Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886
Sunday May 1st 1853. I rose this morning at 7. I heard a few Confessions and then celebrated Mass. After Mass I gave instruction to the people concerning Confirmation, which I was about to administer. I confirmed twenty seven persons, mostly adults. Having administered the Sacrament I again spoke a few words of instruction to the people on the obligations they contracted in being Confirmed. At 11 I assisted at the Mass of the people. I addressed them on the Gospel of the day. There were many Protestants present. There could not be less than two hundred persons present at this Mass.
I proceed today on my way back to Melbourne well pleased that the Catholics, with two or three exceptions, approached the Holy Communion. Thanks be to God for the blessing that He has been pleased to bestow on the people through our humble Ministry. I dined at 3 and left soon after en route for Melbourne. The evening is fine and promises a continuance of good weather for the next week.
We reached Collins, which is twelve miles from Tarraville, about 6. I said night prayers with the family and retired to rest at 9.
Monday May 2nd. I rose at 6.30 this morning. We had frost during the night and the weather is clear and fine. The frost, in the opinion of the wise old lady of the family, forbodes wet, which proved to be correct towards the evening. Having breakfasted I prepared to start. I said a short prayer with the family and took my leave [of] Fr Moore. I hope he and the young man I have left in charge of the Mission will work together to promote the good now so happily begun amongst the people. The latter seems to be self willed and conceited, the consequence of narrow views and limited knowledge. The little he learned in College has puffed him up, concealing from him his ignorance of the world and of many things necessary for a Missionary to know. We must therefore endeavour to improve him.
Fr Moore is a person - so far as I know him - who may be safely charged with the care of any Mission. He is prudent and loves his Ministry. I proceeded on my journey soon after taking leave of him. We travelled 50 miles today. As we approached our lodging for the night, the humblest of the kind we have been in for a long time, the rain commenced to fall. It fell heavily and steadily when [we] rode up to the hut and dismounted. During the night it fell in heavy showers. I went to bed at 8 feeling rather tired.
Tuesday May 3rd. It was 7 when I rose this morning. We proceeded on our journey soon after breakfast. It rained during the morning, but it cleared up a little before 11. The distance we had to go today being short, no more than 25 miles, we walked the horses nearly the whole way so that they might be fresh for the next day's heavy journey over the Ranges. We reached the house of accommodation about 3. The accommodation here is very miserable. The long evening, however employed, appeared to me tedious and lonely. I retired to bed early, but could not sleep, owing to swarms of fleas that fed on me during the whole night.
Wednesday May 4th. At a little after 4, long before the day began to break, I rose and prepared myself for the day's toil. As day broke I mounted my horse and rode to the river, which had risen since yesterday. Here I dismounted and had the saddle taken off the horses, as they had to swim the river. The horses over, I and the servant crossed with our saddle and saddle bags in a wretched thing miscalled a canoe. With difficulty we got over without getting wet.
As soon as we got on the high land, after crawling through the deep creek which empties itself into the river, we rode in a quick trot until we came to the gullies, which we passed with difficulty. My little horse lost here one of its shoes. We reached the Inn where we stopped the night, early in the evening, having performed the journey within a shorter space of time [than is] generally allowed. I retired to rest soon after I said night prayers with the family.
Thursday May 5th. Feast of the Ascension. I celebrated the Holy Mysteries this morning at 6 and administered the Holy Communion to two persons, whose Confessions I heard previously. I resumed my journey under a heavy fall of rain - which continued nearly the whole day - immediately after breakfast.
At 12 I reached the La Trobe Inn, where I remained until the horses were fed. We proceeded on our journey about 1. The weather has cleared and promises to continue fine.
As we approached Dandenong clouds again overcast the sky, and rain soon after fell in heavy showers. We arrived at the Inn a little after 4, having travelled 36 miles since morning. The rain continued during the evening and night. I went to bed at 10, but could not sleep in consequence of the boisterous conversation of persons in an adjoining room.
Friday May 6th. I rose this morning soon after 6, and having performed my usual devotions, I prepared to start on the last part of our journey. We reached Melbourne a little after 11. The morning was mild and cloudless.
The affairs of the Mission in Melbourne went on as usual. The letters from the interior awaiting my return contained nothing particular. The Government Correspondence requires a little consideration.
