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A C T S
of the
T H E T H I R T E E N T H P R O V I N C I A L C H A P T E R
of the
A N G L O - H I B E R N I A N P R O V I N C E
of the
Congregation of the SS. Cross and Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
H E L D I N
D U B L I N
July, 1893.

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Jesu Christi Passio.
A C T S
of
THE THIRTEENTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
of the
Anglo-Hibernian Province of the Congregation of the SS. Cross and Passion
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Held in St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin, July, 1893.
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In accordance with the circular letter of the Very Rev. Fr. Gregory
of St. Joseph, Provincial, dated 30th May, 1893, and sent to all the
Superiors of the Province, the Capitular Fathers assembled in St. Paul's
Retreat, Dublin, on 5th July, 1893, to assist at the Triduum in the
preparation for the Chapter, summoned for 9th July, 1893.
FIRST MEETING
At 9 o'clock in the morning of 6th July was held the first preliminary
meeting, the Very Rev. Fr. Thomas of the B.V.M. presiding, and all the
Capitular Fathers (with the exception of Very Rev. Fr. Gregory, Provincial,
who was dangerously ill) being present.
After invoking the assistance of the Holy Spirit, the letter of
delegation from the Most Rev. Fr. General, appointing the Very Rev. Fr.
Thomas of B.V.M. President of the Chapter, was read. The Higher Superiors

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and the Rectors then handed in their pagellas and seals of office, after which the Very Rev. Fr. Richard of the Immaculate Conception was appointed Secretary to the preliminary conferences.
The Inventories of the Retreats together with the certificates of the due celebration of the Masses, and of the keeping of the Archives were then presented. The Very Rev. Fr. President then suggested that for uniformity's sake a printed form of certificate of due celebration of Masses should be drawn up. The Rectors and Superiors then read the financial statements of their respective houses, after which the Very Rev. Fr. Daniel of the Presentation, and the Very Rev. Fr. Benignus of the Seven Dolours were appointed to examine same and report. This report was considered very satisfactory; viz., a reduction of about £10,000 debt on the Province during the past three years. But on the other hand, tho' standing debt has been so reduced that on the Glasgow house (which is part dioscesan property) has been necessarily increased by the new building. Afterwards the assembled Fathers each in turn, commencing with the Very Rev. Fr. President proposed those matters which were to form the subject of subsequent deliberations. The meeting closed with the usual prayers at 11.30 a.m.
S E C O N D C O N F E R E N C E
The Capitular Fathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 4 p.m., when further matters regarding the regular observance and discipline were submitted for consideration. At this junction the doctor in attendance on Very Rev. Fr. Provincial desired the presence of Very Rev. Fr. President. After the interview the President retruned to the Chapter Room and made known to the Capitulars that it was the doctor's opinion that it would be impossible

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for Fr. Provincial to attend the meetings for some days, or perhaps for some weeks as his condition at the time was very serious. This announcement was received with deep regret. Nevertheless it was decided proceed with the conferences.
The oath 'de secreto servando' was then taken by all the Capitular Fathers, after which follow the 'discussio meritorum' of those enjoying the passive voice. This conference closed at 6 p.m. with the usual prayers.
THIRD CONFERENCE
Friday, July 7th, 1893.
On the morning of July 7th, the Capitulars assembled at 9.15 o'clock. The prayers being said it was proposed by the Rector of Wareham that a letter be sent in the name of the Chapter to His Lordship the Bishop of Plymouth repeating our desire to withdraw from Wareham and the reasons that compel us to take that step and asking His Lordship to aid us in the disposal of the property.
A letter to this effect was sent to His Lordship the Bishop by the Secretary. This conference ended with the usual prayers at 11 a.m.
FOURTH CONFERENCE
The Capitular Fathers again assembled at 4 o'clock. The President after an interview with Fr. Provincial returned to the Chapter Room with a letter of renunciation (on the part of Fr. Provincial) of his active voice in the Chapter. His medical adviser had decided that he (Provincial) was physically unable. The conference closed at 6.15 p.m.

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F I F T H C O N F E R E N C E
Saturday, 8th July, 1893.
This mornings conference opened with the usual prayers at 9 o'clock. The 'discussio meritorum' first of the Capitulars afterwards of those MORN outside the Chapter was continued. This conference closed at 12.30.
At 3 o'clock, the Capitulars joined the community at Vespers. Immediately after Vespers, the Very Rev. Fr. Wilfrid delivered the usual address to the Fathers and entire community, taking for his text St. Paul to Ephes.: 'Be ye renewed in the spirit of your mind'. He went on to show how that by the faithful observance of our Holy Rules the glory of the Order would be advanced and our own spiritual and temporal welfare secured.
At 4.30 p.m., the Capitular Fathers again assembled in the Chapter to continue the discussio meritorum. Before closing this conference the Very Rev. Fr. Wilfrid was appointed by the Very Rev. Fr. President to officiate as celebrant at the Mass 'de spiritu sancto' in place of Very Rev. Fr. Provincial. The Very Rev. Dominic to act as Deacon and Very Rev. Fr. Michael as Subdeacon. It was agreed upon not to elect canonical rectors for the retreats of Belfast, Wareham and Herne Bay., these houses being unable to keep up the strict observance.
F I R S T S E S S I O N
Sunday, 9th July, 1893.
At 8 o'clock on the morning of 9th July, Feast of the Prodigies of B.V.M., Solemn High Mass 'de spiritu sancto' was sung by Very Rev. Fr.

