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

Friday January lst Morning prayers. At 7.30 went to the Convent of Mercy and gave the Sisters Holy Communion and received the renovation of their vows. With this ceremony they conclude their Retreat. On my return home recited the Divine Office and made preparation for Mass. At ll celebrated Pontifically. Thanksgiving. After breakfast took a short drive into the country. When I returned home recited Vespers and Compline - then read and studied until 4. Dinner at 4.30. In the evening at 7 o'clock, Te Deum and Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. About 9 night prayers - then bed.

Saturday January 2nd. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. Celebrated at the Convent. Went to St Francis - heard Mass. Recited the Divine Office. Heard a good many confessions. Study and pressing business occupied me in the office up to ll.30. Rode home. Studied till 2. Recited Vespers and Compline and Matins with Lauds for the next day. Confessions till 4. In the evening - Confessions without interruption from 6.30 to l0. Night prayers. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. To bed about ll.30.

Sunday January 3rd. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 8 commenced Mass in St Francis. After giving Holy Communion - delivered a short discourse to the congregation. After thanksgiving returned to St Patrick's. Meditation from l0 to ll. Spiritual reading from 11 to 11.30. Attended in the vestry during the sermon. After this - spiritual reading till 2 with short interruptions - read 3 chapters of the Old Testament. Wrote for a short time. Took a walk till 4. At 4.30 dinner. In the evening at 7 assisted at Vespers - sermon and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Night prayers - at 9.30 to bed.

Monday January 4th. Morning prayers - being unwell and obliged to take medicine I did not celebrate. About 7.30 went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours. Heard Confessions - made my meditation. After breakfast - read and replied to letters. Read when not occupied with business. At l1.30 left the office. I rode home. The Education Committee met at l2 in the reception room. Looked over the examination papers of the candidates for school appointments. Agreed to defer giving a decision until tomorrow. The teacher from Portland to be examined in the interim. Studied till l.30 - when I drove out. I called at the Convent of the Good Shepherd. Their penitents have not increased - they have only four - who are giving great satisfaction. Returned home by 3. Wrote till 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. At 7 attended night prayers - heard Confessions - made the usual visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Returned home about 8.30. Read for a short time Kinglake's History of the Crimean War. About l0 went to bed.

Tuesday January 5th. Morning devotions - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited Hours - heard confessions. After breakfast made my meditation. Arranged the order of duties for next day. Remained in the office till ll.30. The School Committee met at l2 - but few attended. Examined the examination papers. Appointed McDonnell to the vacancy in the school at Emerald - and the one who succeeded best in his examination - O'Halloran - as *2nd* to Warrnambool vacancy - and Birmingham to the Big Hill school in the Kilmore Mission.

This business over, studied for an hour before going to St Francis to hear confessions. I drove to the Convent of the Good Shepherd in order to see the Superioress on business. From this I went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline with Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. After this heard Confessions till 4. Dinner at 4.30. At 6.30 commenced hearing Confessions in St Francis and was so engaged up to past l0. Night prayers - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Got home about ll - took a hot bath - and then to bed.

Wednesday January 6th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At [8?] commenced Mass in St Francis - gave Holy Communion to a great many. Thanksgiving - heard Confessions. Recited Hours - breakfast. Meditation for an hour. Engaged in the office up to ll. Assisted at High Mass. Drove a short distance into the country. From 3 to 4 engaged studying for the Lenten Pastoral. At 4.30 dinner. Attended night prayers at St Francis. Heard Confessions. Returned home about 8. Read for a short time a few pages of Kinglake's History. About 9.30 to bed.

Thursday January 7th. Morning prayers. Had to take medicine early this morning. Heard Mass in St Francis - recited the Divine Office - heard confessions - made my meditation. Did business in the office up to ll.30. Drove to the Brighton Beach where I dined in the open air with the Clergy. The excursion was not without its adventure. We could not find out the place of rendezvous for some time. Losing patience and feeling a little tired, we were about to return to Melbourne when a lucky accident enabled us to find it out. With good appetites we attacked the eatables and enjoyed the open air entertainment. Returned to Melbourne in time for night prayers and confessions. Visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Retired early to bed.