In the evening I attended prayers in the Church. I retired to rest at 10.
Saturday May 7th. I rose this morning at 7. Feeling unwell, I did not celebrate Mass. I went to the Confessional as soon as I performed a part of my morning devotions. From 10 to 1 study and business engaged my attention. I heard Confessions from 1 to 4.30 - at least, I heard the Confessions of the few who presented themselves during that time. At 5 we dined. At 7 we went to the church and were engaged hearing Confessions until a little after 9. Retired to rest at 10.30.
Sunday May 8th, within the octave of the Ascension. I rose this morning a little after 6. I made my preparation for Mass, which I celebrated at 7. Immediately after the Gospel I gave a short instruction on the first Commandment. I gave Holy Communion to a large number. I heard Confessions during the celebration of the 8 o'clock Mass. Breakfast at 9. Studied from 10 to 11. Assisted at the last Mass at 11. A sermon as usual was preached at the post Communion. From 1 to 3 I read and wrote alternately. At 3 I encouraged the teachers of the Christian Doctrine in their good work. At 4 I attended a meeting of the Collectors of St Francis and St Patrick's Churches. I pointed out to them the great advantage of forming themselves into confraternities, to be called the Confraternities of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and St Francis, and in their new character to continue their labours as Collectors. We meet again next Sunday at the same hour. Dined at 5. Commenced evening service at 7, which concluded with a sermon and benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Retired to rest a little after 10.
Monday May 9th. I rose this morning at half past 6. Went to the Confessional a little after 7, offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8. At 9 took breakfast. From 10 to 1 I was employed in answering my correspondence. At 1 I visited two of the Public Schools. From 3 to 5 with occasional interruptions I applied myself to study. At 5 o'clock I dined. Attended night prayers in the church at 7. Heard Confessions immediately after. Conversed with the Clergy until 10 and then retired to rest.
Tuesday May 10th. I rose this morning at the usual hour 6.30. I went to the church and heard Confessions until 8. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Breakfasted at 9. From 10 to 1 I was engaged writing letters. From 1 to 3 I visited the schools and took a short walk into the country. I said my office and studied during the two hours that preceded dinner. At 5 we dined. At 7 we had night prayers in the church. After prayers I heard Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.
Wednesday May 11th. At 6.30 I was called this morning and immediately arose. At 7 I went to the Confessional where I remained until 8. I then offered up the Holy Mysteries. I took breakfast at 9. Business and study occupied me from 10 to 2. At 2 I visited the schools, after which I visited the new cemetery. The site is well chosen and the grounds are tastefully laid out. It was 4 when I returned. I read my office before dinner. At 5 I dined. Night prayers at 7, Confessions immediately after. Conversed with the Clergy until 10, when I retired for the night.
Thursday May 12th. This morning I attended in the Confessional at the usual hour. Celebrated Mass at 8. Breakfasted at 9. From 10 to 1 I was occupied in answering letters and transacting business connected with the Missions in the interior. I had an interview with parties concerning the establishment of a newspaper, to be the organ of the Catholics of this diocese. I approved a scheme promising it my support and influence, so long as it was conducted in a true Catholic spirit and agreeably to the principles laid down in the "prospectus" submitted to me. At one I took a ride in the country. I dined at the usual hour. I expected a few guests but only one kept his appointment, the others were unavoidably absent. Night prayers, at which I could not assist, were said at the usual hour in the church. It was 11 when I retired to rest.
Friday May 13th. I rose this morning at 25 minutes to 7. I went to the Confessional a little after the usual hour. At 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. I breakfasted at 9. Having finished my morning devotions I gave my attention to business and study until 1. At 1.30 I visited two of the public schools and examined the children in the Christian Doctrine. The children who were regular in their attendance answered well and understood the meaning of the questions put and their own answer. But those whose attendance has been irregular were lamentably ignorant of the first principles of our Holy faith, and knew very imperfectly their prayers. The parents are in fault. I returned home at 4 and read until 5. I dined at 5. Night prayers at 7, Confessions immediately after. Met the Clergymen at 8, where our conversation was on the Sacrament of Baptism and penance. It was after 11 when we separated for the night.
