--- Page 1 ---
No 17. 7/29/15/2
Acts of the 14th Provincial Chapter
of the Anglo-Hibernian province of the Congregation of the
S.S. Cross & Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, held in St.
Paul's Retreat. Dublin. June 1896.
7/3/15/2
In accordance with a circular of the Very Rev.
Jr. Gregory, Provincial, dated 21st May 1896, & sent
to all the Rectors & Superiors of the Province, the
Capitular Fathers assembled in St. Paul's Retreat on
the 26th of June 1896 to assist at the Tridum in
preparation for the Chapter seminored for the
30th June 1896.
Our Most Rev. Jr. Bernard Mary of Jesus
General of the Congregation undertook a long and
fatiguing journey in order to Dresside at the Chapter.
We need not describe the pleasure which his
presence amongst us gove not only to the Capitular
Fathers, but to the whole Community & Province.

--- Page 2 ---
First Meeting
At 9 o'clock on the morning of the 24th June the first preliminary meeting was held, all the Capitular Lathers were present & the most Rev Mr General presided.
After invoking the Body Spirit the Very Rev Mr Amond of the mother of God was appointed secretary of the preliminary meeting.
The Rev Mr Leo was appointed Custos.
The Seals of Office, the inventories of the Retrials together with the certification of the due celebration of Drasses & the keeping of the Archives were then presented & examined.
The Rectors & Superiors read the financial statement of their respective Houses, & after being discussed the Very Rev Mr Wilfrid of the S. Heart of Mary, & the Very Rev Mr Benegmus of the Seven Dollars were appointed to examine the same & report.
The meeting closed with the usual prayers at 11.45 a.m.
Second Meeting
The Capitular Lathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 4 P.M. The Very Rev Mr Brovincial read a financial statement of the Australian province and after some discussion it was referred to two examiners appointed at the first meeting.
Afterwards each Lather in turn proposed those matters which were to form the subject of subsequent deliberations.
The oath "de secreto servando" was then taken by all the Capitular Lathers after which followed the discussion on the Spiritual & financial state of each Retrief.
The conference closed at 6.30 a.m.

--- Page 3 ---
Thord Conference Sunday 28th June 1896
On the morning of Sunday the 29th of June the Capitular Lathers assembled at 9 o'clock. The prayers being said The V. Rev. Tr. Gregory of St. Joseph gave a statement of the mission in Australia: he stated that he found it recessary during his visitation to close the novitial - as there was not sufficient rooms in the house for the students several being obliged to occupy the same room. He spoke of the great work being done by our Lathers in Australia also of the new foundation at Adelaide, and he desired the Capitular Lathers to decide as to whether the novitial should be reopened; one of the difficulties in the way being the shortness of funds, as there were few masses & scarcely any benefactors the principal support of the Religious being drived from the missions. A letter was then read from the V. Rev. Tr. Vincent renouncing his active voice in the Chapter giving a general statement of the work in Australia bearing out the V. Rev. Tr. Gregory. at the same time he begged to be relieved of his office, as owing to his failing health he felt unequal to the task after holding various offices in the Congregation for upwards of a quarters of a Century. The Capitular Lathers then proceeded to the "discussio meritorum" of those enjoying the passive voice.
The conference closed at 12.30 P.M. with the usual prayers.
Fourth Conference
The Capitular Lathers assembled in the Choir with the Community for Vespero, & afterwards the V. Rev. Tr. Dominic delivered the usual address to

--- Page 4 ---
prayers.
Fourth Conference
The Capitular Fathers assembled in the Choir with the Community for Vespero, & afterwards the V. Mr. Gr. Dominic delivered the usual address to the Fathers & community taking as his text-

