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

Monday August lst. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. A little past 7.30 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford. Weather cold and wet. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Confessions and made my meditation. Busy in the office up to ll.30. Walked home. Read for a short time then wrote till l2.30. Read from l2.30 to 2.30. Recited Vespers and Compline and Matins for tomorrow. Dined with the Clergyman of St Kilda. Weather cold - windy and wet. Returned home soon after 7 - recited Lauds - read for better than an hour the life of St Francis - Assisi. Retired to my room about 9.30. Commenced my retreat. Night prayers - read the subject of tomorrow's meditation. To bed.

Tuesday August 2nd. Morning prayers. Heard Mass in College about 7 and again in St Patrick's at 7.30. Recited Hours. Meditation from 8 to 8.30. Spiritual reading till 9.30. Breakfast. Wrote for a short time. Spiritual reading from l0 to ll. Theology from ll to l2. Between l2 and l - visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. From 2 to quarter past 3 Spiritual reading from the Imitation and the Holy Scriptures with comments on the latter. After this Vespers and Compline. The office recited - I next read the life of St Stephen P[ope and] M[artyr], whose feast we this day celebrate. Engaged with Matins and Lauds for tomorrow until a quarter past 4. Dinner at 4.30. A half an hour's recreation. Read for some time. At 7 night prayers in the College Chapel. Spiritual reading till 9.30. About l0 to bed.

Wednesday August 3rd. Morning prayers. A little before 7 - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. At 7 heard Mass and recited Hours. At 7.30 attended Mass again in St Patrick's during which I read the English "prayers at Mass". Spiritual reading - subject the finding of the relics of St Stephen by A. Butler. At 9 or a little past - breakfast - but before breakfast read the 3 points of my meditation for this morning. Spiritual reading till l0. From 10 to 10.30 meditation. After l0.30 examination of conscience. Read a few chapters in the Imitation from a quarter past 11 until 12 - Theology from l2 to l. Then Spiritual reading - with some trifling interruptions on matters having reference to the College rules to be obeyed by the Ecclesiastical students - till 2. Then visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. Vespers and Compline - Spiritual reading till a quarter past 3. Then Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. At 4.30 dinner. At 6 as usual the Angelus. Spiritual reading till 7. Recreation till 7.30. Then night prayers in the College Chapel with the students and household. A short lecture on the lst commandment was read by the person who gave out the prayers. Said a few words to them on the necessity and advantage of prayer.

Spiritual reading till 9. A half an hour's recreation in conversation with the Vicar-General and another priest. Retired to my room about l0. Read over the points of tomorrow's meditation then a short prayer - to bed.

Thursday July 4th. Morning prayers. A short visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. At 7 attended Mass in the College Chapel - recited Hours - at 7.30 heard Mass in St Patrick's - read the prayers in the Garden of the Soul appointed for Mass. Spiritual reading - the life of St Dominic, whose feast the Church keeps today - till 9 - then breakfast. From 9.30 to l0 read the same life - commencing where I had previously stopped. From l0 to l0.30 meditation. Resumed the perusal of the life of St Dominic - which I finished a little before l2 - then read till 12 the life of St Francis which I had begun some time past. Angelus. Theology from l2 to l. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and our Blessed Mother Mary Mother of God. Approved of alterations or rather modifications of the rules for the observance of the Ecclesiastical students - shall keep a copy of them in my room. Spiritual Reading from a quarter before 2.

The Vicar-General interrupted me to communicate most painful matter - he said. Fr Sm[yth] of Rich[mond] told him that a layman heard from Fr F[inn] of Heid[elberg] that Fr Bl[easdale] was leading an immoral life! A Priest to communicate to a laic what he should have mentioned to me or the Vicar-General - but under no circumstances to the laity - has sinned grievously against religion and charity. I at once instructed the Vicar-General and the Dean of Geelong to institute a searching inquiry that the truth may be ascertained. May God have Mercy on us.