Friday January 8th. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass. After thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation. Heard a few confessions. After breakfast looked over one of the newspapers. Transacted business up to near l2. Rode home. After a short time walked to the Convent of Mercy. Saw the Revd. Mother, with whom I had a short conversation on matters of business. Wrote a Circular to the Clergy inviting them to make a collection in their respective Churches and Chapels some Sunday in this month for the relief of the sufferers by the flood. Told Fr. Bleasdale to copy it and get it printed.

On my return home I wrote for some considerable time. Studied a little. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at the usual hour. In the evening - took a short drive before going to St Francis. Attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visited the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home about 8. Read for a short time. A little past 9 - to bed.

Saturday January 9th. Morning prayers. Did not celebrate this morning. Went to St Francis - heard Mass. Recited Divine Office - heard Confessions - made my meditation. After breakfast - looked over one of the newspapers. Arranged the order of duty for tomorrow. Read a religious book when not engaged. Left the office about l2. Weather cloudy and sultry - threatens to be wet and stormy. About l drove to South Yarra to return a visit - but had to return - the storm and rain having commenced. Drove to St. Francis - recited Vespers and Compline with Matins and Lauds for tomorrow - heard Confessions. Returned home about 4. Wrote for a few minutes. I feel very unwell - which I attribute to the weather. In the evening heard Confessions from 6.30 to l0. I have suffered much from my head today. Took a hot bath and went to bed. Before leaving St Francis said night prayers - and made my unworthy visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel.

Sunday January l0th. Morning prayers - preparation for discourse to the people. Went to St Francis soon after 7. Made my preparation for Mass. At 8 commenced Mass. After Holy Communion - preached. My head is still troublesome - preached with difficulty. Thanksgiving - meditation. Hours. Drove home to breakfast. Read a Religious book from 11 to l2. Wrote small portions of the Pastoral. Between 2.30 and 4 visited St George's and St Mary's. The children had assembled in the former when I visited. The attendance in St Mary's - though good - was not so good as formerly. Weather fine. Returned about 4. In the evening assisted at Vespers, sermon and Benediction. It was 9 when I got home. Night prayers - bed.

Monday January llth. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. About 6.30 celebrated Mass in the Convent of the Good Shepherd. After Thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions - made meditation. Engaged in the office up to l2. Rode home. Busy preparing the Lenten Pastoral. Took an hour's drive - called at Colonel Anderson's. On my return home resumed the writing of the Pastoral. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. About 6.30 went to St Francis. Attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Returned home about 8. Recited the Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. The Clergy entered on Retreat this evening. About 9.30 - to bed. Previous to leaving St Francis made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Lady Chapel.

Tuesday January l2th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Celebrated Mass about 6.30 at Abbotsford. After Thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - made meditation - having on the way from Abbotsford recited Hours - heard Confessions. Engaged in the office until l2.

Rode home - occupied in writing from l2.30 to l.30. Visited the Orphanage. On my return home resumed writing - this kept me busy until 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. At 4.30 - dinner. In the evening at 7 attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Returned a little past 8, having made the visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. After this read a few pages of history. About 9.30 to bed.

Wednesday January l3th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Recited Hours to None. Celebrated Mass at Abbotsford. Concluded Mass about 7. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Remained [in] the Office doing business up to l2. On getting home - wrote till l. Took an hour's drive. Resumed writing on my return. At 4 Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. About 7 attended night prayers. Heard Confessions. Returned home about 8. Having made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and L[ady] Chapel recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Read a few pages of history. About l0 to bed.

