Brian Condon: Diary of James Alipius Goold, 1848-1886
On Tuesday the 15th instant I visited Bacchus Marsh. The next day I laid the foundation stone of a chapel, which I dedicated to St Laurence O'Tool. Previous to the performance of this interesting ceremony I celebrated the Holy Mysteries in the presence of a congregation of seventy persons, and administered the Holy Communion to thirty persons. What made this visit so agreeable was the readiness with which all the adults availed themselves of our presence to approach the Sacrament of Penance.
On Thursday and Friday following I held a Station at Brighton. The people attended very well and made their confessions. Forty were admitted to the Holy Communion. The Catholic population of Brighton exceeds three hundred. The greater part were absent, being engaged at the shearing in the interior, or employed bringing the wool to Melbourne. During this busy season of shearing and conveying the wool to town, these poor people earn as much suffices for their family's support for a year.
On tomorrow I proceed to Williamstown to hold a Station there.
On last Sunday night the monthly meeting of the Catholic Association took place. I called the particular attention of the meeting to the proselytism system practised by the Protestants towards the Irish orphans. These poor girls have been turned out of their Protestant situation because they would not abandon the true Faith. Promises of a most alluring nature were made them if they would become perverts. They have generally - I may say without a single exception - rejected the proposals of the base tempter and left their situations. May God reward them for their attachment to His Faith.
On Wednesday the 23rd I held a Station at Williams Town. The Holy Sacrifice was offered by the Rev Mr Bourgeois at ten o'clock - immediately after we heard confessions of the faithful. The Rev. Dean Fitzpatrick celebrated the Holy Mysteries at ten the next day, after which the faithful went to their confessions. On Friday I said Mass, and gave a short exhortation as on the two previous days. Confessions were heard immediately after.
Saturday the people were left to their own private devotions, being previously advised to consecrate as much of the day as their necessary employment would allow of to prayer and meditation and pious reading as a preparation for the Holy Communion they were to make the next day.
The following day, Sunday, after celebrating half-past eight o'clock Mass in St Francis Church I proceeded to Williams Town with Dean Fitzpatrick, and whilst the latter was engaged in the celebration of the Most Holy Mysteries I heard the confessions of those who had any desire to make them. Nearly all the adults present, about forty in number, men and women, received the Blessed Sacrament. After Mass I addressed to them a few words on the important and solemn act they had just performed, and exhorted them to lead lives in conformity to the promises and advice made and given in the confessional. The conduct of the people during these few days of religious retreat was truly edifying. May God grant that the fruits of it may long remain among them.
October 30th. This morning the spiritual retreat for the people of Heidelberg commenced with Mass. Confessions were heard immediately after the celebration of the Holy Mysteries: this rule was observed for the two following days. After Mass, each day, I gave a short exhortation to the people. On Sunday the Holy Communion was administered during Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev Dean Fitzpatrick - the recipients were 50 in number. I gave Confirmation to twenty persons of various ages, having briefly explained the nature and obligations of that solemn rite.
October 30th. This morning the spiritual retreat for the people of Heidelberg commenced with Mass. Confessions were heard immediately after the celebration of the Holy Mysteries: this rule was observed for the two following days. After Mass, each day, I gave a short exhortation to the people. On Sunday the Holy Communion was administered during Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev Dean Fitzpatrick - the recipients were 50 in number. I gave Confirmation to twenty persons of various ages, having briefly explained the nature and obligations of that solemn rite.
A station held at Heidelberg on the 30 - 31 October - 1 - 3rd November. On the last the congregation exceeded a hundred. Communicants 50 - Confirmed 20.