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

Friday January 18th. On arriving at the presbytery after Mass I received information of the arrival of the Archbishop and party. The vessel, however, had not as yet cast anchor. At 10 I proceeded to the Sandridge railway station with the view of visiting the Archbishop on board the 'Phoenix.' From the railway jetty I went to Williamstown where I engaged a small steamer to take us to the ship, which lay very far out in the Bay, and bring the Archbishop and party ashore. The Archbishop looked very well. His party consisted of the Vicar-General (Dr. Gregory), three priests, two students, and three nuns and a postulant. After a little delay we got the whole party with several respectable lay Catholics into the steamer. We reached the jetty in time for the train returning to Melbourne.

I had a long conversation with the Archbishop concerning the state of the Archdiocese and the future Synod. He intends advising the erection of Moreton Bay into a See, and recommending an appointment for the vacant See of Maitland. The Vicar-General (Dr. Gregory) has for the present been appointed to it as Administrator. These, however are matters for the consideration of the Bishops at the future Synod. I received from the Archbishop the gold medal sent me by His Holiness in commemoration of the dogmatic definition of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. I spoke to the Archbishop concerning the necessity of my going to Europe this year in order to procure nuns and priests so badly wanted for the Diocese. He advised it. Deo volente, I purpose leaving in Easter week.

In the evening the clergy met the Archbishop at my residence in Nicholson-street.

Saturday 19th January. I took the Archbishop to a few of the missions in the suburbs and the schools in the city. He expressed himself agreeably surprised at the progress we had made in school and church building during his two years' absence.

Sunday 20th January. At 2 p.m. I accompanied the Archbishop and party on board the Phoenix, which was prepared to sail, the wind being favourable. In the evening I gave solemn Benediction, and afterwards presided at a meeting of the Catholic Association which was adjourned in respect for the memory of the late Governor.