Thursday January l4th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Celebrated Mass at Abbotsford about 6.30. Thanksgiving - recited Hours. Went to St Francis. Heard Mass - made meditation - heard Confessions. Engaged in the office up to l2. Wrote for an hour. From 2.30 to 3.30 drove out. Studied from 3.30 to 4. Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. In the evening at 7 attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and the Lady Chapel. Returned home about 8 - recited Matins and Lauds. Read for a half hour - then to bed.

Friday January l5th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. Celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. The Clergy on retreat - gave them Holy Communion and addressed a few words to them afterwards. Insisted on the rubrics being strictly observed in keeping the most adorable sacrament with lighted lamp and in the administration of all the Sacraments. After breakfast met them - they were 26 in number - again in reference to the College debt. They all generously promised to cooperate in liquidating it - they pledged themselves to give or collect a certain amount. This properly speaking is not a College debt - but the debt of an extravagant Priest. About l2 - took breakfast. Visited the Good Shepherd Convent - Dean Slattery accompanied me. Called at Mr O'Shanassy's and Mr Archer's. Returned soon after 3. Wrote till 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. In the evening at 7 attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Got home a little past 8. Read for a half hour. At 9.30 retired for the night.

Saturday January l6th. Morning prayers. Went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited the Divine Office - made my meditation. Remained in the office until l0.30. Busy the remainder of the day in finishing the Pastoral. At 7 left by train for Geelong. Recited part of the Divine Office for tomorrow whilst on the train. Arrived in Geelong about 8. Took a little refreshment. About l0 retired to my room. Night prayers - bed.

Sunday January l7th. Morning prayers. About l0, preparation for Mass. At a little past l1 commenced High Mass in the Ashby School. The Dean of Geelong preached. After Mass laid the corner stone of the new Church according to rubric. About a thousand persons were present. Subscriptions amounted to about £150.

In the evening at 4 attended in the Convent Chapel, where I confirmed and received a postulant. Delivered a short discourse. Dinner at 6. At 7 attended the Vestry of St Mary's, then evening service. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. A little after l0 retired to my room. Night prayers, bed.

Monday January l8th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 8 celebrated Mass in the Convent Chapel. Visited the male orphanage - St Augustine's, St Mary's and Ss Peter and Paul's Schools. I was very much pleased with them. At twenty minutes to 2 returned by train to Melbourne. Recited Vespers and Compline. At 4.30 - dinner.

In the evening attended night prayers in St Francis. Sat in the confessional for a short time. Made the visit to Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. On my return home recited Matins and Lauds for the following day. Read for an hour. At l0 to bed.

Tuesday January l9th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. As I drove to Abbotsford I recited Hours. At 7 commenced Mass. After thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - made my meditation - heard a few Confessions. After breakfast wrote to the Archbishop. The letter was marked Private and Confidential. It contained allusions to Fr. Heyne's conduct when in Castlemaine. Looked over the newspaper - made corrections in the Pastoral - or caused them to be made. Engaged in the office until ll.30. Told Fr McGirr - as he missed this year's real retreat - to make his retreat until Friday with Fr. Downing. Returned home a little before l2.

A French ship - The Iris - with female emigrants for New Caledonia - under the care of 4 Sisters of Mercy and Charity is in the Bay. The Clergy visited them and invited the Sisters ashore. From l2 to close on 2 engaged in writing - then paid a visit to the Convent of Mercy where two of the French Sisters of the ship Iris were. My stay was short. The Superioress said they had no complaint to make - they had trouble but no grievance. They have been 6 months out.

On my return read till 4 - then Vespers and Compline. At 7 attended evening prayers. Heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Lady Chapel. On my return home Matins and Lauds for the next day. About 9.30 to bed.

Wednesday January 20th. Morning prayers. Hours. Preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass at the Convent of Mercy. One of the French Sisters went to Holy Communion. Blessed the statues of the Blessed Virgin and St Joseph and indulgenced them. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard a part of Mass - made my meditation.

