Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886
Wednesday June 1st 1853. I rose this morning at the usual hour. I heard Confessions from 7 to 8. At 8 I commenced the celebration of the most Holy Mysteries. I took breakfast at 9. From 10 to 1, business, answering letters and private study engaged my attention.
I called on the Governor a little before two in order to request that the clergymen may be permitted to draw their salaries - as allowed by the New Church Act - without any further delay. I also expressed to him my surprise at the appointment of a Protestant to the Council of the University in the place of Dr Roe, a Catholic, who resigned, thus depriving the Catholic body of their share of influence in the management of that establishment. I also stated that the appointment was calculated to raise suspicions in the minds of the Catholics concerning his disposition to preserve the equality of rights. He assured me that he was most desirous to act fairly and impartially towards all denominations. He requested me to furnish him with the names of the parties thought qualified to act as Councillors to the University, and he would on the first vacancy select from them. This I promised to do *at an early* day. During the conversation he was courteous and disposed to grant every reasonable request. However, notwithstanding his professions of liberality I think he is at heart Protestant and anti-Catholic.
After this interview I took a walk into the country. On my return home I visited one of the schools. We dined at 5. Night prayers, lecture and Confessions at 7. At 10 I retired to rest.
Thursday June 2nd. I was in the Confessional this morning from 7 to 8. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8. At 9 breakfast. Business, correspondence, receiving strangers occupied my attention from 10 to 12. I heard a few Confessions, studied at intervals from 12 to 2. At 3 I attended a meeting of the 'Statute and Correspondence Committee of the University'. We named the Chairs to be allowed in the University. They are purely secular. The proposition of disallowing a share of the fees to the Professors was rejected at my suggestion, on the grounds of its being likely to superinduce apathy and carelessness in the Professors, whereas allowing them a share in the fees - as is usual in the Universities of England - an interest would be awakened in them to make their lectures as instructive as possible.
It was also understood by the members of the Committee - at my instance - that any Professors using language calculated to offend the religious feelings or subvert the faith of the students attending his lectures would be forthwith dismissed the University, this being guaranteed by the "Act of Incorporation". It was near 5 when the meeting broke up. At 5 I dined. From 7 to 9.30 night prayers, lecture and confessions occupied us. The people are fulfilling the duties of the Jubilee admirably well. At 11 I retired to rest.
Friday June 3rd. I was in the Confessional from 7 to 8 this morning. At 8 I commenced Mass. I took breakfast at 9. From 10 to 1 I divided my attention between study, writing, receiving and advising emigrants who called with letters of introduction, and hearing the Confessions of those who were not able to attend in the morning or evening. I took a short walk at 2. From 3 to 5 I read, wrote, and heard Confessions. Dinner at 5. Night prayers, lecture and Confessions from 7 to 9.30. At 11 I retired to rest.
Saturday 4th June. The same routine of duties was observed today as on other Saturdays.
Sunday June 5th. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning at 7. At the Gospel I gave instruction to the people. I heard Confessions during the celebration of 8 o'clock Mass. At 11 I assisted at the last Mass. A sermon was preached, as usual, after the Post Communion. The communicants at the early Masses were very numerous. I studied from 12 to 3 with occasional interruptions. I went into the church at 3, and inquired into the attendance and progress of the children assembled for Catechism. We dined at 5. Vespers, a lecture and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 7. Retired to rest at 10.30.
Monday June 6th. I rose this morning at 6.30. Attended in the Confessional at 7, where I remained until 8, when I commenced the celebration of the Holy Mysteries. At 9 I took breakfast.
I met the 'Statute and Correspondence Committee of the University' at 11, but having to call on the Governor concerning a site selected for a church by my instructions, to which he objected on grounds favourable to the Church of England. I explained to the Governor why I objected to withdraw my application for the site in question. I said that to withdraw it, on the grounds of his suggestion, would be to admit a principle destructive of the equality of rights allowed all religious denominations by the Church Act, and give the English Sect the character of a dominant and established church - to such an offensive distinction I could never agree.
