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

Friday July 1st 1853. It was late this morning when I rose. I heard Mass at 8, being prevented from saying it by the medicine I took the evening previous. The weather is fine. I catechised the children from 11 to 12. I rode a short distance into the country, returning to the presbytery about 3. I said the Divine Office, studied and wrote alternately until the hour for dinner. No letters today. At 6 we had night prayers and a lecture. I heard Confessions soon after. At 10 I retired to rest.

Saturday July 2nd. I rose this morning a little after 7. I said Mass at 9. A good many were present. I wrote a few letters after breakfast. During the day I heard Confessions and studied for the instruction I had to give the people on tomorrow. The evening as well as the day was engaged in hearing Confessions and other sacred duties. It was late when I retired to rest.

Sunday July 3rd. I celebrated last Mass today at 11. I preached. I visited the sick, and the gaol, where I found but too many of our poor people, about 10 in number. They joined me in prayer, after which I addressed a few words of instruction to them. At 2 I assisted at the catechetical instruction given to the children. The attendance was small. We dined at 4. Night prayers commenced at 6, after which there was a lecture and Benediction. The church was crowded. I retired to rest [at] 9.30, but spent a restless and sleepless night.

Monday July 4th. I rose this morning (anything but refreshed, I not having had scarcely any rest during the night) at 7.30. I celebrated Mass at 9. I heard confessions during the day, with few and short intervals of interruptions. The weather is considerably improved, it is bright and dry, but few clouds appearing in the heavens.

I received a number of our new Catholic journal this morning. It is a respectable first issue, realizing more than my expectations led me to hope for. The extracts are well selected, the editorial articles are rather respectable - at least they are readable. I dined at 4.

I afterwards walked in the garden for a short time. At 6 we had night prayers and a lecture, after which Confessions were heard. I retired to rest soon after 9.

Tuesday July 5th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at the usual hour. The attendance was very good. I gave the Holy Communion to a few persons. A good portion of my time during the day was occupied in hearing Confessions and instructing the children for Confirmation.

The weather is delightful - it is to be hoped that it will continue so for some time. No letters today as yet.

In the evening I gave instruction to the people immediately after prayers. At 10 I retired to rest.

Wednesday July 6th. Not feeling well this morning, I did not celebrate Mass. I assisted at the 8 and 9 o'clock Masses. I heard Confessions as usual during the day and gave instruction to the children who are preparing for Confirmation. The first interruption in the duties of the Confessional I availed myself of to answer letters of importance. I rode out for a short time. The weather is fine, but breezy. Dined at 4. I heard Confessions from 5 to a quarter past 6. I went into the church to be present at night prayers. I retired to rest at 10.

Thursday 7th. I rose this morning at the usual hour and celebrated Mass at 9. The people attend the morning and evening devotions very well. The male portion of the congregation have nearly all approached the Sacraments. I don't think they will have been neglected before the Jubilee closes by a single adult Catholic within the limits of the town. Confessions occupied the greater part of my time during the day, in fact I was so engaged as to be unable to take my usual exercise. I preached at night prayers - the church was crowded. I afterwards heard Confessions. It was past 10 when I retired to rest.

Friday July 8th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at the usual hour, having previously heard Confessions. During the day I heard many Confessions. At 11 I gave instruction to the children who are preparing for Confirmation, after which I heard their Confessions, or of such of them as came to me. I was confined to the garden of the presbytery for exercise by the frequent calls upon my time by persons coming to their religious duties. At 6 I assisted at night prayers, after which a sermon was preached by one of the priests. It was 10 when I went to bed.

Saturday July 9th. The weather threatens a change to rain this morning. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at the usual hour. I was engaged the whole day until late in the night, with but few and short interruptions, hearing Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.

Sunday July 10th. It was 8 when I was prepared to enter on the duties of the day. The weather is cloudy and promises to be wet.

