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JUNE 1st, 1926.
J.A.P.
STAJOSEPH'S RETREAT, HIGGFATH.
THE ACTS OF THE 24th PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF THE PROVINCE OF ST. JOSEPH.
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The 24th Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Joseph was begun on Tuesday June 1st, 1926, the day eventually fixed by Very Rev. Fr. Malachy, (Provincial) and approved by the Most Rev. Fr. General. The Most Rev. Fr. Leo (General) presided.
The Venerable Brethren assembled in the Chapter Room on that morning at 9 o'clock with the usual Ceremonies and Prayers. The names of the Venerable Capitulars having been called, each answered to his name. The Very Rev. Fr. John at the reverent of the Most Rev. Fr. President read a letter from Very Rev. Fr. Herman, Rector of St. Anne's, Sutton, in which he expressed his regret that, owing to serious illness he was unable to be present at the Chapter, and he asked the Venerable Chapter to accept the resignation of his active voice. A Doctors certificate was also read to show that Fr. Herman was quite unfit for the fatigue of travelling.
The Most Rev Fr. President inquired as to the valid and lawful institution of the Chapter, and all having answered in the affirmative, he declared the Chapter Canonically assembled. The Most Rev. Fr. President then addressed the assembly, and expressed the great satisfaction he felt at being

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at 9 o'clock with the usual Ceremonies and Prayers. The names of the Venerable Capitulars having been called, each answered to his name. The Very Rev. Fr. John at the reuuest of the Most Rev. Fr. President read a letter from Very Rev. Fr. Herman, Rector of St. Anne's, Sutton, in which he expressed his regret that, owing to serious illness he was unable to be present at the Chapter, and he asked the Venerable Chapter to accept the A resignation of his active voice. A Doctors certificate was also read to show that Fr. Herman was quite unfit for the fatigue of travelling.
The Most Rev Fr. President inquired as to the valid and lawful institution of the Chapter, and all having answered in the affirmative, he declared the Chapter Canonically assembled. The Most Rev. Fr. President then addressed the assembly, and expressed the great satisfaction he felt at being among them once more. He recalled words spoken by Very Rev. Fr. Malachy at the last Chapter, and was glad that they were now fulfilled, and that he should be with them again to co-operate in the work of the Provincial Chapter. The Most Rev. President keenly realised the grave responsibility of the task, but with the kind assistance of the Capitulars he felt confident of its success. Before leaving Rome he had a private audience with his Holiness, who lovingly sent his Blessing to all the Brethren, but especially to the Capitular Fathers. The Rev. Fre. Callistus and Clement were appointed to the office of "Custos" who immediately took the cath" de secreto servando ". The Very Rev. Fr. Boniface was elected Secretary to the Chapter. The Certificates of the due celebration of Masses: the due keeping of the Archives: the Inventories and the Pagella

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were then handed in, and the Financial Statements were presented. The Financial statements of Herne Bay, St. Patricks, (Belfast) Paris and Nice were read by the Very Rev. Fr. Malachy. The Very Rev Frs Alban, Cyprian, and Sebastian were the appointed to examine and report on the Financial Statements; and the Very Rev. Frs. John, Bernard, and George were appointed to examine the other Documents. The subjects for the consideration of the Chapter were submitted, and the discussion on them was begun.
Second Session.
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The Fathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 4 p.m. Tuesday. During this Session the Capitulars were engaged in discussing the question of the division of the Province. All the advantages of it, and all the objections to it were exhaustively and dispassionately considered.
Third Session.
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The Fathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Very Rev. Fr. Alban having read the Financial Statement of St. Annes, Sutton, the question of the division of the Province was resumed. When the matter had been fully discussed, the Most Rev. Fr. President reminded the Fathers that it was time now to put the important question to the vote of the Chapter. The vote of the Chapter was accordingly taken on three Propositions, viz : on the division of the

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Chapter was accordingly taken on three Propositions, viz : on the division of the Province : on the inclusion of the Glasgow Retreat in the Irish Province : and on the immediate division. The first proposition was carried by a majority of nine to five; the second was carried by a majority of thirteen to one; and the third was carried unanimously. The Most Rev. Fr. General concluded the discussion by reminding the Capitulars that the decision of the Chapter would require the approbation of the Roman Curia, and the sanction of the Holy See; and that in any case, some time would elapse before the decision of the Holy See tol would be known. The remaining portion of the Session was devoted to the consideration of some important matters on the agenda paper. The Session closed at mid-day.