--- Page 5 ---
"God forbid that I should glory save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," he went on to speak of the power of the Cross as exemplified in the wonderful conversions effected by the preaching of the Apostles, a power which the success of our own missions, demonstrates to be as strong as ever.
At 4:45 the Capitulars assembled in the Chapter-room and continued the 'chocososio meritoram',
The V. Rev. Tr. Gregory was appointed to sing mass tomorrow morning at 4 o'clock. The V. Rev. Tr. Wilfrid & V. Rev. Tr. Dominic as Deacon & Sabdacon The V. Rev. Tr. Richard as therifer, The Very Rev. Tr. Tr. Anthony & Philip as Acolytes, & the Very Rev. Tr. Michael as Master of ceremonies.
Tuesday June 30th 1896
On the morning of the 30th June Solemn High Mass "de Spiritu Sancto" was sung at 4 o'clock by the V. Rev. Tr. Gregory all the Capitulars being present and taking part in the ceremonies. At 9:30 the entire Palegious Community assembled in the sacrificy, & headed by our Most Rev. Tr. General who carried the Crucifix went in procession from the Church to the Chapter room singing the "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 Most Rev. President reminded the Capitulars of their grave responsibility & of the recensity of roting according to their consciences, and the prescribed formalities according to our Holy Rule & the Sacred Canon having been carefully

--- Page 6 ---
The "Veni Creator" having been sung the brook Rev President reminded the Capitulars of their grave responsibility & of the necessity of roting according to their consciences, and the presented formalities according to our Holy Rule & the Sacred Canon having been carefully observed the names of the Capitulars were called & the following answered "adown" (Note: - The Very Rev Is. President ordered the rescript to be read, giving the

--- Page 7 ---
Active voice in the Chapters to the Superiors of Glasgow, Paris & Belfast. ).
The most Rev. Tr. Bernard of Jesus. General President-
The T. Rev. Tr. Gregory of St. Joseph. Provincial.
" " " Wilfrid of the S. Heart of Mary. 1st Consultor." " Dominic of the Immac. Heart of Mary 2nd Consulting" " Philip of the Immac. Conception. Rector of Highest" " Chrysostom of St. Joseph. Rector of Broadway." " Pichard of Immac Conception Rector of Sutton" " Michael of the J. Heart of Mary Rector of Enlin" " Benignus of the VII Coloras. Rector of Harborne" " Osmund of the Mother of God. Superior of Paris" " John of Jesus Crucificed superior of Glasgow" " Anthony of the Holy Cross. superior of Belfast
After the Customary acts of humility and the
"absolutis ad Cautelam" gives, by the most Rev. Tr. Pre-
sident (who afterwards received it from the Very Rev.
Tr. Gregory) the protest of not admitting the disqualifica-
tion of not encluding the qualified was made. The most
Rev. Tr. President then asked the assembled Fathers
whether they considered the Chapters lawfully assembled
& was answered in the affirmative. Then followed
the reading of the pontifical decree "Contra sollicitantes
after which the statement of the due celebration of the
Masses, and correct keeping of the Archives was hand-
ed in & certified. & letter was read from the
Very Rev. Tr. Vincent of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Rector
of Goulburn, renouncing his active voice in the Chapters.
The Capitulars proceeded to the election of the Sec-
retary. After the Ballot the Very Rev. Tr. Osmund
of the Mother of God was selected.
The Chapters then proceeded to the election of

--- Page 8 ---
The Capitulars proceeded to the election of the Sec-
retary. After the Ballot the Very Rev. Mr. Osmund
of the Mother of God was selected.
The Chapter then proceeded to the election of two
secretariers, & the Choice fell upon the Very Rev. Mr. Dr.
Philip of the Immac Conception & the Very Rev. Mr.

--- Page 9 ---
Benignus of the VII Dolours.
The Drost Rev Ltr. General read a rescript. granting a dispensation to those Auperiors who according to the Holy Rule could not be re-elected by reason of having held office for 6 years.
The Canonical requirements having been carried out, the Chapter forthwith proceeded to the election of Provincial. At the first serving the Very Rev. Dr. Gregory of St. Joseph received the requisite number of votes & the Secretary having asked & obtained the "Placet" of the Chapter, published the election in the usual form. The Very Rev. Ltr. Gregory having accepted the office, thanked the Capitular Fathers for the confidence they had again shewn him, & promised to carry out the overrows duties to the best of his ability.
The Fathers then proceeded to the election of the 1st Provincial Consultor & at the 2nd serving the Very Rev. Ltr. Fominie of the Immae Heart of Mary was chosen & his election published; after which the Chapter elected a 2nd Provincial Consultor, & the Very Rev. Ltr. Michael of the Sac. Heart of Mary at the second serving having obtained the requisite number of votes, his election was published in due form.
The election of Masters of Dovices was then proceeded with, and the selection made, subject to the Approval of the Holy See, pending the reception of which the name is withheld.
The Chapter next took into consideration the Dovitali in Australia, and after some discussion it was decided that the Dovital should be re-opened on condition that the Dovices to be received shall

