Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886
Tuesday February 14th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at the usual hour. After breakfast I proceeded to the church, where I remained until 9.30. At 1 I left en route for Kilmore and the Murray. We arrived at the Monastery about 4 where I intend to spend the night. The water used here is very bad. It is obtained by special favour on ground adjoining that of the monastery. The heat is most oppressive. A hot wind has been blowing since yesterday. The grass here is good considering the prevailing drought. The clergyman living here told me he had just purchased two cows - I told him that he should be paid back what he gave for them, as I would not allow any cattle to graze there but what belonged to the Church. I further instructed him to procure a brand by which all cattle belonging to the Monastery might be distinguished. At 10 I retired to rest.
Wednesday February 15th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning a little after 7. Having made my thanksgiving I took breakfast and prepared to start for Kilmore but, in consequence of the clergyman of that mission in whose company I am to travel not having arrived, my departure is necessarily delayed. Heavy clouds cover the heavens whilst a strong hot wind blows from the north.
It is now 12. The clergyman has made his appearance at last. He took a little refreshment, and we set out for Kilmore at 1. The ride was a severe one owing to the prevalence of the hot wind and dust. It was 5.30 when we reached Kilmore, having given an hour's rest to the horses at the half way house. I retired to rest earlier than usual owing to the fatigue caused by that day's journey.
Thursday February 16th. I opened the Jubilee here this morning with the offering up of the Holy Sacrifice and instruction on the nature of the plenary indulgence it imparts - after which the Holy Sacrifice was again offered up by the resident pastor. Confessions were heard by us from 11 to 1. From 2 to 3 the children preparing for Confirmation received Catechetical instruction. From 4 to 5 Confessions. At 5 night prayers and lecture. We dined at 6. I retired to rest soon after 9.
Friday February 17th. I said Mass this morning at 9. The people were in attendance in large numbers. They had assembled long before the 8 o'clock, which the local clergyman celebrated.
At 10 we took breakfast. We returned to the Chapel a little after 11 and immediately proceeded to hear the confessions of the vast number in attendance. At 1 we allowed the people to retire to their dinners - whilst we took an hour's recreation. At 2 the children were catechised and Confessions heard - the latter we continued to hear till 5. Night prayers and lecture at 5. We dined at 6. At 9.30 I retired to rest.
Saturday February 18th. The same order of spiritual exercise as yesterday engaged us to-day - except that we had no lecture at night prayers owing to the great number of Confessions we had to hear - the whole day was nearly occupied in the administration of the Sacrament of Penance.
Friday February 19th. Masses were celebrated this morning at 7, 8 and 9. The Congregation at each Mass was large - and with very few exceptions all received the Blessed Eucharist. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice, the little Chapel being crowded to excess. After Mass I gave instruction and administered the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation to 41 persons - children and adults of both sexes. It was 2 when all was over. At 5 we had night prayers and a lecture. We dined at 6. Feeling tired I retired to rest at an early hour.
Monday February 20th. I rose this morning at 7 and at 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. It was 11 before I set out for the Seymour. The [weather] was oppressively hot - the wind, which was strong, blowing from the N[orth]. The dust was in heavy thick clouds about us, but veils protected us in some measure against it.
At 3 we stopped to take refreshment and feed the horses - our distance from the Seymour being 12 miles. Our mode of travelling was in a dog cart and on horse back. I rode - preferring the saddle to the gig.
At 5 we resumed our journey and arrived at the Seymour about 7. The roads were very bad - rough and stony. Soon after we obtained quarters at the Hotel, which was crowded, I proceeded to the house of the only respectable Catholic on the township and said night prayers. The few Catholics living in the town attended. I informed these few Catholics that I would hear Confessions and say Mass on the following morning - previous to my departure. At 10 I retired to rest, somewhat tired after the day's fatigue.
Tuesday February 21st. I rose this morning at a little after 6. At 9 after hearing a few Confessions I offered up the Holy Sacrifice and gave a short instruction. I promised to remain with them a day on my return and confirm such as would be prepared for the acceptance of that Holy Rite. It was 12 when we left the Seymour - the Clergyman of Kilmore took his leave and returned to his charge.
[Many months missing]