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Wilfrid, all the Capitulars being present and taking part in the ceremonies.
At 9.45, the entire religious community assembled in the choir and from thence went in procession to the Chapter singing 'Vexilla regis'.
After the usual prayers, the President in the prescribed form dismissed those not having the active voice - the capitulars alone remaining.
The 'Veni Creator' having been sung, the Very Rev. Fr. President in a short and appropriate address impressed on the electors the grave and responsible duty they had to perform. Afterwards all the formalities prescribed by our Holy Rule and Sacred Canons were carefully observed. The names of the Capitular Fathers were called and the following answered 'Adsum':-
Very Rev. Fr. Thomas of B.V. Mary, President,
Very Rev. Fr. Wilfrid of Sacred Heart of Mary, 1st Consultor.
"""Wilfrid of Sacred Heart of Mary,"1st Consultor."""Michael of Sacred Heart of Mary,"2nd Consultor."""Chrysostom of St. Joseph,"Rector of Highgate."""Basil of St. John Evang.,"Broadway."""Albert of St. Aloysius,"Sutton"""Anthony of The Holy Cross,"Dublin"""Daniel of Presentation,"Belfast"""Benignus of Vll Dolours,"Harborne"""Richard of Immac. Concept.,"Wareham"""Alphonsus of B.V.Mary,"Herne Bay"Goulbourne.
After the customary acts of humility were performed and the 'absolutio ad cautelam' given by Fr. President (who afterwards received it from Very Rev. Fr. Wilfrid) the protest of not admitting the disqualified and of not excluding the qualified was made. The Very Rev. Fr. President then asked the assembled Fathers whether they considered the Chapter lawfully assembled and was answered in the affirmative. Then followed the reading of the Pontifical decree 'Contra solicitantes'. After this the Secretary of the Chapter was elected by ballot. The choice fell upon the Very Rev. Fr. Richard of the Imm. Conception. The Chapter next proceeded to the election

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of two scrutineers, and the Very Rev. Fr. Albert of St. Aloysius and the Very Rev. Fr. Benignus of the Seven Dolors received the votes for this office.
The canonical requirements having thus been carried out the Chapter forthwith proceeded to the election of the Provincial. At the first scrutiny, the Very Rev. Fr. Gregory of St. Joseph received the necessary number of votes, and the Secretary having asked and obtained the 'placet' of the Chapter published the election in the usual form. The Fr. President with another Father conveyed the news to Fr. Gregory (who was still confined to his bed) who after some hesitation at the acceptance of so onerous a charge left himself in the hands of the Chapter.
The Fathers thinking it well to continue proceeded to the election of 1st Provincial Consultor. At the third scrutiny the Very Rev. Fr. Wilfrid of the Sacred Heart of Mary was chosen and his election duly published, after which the Chapter elected as 2nd Provincial Consultor the Very Rev. Fr. Dominic of the Imm. Heart of Mary. He having at the first scrutiny the due number of votes, his election was published in due form.
The Very Rev. Fr. President next proposed the election of Master of Novices for the Novitiate at Broadway. At the first scrutiny the Very Rev. Fr. Albert of St. Aloysius was chosen and the election duly published.
After which the Chapter proceeded to the election of a Master of Novices for Australia. At the first scrutiny the Very Rev. Fr. Marcellus of the Mother of God was chosen and the election was published in due form.
Then followed the election of Rector for St. Joseph's Retreat, Highgate. After a few scrutinies the Very Rev. Fr. Philip of Imm. Conception received the necessary number of votes and his election was published in the usual form
After this the Capitulars and the community went to the Church when

