope they had received, by having worthily complied with the conditions of the Jubilee with best means of improving and preserving them and I concluded with a few remarks explanatory of the Sacrament of Confirmation I was about to administer. I confirmed, adults and children, 40 persons.

The religious duties fulfilled, I next held a meeting for the purpose of establishing a branch of the Catholic Association in this part of the Mission.

In the course of my remarks on the end and aim of the Association, I particularly dwelt on the number of zealous good Missionaries procured for the Diocese through the aid afforded me by its funds. The people were so convinced of the claims of the Association on their means that they contributed on the spot £120, an earnest assurance of their determination to be monthly contributors to its funds. This is the largest amount collected for this purpose at the meetings held in the Missions outside of Melbourne.

It was 2 when I took breakfast. I arrived in Melbourne about 4. The day was very fine. I attended Vespers at 6.30 in St Francis' Church. After Vespers, a Sermon was preached by one of the resident clergymen. It was 11 when I retired to rest.

Monday August 15th. The morning is cloudy and threatens rain. I heard Confessions until 9. The congregations at the several Masses were very numerous. At 9 the clouds began to disappear, allowing the sun to appear, with the promise of better weather. At 11 I commenced the Pontifical High Mass. It was concluded by 12. From 1 to 3 I read and wrote alternately. At 3 I took a short walk. From 4 to 5 the divine office and reading occupied my attention. We dined at 5. Night prayers at the usual [hour], after which I heard Confessions. I retired to rest at 9.

Tuesday August 16th. I heard Confessions this morning at the usual time. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8. Business and answering letters occupied [me] from 10 to 1. I also had to receive many visits from persons lately arrived in the Colony during the morning. At 1 I visited several of the schools, giving a short Catechetical instruction to the children. I walked out to Richmond for the purpose of establishing a school for girls, to be placed under the direction of pious Catholic ladies lately arrived from Ireland. It was late when I returned to the presbytery. I dined at 5. At 6 I assisted at night prayers, after which I heard Confessions. I retired to rest a little after 10.

Wednesday August 17th. I arrived in Pentridge this morning a little after 9. Owing to a misunderstanding on the part of the resident, the people were not in attendance. Having opened the Jubilee with the celebration of the most Holy Mysteries, I charged the children and few adults present to communicate the order of the spiritual exercises to be observed during the Jubilee. At 2 the children were again assembled. I instructed for Confirmation and Confession. At 5 we had a large congregation. I gave instructions after prayers, and concluded the sacred duties with hearing Confessions. It was 10 when I retired to rest. The day though cloudless was windy and cold.

Thursday August 18th. There were but few at 8 o'clock Mass. The morning is cold and threatening. At 9 Mass we had a large congregation. Instruction was given at the post-Communion. From 11 to 1 we heard Confessions. The people are beginning to enter into the spirit of the devotions and seem anxious to gain the Jubilee.

When not engaged in Missionary duties, I occupied myself in writing and reading the divine office alternately. In the evening I said the night prayers and gave the instructions. The congregation was more numerous than the previous night. Our temporary chapel accommodated but a small number. The instruction concluded, we heard Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.

Friday August 19th. The morning is fine, but cold and breezy. At 8 first Mass was celebrated at which I assisted. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 9. Our little chapel was crowded. At the post-communion the people received suitable instruction. We commenced to hear Confessions at 10 and continued so employed until near 1. The people are well disposed and most anxious to gain the Jubilee. At 1 o'clock I visited the prisoners in the stockade close by, for whom I read prayers, after which I gave them instruction, and concluded with the Litany of Our Blessed Lady

I met the children in the temporary chapel at 2 and gave them Catechetical instruction. We admitted them afterwards to Confession. In the evening at 5, the people again assembled and joined in night prayers, after which I addressed a few words of instruction to them. The service for the night concluded, we heard Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.