Saturday May 14th. It was 6.30 when I rose this morning. The weather is wet and cold. I entered the Confessional at the usual hour. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Breakfasted at 9. I wrote, read and transacted business from 10 to 12. At 12 I went to the Confessional but owing to the heavy rain which fell almost without interruption since early morning, scarcely any persons attended. At 2 we dined. I attended in the Confessional again a little after 4, but the weather being but little altered, but few came to Confession. A little later the rain ceased and the clouds began to separate. Showers, however, occasionally fell, but these ceased as the night advanced. From 7 to 9 I was again in the Confessional. The number of attendance was small. At 11 I retired to rest.
Sunday May 15th. Feast of Pentecost. I rose this morning later than usual owing to my having to sing Mass at 11. I heard Confessions during the 8 o'clock Mass. From then to 11 I was engaged in a preparation for the Celebration of the Holy Mysteries. The Solemn High Mass commenced at the hour appointed. I gave the Papal Benediction and addressed the people concerning the Jubilee, which I intend commencing on next Sunday. I attended the Catechetical instruction of the children at 3. From 4 to 5 I gave to study and writing. At 5 we dined. At 6.30 we had Vespers, after which I gave a Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. At 8 I attended a meeting of the Catholic Association. The subjects brought under the notice of meeting were the state of education in C. schools of Victoria, the propriety of establishing a newspaper that would be the advocate of the rights and interests, political and religious, of the Catholics of the Province, and the present and future prospects of Catholicity in the United States. The Collection for the night was £91. I retired to rest at 11.
Monday May 16th. The weather is wet and cold. I intended to have started this morning for Geelong, but it is impossible to travel, the road is very bad since the late heavy rain and the rivers intersecting it, flooded.
As usual I heard Confessions this morning, and at 8 I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. I was engaged in granting interviews to strangers having letters of introduction and in transacting the general business of the Mission until 1. At 2 I made a few visits, after which I took a short walk. From 4 to 5 study and general reading. Dinner at 6. Night prayers at which a lecture was read at 7. Confessions immediately after. I retired to rest after two hours interesting and useful conversation with the Clergy.
Tuesday May 17th. I rose this morning at the usual hour. Having made due preparation, I went into the Church to hear Confessions. At 8 I celebrated Mass and breakfasted at 9. A mail arrived yesterday from England - the letters were delivered this morning. I was engaged reading them and other correspondence a good part of the morning. I received visits and transacted business from 12 to 2. I took a ride at 2. I read from 4 to 5. Dinner at 5. At 7 I attended night prayers in the church and heard Confessions immediately after. At 10 I retired to rest.
Wednesday May 18th. I rose this morning a little after 6. Heard Confessions from 7 to 8. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8. Took breakfast at 9. My whole time from 10 till 2 was occupied in a variety of ways - study, answering letters, receiving visits and advising the poor emigrants who called took up my entire attention. It being a fasting day, we took an early dinner at 2. At 3 I took a ride into the country. I returned at 5 and read until tea was announced. At 7 I assisted at night prayers, after which I heard Confessions.
On leaving the Church, a deputation waited on me concerning the proposed Catholic newspaper. In reply to their remarks, I said that I would much [rather] it appeared before the public in the character of a Catholic Journal, the organ of Religious Catholic News as well as Commercial. However I said that I would not withdraw my support from it if they should publish it as an exclusively Commercial Paper, feeling assured that its columns would be open to defence when attacked by the Protestant Press. The persons who will have the chief management of it seem to me to be good Catholics.
I conversed afterwards with the Clergy on matters concerning our sacred duties until 10, when I retired to rest.
Thursday May 19th. I rose at 6.30 this morning, heard Confessions from 7 to 8. At 8 I said Mass. Study, answering letters and giving interviews to persons who just arrived, kept me occupied until 11. A little after 11 I visited the Asylum. There are but few Catholics there. These poor creatures were delighted to see and receive my instruction and blessing. After this I paid a visit to the female Penitentiary. The number of Catholics confined here is 20. Having made other visits of duty I returned to the Presbytery.
At 1.30 I took a ride to Prahran, a large and stirring town about 3 miles from Melbourne. There are but few Catholics living here. It was near 4 when I returned to the Presbytery.