--- Page 10 ---
The Chapter next took into consideration the rovitali in Australia, and after some discussion it was decided that the rovital should be re-opened on condition that the novices to be received shall pay £40 for the year of their rovitali + £20 a year after until their ordination. It was further decided that the appointment of master of novices should be

--- Page 11 ---
left in the hands of the Very Rev. Tr. Provincial
and his Consultors.
After this the Community were summoned to the
Chapters room & the election of the Provincial was announ-
ced. Afterwards all proceeded to the Church where
Bemedition of the B. Sacrament was given by the
Very Rev. Tr. Provincial, & the 'Le Deum' was sung
in thanksgiving.
Second Session June 30th 1896
This session opened with the usual prayers
at 4 o'clock, and the Chapter proceeded with the
election of the Rector for H. Josephs Retreat Highgate.
After many scrutinies (without any Lather having
obtained the requisite number of rotes) the Norst
Rev. Tr. President adjourned the session until the
following morning, & closed it with the usual
Drayers.
Third Session July 1st 1896
The third session opened at 9 o'clock on the morn-
ing of July 1st with the usual prayers, & the Chapter
proceeded with the election of the Rector of Highgate.
After several scrutinies the Rev. Tr. Andrew of the
Old Cross having obtained the requisite number of
rotes was chosen & his election published in the
usual form. The election for the Rector of H. Sav-
iowis Retreat, Broadway, was next proceeded with
and the Very Rev. Tr. Richard of the Jonnac. Concept-
was chosen & his election was published in the usual

--- Page 12 ---
Prayers.
Third Association July 1st 1896
The third session opened at 9 o'clock on the morning of July 1st with the usual prayers, & the Chapter proceeded with the election of the Rector of Highgate. After several screetenies the Rev. Tr. Andrew of the Goly Cross having obtained the requisite number of votes was chosen & his election published in the usual form. The election for the Rector of St. Savior's Retreat, Broadway, was next proceeded with and the Very Rev. Tr. Richard of the Ismac. Concept was chosen & his election was published in the usual form.
The election of Rector for St. Ann's Retreat Salton was next proceeded with but at 11.45 a.m.

--- Page 13 ---
as the Chapters had not yet come to a decision the most Rev. Tr. President adjourned the session until the afternoon, & closed it with the usual prayers.
Fourth Session July 1st 1896
At 4 o'clock the Capitular Lathers again assembled in the Chapters room & the fourth session was opened by the most Rev. Tr. President saying the usual prayers.
After several scrutinies the Very Rev Tr. Chrysostom of H. Joseph was chosen as Rector of H. Annes Retreat Anthon & his election published in the usual namers.
The election of Rector for H. Paul's Retreat Int. Argus Dublin was next proceeded with, & after several scrutinies the Very Rev Tr. Philip of the Image Conception obtained the requisite number of votes, and his election was published in the usual form.
After this the Chapters commenced the election of Rector of Holy Cross Retreat & after several scrutinies The Very Rev Tr. Anthony of the Holy Cross was elected & his election published in the usual way.
For H. Mary's Harborne, after several scrutinies & no Lathers having obtained the requisite number of votes, the most Rev. Tr. President decided to adjourn the session until the following day. The Commemority having been summoned to the Chapters room, the Secretary announced to them the names of the Rectors who had been elected.
Sixth Session July 2nd 1896

--- Page 14 ---
77Sixth Session July 2nd 1896
The Capitolar Fathers met in the Chapter room
this morning at f. 30. I proceeded with the elector
of Rector for M. Drary's Retreat, Harborne.