After breakfast I was engaged in the office up to 11. On my return home a little before l2 corrected proof sheet of Pastoral. After this wrote for some time. Drove to the Convent of Mercy and Abbotsford. Spent a few minutes at each place. Returned home about 2. Read till 4. Dinner 4.30. In the evening attended night prayers, heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Visited the new Orphanage. Got home a little after 8. Recited Vespers and Compline and Matins and Lauds for the next day. Took a bath about l0 - then to bed.

Thursday January 2lst. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. Celebrated Mass at Abbotsford about a quarter to 7. After Thanksgiving drove to St Francis - heard Mass - made my meditation - heard Confessions. After breakfast looked over one of the newspapers. Received visits. Did business in the office up to 11. Walked home. Read for a short time - then wrote a little. Between l and 2 - visited the Convent of Mercy and consecrated a Chalice. Returned home at 2. Read and studied till the hour for dinner. Recited Vespers and Compline before going to dinner. At 7 attended night prayers - heard Confessions - made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home about 8. Recited Matins and Lauds. Read for an hour - then to bed.

Friday January 22nd. Morning prayers. Heard Mass at St Francis - recited the Divine Office - made meditation. Remained in the office until l0. On my way home called at the Convent of Mercy. Made preparation for going by train to Geelong. Gave Fr. Bleasdale the £l fee for Dr Freeman with instructions to get a receipt and forward it to the person in New South Wales who remitted it. Left by the 11.30 train for Geelong - after a short delay in Geelong proceeded to Duneed where we arrived about 4.30. Recited Vespers and Compline and Matins and Lauds for the next day. Read portions of the 2nd number of the second series of the Dublin Review during the day and when not occupied in the evening. Heard a few Confessions. Dined at 6. Walked about for a short time after dinner. Read a good part of the evening. About l0 retired to my room. Night prayers - bed.

Saturday January 23rd. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 8 commenced Mass. Thanksgiving - recited Hours. Breakfast. Made meditation. Read most of the fore and afternoon. Heard Confessions. At l drove to the other side of Mount Moriac, where there is a chapel, and heard Confessions till 3. Returned to Duneed and heard Confessions - with some interruptions - till dinner time. At 5 - dinner. In the evening a few confessions. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Read when not engaged with the Confessions. Made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament About 9 retired to my room. Night prayers - bed.

Sunday January 24th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass and a short discourse on Confirmation. A little past l1 commenced Mass - gave Holy Communion to a good number. Dean Hayes then preached. After Mass I addressed a few words to those who presented themselves for Confirmation. After Confirmation I proceeded to lay the foundation stone of the Chancel.

It was 2 when I was prepared to take breakfast. After breakfast - walked up the Mount. On my return recited the Divine Office. At 6 dinner. Walked about for some time after dining. An hour's conversation. Retired to my room about 9.30. Night prayers. Read for a short time after going to bed.

Monday January 25th. Morning prayers - Divine Office. Heard Mass. The Dean celebrated. Made a short meditation. Left for Geelong a little past 7. Called for a few minutes at the Convent. Travelled by the 20 minutes to 2 train to Melbourne. Arrived in Melbourne at 20 minutes to 4. Got my English letters - looked over some of them. Dinner at 4.30. About 7 attended night prayers. Sat in the Confessional for a short time. Made my visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and to the Lady Chapel. Returned home about 8. Recited Vespers and Compline. Read my letters. About 9.30 to bed.

Tuesday January 26th. Morning prayers. Wrote letters for the English Mail. Hard pushed for time. Went to St Francis - heard the 8 o'clock Mass - recited Matins - heard a few confessions. Returned to my office - and wrote other letters for the Mail. Took a hurried breakfast and wrote others - just in time for the mail leaving Sandridge. Left the office about 11 - got home by 11.30. Visited the College - allowed the vestibule of the dining room to be done up - the outlay £4. School commenced yesterday - attendance small. Wrote for near an hour. Visited Abbotsford. Revd. Mother a good deal improved - but not allowed as yet to get up. Returned home by Richmond. Read from 3 to 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. In the evening at 7 - attended night prayers - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home by 8 - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Read a little history. About 9.30 to bed.

