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

I confirmed in Warrnambool twenty-seven persons. This took place on Thursday the 2nd of May.

On the 3rd I left Belfast for Portland, where I remained until Monday the 6th instant. During my stay at Portland - which was then without a resident Pastor, the Clergyman to whose care I confided it having, a month previous to my visit, abandoned it without leave or giving notice of his intention - many approached the Sacrament of Confession, and on Sunday, when I celebrated Mass at eleven o'clock, the Holy Communion. The Clergyman of Belfast promised to visit this Mission occasionally until I could provide them with the services of a local Pastor.

I returned to Melbourne on Monday the 6th, by Belfast, Warrnambool, Colac and Geelong. At each of these places I met the faithful and afforded them an opportunity - of which they availed themselves with a laudable zeal - of approaching the Sacraments of penance [and] Holy Eucharist, and hearing Mass.

When I arrived in Geelong I learned with agreeable surprise that a Clergyman had landed in Melbourne from Ireland, whose services Dr Geoghegan had engaged for the Diocese. I immediately decided on sending him forthwith to Portland, and to accompany him myself part of the way, as far as Colac.

I proceeded to Melbourne from Geelong on the 13th. The weather was very bad - it rained from the time I left until I arrived in Melbourne. I was met half way by the carriage, in which I performed the remainder of the journey.

The Rev Michael Kavanagh had to leave the diocese in consequence of conduct unbecoming a priest. He proceeded to Sydney.

On the 20th I left Melbourne on my way to Colac with the clergyman lately arrived and whom I appointed to the Mission of Portland. He has since written to me, stating that he reached in safety the scene of his future labours, and likes it. May God make his exertions for the advancement of His Holy religion in that place fruitful. Amen. I returned to Melbourne at the close of May.