--- Page 15 ---
After several scrutinies the choice fell upon the Rev. Tr. Constantine of the Mother of God, & his election was duly published. Afterwards the election of Rectors of Goulburn Australia was took place and the Rev. Tr. Clement of St. Albysius was duly elected, & his election published.
The elections having been happily terminated the most Rev. Tr. General. President conformed the election of all the Rectors.
The Venerable Chapters after due discussion resolved to empower the Provincial & his two Consultors to define the profes distinction between the Missions & Retreats, and also to regulate the order of services for each, & that a form be printed & forwarded to all applicants applying for Retreats or Missions.
The Venerable Chapters draws attention to the following decree of the XII Provincial Chapter.
" That hereafter no intonicating drinks shall be " allowed to any of our Religions out of meal time, ex " cept in the case of illness suckers. Moreover it declares that " any permanent dispensation from the decree should be " obtained from the Tr. Provincial in writing, & further " more it renews, as it has power to renew the penalty " of suspension inflicted in the X provincial Chapter " on those missioners who either going to, or returning " from, as well as on missions drink spirits before " dinner, delaying that by dinner is understood a meal " taken about Midday. Moreover the use of spirits on " Missions after dinner can be allowed only by the sup-

--- Page 16 ---
"on those missioners who either going to, or returning
"from, as well as on missions drink spirits before
"dinner, delaring that by dinner is understood a meal
"taken about midday. Moreover the use of spirits on
"missions after dinner can be allowed only by the sup-
"erior, to be asked to be given."
The Venerable Chapters having learned that
permissions before dinner, are too easily granted by the

--- Page 17 ---
Superiors of the Missions declares that these dispensations are invalid, unless for some grave reason
The Venerable Chapters recommends that as class of students be dislanded until they have their mission course of sermons complete.
After thoughtful discussion the Venerable Chapters recommends that the provincial & his Consultors take into consideration a more extended course of education for our students. The session then adjoined & was closed with the usual prayers.
Asith Session.
This session opened at 4 P. M. with the usual prayers. The venerable Chapters then proceeded to consider the question of establishing a preparatory College for our Congregation, and a vote having been taken it was found to be favourable to the project. It was however left to the here Provincial & his Consultors to work out the scheme in accordance with the Conditions laid down.
The Venerable Chapters having taken into consideration the food given to the religious, more specially on fast & abstinence days, admonishes the Kietors & Vicars to see that the Religious have proper & sufficient food, & that the Brothers be requested to pay more attention to the cooking.
Their attention is called to Chapter XVII of the Holy Rule where it says "The superiors shall take

--- Page 18 ---
The Venerable Chapters having taken into consideration the food given to the religious, more specially on fast & abstinence days. admonishes the Rictors & Vicars to see that the Religious have proper & sufficient food, & that the Brothers be requested to pay more attention to the cooking.
Their attention is called to Chapter XVII of the Holy Rule where it says, "The superiors shall take care that the food be prepared with attentive charity & that the wants of each be predently supplied"

--- Page 19 ---
The Venerable Chapters deplores the conduct of some Religious at the Suday Chapter, & calls their attention to the fact that the Chapters are held in orders that they may have an opportunity of manifesting their opinions but not of contradicting or lecturing their superiors.
The Venerable Chapters furthermore draws the attention of the Religious to the very grave obligation of the Vow of Poverty, & declares that all permissions granted by the Provincial expire at the Chapter, and that permissions for free masses, private pures, &c. should be renewed in writing by the Provincial, & that the same will have no force until they have been shown to the local superiors.
The Venerable Chapters draws attention to that portion of the Holy Rule which forbids a privality key to cells, the permission for such must be obtained from the Provincial & the local superiors must have a duplicate.
The session closed at 6.45 p.m. with the usual prayers.
Seventh Session July 3rd 1896
This session commenced at 8.30 A.M., with the usual prayers.
The Venerable Chapters decrees as follows: —
1st That silence be serupously observed during the time & in the places prescribed by the Holy rule; & especially after night-prayers, it is forbidden to

--- Page 20 ---
the usual prayers.
Seventh Session July 3rd 1896
This session commenced at 8.30 Am Mr. with
the usual prayers.
The Venerable Chapter Decrees as follows: —
1st That silence be serenepously observed during
the time & in the places prescribed by the Holy rule:
& especially after night-prayers, it is forbidden to
hold conversation in any part of the House. Superiors are
bound to impose an exemplary penance on anyone who
transgresses in this particular.