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Benediction of M. H. Sacrament was given by the Very Rev. Fr. President, the 'Te Deum' being sung in thanksgiving.
SECOND SESSION
Monday, 10th July, 1893.
This session opened with the usual prayers at 9 o'clock a.m. The Chapter entered upon the election of the Rector for St. Saviour's Retreat, Broadway. The Very Rev. Fr. Chrysostom of St. Joseph was re-elected. For St. Anne's Retreat, Sutton, the Very Rev. Fr. Richard of Imm. Conception was elected after several scrutinies. The election was published by the Very Rev. Fr. Albert, first scrutineer. For St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin, after the second scrutiny it being 12 o'clock the Chapter stood adjourned till the afternoon at 4 o'clock.
THIRD SESSION
In the afternoon at 4 o'clock the session opened with the usual prayers. The election of the rector for St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin was proceeded with. After several scrutinies the Very Rev. Fr. Michael of Sacred Heart of Mary was elected.
For St. Mary's Retreat Harborne, the Very Rev. Fr. Benignus of the Seven Dolours was at the third scrutiny elected rector of this retreat.
The Very Rev. Fr. President then proposed the rectorship of Goulbourne Australia. At the first scrutiny the Very Rev. Fr. Vincent of Sacred Heart of Jesus was elected.
The 'placet' of the Fathers being asked and obtained the election to each retreat was in its own form duly published by the Secretary and the Session

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terminated happily with the usual prayers at 7 p.m.
FOURTH SESSION
July 11th, 1893.
This fourth session opened with the usual prayers at 9.30 a.m. The Very Rev. Fr. President in the name of the Most Rev. Fr. General confirmed the elections of the various rectors and masters of novices. The question as to the re-establishment of the 'alumnato' was discussed by the Fathers and they came to the conclusion that at present it is inexpedient. The session closed at 12 o'clock.
FIFTH SESSION
The afternoon session which took place at 4 o'clock took into consideration the observance of our Holy Rules and the decrees of the General and Provincial Chapters. The greater protion of the session, However, was devoted to the all important work of the Missions and Missioners. The Chapter heard with great pleasure the numerous favourable reports from bishops and priests, of the Missions given given by our Fathers. It considered that this praise bestowed on our Missionaries both for their zeal and edifying conduct ought to incite them still more to insist on the observance of the decrees of the last chapter. The Session terminated at 6.45 p.m.
SIXTH SESSION
Wednesday, 12th July, 1893.
This sixth session opened at 9.15, with the usual prayers. The question of the missions was again gone into with the result that the Chapter deems it expedient that Fr. Provincial with his Consultors devise a plan for more

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effectually carrying out the first section of the Twenty-fourth Chapter of our Holy Rules and the observance of the regulations already published for Missions.
The Secretary then read the Bishop of Plymouth's reply to the letter sent by the Chapter in reference to our retreat at Wareham. The reply from His Lordship was so vague that it was decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Provincial and his Consultors who would later on meet the Bishop and try to come to some satisfactory arrangement with Him. The receipt of His Lordship's letter was duly adknowledged by the Secretary. This session closed at 11.45 a.m.
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In the afternoon at 4 o'clock several other points were treated of by the assembled Fathers but as they are x all covered by our Holy Rules and Regulations and decrees already enacted, they consider it sufficient to remind all the brethren of their obligation to conform to these Holy Rules and Regulations and the Superiors are especially reminded of their stringent duty to require and enforce the faithful observance of same. The Fathers also requested Fr. Provincial to inquire at his next visitation into the each case where a religious is dispensed or dispenses himself from acts of common observance in order to determine whether there exists sufficient cause for such dispensation. The Chapter norever ordered a compendium of the decrees of former Chapters to be compiled under under the supervision of Fr. Provincial and same to be read every three months after Friday's Chapter.
A very cordial vote of thanks was proposed by Very Rev. Fr. 1st Consultor to the Very Rev. Fr. Thomas for the able and patient manner in which had presided at this Chapter.

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The Acts of the Chapter having been read and passed, the Capitulars returned thanks to God for the happy termination of their labours.
Thomas a Maria Virgine Praesidens nomine Rmi. Patris Praep. Generalis ex cujus delegatione confirmari electiones Magistrorum novitiorum et approbavi haec acta.
Wilfridus a Sac. Cor. Mariae
Dominicus a Imm. Corde Mariae
Michaelis a Ssmo Mariae Corde
Chrysostomus a Sto. Joseph
Basilius a S. Ioanne Evg.
Albertus M. a Sto. Aloysio
Antonius a S. Cruce
Daniel A Praesentatione B.V.M.
Benignus a Sep. Dol. B.V.M.
Richardus a Imm. Concept.
Alphonsus a B.V.M.
Ium Cons. Anglo-Hib. Prov.2um " " " "Rector Recessus S. Jospehi." " " SSmi Salvatoris." " S. Annae apud Sutton." " S. Pauli a Cruce," " Dublin." " S. Crucis." " S. Mariae." " S. Michaelis, Wareham." " S. Mariae a Sac. Corde." " Praesentationis apudGoulbourne, N.S.W.

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CALL NO.
ITEM NO ↓
1893.04.12 001
YEAR MONTH DAY
CLASS.
NUMBER.
ENTRY DATE SERIAL 150
1973.06.06
ARCHIVES
MOUNT AROUG DUBLIN, 6
0.1.4.0
0.1.4.0
0.1.4.0