At 11 I commenced High Mass. I addressed the congregation immediately after the Communion, after which I closed the Jubilee. Nearly the entire Catholic population of Geelong approached the Sacraments. I have not as yet learned the exact number of communicants. At 3 I received two converts into the Church, to whom I said a few words of instruction and admonition. At 4 I established the Sodalities of the 'Living Rosary' and the Sacred Heart. I gave instruction on the nature and pious objects of these religious Associations. At 6 night prayers and a Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament concluded the devotions of the day in the church.

At 7 I presided at the monthly meeting of the Catholic Association. The Collection amounted to £96. It was just 10 when I retired to rest.

Monday July 11th. Wind and heavy showers of rain introduce the week to us. After 9 o'clock Mass I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to a hundred persons, young and old.

At 1 I proceeded on my journey to Mount Moriac - over a very bad road and in a heavy squall of wind and rain. We reached the hut wherein we are to stop the night, and a good part of the next day, about 4. It is a rude and cold shelter. These people however are good - simple and hospitable. They are natives of Ireland. At night, before retiring to rest, we said prayers, in which the family joined.

Tuesday July 12th. I rose early this morning. Having said my office and made my preparations for Mass, I heard Confessions until 10.30. The people attended in large numbers, though weather continues stormy and wet. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice and gave instruction on the nature of the Jubilee which I opened that morning for the Catholics living in the neighbourhood of Mount Moriac. I also earnestly advised an immediate compliance with the conditions, allowing a week for that purpose. On my return from Colac on the following Tuesday, I shall close the Jubilee for this part of the Diocese and intimated as much to the people, whom I exhorted to turn to good account the weekly interval. We left at 1 for the Barwon, where we remained the night. The weather has cleared up a little.

The clergyman of the Colac arrived at the Inn where we stopped just as we were finishing dinner. I retired soon after 9.

Wednesday July 13th. We left this morning with most favourable weather at 8. We arrived in Colac without any incident deserving notice at 2. The scenery of this part of the Colony is most picturesque - its lakes, extensive plains, beautifully shaped and wooded hills make it a fairyland, lofty ranges here and there appearing a bold and imposing variety in the landscape.

At 6 I opened the Jubilee with a few words of instruction, concluding with night prayers.

The back skillion of an unfinished wooden residence belonging to the resident priest, situated on the borders of the lake, is to be my place of abode, during my sojourn here. It is cold and comfortless enough, but the thought of doing good reconciles me to such small privations, as well as the recollection of the abnegation recommended us by the example and teaching of our Divine Master. At 9, a little wearied, I retired to rest.

Thursday July 14th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 9. The congregation was large, though the weather was wet and stormy. After the post Communion I instructed the people as to how they should prepare themselves to receive the blessing of the Jubilee. The resident clergyman celebrated Mass at 10. From 11 to 1 we heard Confessions. I visited the burial ground at 2. It is a good site for that purpose, but it is not as [yet] enclosed. It is open forest ground, easily dug. It is the highest ground within a mile of the town. We dined at 4. From 5 to 6 we heard Confessions. At 6 we had night prayers, then the resident clergyman instructed the people. Soon after the conclusion of the prayers and instruction we heard Confessions. I retired to rest at 10.

Friday July 15th. The night was stormy and wet. This morning I looked at the thermometer, it stood as low as 42o. The cold during the night and this morning was intense. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 10. The people continue to attend notwithstanding the unfavourableness of the weather, and the almost impassable state of the streets and roads. The low flat covered by the present township is one sheet of water and bog. Through this I and the clergy had to wade every morning on our way to the school, and also in the evenings. In fact we are not only breathing a damp atmosphere but we are living in damp clothes and sleeping in damp beds - yet blessed be the goodness of God, our bodily health continues good. Confessions were heard at the usual hours and instruction given to the children who are preparing for Confirmation.

Differences having existed between the resident Pastor and the Congregation, originating in indiscreet language used by the clergyman, who is a native of England, and having reference to the country and habits of the congregation, who are all Irish, I gave a great portion of today to their removal and reconciling the parties concerned. My efforts, thank God, were successful.