Resumed my spiritual reading and continued it till 3. Wrote a short address to the Clergy and Laity calling on them to give liberally to the collection for the Holy Father - St Peter's Pence. At 3.30 commenced Vespers and Compline - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. This duty engaged me till close on 4.30. Dinner. From 6 to 7 Spiritual reading - recreation till 7.30. Night prayers in the College Chapel with the students - after which a short lecture was read on the lst Commandment. Spiritual reading till 9. About 9.30 to my room - read over the points of Meditation for tomorrow - to bed.

Friday August 5th. Morning prayers - at 7 attended Mass in the College Chapel - recited Hours - after Mass made a short visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. At 7.30 or a little more heard Mass in St Patrick's - read the prayers at Mass from the Garden of the Soul. After this Spiritual reading till 9 then breakfast - meditation from 9.30 to l0.

Examen of conscience - resolutions renewed and new ones formed. Early rising - Angelus when bell rings - morning prayers - Mass when able to celebrate - will hear Mass after celebrating when possible. Will when in Melbourne attend every morning and evening in the confessional and night prayers in St Patrick's or the College Chapel. Visit daily to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. Each day if able I will visit a school when in Melbourne or in the neighbourhood of one when in [the] country. I will frequently during each day renew my sorrow for my sins and make an offering of my whole life to God. I will with the help of divine grace strive to correct my faults and bear with the imperfections of others - being mindful of those they have endured from me.

May God have mercy on me and make me entirely His. I will henceforth devote myself to His service - my own salvation and that of those committed to my spiritual care. I wish I could altogether retire from the weighty responsibilities of the Episcopacy and save my soul in some holy retreat. Hitherto I have done almost nothing for God's honor and my own poor soul. God help me. Holy Mary pray for me.

Went to St Francis. Visited the boys school. Returned home about 12. Made a General Confession to my Spiritual Director. A short Act of Thanksgiving - Angelus. Wrote for a short time. Between l.30 and 3 visited the Convents of Mercy and the Good Shepherd. On my return home blessed a suit of Vestments I purchased for the College Chapel. At a quarter past 3 attended in the College to hear the judgements of the boys for the week read out. After this recited Vespers and Compline - made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. Theology and Spiritual reading. Dinner at 4.30. At 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins - attended night prayers - at 7 heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and our Blessed Lady the Mother of God. Returned home about 8.30. Read a little. Retired early to bed.

Saturday August 6th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 7.30 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford. Thanksgiving made I went to St Francis. Heard Confessions - made my meditation. Read one of the daily journals on my return from the church to the office. Arranged the Church duty for tomorrow and the week - did other business - left the Office about ll. Walked home - took breakfast. The disagreeable affair alluded [to] in Thursday's diary was settled in all charity - the offending party made due reparation. Thanks to our Gracious good God. Wrote for a short time. About l.30 visited the Convent of Mercy - took a cup of coffee there. From this went to St Francis - recited Vespers, Compline and Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Heard Confessions till 4. Then returned home. About 4.30 dinner. Went to St Francis a little past 6. Commenced Confessions at 6.30 and continued thus engaged without interruption till a quarter to l0. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel, the Blessed Mother of God. Returned home about l0.30. A little before ll went to my room. Shortly after 11 to bed.

Sunday August 7th. Morning prayers - Hours - meditation - preparation for Mass. At ll recited the prayers before Mass for the congregation. Then commenced the Solemn High Mass. Thanksgiving - returned home - breakfast a little past 1. Spiritual reading for a half hour. Visited the Convent - thence walked to St George's. The children were just assembling for Catechism - remained a short time. Walked home hoping to be in time for the Catechism in the Cathedral - was too late - recited Vespers and Compline [with] Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. Dinner at 4.30. Angelus at the usual time. About 6.30 went to St Francis - assisted at Vespers - sermon and Benediction. Returned home about 9. Read for a short time the life of St Joseph Calasanctius. About l0 night prayers - bed.

Monday August 8th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel - thanksgiving. Went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions - meditation. About 9.30 breakfast.

