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

Thursday December 1st. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Mass about 7.30 - thanksgiving - breakfast - Hours - meditation. Went to Picton by train - whilst there visited the Tunnel - we walked through it - the distance is short - about 300 yards. Returned to Campbelltown in the Archbishop's carriage and then had an opportunity of viewing the viaduct over the Menangle River. It is a fine work. Dined at 5. Vespers. About 10 night prayers - bed

Friday December 2nd. Morning prayers - left by the early train for Sydney. Recited the Divine Office and made meditation. Visited the University after dinner. Read most of the day. Returned to my old quarters at Sacred Heart about 9 - read till 10 - night prayers - bed. Early in the evening recited Matins and Lauds for the following day.

Saturday December 3rd. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Mass a little past 7 - thanksgiving. Wrote for some time before breakfast. After breakfast engaged writing letters for some short time. I purpose returning to Melbourne next week. Visited a few places during the day - returned visits. Studied a little - recited Matins and Lauds. Returned to the Sacred Heart about 9. Read over the form of profession for a Sister of Charity - having to perform the ceremony on tomorrow at the Convent of the Sisters of Charity. Night prayers - bed.

Sunday December 4th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 8 the ceremony of profession - Mass. It was 10 when all was over. Left the Convent for the Sacred Heart about 1. Took a short drive with the Archbishop - visited Lyndhurst. Returned to St Mary's an hour before dinner. Recited Vespers and Compline and Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. The evening was spent in conversation with the Archbishop and a lay gentleman who dined with us. About 9.30 returned to the Presbytery of the Sacred Heart. Read for a half hour - night prayers - bed.

Monday December 5th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass - at 7.30 Mass. Thanksgiving. Breakfast - meditation - Hours. Wrote for some time. Drove out with the Archbishop. Weather cold and rainy. Remained at St Mary's most of the afternoon. Read a good deal. Went back to the Sacred Heart about 9. Made my preparation for sailing on tomorrow. Night prayers - bed.

Tuesday December 6th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass - thanksgiving - Hours. Busy preparing for my return to Melbourne. Gave interviews to several persons. About 3.30 the Archbishop kindly accompanied me to the steamer. At 5 steamed out of the Bay. Evening fine - but towards night wind changed and blew strong against us. A rough stormy night. Sick.

Wednesday December 7th. Recited morning prayers somehow - made with difficulty my meditation owing to sea-sickness. Recited the Divine Office - but with great distraction. Read when I could during the day. Towards the evening illness increases. Retired early.

Thursday December 8th. Morning prayers - meditation and the Divine Office - all that I could do during the morning - being very ill. The weather is very stormy. Towards the afternoon the weather changed - becoming calm and more favourable. Read a good deal during the afternoon. Expect to reach Melbourne early tomorrow - about 10 retired to the cabin. Night prayers - bed.

Friday December 9th. Weather beautifully calm during the night. Arrived at the wharf a little before 6. Landed soon after and drove home. Washed and dressed. Heard Mass - recited Matins - Lauds and Hours. Busy from 11 to 1. Wrote for an hour. Vespers and Compline. Went to St Francis - my delay here was about an hour.

Engaged after leaving St Francis up to the hour for dinner. In the evening attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady's Chapel. On my return home recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. About 9.30 to bed.

Saturday December 10th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard a few Confessions. Engaged in the office up to 11.30. Wrote to Bishop Wilson and the Archbishop. Arranged the order of duty for tomorrow. Studied from 12 to 1. Visited - accompanied by the Vicar-General - Abbotsford. Confessions in St Francis from 2 to 4. Recited Vespers and Compline with Matins and Lauds for tomorrow when not hearing Confessions. Dinner at the usual hour. Confessions from 6.30 to 9. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Blessed Mother of God - night prayers. Returned home - about 10.30 to bed.

The Revd. Fr Donevan called in the forenoon of today at the office to inform me that Mr Molyneux by the advice of his Confessor declines prosecuting his studies for the priesthood, considering that he is not called to that holy state. I gave him leave to remain in the College as a teacher until the breaking up of the school for the Christmas vacation. His two years study in All Hallows is a loss to the Diocese.

Sunday December 11th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Mass at 9 in St Patrick's. After giving Holy Communion delivered a short exhortation. Thanksgiving - breakfast - meditation - Hours. Had to receive visits. Wrote for a short time. Read for an hour. At 1.30 visited the Convent of Mercy - visited the Sunday school in the Cathedral - commenced a letter to the Bishop of Hobart town. Left by the 4.30 train for Geelong. Read during a good part of the journey. After arriving recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow whilst walking in the garden of the Presbytery. At 9.30 night prayers - bed.