In the evening at 6 we had night prayers, at which I gave instruction to the people. We heard Confessions as soon as we had concluded. I retired to rest at 10.

Saturday July 16th. The weather is still cold, wet and stormy. The thermometer stands at 41o this morning. I offered up the Holy Mysteries at the usual hour, and administered the Holy Communion, after which I gave a short instruction to the people. The greater part of the day we were engaged hearing Confessions, and in the evening until a late hour. No change in the weather: the rain and wind are striving for the mastery. I retired to rest at a little after 10.

Sunday July 17th. The weather continues cold, but the rain is not as heavy or constant. I said Mass at 8 after which I administered the Sacrament of Confirmation. I gave instruction both before and after the administration of this Sacrament. At the 11 Mass I preached. After Mass I assembled the Catholics and spoke to them concerning their becoming contributors to the funds of the Catholic Association. They subscribed on the [spot?] £31. The sum promised amounted to ten pounds more. I established a branch of the Association here, which will meet on the first Sunday of every month. In the evening we had night prayers, at which I again gave a lecture to the people. I spoke to them concerning their school. I retired to rest at 10, plenus laboribus.

Monday July 18th. The weather, thank God, has cleared: we take our leave of the good people of Colac under the auspices of a delightful day. A large number of the people on horseback accompanied [us] 10 miles on the road. It was 5 p.m. when we reached Mt. Moriac.

A person met us before we arrived, who informed us of the dangerous illness of a young man in the neighbourhood of the road. We visited this person, and administered to him the consolations of religion. A few Catholics being assembled at the house where we are to stop, we heard their Confessions in order to allow them to return home before dark. It was 10 when I retired to rest, having previously said night prayers with the family.

Tuesday July 19th. I rose this morning at 7. The weather is cold but fine. The people began to assemble from an early hour. We commenced hearing their Confessions about 7.30. At 11 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. The number admitted to Holy Communion was 50. I administered Confirmation to 20, children and adults. It was 1 before I concluded. I left for Geelong soon after breakfast, but did not reach it that night in consequence of the river being flooded. We stayed at the Inn, which is situated about a quarter of a mile from the river.

Wednesday July 20th. We rose at an early hour this morning, and having taken breakfast we started for Geelong. The river had fallen, so we were enabled to cross without risk. I did not remain long at Geelong. At 1 I proceeded on my journey to B[acchus] Marsh, situated about 45 miles from Geelong.

The day was beautiful and the road good, crossing extensive plains here and there traversed and edged with the most picturesquely wooded hills. We rode fast, arriving in the Marsh just as the sun was going down, which was about 5.

The people soon heard of my arrival, and prepared to attend in the morning in the temporary chapel to commence the spiritual exercises of the Jubilee, and hear Mass. At 9 I retired to rest.

Thursday July 21st. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 9. The attendance was good. I gave a short discourse on the Jubilee, concluding with an exhortation to a good preparation for it through penance. The hours for Confessions were from 11 to 1, from 3 to 4. At 5 we had night prayers and instruction, after which we again heard Confessions. The instruction I gave this evening and in the morning the clergyman who is with me will give instruction at Mass. I retired to rest at 9.30.

Friday July 22nd. I said Mass at the hour appointed this morning. After the post-Communion, the assisting clergyman gave a discourse to the congregation. Confessions were heard at the usual hours. The weather continues fine. At 5 we had night prayers, after which I gave instruction. Confessions were heard immediately after. I retired to rest at 9.

Saturday July 23rd. At 9 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice; the attendance was as usual. We were occupied during this, and the whole of the evening, hearing Confessions and preparing persons for Confirmation. I retired to rest at the usual hour, 9.