Wrote to the Bishop of Hobart - business in the office till l2 - walked home - posted the letter to the Bishop as I passed the Office. Read Theology for an hour. Between l.30 and 4 made a few necessary visits. On my return home I recited Vespers and Compline. Read till dinner the life of St Joseph Calasanctius.

After the Angelus went to St. Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home a little before 8. Read for an hour. About l0 to bed.

Tuesday August 9th. Morning prayers. At 7 heard Mass - recited Hours - preparation for Mass - celebrated Mass - thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Confessions - made meditation. About 9.30 breakfast. Half an hour's Spiritual Reading. Business in the office until l1. Visited St Francis Girls School and infant school - the attendance was good in both - the former needs some repairs outside - the latter is not well kept. Walked home. Wrote for a short time. Walked to Emerald Hill. Visited the Orphanage. Returned home by train. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Recited Vespers. Then read till 6, the hour for dinner. A good many Priests and a few lay friends dined with me. After dinner we spent the evening up to l0 very pleasantly. About ll retired to my room - night prayers - bed.

Wednesday August l0th. Morning prayers - Divine Office - heard Mass and made my preparation. At 7.30 celebrated. Thanksgiving made went to St Francis - recited Hours - heard Confessions - meditation. Breakfast at 9.30. Business in the office up to l2. Wrote to Bishop Wilson in reply to a note received this morning. Walked home. A half an hour's useless conversation with a great bore whom I could not shake off. Read Theology for an hour and better. Then read a little of the Imitation. About 2 visited the Convent of Mercy - between 2 and 3 visited St George's Schools. Took a long walked [sic]. Posted the letter to Bishop Wilson. About 3.30 directed my steps to St Francis. Made a visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Recited Vespers, Compline and Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. At 4.30 dined with the Clergy at St Francis and a few clerical and lay friends. The Angelus at 6. Attended night prayers in the Church. At 7 heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home a little past 8. Had a long conversation with Mr O'Shanassy and others. About 9.30 retired to my room - took a warm [bath] then to bed.

Thursday August llth. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. About 7.30 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford - thanksgiving. Went to St. Francis - heard Confessions and made my meditation. Breakfast. Business. Read an interesting book in the intervals of leisure. Left the office about 11. Visited St Patrick's schools. The attendance in the girls school was small, that in the boys pretty fair. Building miserable - quite unfit for schools. On my return home wrote for a half hour. Theology for an hour. About 2 visited the Orphanage. Returned home about 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Read the life of St Joseph Calasanctius till called to dinner. Dinner at 4.30. Angelus at 6.

Went to St Francis. Recited Matins and Lauds - at 7 attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin's Chapel. Got home a little before 8. Read till 9. At a quarter to l0 to bed.

The letters by the English Mail were delivered this morning. Had a letter from Cardinal Barnabò about the Chinese resident in this Diocese. I anticipated all his wishes in their regard. Newspapers were delivered in the evening.

Friday August l2th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 7.30 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford. Delivered a short discourse to the penitents. Thanksgiving. Went to St Francis. Heard confessions - made my meditation. Remained in the office till l2. Walked home - read for a short time. Wrote to several of the Clergy enclosing a short address to them and the people, advising that an early day be appointed for the Annual Collection for the Holy Father. Forwarded at the same [time] a translation of his reply in acknowledgement of the St Peter's offerings of last year. Presided at a meeting of the Catholic School Committee. This occupied an hour. At 2.30 visited the Convent of Mercy, thence walked to St Augustine's Schools, which I visited. The boys school was pretty well attended, and carefully conducted - not so the girls school. It was 4 when I returned home. Wrote a few letters enclosing address, and the Holy Fathers reply, announcing also the 5th of October as the time for holding the Conference. Dinner a little later than usual. After the Angelus, I recited Vespers and Compline. Went to St Francis, attended night prayers, heard confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home about 8. Read for a short time. The Bishop of Hobartown who arrived today is staying with us. About l0, to bed.