Monday December 12th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 8 Mass - thanksgiving. After breakfast looked over an English paper - recited Hours - meditation. Visited Ashby - the clergyman having to attend a sick-call about 7 miles off I accompanied him. Returned a little before dinner. Recited Vespers and Compline. After dinner drove through the public gardens. On my return to the Presbytery recited Matins and Lauds. Read a few of my English letters - one was from the Cardinal in reference to the priests and others sent out from Ireland to make collection. About 9.30 retired to my room - read for some time. Night prayers - bed.

Tuesday December 13th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. A little past 9 commenced the ceremony of reception - two lay Sisters received the Holy Habit. After this followed the profession of a choir Sister, Sermon and Mass. It was 12 when all was concluded. Between 1 and 2, attended the examinations in the Convent and distributed prizes. After this took a short drive before dinner. After dinner attended a play got up by the Convent children, the subject Dr Newman's Callista. It was well performed. Returned to the Presbytery about 7.30. Recited Vespers and Compline, conversed with the Clergy till 9 then retired - night prayers - bed.

Wednesday December 14th. Morning prayers. Left by the 8 o'clock train for Lethbridge. Here I looked at the ground adjoining the Reserve I intend to apply for as a site for a Reformatory. We had to wait here for the next train, a delay of 4 hours. It rained the whole time. Got into Ballaarat about 3.30. Recited the Divine Office and read an instructive paper during the delay at Lethbridge and on the way thence to Ballaarat. After dinner took a half hour's drive - visited the new Church. Spent the evening in conversation with the Clergy. About 9.30 night prayers - bed.

Thursday December 15th. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass - at 8 Mass - thanksgiving. Recited Hours - breakfast - wrote for a half hour. Looked over the local journals. Visited St Alipius girls and boys schools. Left Ballaarat for Melbourne by the 12 o'clock train where we arrived a little before dinner time. Recited Vespers and Compline. In the evening attended the public night prayers in St Francis - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Recited Matins and Lauds. Returned home - read for an hour. About 10 to bed.

Friday December 16th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - made meditation - heard a few Confessions. Occupied in the office until 11.30. Rode home. Busy till 1. Presided then at a meeting of the Catholic School Committee. This meeting concluded its business about 2.30. Took a short drive before dinner. A quarter [to?] 4 returned home and recited Vespers and Compline. Two lay gentlemen dined with us - Mr O'Shanassy and Dr Brownless. About 7 attended night prayers in St Francis - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Recited Matins and Lauds. Home - read for a short time. About 9.30 to bed.

Saturday December 17th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass - Hours. At 7 celebrated in the Convent of the Good Shepherd. Thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Mass - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Engaged in the office till 11. Visited the Convent of Mercy on business. Visited Mr O'Shanassy on business. Got to St Francis a little after 2. Confessions - Vespers and Compline - Matins and Lauds. Dinner at the usual hour. Studied a short time for my discourse tomorrow. Confessions from 6.30 to 10. Night prayers - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Home - studied for a short time before going to bed. A little past 11 - to bed.

Sunday December 18th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Study for instruction to the people. At 8 commenced Mass. After administering Holy Communion - I delivered a short discourse - thanksgiving. Went into the confessional for a short time. Recited Hours - made my meditation. Answered letters. Remained in St Patrick's Vestry during the sermon. Spiritual reading. Looked over some papers. Wrote for an hour.

A quarter to 2 attended in the College while one of the students delivered a short discourse. Visited the Convent of Mercy, St George's and St Mary's when Catechism was being taught. Attendance of children in both places was very good. Got back home by 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Looked into a question of Theology. After dinner walked about the grounds till 6.30 then went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Home - read for some time. About 10 to bed.

Monday December 19th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 Mass - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Business in the office until 12. Then visited the primary schools of the Sisters of Mercy - distributed the premiums. About 3.30 left for Dandenong - where I arrived a little past 6. Visited the site of the new Church. Dined at 7. Recited the Divine Office. About 10 - night prayers - and bed.

Tuesday December 20th. Morning prayers - Matins - Lauds and Hours - preparation for Mass. At 11 Mass - which I celebrated, after laying the foundation, in a tent. Dean Hayes preached. It was about 1 when all was over. Breakfast. About 2 left for Melbourne. Arrived in time for dinner. Attended night prayers in St Francis - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Home - read for a short time. Retired for the night about 9.30.

Wednesday December 21st. Morning prayers - Matins and Lauds. Preparation for Mass. Mass at 7 - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - recited Hours - heard Mass - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Engaged in the Office until 11. Then went to the College and distributed the premiums. This took about an hour and a half. After having discharged this duty I went to the Convent of Mercy, where I presided at the exhibition and distributed the premiums. This engaged me until near the hour for dinner. In the evening attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Recited Vespers and Compline. Returned home - read for some time. About 10 to bed.