Saturday August 20th. I heard Confessions this morning at an early hour. I resumed the duty again at 9, when I had made my breakfast. It was 1 when I concluded the Confessions of the people. At 2 I returned to Melbourne. The Divine Office, study and the duties of the Confessional filled up the remaining hours of the day and evening. Soon after I returned to the house after concluding my duties in the church, Dr. G[eoghegan] asked an interview, which I immediately granted. He complained of being appointed to discharge the extern duties during the following week. I said in reply that he should share with the other clergy the heavy and increased labour of the Mission. He spoke of entering a protest against the rule, but I asked him to give it to me in writing, which he refused to do. I then positively commanded obedience to the rule established. His salary is higher than what is allowed the other priests, and his share of the emoluments equal to theirs, though he discharged none of the duties. He has been literally doing nothing in comparison to the labour gone through by the other Missionaries. His manner is most disrespectful, but we must for the present put up with it. I retired to rest at 10.

Sunday August 21st. I rose this morning at 6.30. Having said a portion of prayers and preparation for Mass I proceeded to Pentridge. I arrived there about 8. The people were already in attendance. I heard Confessions until 11. I then offered up the Holy Sacrifice, after which I gave instruction to the people previous to the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. I confirmed twenty-six persons, adults and children. The Holy Communion was given to a hundred and twenty persons. We had a meeting after we concluded the sacred rites, at which we collected for the funds of the Catholic Association, twenty pounds.

At 3 I took breakfast and returned to Melbourne. Dinner at the usual hour. At 7 Solemn Vespers and Benediction, after which I presided at the monthly meeting of the Catholic Association. The meeting was well attended. The large hall of St Francis was crowded. The collection made at the meeting was £60. The amount received within the month and since the last meeting exceeded £600. I retired to rest at 11.

Monday August 22nd. Octave day of the Assumption. I rose at the usual hour this morning. I heard Confessions from 7 until 8. I read the divine office and made preparation for the celebration of Mass. At 9 I said Mass. From 10 to 1 I was engaged in answering letters and receiving visits on business. I visited the Public Schools from 2 to 3. I studied from 3 to 5. Dined at 5. I attended in the church at 7 to join in night prayers and hear Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.

Tuesday August 23rd. I rose this morning a little after 6 and went to the Confessional soon after the clock struck 7 and remained there hearing Confessions and at intervals reading portions of the Divine Office. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Breakfasted at 9. I transacted business from 10 to 1 and paid a visit to two of the Public Schools. I wrote and read alternately from 3 to 5. At 5 dinner. Night prayers at 7 and Confessions immediately after. Retired to rest at 10.

Wednesday August 24th. I rose this morning at an early hour and proceeded to Pentridge en route to the Kingston School - which is situated on the Plenty road. I said Mass at the latter place at 11. The people met me after Mass and contributed the amount due on the school house. This humble building is erected on a piece of land (an acre in extent) presented to the Church by one of the congregation.

A misunderstanding existed between the teacher and the grantee, which I trust is now removed for ever. The grantee, as an assurance of the sincerity of his disposition to conciliate, promised to send his children to the school - from which he had withdrawn them some days before.

The teacher is a man of bad temper and the other is equally as impetuous. It was 2.30 when I took my breakfast in a neighbouring house. I returned to Melbourne a little after 4. At 5 we dined. Night prayers and Confessions at the usual time. At 9.30 I retired to rest.

Thursday 25th August. I rose at 6 this morning. Having dressed and said my prayers, I at once set out for Epping, a settlement 11 miles from Melbourne. The road being in very bad repair our progress was slow. However we reached the place earlier than expected.

The people mustered strong. I was surprised to see so large a congregation assembled. The temporary Chapel occupies the best site in the township and commands a splendid view of the surrounding landscape, which is one of surpassing beauty.

Having heard a few Confessions I assisted at Mass, which was celebrated by the clergyman in charge of the district. At the post-Communion I addressed the people, taking my text from the Gospel of the day. The divine service concluded, I held a meeting at which I received very liberal contributions towards the completion of the temporary Chapel, and the funds of the Catholic Association. It was 3.30 when all was concluded. It was 8 when I returned to Melbourne, tired and hungry. At 9.30 I retired to rest.

Friday August 26th. I rose this morning a little later than usual. I heard Confessions and was otherwise employed from 7.30 till 9, when I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. At 11 I rode out to Richmond in order to point out to the resident clergyman the site for the school about to be erected there. I returned to Melbourne about 3. I wrote and studied alternately until the hour for dinner. At 7 I assisted at night prayers in the church, after which I heard Confessions. I retired to rest at 9.