Saturday August l3th. Morning prayers, went to St Francis. Heard Mass, recited the Divine Office, heard Confessions, meditation. Arranged the duty and Masses for tomorrow. Left the Office about ll. Walked home. From ll.30 till 2, busy writing to the Clergy. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Confessions from 3 to 4. Dinner at 4.30. Confessions from 6.30 to l0. Weather wet and cold. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Night prayers, to bed about l1. Had a letter from Revd. Mother of the Good Shepherd asking permission to receive a Postulant, a Miss Counsel. I will call there tomorrow or on Monday.

Sunday August l4th. Morning prayers, a short preparation for my discourse to the people who will be present at the 8 o'clock Mass in St Francis. Preparation for Mass. At 8 commenced Mass in St Francis. After giving the Holy Communion, I delivered a short discourse on the Mercy of God. Thanksgiving. Heard one Confession. Got home at 9.l5. Recited Hours, made my meditation. Breakfast at l0.30. From 11 to 11.30 spiritual reading. Then at 11.30 attended in the vestry of St Patrick's during the sermon. From l2 to l2.30 spiritual reading. Wrote from 12.30 to 1.

Looked over a copy (certified to be a correct copy by the Bishop of Hobart, Right Revd. Robert W. Wilson) of [the will of] the Very Reverend John Joseph Therry, Archpriest of the Archdiocese of Sydney. It is a strange document and disputable, at least so it seems to me. About 2 I was present in the College Chapel whilst one of the students recited a Chapter from St Matthew and after gave the substance in replies to questions. Made a visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. After this walked to Abbotsford accompanied by the Vicar-General of Hobart-town. Returned home a little before dinner. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dr Hall - Vicar-General of Hobart - and Mr McDonnell, Barrister, dined with us. About a quarter past 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Assisted at Vespers - sermon - the Vicar-General of Hobart town gave Benediction. Returned home about 8.30. Read till 9. About l0 night prayers - to bed.

Monday August l5th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. A little before 8 commenced Mass at the Convent of Mercy. The Sisters conclude their retreat this morning. Heard Confessions in St Francis between 9 and l0. Read a chapter in the Imitation. Wrote letters. Left the office about l2 - walked home. Wrote for a short time. Made my meditation. Read for a quarter of an hour. At a little past l went to Abbotsford - received one of the Penitents into the Church after addressing a short discourse to the convert and the Penitents present. It was 4 when I returned home. Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. About quarter past 6 I went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow - attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. About 8.30 got home - read till 9. About l0.30 to bed.

Tuesday August l6th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass in the College Chapel. After Thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions - made my meditation. Breakfast at 9.30. Wrote letters - had several persons with me on business. Left the office a little before l2. Called at the Convent of Mercy as I walked home. Reached home a few minutes past l2. Wrote for a short time. Read a religious book for a half hour. At l.30 went to Abbotsford to see what arrangements the Sisters were prepared to make for the total separation of the girls to be in the future Reformatory from the Penitents. Expressed to the Revd. Mother my doubts as to the vocation of their new Postulant. Returned home about 3. Theology from 3 to 4. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin Mother of God. After this read till dinner time. About 6.15 went to St. Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Returned home a little past 8. Conversed for some time with the Vicars-General of Hobart town and Melbourne- to bed about l0.

Wednesday August l7th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 7.30 celebrated Mass in the Convent of the Good Shepherd - thanksgiving. Drove to St Francis - made my meditation - sat in the Confessional till a quarter past 9. Business in the office till ll.30.

Had a short conversation with Fr E. O'Dwyer. Advised to join his Order - as he was not suited for a Missionary life. He seems quite indifferent as to consequences. Read from l2 to 12.30. Then walked to St Francis - whence I went to the Railway Station and left by the 1 o'clock train for Williamstown and returned by the 2 o'clock train. Fr. Downing had gone to Geelong. Read from 3 to half past. Then wrote till 4. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Read a little Theology. Weather wet and windy. Dined at 4.30. The Vicar-General of Hobart Town and Mr McDonnell dined with us. About quarter past 6 went to St Francis - night wet and stormy. Recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. After this - home. Read for a short time. About 9.30 to bed.

