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

Sunday May lst. Morning prayers - meditation - Hours. Heard a few confessions - preparation for Mass. Administered Confirmation to 6 persons before Mass - having briefly instructed them. Many approached the Holy Communion at the two early Masses and at my late Mass. Recommended the Congregation to contribute liberally to the Orphanage in aid of which the Dean of Geelong would then preach. Thanksgiving. Breakfast. Received a deputation on the providing this district with a resident Clergyman. Promised to do so when the people had provided me with the means to pay the passage from Ireland to the Diocese of one - and that they assure me of their ability to build a presbytery and secure to him a decent support. Left about 3 for Terang, where we arrived about 5. Remained here the night. Recited vespers and Compline. About 9 retired to my room. Night prayers - bed.

Monday May 2nd. Rose a little before 5 - dressed. Morning prayers - Matins and Lauds with the Litany of the Saints. Left about 6 for Camperdown. Recited Hours. Arrived in Camperdown about 9.30. Took breakfast. At l0 started for Colac. Made my meditation as we drove along. The morning was wet - but the rest of the day was very fine. Arrived in Colac about 2.30 - having made the journey of 32 miles, over very bad and hilly roads, in 4 hours and a half. Fr. Farrelly met me a few miles from Colac. Visited the school - the attendance was large - about 60 - some of the children are Protestants. The building is in good repair.

In the course of the evening received a deputation who stated the desire of the people to build a Church and their determination to do so if assisted by a share of the State grant. They already had promises to the amount of £500. I told them that next year I would give them a share of the State grant - but this year I could give them nothing - the plans should have my approval. Recited Vespers and Compline. Read an interesting and instructive book until bed time. About 9.30 night prayers - bed. I feel a little unwell.

Tuesday May 3rd. Morning prayers - Matins. I am suffering from a very severe cold. Left for Geelong at 7. Recited portions of the Divine Office as we travelled along. Made a feeble attempt at meditation. Stopped a few minutes to change horses. Arrived in Duneed about l2.30 - where I took a little refreshment. Proceeded on to Geelong where we arrived a little past 2. Left by the 4 o'clock train for Melbourne. Still suffering, called on Dr Brownless on my way home. He ordered something for me. Said night prayers - took the mixture prescribed - then a hot bath and a little gruel after going to bed.

Wednesday May 4th. Remained in bed till 8.30. Thank God, I feel myself quite recovered. Took a little gruel for breakfast. After breakfast walked to St Francis - remained till ll.30. Walked home. Called on the Doctor and reported myself well.

Wrote to the Revd. Mother desiring to her to inform the religious under her care that none of them would be permitted under any circumstances to visit distant places in the Diocese where there was no community of the Institute - that they ought to be mindful that in becoming Religious they renounced relatives and friends in order that they might devote themselves to God and His poor without reserve.

This note was addressed to the Revd. Mother of the Nicholson St. Convent of Mercy. Visited for a few minutes the House of the Good Shepherd. On my return home I wrote for an hour. Then read a religious book till dinner hour.

Before going to dinner, I received a note from the Revd. Mother of the Convent of Mercy in reference to mine. She enclosed a Telegram which I returned with a note advising the recall of the Sisters from Castlemaine, there being no community of the Order there. Mr O'Shanassy dined with us. Had a long conversation with him on the Industrial School and Reformatories. Attended in the Church about 7.30. Heard Confessions. Night prayers, visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. The devotions of the month are well attended. Recited Vespers and Compline on my return home. Read a few pages of the introduction to the life [of] St Frances de Chantal before going to bed.

Thursday May 5th. Morning prayers, Divine Office. Walked to St Francis about l0.30. Preparation for Mass. At ll commenced High Mass. The Lesson and Gospel were read after the Holy Communion by the Master of Ceremonies. After thanksgiving, breakfast. Business up to l2. Returned home.

Had to hear a complaint from a layman against a Clergyman who in a fit of anger abused [him] in the public streets. Promised to inquire into the matter. Wrote to the Clergyman to call on me.

Wrote for some time. Took up the life of St Frances de Chantal which I continued until near dinner time. Mr O'Shanassy and Dr Brownless dined.