Saturday August 27th. I rose this morning at the usual hour. I went into the church soon after 7 and heard Confessions until 8. At 8 I said Mass. From 10 to 12 I transacted business, at intervals, answering letters and receiving visits. From 12 to 4.30 I was engaged in the church hearing the Confessions of such as presented themselves. The half-hour previous to 5 I gave to recreation. At 7 I went to the church again, to remain there hearing Confessions until 9. Retired to rest at 10, or a little after 10.

Sunday August 28th. Feast of St. Augustine. It was after 6 when I rose this morning. At a quarter past 7 I went to the church and heard Confessions until 9.30. Having to sing High Mass, I employed the interval in preparation for it. At 11 I proceeded to the church and commenced immediately the Solemn Service. It was 1 before I concluded. The church was crowded, a large number could not gain admission. After breakfast I walked in the verandah for a short time.

Dr Geoghegan spoke to me this morning on the old subject of his removal to some neighbouring Mission, but I told him I would not think of it. His present position I said I would make as suitable to his tastes and habits as was consistent with duty. After this I retired to my room and employed myself in writing for a short time. At 3 I attended the Catechetical instruction given in the church to the children. I read and wrote at intervals from 4 to 5. Dined at 5. At 7 I gave out solemn Vespers, after which a panegyric was pronounced on St Augustine by the Revd. Mr Hayes. When he had concluded I gave a solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament The congregation filled the church. It was 11 when I retired to rest.

Monday August 29th. I heard Confessions this morning from 7 to 8, when I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. From 10 to 11.30 I was engaged in answering letters. At 11.30 I visited four of the public schools and had the children examined in the Christian Doctrine: the answering was satisfactory. Their reading and writing speak much for the diligence of the teachers. It was 1.30 when [I ended] my visit to the schools. I next *         * building we are *           * [Corner torn from original] and schools. It was 4 when [I returned] to the Presbytery. From 4 to 5.30 [I was engaged] in reading the Divine Office and writing. At 5 we dined. Night prayers at 7, after which I heard a few Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.

Tuesday August 30th. I attended this morning at the usual hour in the Confessional. I celebrated Mass at 8. I wrote and received visits from 10 to 12. I paid a visit to St Patrick's school. On my return to the Presbytery I learned that a number of Catholics came to Pentridge from the Monastery in the expectation of meeting me on my way thither. This piece of information surprised me not a little, as I had not promised to stop at the Monastery that evening, but at Pentridge. However *              *[Reverse of corner torn from original] appointment, I took a hasty *             * proceeded to Pentridge, where [ ] horsemen were expecting me. [Spent a] short time at this place. We *          * Monastery at 5. A large bell which the resident clergyman lately purchased announced in loud and pleasing peals our near approach. We proceeded at once to the Chapel, and having said the Litany of the Blessed Virgin, I explained the conditions of the Jubilee and made known the order of the spiritual exercises to be observed until Sunday. The number present was small. In the evening at 5, the few Catholics in the neighbourhood assembled in the little chapel and joined in night prayers, after which I gave them a short lecture on penance. At 9 or a little after I retired to rest.

Wednesday August 31st. I rose this morning a little after 6. Having recited the Divine Office and performed my usual morning devotions, I assisted at Mass, which was celebrated by a clergyman from Melbourne. At 9 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice, at which I gave instruction. From 11 to 1 we were engaged in hearing the Confessions of the people in attendance.

At 2 I gave Catechetical instruction to the children who were preparing for Confirmation. The Catholics assembled again at 5 for night prayers where I gave instructions, Confessions immediately after. At 9 I retired to rest.

Thursday September 1st 1853. The order of Spiritual exercises and duty was the same as yesterday. Nothing unusual occurred. The weather is fine, and the Catholics are most regular in their attendance at the several devotions.

Friday September 2nd. Masses were celebrated at 8 and 9 as usual. Confessions and instructions as on Wednesday. Night prayers and lecture at 5, after which we heard Confessions. At 9 I retired to rest.

Saturday September 3rd. The same duties as yesterday. The weather is showery and cold. We concluded our duties at an early hour this evening. More persons attended today than on any of the previous days. I retired to rest a little after 10.

Sunday September 4th. I rose this morning a little after 7. Having performed my usual morning devotions and said a portion of the Divine office I heard Confessions until 9 when I assisted at Mass. About thirty persons approached the Holy Communion. At 11 o'clock I offered up the Holy Sacrifice in the presence of a large Congregation. At the post-communion I delivered a short lecture on the Gospel of the day. The Holy Mysteries concluded, I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 20 persons, children and adults of both sexes.

