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

Tuesday 8th March. I commenced to prepare my report on the mission in Perth. In this I confine myself solely to the probable cause of its present embarrassing state and the remedy to be applied.

Wednesday 9th March (Ash Wednesday). Went to the Capella at the Vatican; received the ashes from the Holy Father.

Saturday 12th March. Went to the Vatican to obtain my valedictory audience; was delayed till near 2; the Minister Extraordinary from Peru and the American Plenipotentiary to China who had, with those of the other powers, helped to make the present treaty with China, and two Cardinals taking precedence. At the audience I spoke of the unfitness of foreigners for English missions. Sent a letter to the President of the Central Council of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith in Paris, soliciting aid for a mission to the Chinese in Victoria.

Saturday 19th March. Visit from Rinaldini, Minutante of Propaganda. On it being mentioned that the Sacred Congregation had advised that I should visit Perth, I positively declined to do so; recommended that Dr. Serra be called to Rome to give explanation in regard to his administration. During his absence, if thought necessary and if approved of by him, one of the Bishops of the Province could make a visit to the Diocese and report thereon. I was not able to give the exact boundaries recommended by the Archbishop for the Diocese of Maitland. The nomination to this Diocese will, I believe, be deferred for the consideration and advice of the Bishops assembled in Synod.

After dinner, called at St. Clement's; visited the excavations that are being made. Cavaliere de Rossi, one of the first archaeologists in Rome, was engaged deciphering an inscription on a slab found in these interesting excavations. It refers back to the third or fourth century.