I read until 5, when we dined. Tea was prepared at 6.30. At 7 night prayers and a lecture were read, after which I heard Confessions. Conversed with Clergy until 10, when we all retired to rest.
Friday May 20th. I rose at 6.30 this morning. Heard Confessions from 7 to 8. Offered up the Holy Mysteries at 8. Breakfasted at 9. Business and study from 10 to 1.
I called on the Inspector of the denominational schools concerning the aid towards the building at present occupied as a school on the Eastern Hill. I next made a visit to a Catholic family, after which I took a short walk. We had dinner at 2, as it was a fasting day. The weather became wet and cold about 3 and continued so until after night prayers. I read during the evening, writing occasionally. At 7 I was present at night prayers in the church. Prayers over, I heard Confessions. At 10 I retired to rest.
Saturday May 21st. I rose this morning at 6.30. Went to the church at 7 to hear Confessions. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Took breakfast at 9. Between 10 and 1 I was engaged in answering letters from Europe. I forwarded to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith at Lyons a brief statement of the present state of the Mission. I also solicited their further aid in bringing out additional priests. I heard Confessions from 1 to 2. At 2, it being a fasting day, we dined. From 4 to 6.30 I heard Confessions. At 7, tea. I went to the Confessional soon after tea, where I remained until 10. At 11 we retired to rest.
Sunday May 22nd. It was 7 when I rose this morning. I hastened into the Church and prepared a few persons for Holy Communion at 8 o'clock Mass. From 8 to 11 I gave my attention to a preparation for Mass and other pious exercises. I celebrated a Solemn High Mass at 11. The church could not accommodate the congregation that was in attendance. Immediately after the Post Communion the Deacon read the Encyclical letter of the Holy Father announcing the Jubilee, which commences here on today.
At 2 I went to the emigration depot and said prayers for the emigrants lately arrived. I also gave them a short instruction. There were at least 200 present. All appeared to be well disposed.
I met the Collectors of St. Patrick's at 4. The amount brought in by them was £33.10. I dined at 5. At 7 we went to the church and chanted Vespers, after which a sermon explanatory of the Jubilee was delivered. The service closed with a Solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament Retired to rest at 11.
Monday May 23rd. Feeling indisposed the preceding night I took medicine. I was not consequently able to rise as early as usual. A little after 7 I went to the church and heard Confessions until 9. From 10 to 1 I studied and transacted business. After 1, I attended in the church to hear the Confessions of those who were anxious to gain the Jubilee, but few attended. At 2 I visited one of the schools, after which I took a short walk. I read from 4 to 5. At dinner. The duties in the church were resumed at 7. I addressed the people on the importance of their availing themselves of the great graces afforded them by the Jubilee.
After prayers several persons approached the tribunal of penance who had been many years absent from it. We concluded hearing Confessions at 9.30. I retired to rest about 11.
Tuesday May 24th. Today we keep the Feast of our Lady entitled The Help of Christians Auxilium Christianorum. The Missions of Australia have been specially placed under the Patronage of the Blessed Virgin invoked under this title. I heard Confessions in the morning from 7 to 9. At 11 I sung a Solemn Mass. From 1 to 2 I heard Confessions. At 2 I took a short walk. From 4 to 5 I read and wrote a few letters. I dined at 5. We went to the Church at 7. Night prayers were said and a lecture on penance was delivered by one of the clergymen. We heard Confessions until 9. At 10.30 I retired to rest.
Wednesday May 25th. I rose this morning at twenty minutes to 7. I heard Confessions as usual from 7 to 8. I celebrated Mass in my private chapel at 8. At 9 I breakfasted. From 10 to 11 I transacted business with the clergy and laity. From 11 to 1 I heard Confessions. At 2 I took a ride into the country. From 3 to 4 I heard a few Confessions and wrote remarks on the occurrences of the day.
A clergyman from whom I had to withdraw jurisdiction in consequence of public disobedience to my instructions and of his mal-administration of the Mission I confided to his care previous to my departure for Europe, called on me today. It grieved me to be obliged to tell [him] that I could not think of giving him the care of another Mission, especially as our numbers are totally inadequate to the wants of the various Missions throughout the Diocese. The loss of a priest at this present crisis is a serious one, but it is, in my opinion, [better to] endure that loss than engage the services of a bad and faithless priest.
