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

Thursday November 1st. Opened the Retreat this morning at Richmond. Mass at 9 and instruction. The same order of duty will be observed here as on the other missions. Evening prayers and instruction at 6.30. Confessions immediately after.

Friday November 2nd. Mass and instruction at 9. Engaged hearing Confessions at the hours appointed. Attendance at night prayers and instruction numerous. It was late when we left off hearing Confessions.

Saturday November 3rd. Celebrated Mass at 9. Engaged all day up to 4, with the exception of an hour hearing Confessions. At 6 commenced again to hear Confessions and were so engaged up to 10.

Sunday November 4th. Heard a few Confessions this morning. At 10.30 administered the Sacrament of Confirmation, having previously given a short instruction. At a little past 11 offered up the Holy Mass. After the Gospel I addressed a few words to the Congregation. Attended Vespers in St Francis.

Monday November 5th. Celebrated Mass this morning at 8.30 in the College Chapel. Engaged at St Francis Presbytery up to 1.

Tuesday November 6th. Mass at 8. Conferred Minor Orders on Mr Kavenagh. Meeting of Catholic School Committee.

Wednesday November 7th. At 8 - Mass. Distributed premiums to the boys attending St Patrick's School.

Thursday November 8th. Opened Retreat at Emerald Hill. Mass and instruction at 9. Regulations same as on the other Missions. Night prayers and instruction at 6. Confessions. Returned to Melbourne.

Friday November 9th. At 9 Mass and instruction. Confessions at the usual hours. Night prayers - instructions - Confessions. Returned to Melbourne about 9.

Saturday November 10th. Celebrated Mass at 9. Confessions during the day up to 4. Night prayers at 6. Confessions up to 10. Arrived in Melbourne about 10.30.

Sunday November 11th. Mass at 9. At 10.30 administered Confirmation. Celebrated Mass and gave instruction afterwards. Concluded Retreat. Attended Divine Service in the evening in St. Francis.

Monday November 12th. Offered up the Holy Mass at 8 in the College Chapel. Visited the Orphanage. Much sickness prevails among the children. Institute orderly and well kept.

Tuesday November 13th. During the celebration of Mass this morning in the College Chapel conferred sub-deacon's orders on Mr Kavenagh. Meeting of Catholic School Committee at 12.

Wednesday November 14th. Celebrated Mass in the College Chapel. Busy from 10 to 12.30. Left by train - quarter to 2 - for Geelong. Stopped there this evening.

Thursday November 15th. Opened the retreat today for the Mission of Duneed. Attendance small. Heard Confessions in the evening after prayers and instruction.

Friday November 16th. Retreat - the order of duties and religious exercises the same as was observed at the other Missions. Visited the school at the other side of Mount Moriac.

Saturday November 17th. Retreat. The people attend well.

Sunday November 18th. Solemnly dedicated the new Church to-day - Patron St Patrick. Confirmation was given before Mass. It was 2 when all was over. Returned to Geelong - assisted at Vespers and Benediction.

Monday November 19th. Celebrated the Holy Mass at 8. Visited the Convent. Left by mid-day train for Melbourne.

Tuesday November 20th. Offered up the Holy Sacrifice at 8 in the College Chapel. Attended the weekly meeting of the Catholic Schools Committee. Left in the afternoon for Keilor en route for Bacchus Marsh.

Wednesday November 21st. Started this morning at 7 for Bacchus Marsh - where we arrived a little after 3. In the evening commenced the retreat for the people. Night prayers - instruction and Confessions.

Thursday November 22nd. Confessions and Confirmation before Mass, instruction after the Gospel. Completed the retreat today and left for Gisborne about 2. A hot wind blew the whole afternoon. Night prayers at Gisborne and instruction.

Friday November 23rd. Mass at 9 - instruction after the Gospel. Confessions in the morning, afternoon and evening.

Saturday November 24th. At 9 Mass. Confessions during the day and in the evening up to 9. Weather wet and cold.

Sunday November 25th. 1st Mass at 9. Confirmation at 10.30 with instruction. At a little after 11 commenced Mass. After the Gospel addressed a few words of instruction to the Congregation. Gave Holy Communion to a good many. Left for Keilor at 2.30.

Monday November 26th. Arrived early this morning in Melbourne. Sent off a few letters by the English mail, leaving today. Visited the Orphanage. Sickness still prevails there to an alarming extent, and it has been fatal in many cases.

Tuesday November 27th. Celebrated Mass at 8.30 meeting of the Catholic Schools Committee. No business as there was no quorum. Occupied until an hour of dinner time. Attended evening prayers in St Francis.

Wednesday November 28th. Opened the retreat at 9 this morning at Williamstown with the Holy Mass and instruction. Attendance small. Engaged as at the other Missions during the day and evening with Confessions and the religious exercises.

Thursday November 29th. Mass at 9 with instruction. Number in attendance increased since yesterday. After evening prayers returned to Melbourne. A heavy thunderstorm during the night.

Friday November 30th. Arrived from Melbourne in Williamstown a little after 9. Celebrated Mass and gave instruction. Confessions during the day and evening. After night prayers left for Melbourne at 6.30.