I therefore declined to withdraw the application on the grounds of the objection raised. He did not expect such determination and opposition on my part to this audacious attempt on the rights of religious equal[ity] guaranteed us by the Church Act. He consequently took great trouble to conciliate me by assurances that he had [no] intention to disturb or alter this Act; he excused the tone and style of his letter on the plea of haste etc, and concluded by saying that he would not press his objection. He requested me to furnish him with the names of those Catholics I considered qualified for the situations of Councillors to the University. I promised to do so.
Immediately after I took my leave of him I proceeded to make a personal examination of the site. It is rather low. A little above it, the ground rises and commands a view of the Bay, the City and the adjacent country which is most picturesque. It is in every respect a better position for a church than the only already selected. I therefore had two acres marked out here, intending to apply for them on tomorrow and to withdraw the application for the site near the Protestant church, on the grounds that this last selection was more central and desirable.
It was late when I returned to the Presbytery. I studied for an hour. At 4 I went to the Confessional but there being no persons in attendance I returned to the house and prepared the application to the Government for the site I selected this morning in the immediate neighbourhood of the Carlton Gardens. We dined at the usual hour. At 7 we went into the church to assist at night prayers and the lecture, after which we heard Confessions until 9. I retired to rest about 10.30.
Tuesday June 7th. I was in the Confessional this morning from 7 to 8. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Breakfast at 9. Study, business and answering letters engaged me until 12. I heard Confessions from 12 to 2. At 2 I took a short walk. Today I forwarded the letter of application for the site I selected yesterday to the Governor.
I wrote to him also concerning other matters in which the interests of the Mission are involved. The clergymen's salaries as allowed by the "New Church Act", have not as yet been paid, though application for them has been long since made. I studied from 4 to 5. Dined at 5. Attended the night prayers and lecture at 7. The congregation was large and most attentive. Our penitents have considerably increased. We heard Confessions until near 10. At 11 I retired to rest.
Wednesday June 8th. I rose at the usual hour this morning and went to the church to hear Confessions, but few persons presented themselves. At 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. At 9 I took breakfast. From 10 to 12 I received visits of business, studied and answered letters. From 12 to 2 I attended in the church to hear Confessions. At 2 I took a ride into the country. From 4 to 5 I read and wrote alternately. Dinner at 5. I assisted in the church at the usual hour, at night prayers and the lecture, after which I heard Confessions until 9.30. The people are now crowding in, the time I allowed for the Jubilee being nearly expired. At 11 I retired to rest.
Thursday June 9th. I heard Confessions this morning from 7 to 8 and offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8. At 9 I took breakfast. The weather for the last few days has been exceedingly fine. From 10 to 12 I was engaged as usual - study, writing letters and receiving visits on business occupying my entire attention. From 12 to 2 I heard Confessions. At 2 I rode a short distance into the country. At 3 Catechetical instruction was given to the children who are preparing for Confirmation and their first Communion. From 4 to 5 I was, a part of the time, engaged hearing Confessions, but study occupied the greater part of the hour. Dinner as usual at 5. At 7 night prayers and lecture, after which Confessions until 10. It was 11.30 when I retired to rest.
Friday June 10th. I rose at 6.30 and went to the Confessional at 7, where I remained until 8. At 8 I celebrated Mass and took breakfast at 9. I gave from 10 to 12 to study, business and answering letters. Confessions from 12 to 2. At 2 I rode a short distance into the country. From 3 to 4 Confessions, from 4 to 5 reading. At 5 dinner. Night prayers and lecture at 7. Confessions immediately after, until 9. At 10.30 I retired to rest.
Saturday June 11th. I was engaged this morning from 7 to 8 in the Confessional. I said Mass at 8. At 9 I took breakfast. Business and study occupied me from 10 to 12. I heard Confessions from 1 to 3. I gave from 4 to 5 to study. From 7 to 10 p.m. I heard Confessions. At 11 I retired to rest.
Sunday June 12th. I rose this morning at 6. I celebrated Mass at 7 and preached to a large congregation. The communicants at this and 8 o'clock Masses were very numerous. I heard Confessions from 8 to 9. The attendance at 11 Mass was large. Study and writing filled up the time between breakfast and the hour for last Mass. I assisted at last Mass. Though the weather was unfavourable the church could not afford accommodation for the immense congregation that attended. I took an hour's recreation after the conclusion of the morning devotions. From 2 to 3 I read works suitable to the day. At 3 I visited the children assembled in the church for Catechetical instruction.
