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

We arrived in Melbourne on the second Sunday of Lent. Assisted at last Mass and in the evening at Vespers.

Monday. I celebrated Mass in my private Chapel. My morning devotions complied with, I gave the day to business.

The Vicar-General presented me with a state of the diocese which is by no means satisfactory. Church building made no progress during my absence except in one instance - the Church at Pentridge which I commenced previous to my departure for Europe; in that instance, to the zeal and energy of the local pastor is due the praise.

Money has been most shamefully advanced to the contractor of St. Patrick's Church - Eastern Hill - during my absence. But little has been done for it.

My time at this season of Lent is entirely taken up with the public devotions - the Confessions morning and evening - and the general business of the Diocese. The mornings are further given to my private devotions, holy office and the Celebration of Mass.

The Seminary is under the care of the Rev Mr Sheil, who came out with me. There are three Ecclesiastical students. The day school, consisting of 80 boys, is immediately looked after by them under the direction of Mr Sheil, the president.

During Holy Week the ceremonies peculiar to the time were strictly fulfilled. The Confessionals engaged most of our time and attention. The faithful did not however attend in proportion to their numbers. The rails were thronged with Communicants at the several Masses on Easter Sunday, March 27.

The vice of drunkenness prevails to a frightful extent amongst the people. We must wrestle with all our zeal and energy against this monster sin. The unexpected wealth of the people is the cause of this evil.

We had a Pontifical High Mass on Easter Sunday. In the evening we had Solemn Vespers, a sermon and solemn benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Monday 28th in Easter. I celebrated Mass at an early hour this morning. At 11 o'clock High Mass was sung by the Vicar-General.

During the day I was occupied in writing, giving an occasional hour to study. At 7 p.m. we had evening prayers in the Church. Retired to rest at 10 o'clock.

Tuesday 29th March. The duties were much the same as yesterday, except that we had no High Mass.

I was engaged during the day in receiving visits and granting interviews to such of the Clergy as were in town from the country. I wrote and studied as occasion offered. In the evening I attended evening prayers in the Church. At 10 I retired to rest.

Wednesday 30 March. I rose this morning a little after 6. Having finished in part my morning devotions, I went to the Confessional where I remained until 8, when I offered up the Holy Mysteries. My thanksgiving over I took my usual refection, after which I finished the Divine Office and made my meditation.

I wrote a few letters. From 10 to 12 I received visits of business. Afterwards I visited two of the public schools.

Thursday 31st March. I rose at 6 this morning and went to the Church to hear Confessions. In the intervals between each Confession I said the Divine Office and made my preparation for Mass. At 8 I celebrated the Holy Mysteries. I took breakfast at 9, after which I finished my morning devotions.

From 10 to 11 I received visits and transacted business. I wrote letters and studied from 11 to 1 p.m. I then took a short walk and returned a little after 2. From 2 to 3 I read and wrote alternately. Dined at 3. I took a short walk at 5. At 6, tea. Evening prayers in the Church at 7.

Conversation with the Clergy occupied the remainder of my waking time until between 9 and 10, when I retired to rest.