Attended the devotions in St Francis. Sermon and Benediction each evening after the prayers. Heard Confessions till 9. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. On my return home recited Vespers and Compline. Got to bed about l0.

Friday May 6th. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. A little passed [sic] 7 commenced Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited the Divine Office - made in part my meditation - heard a few Confessions.

After breakfast looked over one of the daily Journals - resumed my meditation. Business and letters till l2. Left the office then. On my reaching home I wrote for a short time. A half hour's study of Moral Theology. Presided at a meeting of the Catholic Education Committee. Visited Abbotsford between 2 and 3. Returned a little before 3. Looked over a part of the tract De actibus humanis - then read till the bell rang for dinner.

About 6 drove to St Francis. Recited Vespers and Compline then Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Attended the devotions in the Church - Sermon and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. It was close to 9 when I returned home. Weather showery. About 9.30 to bed.

Saturday May 7th. Weather showery - morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. A little after 7 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford. After thanksgiving drove to St Francis - heard Confessions. About 9.30 took breakfast - made my meditation. Engaged in the office until ll.30. Walked home. Told Fr Lordan to attend St Joseph's on Saturday afternoons at 6 to hear Confessions. Fr Donevan will take his place in St Francis.

Wrote for a short time. Studied till 2. Drove to St Francis - recited Vespers, Compline and Matins with Lauds for tomorrow. Heard Confessions till 4. Walked home. In the evenings heard Confessions from 6.30 to 9 or half past. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers - home and bed about l0.30.

Sunday May 8th. Morning prayers - preparation for a short discourse to be delivered at Mass - preparation for Mass. At 8 commenced Mass - gave Holy Communion to a good many - preached - thanksgiving - drove home. Recited Hours. Breakfast. An hour's meditation. Read from ll to ll.30. Then went to St Patrick's to hear the sermon. Read after the Angelus till 2. Visited the Sunday classes for Christian Doctrine assembled in St Mary's and St Francis. Walked about 4 miles. Dinner at the usual hour. About 6.30 went to St Francis. Assisted at Vespers - sermon and Benediction. Night prayers. Returned home about 9. To bed a little past l0.

Monday May 9th. Morning prayers - Divine Office - preparation for Mass. At 7 Mass in the College Chapel. After Thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard a few confessions. Made my meditation. Engaged in the Office up to ll.30. Walked home. Studied with some few interruptions till l.30. Visited Prahran Church. Returned home about 3.30. Studied till 4.30. Dinner. Assisted at the devotions in St Francis - preached and gave Benediction. Heard Confessions. Visit to Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Night prayers. Returned home a little past 9 - Matins and Lauds for tomorrow.

Tuesday May l0th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited hours - heard a few confessions - made my Meditation. Occupied in the office till ll.30. Walked home - studied for evening instruction from l2 to l.30. Took a short drive - on my return about 2.30 read, when not engaged with business, till close on the dinner hour.

About 6 went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline - assisted at the public devotions - preached and gave Benediction. Heard Confessions immediately after. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Night prayers. Returned home about 9. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. To bed a little past l0.

At l.30 p.m. examined Mr Barry for Deaconship and Priesthood. The examination lasted till 4. The Vicar-General - the President of the College and another Priest assisted. Mr Barry will make his Retreat at Williams[town]. He was instructed to commence it this evening.

Wednesday May llth. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions - made my meditation. After breakfast business. Left the Office at ll.30. From l2 to l.30 studied for the evening instruction. Visited the House of Mercy. Returned home by Richmond. From 2.30 to near 4.30 occupied with business and study. Dinner at the usual time. About 6.30 went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline - assisted at the public prayers - preached and gave Benediction. After the devotions heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. A little past 9 got home - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow - about l0.30 to bed.

Thursday May l2th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass. Thanksgiving over, went to St Francis. Heard Mass - recited Hours - made meditation. Breakfast over, attended to business in the office till ll.30. Prepared for my discourse to the people in the evening from l2 to l.30 and from 2.30 to 4.30. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline. Assisted at the devotions in the Church - preached - gave Benediction. Afterwards heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. About 9 returned home. Recited Matins and Lauds. About 10 to bed.