Wednesday January 27th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford - after thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Confessions - made my meditation. Wrote to Fr. Dooley - Superior of the Vincentians - and to Fr. Carter - Ex-Provincial of the Jesuits - to send out Communities. Letters go by the Great Britain, which sails this afternoon. Wrote also to Dr Heptonstall - authorizing him to provide outfit and passages for two Religious of St Vincent de Paul - if Fr. Dooley should apply to him for it. Sent by the overland mail to Dr Heptonstall a draft for £200 - one hundred of which for our joint Credit Account - the other to be paid to Dr Parsons - brother to the late Fr. Parsons - provided he gave a receipt in full. Engaged writing up to l. Went with the Vicar-General to Abbotsford - returned home by Richmond. From 3 to 4 - study. Then recited Vespers and Compline. In the evening - attended night prayers in St Francis. Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home about 8. Recited Matins and Lauds. Read till 9.30. Then to bed.

Thursday January 28th. Morning prayers - recited Hours. Preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass at Abbotsford. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Engaged in the office up to l2.

Walked home, calling at the Convent of Mercy for a few minutes. Wrote for a short time, then read till 2. Drove to the Emerald Hill Orphanage and afterwards to the Church at Prahran. Visited the schools in both places. Got back home by 4.

Recited Vespers and Compline - dinner at 4.30. In the evening - at 7 attended night prayers - Lauds - previously recited Matins and Lauds. Heard Confessions. Visited the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home about 8. Read till 9. About 9.30 to bed.

Friday January 29th. Morning prayers - recited the lst Hour. Preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated at the Convent of Mercy. After thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - made my meditation. Heard Confessions. Engaged in the office up to l2. Returned home about l2.30. Read a great part of the afternoon. Drove out for an hour. At 4 recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. In the evening attended night prayers - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Got back home by 8. Recited Matins and Lauds - then read for better than half hour. About l0 to bed.

Saturday January 30th. Morning prayers. Recited the lst Hour. Went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - made my meditation - heard Confessions. Occupied in the office up to 11.30. Visited the Convent of Mercy. The Revd. Mother not being at home, I did not stay more than a minute there. Visited the Convent of the Good Shepherd. The Revd. Mother is much better - saw her for a few minutes. Returned home about l2.30 - read for an hour - then wrote till 2. Went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline - Matins and Lauds for Sunday. Heard a few Confessions. Returned home at 4. At 4.30 dinner. Went to St Francis about 6.30. Engaged hearing Confessions till l0. Night prayers - visit to Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. On my return - studied for tomorrow morning's discourse. Took a hot bath before going to bed.

Sunday January 3lst. Morning prayers. Went to St Francis about 7.30. Made preparation for Mass. At 8 commenced Mass. After administering the Holy Communion delivered a short discourse on the works of Penance. Thanksgiving. Returned to St Patrick's about 9.30. Recited Hours. Took breakfast - made my meditation - then read a Religious [book] from l0 to 11.30. Was in the Vestry during the sermon at last Mass. Then at l2 recited the Angelus. Conversed for a quarter of an hour with the Clergyman who celebrated and preached. Wrote for a short time - then read until past 2. Visited the Catechism classes of St Mary - St George and St Francis - attendance in each not what it ought to be. Teachers too few. How much we need a good Priest to devote himself to the work of the Christian Doctrine. Meantime many must be going astray. Returned home a little before 4. Read the life of a Religious - a disciple of St Philip Neri - until dinner time. After dinner took a walk in the garden - then wrote for a few minutes. At 7 assisted at Vespers - sermon - Benediction - recited Compline - night prayers. Returned home a little before 9. Retired to bed about l0.