--- Page 21 ---
2o. When night prayers have been receited let the doors of the Church & House be locked & the keys brought to the Pector's room; after this it shall be lawful for no one to leave the House except to attend an argent sick-call. The hour for night prayers shall never be charged, save for a reason altogether entrandinary & exceptional.
3o. The Religious are absolutely forbidden to dine or sup in the houses of seculars except when travelling or with the espress permission of the Superior to be asked to his quoties; & no one must pay unnecessary visits to seculars without the permission of the Superior.
4o. The Chapters recommends the effort of mortification especially in the use of drinks.
5o. Let all priests conform to the Regulation in regard to the half-hour's preparation for Mass & the thanksgiving afterwards, & let them learn in mind the preparation is not to be made during Prime & Thiree.
The priest who has to celebrate the last Mass is dispensed from Prime & Thiree.
6o. All are forbidden the use of Bizycles except with a special permission obtained from the Provincial; the same is to be said with regard to smoking & in no case can this be permitted in the cell or in the recreation.
7o. Those who find it by reason of their work, find it necessary to take a rest from their labors must apply to the Provincial for permission, who in granting the same will attach such conditions that he may consider desirable.

--- Page 22 ---
yo. Those who find it by reason of their work, find it necessary to take a rest from their labors must apply to the Provincial for permission, who in granting the same will attach such conditions that he may consider desirable.
8o. That the hour of meditation all the year round be after Complin, in every house of observance.

--- Page 23 ---
9o. It is of absolute necessity that the Ball of Pope Urban XIII concerning the celebration of Masses "Contra Sollicitantis" be read publicly, twice each year.
The The Venerable Chapters authorises the Provincial and his Convertors to make a Compendium of the principal decrees of all the Provincial Chapters and that these decrees be read 4 times each year in every House of the Province in order that they may not be forgotten.
The Very Rev. Tr. Wilfrid read the financial statement of the Province & stated that the permanent debt had been reduced £ 4350, and New Buildings & other works added to the Province & paid for to the extent of £ 6,000. Shewing a set gain during the last three years of £ 13,350.
The President then asked each Capitulus thathes if he had anything else to propose, & the answer being in the negative the session, closed with the usual prayers.
Eight Session
The Session opened with the usual prayers at 4 P.M. The Most Rev. Tr. General declared that as the principal regulations of his letter of Nov 10 1894 had been embodied in the acts and the decrees of the present Chapter, the reading of such letter by the superiors is no longer obligatory.
The Secretary then proceeded to read the acts

--- Page 24 ---
the answer pages.
Eight-Session
The Session opened with the usual prayers at 4 P.M. The Most Rev. Tr. General declared that as the principal regulations of his letter of Nov 10 1894 had been embodied in the acts and the decrees of the present Chapter, the reading of such letter by the Superiors is no longer obligatory.
The Secretary then proceeded to read the acts & decrees of the Chapter about to close which were declared to be correct & Authentic.
The Very Rev. Tr. Provincial proposed a warm

--- Page 25 ---
vote of gratitude to the Most Rev. Tr. General
for coming to preside at the Chapter, & for the valuable
4 practical assistance he gave, as well as for the great
charity & patience which he manifested during the
deliberations.
Dated 3rd July 1896 at the Retreat of A. Paul of the Cross Dublin
Signed by Bernard Mary of Jesus. General & President
Gregory of A. Joseph. Provincial
Wilfrid of the Sacred Heart of Mary, 1st Convertor
Dominic of the Ionnae Heart of Mary, 2nd Convertor
Philip of the Ionnae Conception Ructor A. Josephs,
Chrysostom of A. Joseph. Ructor A. Sawiow
Richard of the Ionnae Concept. Ructor. Sutton.
Michael of the S. Heart of Mary Ructor Int. Argus.
Benigno of the VII downers Ructor A. Marys Harbor
Council of the Mother of God Superior of Paris
Ithr Mary of Jesus Crucified Superior A. Marys Glayn
Arthur of the Holy Cross, Superior of Holy Cross. Refort.
Concordat commissioner
Gregory of A. Joseph Cop
Marincol
July 10th 1896

--- Page 26 ---
CALL NO
ITEM NO
↓
001A
1896.07.03
YEAR, MONTH, DAY
CLASS.
NUMBER.
ENTRY DATE
1973.06.06
SERIAL
157
ACCENTS
MOUNT AROUS, DUBLIN, G.