I next met the Collectors of St Patrick's church and said to them a few words of encouragement. The collection today for the building exceeded thirty pounds. Dinner at 5. Vespers, a Sermon and Solemn Benediction at 7. It was 11 when I retired to rest tonight.
Monday June 13th. I was in the Confessional this morning at the usual hour. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8. At 9 I breakfasted. From 10 to 12 I was occupied.
The weather being wet, I was unable to take my usual walk. I have not been outside the church ground since Friday. I do not consequently feel well. We had but few Confessions today in consequence of the unfavourableness of the weather. At 5 we had dinner. Night prayers, lecture and Confessions at the usual time. I retired to rest a little after 10, but slept badly.
Tuesday June 14th. I rose this morning at the usual time and went to the church to hear Confessions. At 8 I said Mass. Breakfast at 9. Business and study from 10 to 12. Confessions from 12 to 2. The weather being fine, I took a short walk, from which I returned a little before 3. I heard Confessions until 4. From 4 to 5 I was engaged writing. I finished my correspondence in the early part of the day, in time for the post. At 5, dinner. Night prayers, lecture and Confessions from 7 to 9. At 10 I retired to rest.
Wednesday June 15th. Having taken medicine last night I could not offer up the Holy Mysteries this morning. I attended in the Confessional from a quarter past 7 till 9. At 9 I took breakfast. The weather is still unsettled. I wrote from 10 to 12 and heard Confessions from 1 to 2. The weather having cleared up I took a short walk. At 3, I went to the offices of the Denominational School Board where a meeting of the Committee of Statutes and Correspondence of the University was to be held - but the members not being in attendance and feeling a little indisposed I returned home. I heard a few Confessions from 4 to 5. We had dinner at 5. Night prayers, lecture and Confessions at 7. At 9 I left the church and soon after retired to rest.
Thursday June 16th. I was engaged this morning in the Confessional from 7 to 8. At 8, I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. I took breakfast at 9. From 10 to 12 I studied, transacted business and wrote alternately. During the day I heard a few Confessions. At 2 I took a short ride. From 3 to 5 Divine Office, study and Confessions divided my attention. At 5 I took a little refreshment, having to dine with the Governor at 6.30. A quarter after 6 I left for his residence. The company consisted of the principal members of the Government. The conversation was rather amusing than interesting. These official dinners are very dull things. I took my leave at 9.30. The night was fine and moonlight. I retired to rest at 11.
Friday June 17th. I rose this morning at the usual hour. I attended in the Confessional from 7 to 8. At 8 I celebrated Mass. I breakfasted at 9. The time from 10 to 12 was spent as usual. I heard Confessions from 12 to 2. A little after 2 I took a short walk. I returned to the Presbytery before three, when Confessions and study alternately occupied my attention until 4.30. Dinner at 5. Night prayers, lecture and Confessions from 7 to 9.30. At 9.30 I attended a meeting of the friendly brothers. Though the object of the meeting was to admit new members to the society and organise its future operations, I proposed for its consideration the propriety of forming a Committee from among themselves for the purpose of raising funds to endow a Convent of the Sisters of Mercy or Charity, whichever could conveniently and without delay send us a filiation. I briefly pointed out the advantages these pious and self devoted ladies confer on religion and society by their active and discriminating charity, and the pious care with which they apply themselves to the education of the young.
Sunday June 19th 1853. I rose this [morning] a little before 6. I celebrated Mass at 7 and 8. At the 7 o'clock Mass I addressed the people on the 2nd Commandment. At least 500 persons received the Holy Communion at the 2 Masses. The majority were men. It was considerably past 9 when I took breakfast. I assisted at the 11 Mass - at the post communion the usual instruction was given. There were a great many admitted to Holy Communion at 10 Mass. Having taken an hour's recreation from 1 to 2 I devoted the greater part of the evening to a preparation for our evening meeting of the Catholic Association. At 6.30 we had solemn Vespers after which I gave Benediction. The church was crowded.