Thursday August l8th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. A quarter before 7 - commenced Mass in the College Chapel. After Thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation. Heard Confessions. Breakfast at 9.30. Wrote letters and transacted business up to ll.30. Walked home. Angelus at l2. Studied Theology from l2 to l.

Wrote for a short time then visited Abbotsford - called at the Convent of Mercy on my return. The Revd. Mother not being in, I did not enter the Convent. Drove home. Read for a half hour - then walked to St Mary's Schools - examined the rolls - remained some time after doing so. The attendance in the boys school was small - whilst that in the girls was about 110. Walked home, where I arrived at 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Blessed Virgin. Dinner at the usual time. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds. Attended night prayers - heard confessions.

Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady's Chapel. Returned home. Read for a short time. About 9.30 to bed.

Friday August 19th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. Thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Confessions. Busy up to 11.30, when I left by train for Geelong. Visited the Convent of Mercy. Read and studied at intervals. Made my meditation. In the evening recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow - attended night prayers in the Church. About 9.30 retired to my room - prayers - bed.

Saturday August 20th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 8 celebrated Mass in the Convent. Returned to the Presbytery for breakfast. Left for Duneed about 10. Weather and road bad. During the day read and studied at intervals. In the evening heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament Read the life of a Beati until 9 - retired to my [room] having previously recited Matins and Lauds. Night prayers - bed.

Sunday August 21st. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass - heard Confessions. At 9 celebrated Mass and gave Holy Communion - heard Confessions again before celebrating at 11. Preached at the 11 o'clock Mass. Baptized a child. Returned to Geelong. In the evening assisted at Vespers - preached on the Gospel and alluded to the late great scandal. Dean Hayes gave Benediction. About 9.30 to bed.

Monday August 22nd. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 8 celebrated Mass in the Convent - thanksgiving. Breakfast at the Convent. Arranged with Dean Hayes about his removal to Sandhurst - Fr. Downing to take his place in Geelong. Returned to Melbourne by the 20 minutes to 2 train. Read my letters before dinner. During the journey to Melbourne I recited Vespers and Compline, Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. At a little past 6 I went to St Francis - attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home - read for an hour. About 10 to bed.

Tuesday August 23rd. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass and for the instruction with which I intend to open the Mission to the Prisoners of Pentridge. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. At 8.30 left for Pentridge. Fr. England at 9.30 commenced Mass for the prisoners at which I assisted. Preached after the Mass. Recited English prayers before and after Mass. Appointed 2 o'clock for Confessions. After breakfast made my meditation. Read till 2. Then went to the jail - recited a few prayers - assisted by two Clergymen I commenced hearing the Confessions. It was past 4 when we concluded this duty. The poor prisoners are very well disposed. After dinner returned to Melbourne. I stopped at St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline, Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions - made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady's Chapel. After this went home, read for a short time. About 9.30 to bed.

Wednesday August 24th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass and for instruction to the prisoners. Left at 8.30 for Pentridge. Recited a few English prayers before Mass - commenced Mass at a little past 9.30. After the ablution, preached. From 2 to 4 Confessions. At 1.30 saw the Prisoners in [the] Panopticon, recited a few prayers with them and delivered a short discourse. After dinner returned to Melbourne. Recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions, made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Mother of God. Returned about 8.30. At 10 to bed.

Thursday August 25th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass and for instruction at the conclusion of the Mission to the prisoners. Left for Pentridge at 8.30. Recited English prayers before Mass. Then the Holy Mass. After Mass preached - and administered Confirmation. About 76 approached the Holy Communion. It was 12 when all was over. Returned to Melbourne about 1. Wrote my letters for the English Mail - posted some of them. Called with the Vicar-General at the Convent of Mercy. Recited Vespers and Compline on my return home. Dinner at the usual time. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady's Chapel. Returned home - wrote letters for the English Mail. About 10 to bed.

