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

Tuesday May 1st. Celebrated Mass at 10.30 - Tower Hill. Instruction Holy Communion. Confessions until 4. Prayers and instruction. Weather as yesterday.

Wednesday May 2nd. Mass at 11. Holy Communion - instruction - Confirmation. Concluded the retreat. Travelled as far as Yambuk en route to Portland. Weather squally.

Thursday May 3rd. Recited morning prayers being unable to celebrate Mass - chalice not being convenient. Addressed a few words to the people. At 10 proceeded to Portland where we arrived about 4.30 p.m.

Friday May 4th. Celebrated Mass at 9.30 and gave a short instruction - the attendance was small. Confessions during the day. At 4 evening prayers and instruction by the resident Clergyman.

Saturday May 5th. Mass at 9.30 and gave instruction. Confessions during the day. Visited the Hospital and prison.

Sunday May 6th. Confessions in the morning. Mass at 9 - Holy Communion - instruction - Confirmation - gave instruction at the last Mass - Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Left at 1 for Hamilton. Arrived at Green Hills at 7.30.

Monday May 7th. Left Green Hills this morning - 35 miles from Portland - for Coleraine - about 25 miles - at 9. Arrived there at 3.30. School building neat and substantial - brick - length 45 x 20.

Tuesday May 8th. Celebrated Mass and dedicated Chapel at Coleraine. Gave instruction to the few who attended. Left at 12 for Hamilton 20 miles - arrived in Hamilton about 3. Heard a few Confessions.

Wednesday May 9th. Heard Confessions - Said Mass at 10 - gave instruction. Administered the Holy Communion to a good many. Confirmed. Left for Wickliff a little after 12 - reached this place about 7. Distance 45 miles.

Thursday May 10th. Left Wickliff this morning at 9 for Pitfield - 53 miles. When at Streatham sent telegram to Vicar-General and the other to Catholic Clergy Geelong. Reached Pitfield a little after 6.

Friday May 11th. Left Pitfield at 7 and arrived in Geelong at a little after 4. Divine Office recited - read letters by English Mail. Wrote a few. Devotions for the night over - retired.

Saturday May 12th. Did not celebrate Mass this morning. Answered letters. Wrote Ballarat and Sandhurst in reference to Memorial to the Holy Father and the collection to be made for him. Visited the Convent. Promised to celebrate Mass there tomorrow. Number of children attending school 70. No boarders as yet.

Sunday May 13th. Celebrated Mass at the Convent. Attended the 11 o'clock Mass in St Mary's and preached. In the evening visited the Orphanage. Vespers and Benediction - instruction.

Monday May 14th. Left by 8 o'clock train for Melbourne. Attended evening devotions at St Patrick's.

Tuesday May 15th. Mass at 8 - College Chapel. Meeting of School Committee. Agreed to plan of alterations of St Francis Hall for training School - invited tenders.

Wednesday May 16th. Celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. After breakfast prepared letters for the English Mail. Visited the College and found it in a very untidy state. Some alterations will have to be made.

Thursday May 17th. Offered up the Holy Sacrifice this morning in St Patrick's Church. Breakfast over - read for a short time - after which I recited the Divine Office. Letters for the Mail and other business of importance.

Sunday May 27th. Collection for Seminary postponed.