At 5 we dined. At 7 we had prayers, a lecture and Confessions in the church. The people attended in large numbers and approached the tribunal of penance in preparation for the Jubilee. At 11 I retired to rest.
Thursday May 26th. Feast of Corpus Christi. The weather during this week has been very fine. It is like a mild spring. The mornings and evenings are cold. I rose at the usual time. Heard Confessions from 7 to 9. I studied and made my preparation for Mass from 9 to 10.30. At 11 I sang a Solemn Mass. The congregation was very large. I heard Confessions from 1 to 2. I visited the female penitentiary at 2. Having read prayers suitable to the occasion I addressed a few words to the poor unfortunate Catholics here confined. At 3 the children from the various schools assembled in St Francis' church and were instructed for their first Communion and Confirmation. At 5 we dined. We had solemn Vespers and a lecture in the evening at the usual hour. I heard a few Confessions after giving a Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. I retired to rest at 11.
Friday May 27th. I rose this morning at a quarter to 7. I repaired to the church soon after and heard Confessions until a little after 8. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice. At 9 I took breakfast. I was engaged from 10 to 12 writing and receiving visits on business. Heard Confessions from 12 to 2. At 2 I took a walk, during which I visited one of the schools. I returned at 3. I said Vespers and heard a few Confessions. At 5 we dined. Night prayers, a lecture and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament from 6.30 to 8.30. Confessions were heard immediately after Benediction. At 11 I retired to rest.
Saturday May 28th. I rose at the usual hour this morning. After a short preparation I went to the church and heard Confessions until 8. I offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8, had breakfast at 9. From 9 to 1 I was occupied in a variety of ways. Study, answering letters, receiving the visits of persons on business or with letters of introduction. I heard the Confessions of a few persons at intervals. From 1 to 4 I gave my entire attention to the duties of the Confessional. Dinner at 5. At 7 I attended the Confessional, where I remained until a little after 9. The number of penitents is increasing.
Sunday May 29th. I offered up the Holy Mysteries at 7 and gave a short instruction to the people. A large number of persons received the Holy Communion at this and 8 o'clock Mass. I heard Confessions during the celebration of the latter. From 9 to 11 I studied. At 11 the last Mass was celebrated. I did not attend, having to prepare a discourse for the evening. At 3 I went through the classes collected in the church for Catechism. The teachers are more numerous than heretofore. They seem to enter into the spirit of the good work. The old complaint still holds good - the irregular attendance of the children. The only remedy for this lies with the parents. They must see that their children do not neglect to give their presence at the Catechetical instruction. But it is not an easy thing to induce parents to comply with this, the most sacred duty incumbent on them. I have however approved of a plan by which a more regular attendance is likely to be obtained. We dined at 5. Vespers commenced at 7. After, I preached to a very large congregation and gave Solemn Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament At 10 I retired to rest.
Monday May 30th. I rose a little before 7 this morning. I was in the Confessional soon after. At 8 I celebrated Mass. Breakfasted [at] 9. From 10 to 2.30 study, visits from newly arrived emigrants and Confessions engaged my attention. At 3 I attended a meeting of the Correspondent Committee of the proposed University. The discussion on the Sciences to be taught was long, but amicably conducted. I objected to the Chairs of Moral Philosophy, Hebrew and Metaphysics on the grounds of their being likely to be abused to the injury of religion by Professors of loose morals and sceptical minds. The objection was admitted and the Chairs disallowed. The Protestant Bishop supported several of my objections. The meeting broke up a little before 5. I dined at 5. At 7 I assisted at night prayers, after which we had a lecture and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament Confessions followed. At 11 I retired to rest.
Tuesday May 31st. At 7 I went to the church and heard Confessions till 8. I then offered up the Holy Sacrifice. Breakfast was over at 9.30. Study, business and Confessions occupied my attention from 10 to 2. At 2 I went a short distance into the country. From 4 to 5, study. At 5 dinner. At 7 evening prayers, a lecture, Benediction and Confessions. At 10.30 I retired to rest.