The meeting of the Catholic Association began at 7.30. The attendance was very large. My address was one of congratulation on the happy and fruitful issue of the Jubilee. I also incidentally alluded to the exertions being made by a few respectable individuals to realize, by a general subscription, funds for purchasing a house for the Sisters of Charity. The meeting listened with attention and a lively interest to the gentlemen who spoke after me. The collection for the night - including £35 from Geelong - amounted to £114. At 10 I dissolved the vast assemblage.
Monday June 20th. Feeling a little indisposed this morning, I did not offer up the Holy Sacrifice. I heard Confessions from 7.30 to 9. Business and study divided my attention from 10 to 1. From 1 to 2 I heard Confessions. I took a ride from 2 to 3 when I again applied myself to the duties of the Confessional. At 5 we dined. Night prayers and lecture at 7, after which we again heard Confessions and continued doing so until 10. At 11 I retired to rest.
Tuesday June 21st. I rose this morning at the usual hour, heard Confessions from 7 to 8. At 8 I celebrated Mass. I breakfasted at 9. From 10 to 12 I transacted business, studying occasionally. Confessions from 12 to 2. At 2 I took a short walk, during which I visited two of the public schools. From 3 to 5 Confessions. Dinner at 5. Night prayers and a lecture at 7, after which we devoted ourselves to the Confessional until 9. At 10 I retired to rest.
Wednesday June 22nd. I rose at the usual hour this morning. I went into the Confessional at 7, where I was engaged until 8. I offered up the Holy Mysteries at 8. At 9 I took breakfast. I gave from 10 to 1 to business and study. From 1 to 2 I heard Confessions. I took a ride into the country at 2, returning a little after 3. I heard Confessions until a quarter before 5. Dinner at 5. Night prayers concluded the Jubilee. (I administered Confirmation during the celebration of Mass this morning to two hundred persons, adults and children). I retired to rest at 10.
Thursday June 23rd. I rose this morning earlier than usual and offered up the Holy Mysteries at 7. I proceeded on my journey to Geelong at 9.30. The morning was delightful, the sky was clear and bright, but the air was cold and healthy.
We travelled at a quick pace, but I was obliged to slacken it, owing to the horse rode by the servant being weak and not in condition for so long a journey. We reached the Inn which is situated about half way at 1.30. Here we fed the horses and took a little refreshment ourselves. We resumed our journey at two, but under most unfavourable auspices. The heavens were overcast with heavy clouds of rain, which fell in large drenching drops. In a few minutes all that part of our persons which was not cased in leather was saturated. This circumstance made us push the horses, and the poor brutes, with this driving rain against, seemed as anxious as ourselves to reach the end of the journey before dark. We arrived in Geelong a little before 5, having performed the journey, which is 50 miles, in 7 hours. I changed soon after I entered the Presbytery. I dined at 7 after I finished the Divine Office. I retired to rest at 10.
Friday June 24th. It was 8 when I rose this morning. Thank God I feel quite well, notwithstanding the fatigue and hardships of yesterday. I offered up the Holy Mysteries at 9.30. At 11, accompanied by one of the clergymen, I visited the various schools established in the town. I also paid a visit to an establishment where a material is being made for building which is chiefly composed of sand taken from the beach, and which will be as durable and hard as stone. The person who has charge of this establishment, and whose invention the material is, belongs to the Catholic Church. He is, undoubtedly, a man of high inventive faculties. We returned to the Presbytery at 2. I wrote and read my office until 3. Between then and 4 I was engaged examining the church and suggested alterations and repairs. We dined at 4. I assisted at night prayers. They were commenced at 7, but few attended. This is principally owing to the inclemency of the weather.
The streets are in a bad state, and the town is so infested with robbers and persons of loose character that it is not safe to leave home after night-fall. I retired to rest a little after 9.
Saturday June 25th. I said Mass this morning at 9. The attendance was small. The weather is to blame in a great measure for this. It is wet and extremely cold. I visited one of the schools in the country today. There were but few scholars present. I examined the children in their Catechism and prayers. One boy knew the latter indifferently. On being questioned by me whether he said his prayers night and morning at home, he answered in the negative. The blame of this belongs to the parents' gross neglect, and it proves how little is done by some parents, and I believe they are a large number, to teach their children the first duties of their religion. I rebuked these negligent parents in the person of the child. It is to be hoped that he will report to them the words of reproof I spoke.