The weather was most unfavourable, wet and squalls. At 1.30 I took breakfast, after which I proceeded to Melbourne, where I arrived about 3. At 5 I dined. Vespers, lecture and Benediction of the Most Holy Sacrament concluded the sacred duties of the day. It was 10 when I retired to rest.

Monday September 5th. I rose this morning a little later than usual. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Breakfasted at 9. From 11 to 12 I received visits and transacted business. I studied from 1 to 2. At 2 I took a walk, during which I visited two of the Public Schools. I returned to the Presbytery about 3. I read my office soon after I returned. The divine office said, I read and wrote alternately until 5. At 5, dinner. Study and prayers concluded the duties of the evening. At 10 I retired to rest.

Tuesday September 6th. I rose at the usual hour this morning. At 7 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. From 8.30 to 10 I heard Confessions. Nothing but the usual routine of business and study, together with the sacred obligation of my office, engaged my attention today. I took a short walk at 3. The evening was occupied as yesterday evening. Retired to rest at 10.

Wednesday September 7th. I offered up the Holy Mysteries this morning at the usual hour. At 9 I proceeded to Brighton, in order to give the Catholics resident an opportunity of gaining the Jubilee. The people were already assembled.

After Mass I explained to them, in a short address, the rule of Spiritual retreat to be observed, during the few days the Jubilee would continue in force amongst them. The same order of Spiritual exercises, hearing Confessions, celebrating the divine mysteries and catechising the children was observed here as elsewhere.

The evening prayers and lecture were well attended, though many of the congregation had to walk a great distance over bad roads to the temporary chapel. It was 8 when we returned to the presbytery, which [is] situated about 2 miles from the chapel. At 10 I retired to rest.

Thursday September 8th. I rose this morning a little after 6 and, having finished in part my morning devotions, I set out for the chapel. The people were already there, though the weather was wet, cold and stormy. I heard Confessions previous to the celebration of Mass.

At 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. The resident Pastor said Mass immediately after. At the post-communion he gave an exhortation to the people. At 10 we took breakfast, after which we returned to the chapel, where we remained hearing Confessions and giving instruction to the children until 3. We left for the Presbytery at 3. At 4 we had dinner. At 5.30 we returned to the Chapel. The people were there before us. We said night prayers after which I gave them a lecture. We heard Confessions until 8. At 10 I retired to rest.

Friday September 9th. The morning, mid-day and afternoon were occupied without any alteration as on the 8th. On our return in the evening to the Presbytery, the clergyman who was driving the gig, owing to the darkness of the night, drove over a stump and was thrown out; he was not hurt. I retired to rest at the usual hour.

Saturday September 10th. Mass and lecture at 8. Confessions were very numerous during the day. Thank God, the people have, with few - I would say only two or three - exceptions, complied with the obligations of the Holy time of Jubilee.

It was late when we got home this evening. I returned to Melbourne in a heavy storm of wind and rain, where I heard Confessions until 9.30. At 10 I retired to rest.

Sunday September 11th. I rose this morning a little before 6 and having performed my usual devotions I proceeded to Brighton. The resident clergyman had not returned from Prahran where he went to celebrate Mass. I heard Confessions until 11. At 11 I offered up the Most Holy Sacrifice and instructed the people. I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 50 persons, children and adults.

When all was concluded a few dissatisfied members of the Congregation asked an interview, which I granted. They unreasonably objected to the site for the clergyman['s house] which I had already approved.

As their demeanour was disrespectful, I dismissed them with a mild reproof. This factious opposition is mainly attributable to the indiscretion of the clergyman in allowing the money subscribed towards the erection of a presbytery to be lodged in the hands of one of themselves, and he the most negligent in the practice of his religion, though I had positively forbade him to place church moneys in the keeping of a lay-treasurer. It was 3 when I breakfasted. I returned to Melbourne at 4.30. Dined at 5. At 7 I assisted at Vespers, after which we had a sermon and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament I retired to rest about 10.