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Fourth Session.
The Session commenced at 4 p.m. on Wednesday with the usual Prayers. The Most Rev. President, before proceeding, said he wished to call the attention of the Fathers to a very important matter concerning the division of the Province viz, the equitable arrangement of the Finances; and appointed the Very Rev. Fr. Malachy, Alban, Sebastian and Cyprian to consider this matter and report on it. The Capitular Fathers then went on to discuss the Higher Studies of our Students, and other items set down on the agenda paper. The Session closed at 7 p.m.
Fifth Session.
The Fathers assembled at 9 a.m. on Thursday, the Feast of Corpus Xti. The remaining points on the " agenda " paper having been dealt with, Very Rev. Fr. Malachy read a letter from Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus, (General Consultor) in which assistance was solicited to provide for the restoration and furnishing of the House of Our Holy Founder at Ovada, so that it might contain " an historic and Religious Museum of objects belonging to the Saint, and a Chapel where the Saint might receive the honours of his children and those devoted to him ". The sum of £100 was accordingly voted by the Chapter towards this object. Very Rev. Frs John, Bernard, and George reported that the Certificate and other papers they had examined had been found in order. The Session was com-

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The Fathers assembled at 9 a.m. on Thursday, the Feast of Corpus Xti. The remaining points on the " agenda " paper having been dealt with, Very Rev. Fr. Malachy read a letter from Very Rev. Fr. Stanislaus, ( General Consultor) in which assistance was solicited to provide for the restoration and furnish / ing of the House of Our Holy Founder at Ovada, so that it might contain " an historic and Religious Museum of objects belonging to the Saint, and a Chapel where the Saint might receive the honours of his children and those devoted to him ". The sum of £100 was accordingly voted by the Chapter towards this object. Very Rev. Frs John , Bernard, and George reported that the Certificate and other papers they had examined had been found in order. The Session was concluded at 12-30 with the usual Prayers.
Sixth Session.
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The Fathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 9 a.m on Friday June 4th. The Very Rev. Fr. Malachy submitted the Report concerning the distribution of the Finances when the two Provinces would be created. The Venerable Chapter having considered the Report recommended it to the favourable consideration of Most Rev. Fr General, the General Curia at Rome and the Holy See. After this the oath " de secreto servando " was taken by all present, and the "discussio meritorum " commenced and continued until 12 mid-day when the Session closed.

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Seventh Session.
The Fathers assembled at 4 p.m. on Friday in the Chapter Room. The "discussion meritorum" was resumed and finished at 7 p.m. when the Session was closed.
At 3 p.m. all assembled in the Choir and listened with attention to a very instructive discourse delivered by Very Rev. Fr. John, who took for his text words from the Acts of the Apostles 20 chapter: 28 verse. "Take heed to your selves and to the whole flock ".
On the morning of Saturday, June the 5th, Solemn High Mass was celebrated by the Most Rev. Fr. General and President of the Chapter, Frs Malachy and Albam being Deacon and Subdeacon respectively. The duties of Master of the Ceremonies and Acolytes etc, were distributed among the other Capitulars.
Eighth Session.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday the Capitular Fathers and all the Religious of the Retreat assembled in the Choir. The Most Rev. President, vested in Surplice and white Stole, and bearing the Crucifix, having intoned the Vexilla Regis, it was taken up by all the Religious, who then walked in processional order to the Chapter Room. All having arrived there, and the Hymn being concluded, the usual Prayers were sung by the President, who then dismissed in the prescribed form,

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Eighth Session.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday the Capitular Pathers and all the Religious of the Retreat assembled in the Choir. The Most Rev. President, vested in Surplice and white Stole, and bearing the Crucifix, having intoned the Vexilla Regis, it was taken up by all the Religious, who then walked in processional order to the Chapter Room. All having arrived there, and the Hymn being concluded, the usual Prayers were sung by the President, who then dismissed in the prescribed form, those having no active voice; and the Capitulars alone remained. The Most Rev. President then gave a practical and fervent address to the Capitulars. He reminded them of the supreme importance of the work they were now engaging in; that they had now indeed reached the most responsible part of their proceedings. Up to the present they had considered and decreed things in general, in order to preserve and promote the Passionist ideal; but now they were called upon to elect men who would be living examples of the spirit of St. Paul of the Cross. The choice then of the Superiors for whom they were about to cast their vote, was a serious obligation. It was a common experience, borne out by Scripture, that as Superiors are, so are the subjects: "Qualis est rector civitatis, talis et inhabitantes in ea ". They should so vote then, that what was confirmed in that Room might be also confirmed in Heaven.