Friday August 26th. Morning prayers - busy writing letters for the English Mail. Heard the 8 o'clock Mass in St Francis. Recited Hours - made meditation - heard Confessions. Busy in the Office up to 12. Walked home. Wrote till 1. No meeting of the Catholic School Committee. Visited the Convent of Mercy - and approved after examination of two Novices being professed - and of a postulant being admitted to the Novitiate. Visited Abbotsford on business and on my return home wrote till 3.30 - when I attended in the College to hear the judgments for the week read. After this wrote a little and then recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at the usual time. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin's Chapel. Returned home - read for an hour. About 9.30 to bed.

Saturday August 27th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Recited Primam and Tertiam. At 7.30 celebrated Mass in the Chapel of the Convent of Mercy. Went to St Francis - heard Confessions - recited Sextam and Nonam. Busy in the office up to 11.30. Walked home. Wrote till 1 - when I went to Abbotsford to hear the Confessions of the Community at their own request. Went to St Francis about 2 - heard Confessions - and when not so engaged recited Vespers and Compline - Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Left St Francis at 4 for home. At 4.30 dinner. Mr O'Shanassy dined with us. Confessions in St Francis from 6.30 to 9. Night prayers. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Blessed Virgin's Chapel. Home. About 10 to bed.

Sunday August 28th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass and for my instruction to the people. At 8 commenced Mass. After the Holy Communion I delivered a short discourse. Thanksgiving after Mass - recited Hours. Breakfast. Made my meditation. Read till 10.30 - then had a conversation on business with a person who called. Assisted at the 11 o'clock Mass. Dean Hayes preached for the Nuns at Abbotsford. The collection was very good. Returned home about 1. A little before 2 visited Abbotsford for a few minutes - next went to St Joseph's as the children were about to commence Catechism. Called at the Convent of Mercy. Home. Wrote to the Archbishop and another person. Dinner at 4.30. About 6 went to St Francis. Recited Vespers - Compline - Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Assisted at Vespers - sermon and Benediction in St. Francis. Returned home a little before 9 - read for a short time. Night prayers - to bed.

Monday August 29th. Morning prayers, preparation for Mass. At 7.30 celebrated the holy Mysteries in Abbotsford - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - recited Hours before Mass. Heard Confessions - made my meditation. Business in the office until 12. Walked home - made two visits on the way. Read for a short time. Dictated two letters to the Board of Education. About 1 drove into the country to pay a necessary visit. Weather stormy and wet. On my return home read a little - wrote for a half hour. Had a visit from the Consul General of Spain. Dinner at 4.30. A little after 6 recited Vespers and Compline. Went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home. Read for some time. About 9.30 to bed.

Tuesday August 30th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At a little before 7 commenced Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St. Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation. Left the confessional a little past 9. Breakfast. Business until 11.30. Dean Hayes walked home with me. I objected to making his appointment to Sandhurst subject to any condition. I made the appointment simply for the good of religion and without any promise. Read and wrote at intervals for a half-hour. Recited Vespers and Compline about 2.30. Read after this till a quarter past 4. We had a few laymen to dine with us today - the Spanish Consul General - Mr O'Shanassy and Dr Brownless. They remained till 10. I retired to my room soon after their departure. Night prayers - to bed.

Wednesday August 31st. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. Celebrated Mass at 7.30 in Abbotsford - thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Confessions. Busy in the office up to 11.30. Walked home. Wrote a little - made my meditation. Visited the Orphanage. Returned home about 3. Paid a short visit to the Convent of Mercy. Recited Vespers and Compline. Wrote a few lines of sympathy to the Clergyman who lies dangerously ill at Castlemaine - I will if possible see him tomorrow. Read for a half hour. Dinner. About quarter past 6 went to St Francis. Recited Matins and Lauds. Attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home. About 9.30 to bed. Weather all day and night stormy wet and cold.