Thursday December 22nd. Morning prayers - Matins and Lauds - preparation for Mass. At 7 Mass - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - recited Hours - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Busy in the office up to 11.30. Busy at home until 1. Took a short drive. Vespers and Compline on my return. Dinner. Attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Home by 8. Read for a short time. To bed about 10.

Friday December 23rd. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 Mass - thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions. Spent 2 hours at the examination of St Francis boys school. Rode home. Visited the Convent at Abbotsford between 1 and 2. Returned home by Richmond. Recited Vespers and Compline. Wrote letters to Cardinal Barnabò - enclosed £100, the balance of the Papal tribute for this year, making £500. Dinner - attended night prayers, heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Home about 8. Read for some time. To bed about 10.

Saturday December 24th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. Thanksgiving. Went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited Hours - busy hearing Confessions. Engaged in the office up to 12. Rode home. Read till 1. Visited the Convent of Mercy and Good Shepherd. Confessions from 2 to 4. Recited Vespers and Compline - Confessions from 6.30 to 10.30. Night prayers. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Home. About 11.30 to bed.

Sunday December 25th. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. Celebrated my first Mass in the College. Celebrated High Mass at 11 in St Francis - gave the Papal Benediction after Mass. The sermon was preached after the Holy Communion by the Revd. Fr Riordan. It was past 1 when all was concluded. Took breakfast at home about 2. Between 3 and 4 visited the Convents. Dinner at the usual hour. Assisted at Vespers and sermon - gave Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Night prayers - returned home about 9. A little past 10 to bed.

Monday December 26th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Celebrated Mass at 7 at Abbotsford - on my way thither I recited the Hours - having recited Matins the evening before. After making my thanksgiving I went to St Francis - heard Mass and a few Confessions. Busy writing for the English Mail which closes early today. Visited Pentridge in the afternoon. Returned before 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. About 6.30 went to St Francis - recited Matins - attended night prayers. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Returned home about 8. Read the life of Fr Matthew by Maguire till 9. About 10 to bed.

Tuesday December 27th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College - thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation - heard a few Confessions. Wrote letters - left the office about 12. Rode home. Weather stormy and cold. Visited the Convent of Mercy - the Revd. Mother was not in. Returned home. Busy till 2 - then visited Abbotsford - got back home about 3. Wrote till 3.30 - then recited Vespers and Compline. At 4.30 dinner - two lay gentlemen dined with us. About 6.30 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 about 8. Read till 9. About 10 to bed.

Wednesday December 28. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 8 celebrated Mass and gave the children their 1st Holy Communion. Addressed a few words of instruction to them both before and after. Thanksgiving - heard Mass - made my meditation. Busy in the office up to 11.30. Rode into the Country - near the bay - about 12 miles from town - where I dined with the Clergy alla fresco. Returned to Melbourne about 6.30. Attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Recited Matins for tomorrow. Rode home. The Clergy with one lay person spent the evening with me. About 10 to bed.

Thursday December 29th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the Convent of Mercy - thanksgiving - went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation - heard a few Confessions. Busy in the office up to 11. Rode home - engaged till 2. Visited the Convent at Abbotsford. Returned home by Richmond calling at the Presbytery - the Clergyman was not in. By 3.15 reached home . Wrote for some time - received visits on business. Recited Vespers and Compline.

Dinner at the usual time. Mr *MacKay* dined with us. The Vicar-General handed him the Mr Atkinson's letter dated Sydney in which was enclosed a tracing of the land he engaged to convey for a Catholic Cemetery at Belfast. About 6.30 went to St Francis - recited Matins - attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Returned home about 8 - read till 9 an article from the Dublin Review on Reformatories. A little past 10 - to bed.

Friday December 30th. Morning prayers, preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel - thanksgiving. Heard Mass in St Francis - recited Hours - made meditation. Engaged in the office up to 11.30. Rode home. Occupied from 12 to 1. Paid a few visits - returned about 3.30. Recited Vespers and Compline. Replied to Bishop Quinn's Telegram - forwarded the same to Bishop Wilson. Received a letter from the latter this evening. About 6.30 went to St Francis - at 7 attended night prayers, heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Blessed Lady. Recited Matins and Lauds on my return home. After this read the life of Fr Mathew by Maguire. About 10 to bed.

Saturday December 31st. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford. Delivered a short discourse to the Penitents and the religious. Thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Confessions. Occupied writing letters and transacting business until 11. Rode home. From 12 to 1 engaged. Visited the Convent of Mercy. Confessions from 2 to 4. Recited Vespers and Compline, Matins and Lauds. At 6.30, Solemn Te Deum and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Confessions till 11 without interruption. It was late when I went to bed.