Friday May l3th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass. At 7 Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions - made meditation. After breakfast looked over one of the daily Journals. Wrote a few letters. Interviews with clergymen and laymen on business. Left the office about l2. Walked home. Prepared for my evening instruction to the people. About 2.30 drove to Abbotsford - where I remained a few moments. Returned home direct from Abbotsford. Read till 4.30. Dinner. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline. Attended the public devotions - preached - gave Benediction. At the conclusion of the service - heard Confessions. Visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home by 9.30. Recited Matins and Lauds. To bed about l0.30.

Saturday May l4th. Morning prayers. At 7, after preparation, commenced Mass. At Mass I bestowed the order of Deaconship on Mr Barry. It was late when I concluded. Went to St Francis - remained there till close on l2. Arranged the order of duty for tomorrow. From l2.30 to 2 - study. At 2 returned to St Francis. Recited Vespers and Compline with Matins and Lauds for tomorrow - heard a few Confessions. Returned home about 4. Read till dinner time. Went to St Francis about 6. Engaged hearing Confessions from 6.30 to 9.30. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Night prayers. Returned home. A little before l1 to bed.

Sunday May l5th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass - recited Hours - made a short meditation. At ll recited the English prayers before Mass in St Francis - after which I commenced the Solemn High Mass - the newly ordained Deacon acted as the Deacon of the Mass. A sermon in aid of the Diocesan Seminary was preached by the Archdeacon of Ballaarat. It was l.30 when I made my thanksgiving. Breakfast. Returned home - wrote for a half hour. Read for some time. Conversed with the Vicar-General and the Archdeacon until 4. The latter then left by train for Ballaarat. Dinner at 4.30. At 7 attended Vespers - Sermon and Benediction in St Francis Church. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Returned home about 9. Night prayers a little before l0 - to bed soon after.

Monday May l6th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass - recited Hours. A little past 7 celebrated Mass at the Convent of the Good Shepherd. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard a few Confessions - made my meditation. Engaged in the office until close on l2. Walked home. Looked over a theological work for an hour or so. Visited the House of the Good Shepherd - the Vicar-General accompanied me. Examined the additions now fast approaching completion - they will be a great advantage. Returned home about 3.30. Studied a little - then wrote till near dinner time. In the evening attended the devotions in the Church. Heard Confessions - visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home about 9. A little before l0 retired to bed.

Tuesday May l7th. Morning prayers - preparation for Mass - Hours. At l0 celebrated and conferred Priesthood on George Barry - a student of our Diocesan Seminary. Engaged the whole of the day writing to the Clergy. A meeting of the Catholic School Committee was held to consider objections made to the 5 percent charged on the income of the Teachers for school purposes. The Committee confirmed the agreement. Some of the Clergy were present with two lay gentlemen - Mr Archer and Mr Geary. I was not present - but approved afterwards their decision. At 4.30 dinner. In the evening attended the devotions in St Francis Church - heard Confessions - visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home a little after 8 - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. About 10 to bed.

I examined the College accounts today l7th May. What is due to the College for the Scholars will more than cover the debt - which is between £35 and £40. I examined in the forenoon the accounts of St Francis Purgatorium Society and regretted to find that but little of the funds went to relieve the poor - the alms for Masses absorbed nearly all. I checked this application of funds and reduced the Masses to 3 in each week.

Wednesday May l8th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass. Left at 7 for Abbotsford, where I celebrated Mass. After thanksgiving drove to St Francis. Remained in the Confessional till past 9. Business in the office until l0.30. Walked home. Studied Theology for about an hour. Gave an interview to a Clergyman on business. Took a short drive. Returned home a little before 3. Wrote for a short time - made my meditation in the forenoon and afternoon. Dinner at the usual hour.

Yesterday I looked over the College accounts - the house accounts are not as prepared for examination. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds. Attended the evening devotions - heard Confessions - visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home about 8.30. Read for a half hour. Conversation with the Vicar-General. About l0 to bed.

Thursday May l9th. Morning prayers - Prima - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass in the College Chapel. After thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard a few confessions - made my meditation. Breakfast at 9.30. When not engaged with business read something useful. Left the office at l1. Walked home. Read from ll.30 to l. Visited Abbotsford - called at the Richmond Presbytery on my way home. Reached home about 2.30. Read a little Theology - then wrote for a short time.