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if Herald wer. The names of the Capitular Fathers were then called, each answering "adsur".
Most Rev Fr. Leo of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
V. Rev. Fr. Malachy of the Seven Dolours, Provincial.
V. Rev. Fr. Alban of the Imaculate Conception, 1st Consultor.
V. Rev. Fr. John of Jesus Crucified, 2nd Consultor.
V. Rev. Fr. Cuthbert of the Imaculate Heart B.M.V. Rector of Highgate.
V. Rev. Fr. George of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rector of Broadway.
V. Rev. Fr. Sebastian of the Imaculate Conception, Rector of Dublin.
V. Rev. Fr Bernard of the Imaculate Conception, Rector of Glasgow.
V. Rev. Fr. Richard of the Seven Dolours, Rector of Belfast.
V. Rev. Fr Egwin of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rector of Harborne.
V. Rev. Fr Cyprian of the Precious Blood, Rector of Carmarthen.
V. Rev. Fr Gerald of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rector of Enniskillen.
V. Rev. Fr. Francis of the Seven Dolours, Rector of Ilkley.
V. Rev. Fr. Boniface of St. Joseph, Master of Novices.
The Most Rev. Fr. President then intoned the Veni Creator which was sung followed by the versicles and Prayers. The usual acts of humility were then performed, and the seals of Office were handed in. The Most Rev Fr President imparted the "absolutio ad cautelam" to all, he himself afterwards receiving it from Fr. Provincial (Malachy). After this Very Rev Frs Francis and Gerald were elected Scrutators, and the first Scrutator, Fr. Gerald, received from

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The Most Rev. Fr. President then intoned the Veni Creator which was sung followed by the versicles and Prayers. The usual acts of humility were then performed, and the seals of Office were handed in. The Most Rev Fr President imparted the "absolutio ad cautelam" to all, he himself afterwards receiving it from Fr. Provincial (Malachy). After this Very Rev Frs Francis and Gerald were elected Scrutators, and the first Scrutator, Fr. Gerald, received from the President, the Faculty of publishing the Scrutinies, and of framing and publishing the decree of Election. Which being done, the President and the two Scrutators took the Oath "de secreto servando". Then the Most Rev. President having explained that the Capitulars were bound in conscience to elect the most worthy in every case; but that where the oath was binding was in the case of the Provincial only. All took the following oath; "Testor Christum Dominum qui re judicaturus est re electorum quem secundum Deum judico elegi debere". Before proceeding to the election, the Most Rev. Fr. President informed the Capitulars, that the Sacred Congregation of Religious had conceded to the Master of Novices the right to sit and vote on the Provincial Chapter, even though the Chapter was not held in the Novitiate House. He also informed

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them that the same op Congration had granted him the faculty to introduce the new method of voting; which he explained in the following way:- Up to the fifth scrutiny, it would require two thirds of the votes for a Canonical election.; after the fifth scrutiny, they must continue to cast their votes until one candidate should obtain an absolute majority. These things having been fully filled, the election of the Provincial was proceeded with. At the third scrutiny Very Rev. Fr. Alban was elected. The Very Rev. Fr. Alban thanked the Capitular Fathers for this mark of their confidence, and accepting the Office, he professed his readiness to carry out its onerous duties to the best of his ability. The Community was then summoned to the Chapter Room, and they most heartily offered the newly elected Provincial their obedience and also their congratulations. All then repaired to the Church, where Solemn Benediction was given and the "Te Deum" was sung in thanksgiving. The Session was then adjourned until the afternoon.
Ninth Session.
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The Capitulars returned to the Chapter Room at 4 p.m. on Saturday and proceeded to the other elections. The following were elected: the election in each case being framed and published in the prescribed form by the 1st scrutator V. Rev Fr. Sebastion of the Immaculate Conception, 1st Consultor, at 6th scrutiny V. Rev Fr. Cuthbert of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 2nd Consultor at 3rd " V. Rev. Fr. Boniface of St. Joseph, Master of Novices, at 1st " V. Rev. Fr. Dolours Rector of Highgate, at 6th "