Monday September 12th. Rose at the usual hour, performed my morning devotions and offered up the Holy Sacrifice. From 8 to 9 I heard Confessions. I attended to business and Government correspondence from 10 to 1. Study and private correspondence occupied me from 1 to 3. I took a short walk at 3. From four to five reading. At 5 dinner. Evening prayers and lecture in the church at 7, after which I attended in the Confessional until 9. Retired to rest at 10.

Tuesday September 13th. Duties religious and secular as yesterday. In the evening I assisted at night prayers, after which I heard Confessions. Retired to rest at the usual time.

Wednesday September 14th. No deviation took place from the order of my daily occupations.

At 10 I attended a meeting of the Council of the University. No business of importance was transacted. The evening was disposed of in the usual attendance in the church.

Thursday September 15th. Nothing particular has occurred to interrupt the usual course of duties. The weather is wet and cold.

Friday September 16th. The same order of duties, religious and secular, which engaged my attention yesterday occupied it today, with trifling and unimportant deviations therefrom.

Saturday September 17th. I rose this morning a little after 6 and having made the necessary preparation I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 7.30. After breakfast I applied myself to writing and study until 11. From 12 to 5 with occasional interruptions I heard Confessions.

I also availed myself of the unoccupied time to make a preparation for the instruction I generally give the people at the Mass I celebrated on Sundays in St Francis Church. In the evening I heard Confessions from 8 to 9.30. I retired to rest a little after 10.

[Section of the original missing: apparently one or two fascicules. Ed.]

Tuesday October 25th. I rose this morning about 5.30. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 6.30. At 8 I proceeded on my journey overland to Geelong whence I purpose going to Warrnambool via Colac on Monday next. The day was pleasant, a strong breeze blew off the sea, which moderated the intense heat which prevails at this time. We reached Geelong about 5, having delayed for lunch at the Werribee. At 7 I assisted at night prayers in the church. I retired to rest soon after 9.

Wednesday October 26th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 9. At 11 [I] visited the schools at Mount Moriac, which is situated about 25 miles from Geelong. I examined the children of one school in their Catechism, and found their proficiency tolerable. When we arrived at the other school the children had been dismissed, it being the hour for breaking up. It was 6.30 when I returned to Geelong. Feeling somewhat fatigued, I retired to rest earlier than usual.

Thursday October 27th. I celebrated the Holy Mysteries at 9 this morning. At 12 I visited the school at Point Henry. [I] was very pleased with the manner in which it is conducted. I returned to Geelong at 4. Dined at 5. At 7 I attended night prayers, and at 10 retired to rest.

Friday October 28th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at the same hour. After breakfast I read and wrote until 11, when I visited the several schools in the town, examining the children in each. On my return I finished the Divine Office and devoted some time to study. The weather is cloudy and close. At 5 I dined.

After dinner I visited Mr Hayes patent stone factory in order to examine the floor made of the same material of which he makes his artificial sandstone. He was absent, but the person in charge of the place most kindly afforded me every opportunity of testing the durability of this kind of flooring. I think it will answer in our churches remarkably well. I returned to the Presbytery in time for night prayers. I read for a short time previous to retiring for the night.

Saturday October 29th. I heard Mass this morning at 8 after which I celebrated the Most Holy Mysteries. I devoted the entire day, exclusive of a few hours, to study. It was 10 when I retired to rest.

Sunday October 30th. It was late when I rose this morning, though awake from an early hour, this was owing to my having to celebrate Mass at 11. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice and preached at the post-communion.

After Mass I blessed the foundations of a new church, the present building being too small and insecure. I briefly explained the ceremony to the congregation, the largest assembled at any time in Geelong. The collection amounted to four hundred pounds. Several promises of liberal contributions were also made. It was 2 when I took breakfast. During the evening I read and wrote alternately. At 10 I retired to rest.

Monday October 31st. I rose this morning at 5.30. I proceeded on my journey to the Northern Districts at 7. It was 9.30 when we reached Mount Moriac: here my delay was but short. I reached the Barwon about 11. The resident clergyman at Colac met me here.

After a half hour's delay we resumed our journey to Colac, where we arrived about 6. A number of the people on horseback met us when we were 7 miles from the town. The weather was most favourable - a cool sea breeze moderated the heat of the sun, which appeared in a partially clouded sky. We dined on fish, it being the Vigil of All Saints. I read for some time before I retired to rest.