Fr. O'Riordan has just called to inform me - at the request of Fr. Williams - of an occurrence that took place at l2 last night disgraceful to him (Fr Williams). Two constables - a cab - and a woman of suspicious repute were at the gate. Williams said that two women seized him and took his watch from him!!! I told Fr. Riordan to tell Williams to see the Vicar-General. He has a choice - resignation and leave the Diocese, or an inquiry and its consequences. He said he would resign and leave the Diocese.

Dinner at 4.30. About 6 went to St Francis, recited Vespers and Compline, Matins and Lauds. Attended the evening devotions, heard confessions - visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home about 9. Conversed with the Vicar-General for some time. About l0 to bed.

Friday May 20th. Morning prayers, Hours, preparation for Mass. At 7 celebrated Mass at Abbotsford - addressed a short discourse to the Penitents. After Thanksgiving drove to St Francis. Heard a Confession, made my meditation. Remained in the office till ll. On my return home I wrote for a short time. Study of Theology from l2 to l. Visited Abbotsford to hear the Confessions of the community at their own special request. Returned home about 3. Read till dinner time. In the evening a little past 6 went to St Francis. Recited Vespers, Compline, Matins and Lauds. Attended the evening devotions - heard Confessions, night prayers, visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned home about 9. About l0 to bed.

Saturday May 2lst. Morning prayers, Hours, heard Mass in St Francis, made my meditation, heard a few Confessions. After breakfast, business up to ll. Arranged the order of Masses and duty for tomorrow. Studied from l2 to l. Wrote letters for the English mail. Went to St Francis about 2. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Heard Confessions till 4. Returned home for dinner. About 6 went to St Francis - attended the devotions, heard Confessions till 9.30 or close on l0 - night prayers, visits to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Soon after my return home to bed.

Sunday May 22nd. Morning prayers - Hours - Mass and instruction at Abbotsford. Gave Holy Communion before the instruction. It was l0 when I returned home - took breakfast. After breakfast meditation for an hour. Attended in the vestry of St Patrick's during the sermon. From a quarter past l2 to 2 occupied myself with study of Theology and pious instructive reading. Between 2 and 4 visited St Francis - St Augustine's and St Mary's Sunday Schools. Dinner at 4.30. At 7 assisted at Vespers - and the person appointed to preach not being present - I preached. After the discourse - Benediction. About 9 returned home. At 9.30 retired for the night.

Monday May 23rd. Morning prayers - Matins and Lauds. Prepared letters for the English Mail - but not all. Wrote to Fr. Furlong for a Community to establish our Reformatories and Industrial Schools. Enclosed the letter to my Uncle - with a copy of the Reform. and Indust. Bill.

Went to Sandhurst by the midday train. On my arrival there wrote and posted other letters for England. Read the life of St Frances de Chantal during the evening. Retired early to my room - night prayers - read for a short time after going to bed.

Tuesday May 24th. Morning prayers - Matins and preparation for Mass. At 8.30 Mass - thanksgiving. Breakfast - Hours soon after breakfast - made a few minutes meditation. Visited the school. Building most unsuitable. Visited the Champaspie [Campaspe] School Chapel. It is about l5 miles from Sandhurst. Returned to Sandhurst about 5. After dinner I took a short walk. Read for an hour or more. About 9.30 I retired to my room - night prayers - bed.

Wednesday May 25th. Morning prayers - Matins - preparation for Mass. About 8 commenced Mass - thanksgiving - breakfast - recited Hours - made meditation. Left by the ll o'clock train for Melbourne. Read nearly the whole of the journey. Arrived in Melbourne at 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. About 6 o'clock went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. Attended the devotions in the church - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home about 9.30. Read for a half hour. To bed about l0.30.

Thursday May 26th. Morning prayers - Hours - preparation for Mass - meditation. At ll commenced Solemn Mass. After Mass carried the Most Blessed Sacrament in procession down the church and for a short distance outside within the enclosure - great crowds attended. It was l.30 when all was concluded. At 2.30 went to the Convent of the Good Shepherd - where I bore the Most Blessed Sacrament in procession through the garden - at a temporary Altar gave Benediction. Gave Benediction again in the Convent Chapel. Returned home about 4. Recited Vespers and Compline. Dinner at 4.30. About 6 went to St Francis - recited Matins and Lauds - attended the devotions - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home about 9.30. Read for a short time. About 10.30 to bed.