Sunday July 24th. A bright and calm sky ushered in the Sabbath. The people collected early at the chapel. I heard Confessions from 7 to 9, when I celebrated the Holy Mysteries, after which I gave instruction on the Sacrament of Confirmation which I was about to administer. Twenty persons received this Sacrament and about forty approached the Holy Communion. It was 11 when I concluded this important ceremony. The Holy Sacrifice was again offered up at 12. I preached after the 'post Communion'. It was more than 1 when all was over. I took a short walk after breakfast. At 2 I met the people again, when I addressed them on the propriety of establishing a monthly collection for the Catholic Association. They subscribed on the spot £50 to its funds and promised to organise a monthly subscription as I had advised. The business of our meeting was concluded by 3.30. At 4 I dined. Night prayers and instructions were given at the usual hour. Retired to rest at 10.

Monday July 25th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 7.30. At 10 I left for Keilor. The weather was beautiful.

The distance we had to ride was 25 miles. We arrived at Keilor at 2. One of the Melbourne clergymen came by my instruction to Keilor to assist at the station. After dinner I visited the school, which is situated about a mile from the place where I stop. The ground on which it is belongs to a private individual. I advised the people to remove it to the Government site, which is in the town of Keilor and about two miles from its present site. In the evening we had night prayers. I retired to rest soon after 9.

Tuesday July 26th. We heard Confessions this morning from an early hour until 11, when I celebrated Mass, and gave the Holy Communion to a good many persons. At 2 I returned to Melbourne.

During my absence, which exceeded a month, the Mission here has been satisfactorily conducted.

The organ for St. Francis is being landed. At 6 I assisted at night prayers. Retired to rest at 11.

Wednesday July 27th. Feeling tired from my late exertion, I did not rise this morning until 8. I heard Mass at 9. Transacted business and answered letters from 10 till 2. At 2 I visited St. Patrick's and one of the schools. I returned to the presbytery about 3.30. I read my office, after which I studied until the hour for dinner. I attended night prayers at 6 after which I heard Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.

Thursday July 28th. I rose this morning at the usual hour, 6.30. From 7 to 8 I was engaged in hearing Confessions. At 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. I was engaged in transacting business and writing from 10 to 1, when I took a walk. Study and the Divine Office filled up the interval between 3 [and the] dinner hour. We dined at 5. At 6 night prayers, after which I heard Confessions. Retired to rest at 10.

Friday July 29th. I heard Confessions from 7 to 8, when I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. Business and study occupied me from 10 to 1. I then took a short walk.

At 3 Dr Geoghegan requested a private interview. The subject of our conversation concerned his position on the mission. I told that in future [the] duties of Vicar-General would be shared with him by Dr Fitzpatrick - who would henceforward conduct the Government correspondence. He wished to know my reasons for this new arrangement - which I declined to disclose. He asked me to give him a mission somewhere in the neighbourhood - which request I would not grant as there was no mission at [present] vacant - and I felt that I would not be justified in making a vacancy to meet his individual convenience - when the rights of others would suffer thereby. This ended the conversation. He seemed displeased - but I felt satisfied that [I had done] nothing more than my duty.

The bell rings for dinner. At 6 I went to night prayers, after which I heard Confessions. Retired to rest at 10.

Saturday July 30th. From 7 to 8 I was engaged hearing Confessions. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Business from 10 to 12. Confessions at intervals from 12 to 4. The organ cases were unpacked - and the paintings hung in the Church today. Dined at 5. Heard Confessions from 7 to 9.30 - retired to rest at 10.

Sunday July 31st. I rose this morning a little after 6. At 7 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice - having a severe cold I did not give the usual instruction. I heard Confessions during the celebration of 8 o'clock Mass. Breakfasted at 9. From 9.30 to 11 I read a portion of the Divine Office - wrote a little and perused a small work on religion. At 11 I assisted at Mass. A sermon was preached at the post-communion. The congregation - as usual - exceeded by some hundreds the accommodation of the Church - many being obliged to hear Mass in the open air. I read at intervals during the day. At 6.30 I assisted at Vespers, after which a sermon was preached. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament concluded the Service. I retired to rest at 11.