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Ninth Session.
The Capitulars returned to the Chapter Room at 4 p.m. on Saturday and proceeded to the other elections. The following were elected: the election in each case being framed and published in the prescribed form by the 1st scrutator
V. Rev. Fr. Sebastion of the Immaculate Conception, 1st Consultor,at 6th scrutinyV. Rev. Fr. Cuthbert of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, 2nd Consultorat 3rd"V. Rev. Fr. Boniface of St. Joseph, Master of Novices,at 1st"V. Rev. Fr. Malachy of the vii Dolours, Rector of Highgate,at 6th"V. Rev. Fr. Edward of St. Paul, Rector of Broadway,at 4th"V. Rev. Fr. Egwin of the Sacred Heart Rector of Sutton,at 2nd"V. Rev. Fr. Francis of the vii Dolours Rector of Dublin,at 3rd"V. Rev. Fr. Bernard of the Immaculate Conc: Rector of Glasgow,at 1st"V. Rev. Fr. Kevin of the Sacred Heart, Rector of Belfast,at 1st"
Fr. Edward being called into the Chapter Room, signified his acceptance of the Rectorship of Broadway. A telegram was sent to Fr. Kevin asking his acceptance of Belfast. The Session closed at 7-30.
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Tenth Session.
The Capitulars assembled in the Chapter Room at 9-30 on Sunday morning June 6th and the elections were continued. The following were elected :-
Very Rev. Fr. Raphael of the Holy Rosary, Rector of Harborne at the 3rd scrutiny.
V. Rev. Fr. John of Jesus Crucified, Rector of Carmarthen, at the 7th scrutiny.
V. Rev. Fr. Cornelius of the Sacred Heart, Rector of Enniskillen, at the 6th Scrutiny.
V. Rev. Fr Adrian of the vii Dolours, Rector of Ilkley, at the 3rd scrutiny.
Messages were sent to the newly elected asking their consent : and a telegram was received from Fr. Kevin accepting the Rectorship of Belfast.
V. Rev. Fr. Alban then presented his report on the Financial Statements, which were considered by all as most satisfactory. Great rejoicings followed the announcement that there was a well founded hope that the new Church at Enniskillen would be entirely free of debt ; and that the total cost of the new School at Carmarthen had been defrayed. There now only remained a debt of £1500 on the Retreat at Wheatfield. That during the three years a new Church : a new School : and a new Retreat, total value being £20000 had been added to the property of the Province, and that its liabilities had been increased only by £1000 was a matter of particular rejoicing gratification to the Chapter. The Session concluded at 12-30.
Eleventh Session.

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Tenth Session.
The Capitulars assembled in the Chapter Room at 9-30 on Sunday morning June 6th and the elections were continued. The following were elected :-
Very Rev. Fr. Raphael of the Holy Rosary, Rector of Harborne at the 3rd scrutiny.
V. Rev. Fr. John of Jesus Crucified, Rector of Carmarthen, at the 7th scrutiny.
V. Rev. Fr. Cornelius of the Sacred Heart, Rector of Enniskillen, at the 6th Scrutiny.
V. Rev. Fr Adrian of the vii Dolours, Rector of Ilkley, at the 3rd scrutiny.
Messages were sent to the newly elected asking their consent : and a telegram was received from Fr. Kevin accepting the Rectorship of Belfast.
V. Rev. Fr. Alban then presented his report on the Financial Statements, which were considered by all as most satisfactory. Great rejoicings followed the announcement that there was a well founded hope that the new Church at Enniskillen would be entirely free of debt ; and that the total cost of the new School at Carmarthen had been defrayed. There now only remained a debt of £1500 on the Retreat at Wheatfield. That during the three years a new Church : a new School : and a new Retreat, total value being £20000 had been added to the property of the Province, and that its liabilities had been increased only by £1000 was a matter of particular rejoicing gratification to the Chapter. The Session concluded at 12-30.
Eleventh Session.

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of the previous, and that its placifices had been increased only by 2000 was a matter of particular regarding gratification to the Chapter. The Session concluded at 12-30.
Eleventh Session.
At 9 a.m on Monday, June 7th. this Session was opened. The Secretary read the Acts and Decrees of the Chapter which were amended. A telegram was received from Fr. Raphael, accepting the Rectorship of Harborne. A telegram was also received from Fr. Cornelius declining the Rectorship of Enniskillen. His resignation was unanimously accepted by the Chapter.
The Financial help hitherto given by Glasgow and Belfast to the Provincial towards the support of the Novices and Students was confirmed by the Chapter.
A telegram was received from Fr. Adrian accepting the Rectorship of Ilkley. The Session closed at 12-15.
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