Friday May 27th. Morning prayers - Prima - preparation for Mass. A little past 7, Mass - thanksgiving. Went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard a few Confessions - made my meditation. Breakfast late. Business till ll in office - but at all times to attend to pressing concerns. Engaged the whole of the day - except during a short visit to the Convent of Mercy to inquire after the Revd. Mother - who is ill. Dinner at 4.30. A little past 6 went to St Francis. Recited Matins and Lauds for the next day. Attended the devotions in the Church - heard Confessions - visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Returned a little before 9 - read for a half hour. To bed soon after l0.

Friday May 28th. Morning prayers - Prima - preparation for Mass. At 7 commenced Mass in the College Chapel - Thanksgiving - went to St Francis - heard Mass - recited Hours - heard Confessions - made my meditation. After breakfast arranged the duty for tomorrow. Answered letters - left the office about ll.30. On my getting home I wrote for an hour an a half. Saw the President of the College on matters connected with the studies. About l.30 visited the Convent of the Good Shepherd nuns - thence drove to St Francis where I heard Confessions (reciting the Matins and Lauds for tomorrow when not so engaged) till 4. Dinner at 4.30. About 6 went to St Francis. Read a little on the subject of my instruction to the people for tomorrow. Heard Confessions without interruption from 6.30 to 9.30. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel - night prayers. Returned home. Made a short preparation for tomorrow's discourse. About l1 to bed.

Sunday May 29th. Morning prayers. About 7.30 went to St Francis - preparation for Mass - recited Prima. At 8 Mass. After giving the Holy Communion I delivered a short discourse on the importance of frequent communion. Returned home a little before l0 - recited Hours - about 10.30 breakfast. After breakfast half hour's meditation. Attended in the vestry of St Patrick's to hear the sermon. From l2 to 2 pious instructive reading including a few chapters of the Old Bible with comments - visited the Sunday Schools of St George and St Francis - the attendance in the former was very good - in the latter, owing to a procession at St Mary's, it was but poor. It was 4 when I returned home. Read a little before dinner. About 6.30 went to St Francis - assisted at Vespers sermon and Benediction. Afterwards recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. About l0 night prayers - bed.

Monday May 30th. Morning prayers - Prima - preparation for Mass. At 7 - Mass in the College Chapel - after thanksgiving went to St Francis - heard Mass recited Hours - heard Confessions - made my meditation. After breakfast - business and correspondence up to ll.30. After my return home answered letters - received several of the Clergy on business. Drove to St Kilda. At 3 attended a meeting of the Council of the University. The business of the meeting was not concluded till 5. Dr Brownless was reelected Vice Chancellor. About 6.30 went to St Francis - recited Vespers and Compline - attended the evening devotions - heard confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel.

Received a long letter from the Bishop of Hobarton. He did not attend the Governor's levée as he did not get the place his rank entitled him to. He enclosed me a copy of his letter to the Governor. Recited Matins and Lauds for tomorrow. About l0 to bed. Do not feel very well.

Tuesday May 3lst. Having spent a restless night owing to excruciating pain in my left foot, I did not get up till 7.30. Having dressed and said my morning prayers I drove to St Francis but was too late for 8 o'clock Mass. Recited Hours - heard Confessions - but suffered much all the time from my left foot. At 9.30 breakfast. Strove to make my meditation - I failed. Did business in the office up to past 11. Gave Fr. O'Keane his faculties for South Gippsland. He will leave on tomorrow. His faculties are usque ad revocationem [until withdrawn]. Wrote for some time. About 2 drove to the Convent of the Good Shepherd. Had a conversation with the Revd. Mother and Assistant about their establishing a juvenile Reformatory for females. The other Sisters - she said - had some difficulty in advising it just now. However they are to consider it again. Called on Fr. Madden and spoke with him about his change to Castlemaine. Got back about 3.30. Wrote a few letters. Dinner at 4.30. About 6 went to St Francis. Recited Matins and Lauds for the next day - attended the evening devotions - heard Confessions. Visit to the Most Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady's Chapel. Home about 8. Read till near 9. About 9.30 to bed.