We returned to the Presbytery about 2. The weather has broken again and threatens a wet night. The office and study engaged my attention until dinner time (3). The evening was employed by me in a preparation for the sermon I am to deliver tomorrow at last Mass. I retired to rest soon after 9.
Sunday June 26th. The weather is all that one could desire. The heavens are bright and but partially clouded. The whole appearance of the day is that of mild summer weather. I celebrated Mass at 11 and preached. The congregation was very large, too large for the church, numbers were kneeling outside the church doors. I have been given to understand that a great many Protestants were present. I visited the hospital. At 3 I was present in the church whilst the children received Catechetical instruction. Night prayers, lecture and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament at 7. It was near 11 when I retired to rest. I wrote a few letters before doing so.
Monday June 27th. I offered up the Holy Mysteries this morning at 9. The attendance was larger than usual. A good many Confessions were heard.
The weather continues fine, but cold. We had a severe frost during the night. The day was mostly occupied in reading and study. My walks were confined to the gardens. The clergymen were engaged either in attending the sick, administering baptism, or hearing Confessions.
From 11 to 1 we gave our undivided attention to the Catechetical instruction of the children. At 7 in the evening we had night prayers and a lecture. Confessions were heard afterwards until near 9. At 10 I retired to rest.
Tuesday June 28th. Having suffered from a slight cold all day yesterday, I rose this morning later than usual. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 9. Breakfast over, I visited the hospital and read the prayers for the sick for one poor girl who had been of the number of the shipwrecked by the Lord Charlemont.
This wreck, it is suspected, originated either in design, or gross neglect. The vessel had been insured, and the Captain was careful to secure his property, which was principally cash, soon after she struck. Two passengers perished in their efforts to swim through the heavy surf, the others were with great exertion saved.
The Catholics on board amounted to seventy. But few of them, poor strangers, recovered their little effects. One has since departed from this scene of trouble and anxiety. This premature death is mainly to be attributed to the hardships and sufferings consequent on the wreck. I attended her in the hospital a few hours previous to her decease, but she seemed to be in a state of unconsciousness. She had, thank God, been visited and fortified by the Sacraments of the church before this stupor came on her. I visited a poor sick soldier also today.
From 11 to 12 we catechised the children. At 1 I took a short ride into the country. We dined at 2. I heard Confessions from 4 to 5. At 6 we had night prayers and a lecture. The resident clergymen were engaged afterwards in hearing Confessions until 8.30. I retired to rest at 9.30.
Wednesday June 29th. The weather is extremely cold and wet. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice on the site of the new school at Ashby, after which I preached to the people. I then went round the foundations of the building, reciting the usual prayers, in which the Congregation joined. Previous to my doing so I addressed a few words on the subject of education as communicated together with religious instruction. Urged on the attention of those present the obligation of withdrawing their [children] from Protestant schools, and send[ing] them to those that are under the immediate control of their priests. The collection made on this occasion amounted to £90. The attendance could not have been less than three hundred. The children present gave cheerfully their little aid towards the undertaking. It was 12.30 when I breakfasted after which I took a short ride. The weather held up pretty well during the day. From 2 to 4 I read and wrote alternately. Dinner at 4. At 6, night prayers, after which I gave a short instruction to the people on preparation for Confession. I heard a few Confessions immediately after tea. I retired to rest a little before 10.
Thursday June 30th. I answered a few letters this morning previous to my going into the church, as the post or steamer would leave for Melbourne at an early hour, and it was of importance that replies should be sent by the first opportunity. At 9 I sang a Solemn Mass for the deceased emigrant, her body being present; one nocturne of the Office for the Dead was also read. The congregation was rather large. We catechised the children from 11 to 12. I took a short walk a little after 1. From 2 to 4 was chiefly taken up with answering letters and reading the Divine Office. The weather is cloudy and inclined to rain.
I dined at 4. The rain falls in heavy showers. At 6 we had night prayers and lecture, after which I heard a few Confessions. The resident clergy are kept very busy hearing Confessions, the penitents for the most part go to them. I took physic before going to bed in consequence of a tendency to bile. At 10 I retired to rest.