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

Wendnesday 2nd February. Dined with Monsignor Talbot. Dr. Cullen was one of the party.

Saturday 5th February. Celebrated Mass this morning at St. Agatha's Church, Irish College. Had a visit form Archdeacon McEncroe; he got his audience to-day. On my return from walk in Via Di Monte Pincio met the Holy Father walking, followed by a great crowd; he was pleased to recognize me with an 'Addio Monsignore.'

Sunday 6th February. Dined at the Irish College; Cardinal Barnabo was one of the guests. Before dinner he spoke to me of Father McEncroe, alluding to the article and letter from Duncan signed 'Isidore,' that appeared in the Freeman in reference to the Monitum Pastorale issued by the Bishops. He said that they disclosed their foolish designs. At 3 I left and went to hear Dr. Manning. The audience was large and respectable. I could catch but few words, being in a bad place for hearing. He is a good reasoner, cold and passionless.

Tuesday 8th February. Had a letter this morning from the Archbishop of Dublin on our visit to the Prince of Wales; called at the Irish College at the appointed time, and advised that a letter would be written by Dr. Kirby in our names, asking if the visit would be received and when. The letter was addressed to Mr. Russell chargé d'affaires at present in Rome. Took a walk with the Archbishop who kindly accompanied me afterwards to S. Maria in Posterula.

Friday 11th February. Called on Father McEncroe, who leaves to-morrow morning for England.

Sunday 13th February. Had a letter from the Archbishop of Dublin in reply to one addressed in both our names inquiring if the Prince of Wales would receive a visit; the reply was in the negative, but courteous, assigning as a reason for not receiving the visit the Prince's travelling incognito and for educational purposes.

Monday 14th February. Left for Naples.

Thursday 17th February. Visited the Chinese College; as yet no chance of help from there; called on the Cardinal, and talked over the matter with him, but as yet nothing can be done. He invited me to dinner for to-morrow evening at 6.

Friday 18th February. Went to the Chinese College; had some difficulty in getting there owing to the crowds in the streets I had to pass through, in consequence of the obsequies of the deceased niece of the king. Her death happening just now throws a gloom over the rejoicing attendant on the marriage of his son. At 6 o'clock the Cardinal's carriage arrived to fetch me to his palace. The dinner party was small, but select. Our conversation ranged over several subjects, but was chiefly confined to the state of religion in the British colonies and Turkey; a Prefect Apostolic from the latter place was one of the dinner party; he is a Frenchman, but spoke a little English and Italian.

Monday 21st February. To Terracina; the town is large and clean; the principal church is very old and contains some curious carvings.

Tuesday 22nd February. To Vetrielli (Velletri). The road is a perfect level, with large elm trees in double rows on either side for twenty-four miles; the road continues level to the foot of the hills on which Vetrielli stands. We arrived here early about 3 p.m. The Cathedral is old, and well deserves a visit; the public buildings are all good and in excellent repair; we start for Albano on to-morrow.

Wednesday 23rd February. Arrived in Albano about 11, and started for Rome.

Monday 28th February. A deputation of Australian colonists waited on me with a view of having my approval and support for a scheme to provide Victoria copies of some of the best masters [painters] here and in France. I willingly acceded to their wish, and allowed my name to be put on the provisional committee, promising at the same time to become a subscriber to the fund for carrying it out.