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Acts of the 19th Provincial Chapter of the Anglo-Hibernian Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Cross & Bassion of our Lord, Jesus Christ, held in St Annes Retreat, Sation, July 1911.
In accordance with a convocatory letter of the V. Rev. Fr Malachy of the St Dolours, Provincial, dated May 24th, 1911 and sent to all the Pestors and Superiors of the Province, the Capitular Fathers assembled in St Annes Retreat, Sation, on July 25th, 1911 to assist at the Induum in preparation for the Chapter summoned for July 29th, 1911.
First Meeting.
At 9 o'clock on the morning of July 26th the first preliminary meeting was held, all the Capitular Fathers being present. The Chapter enjoyed the much esteemed honour of having as its President the Most Revd Fr Jeremias of the Sacred Thous, General, who arrived in St Annes the previous evg accompanied with by the V. Rev. Fr John Mary C. F. The Most Rev. President having recited the usual prayers, the preliminaries of appointing a Secretary, Custos were gone through. The V. Rev Fr Alban of the Inmac Concep. was appointed Secretary of the preliminary meetings, and the Rev Fr, Herbert of St Catrick, 'Custos'. The customary sath' de secreto servando was taken by the latter.
The Seals of Office, Litterac - Patentes, Certificates of the due celebration of Masses, of the Keeping of the Archives & inventories were handed in. The financial statements of the different Retreats were read by their respective representatives at the Chapter. Fr Philip presented and read that of Herne Bay. V. Rev. F. F. Schastian & Eugene were appointed

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to examine the certificates of the celebration of Masses, the keeping of the Archives, and the inventories. The V. Rev F. F. Cyprian & John were appointed to examine and report on the financial statements.
Second Meeting.
The Fathers assembled at 4 p.m. The usual prayers were said, and subjects for discussion agreed to. The oath 'de secreto servando' was taken by all present, and the 'discussio meritorum' began & continued till 6-45 p.m. when the meeting ended.
Third Meeting.
This meeting began at 9 a.m. on the 27th and the Capitulars were engaged till mid-day with the 'discussio meritorum'.
Fourth Meeting.
The Capitular Fathers assembled at 4 p.m. on the same day. The 'discussio meritorum' was resumed and finished. F. F. Eugene & Sebastian testified to their examination of the certificates entrusted to them and reported the absence of the signatures of some of the religious - legitimately absent from their Ratreats - on the certificates of the celebration of Masses of three of the Houses. The most Rev President directed that in preparation for future Chapters the signature of the Religious to the certificate of the celebration of Masses ought to be obtained before they leave home. One of the items on the agenda paper followed, and the meeting adjourned at 7 p.m.
Fifth Meeting.
At this meeting which began at 9 a.m. 28th July F. F. Cyprian & John presented the financial report. This had been awaited with great expectancy, and afforded great pleasure and gratification when it

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was disclosed. The statement showed that altho' £ 22,649.00 had been expended during the three years in the purchase of land, erection and extension of Retreats, - the building of those at Broadway and Sutton & the extension at Harborne - yet the nett increase of debt on the Province was only £ 325.00. The total liabilities of the Province including Australia are £ 65,855.00.
The next business was the reading by the Provincial of the reports from the Pro-Provincial & other Superiors of Australia. They also revealed a very satisfactory state of affairs, - a great increase & widening of our missionary sphere and a great growth & increase of our prestige and influence with the higher ecclesiastical authorities. The consideration of other important matters occupied the time till mid-day.
The Fathers joined the Community at Verpers. In Hilary preached the sermon usual on the occasion. Taking as his text " Now there are a diversity of graces but the same spirit, and there are a diversity of ministries but the same Lord. and there are a diversity of operations but the same God. But in all these things one and the same Spirit worketh dividing to every one as He will be lord the preacher remarked how this diversity of operations mentioned by St Paul was exhibited in the spirit and labours of the different religious orders, institutes & Congregations in the Church. The contemplative orders displayed the diversity of graces; those who serve others - the sick, the poor & the aged, the diversity of ministries; and the active orders - those who give light and life - the diversity of operations. St Paul was careful to add that in all these there is one and the same spirit, to signify the general spirit common to all Orders, the "Caritas Christi"
It may be asked " continued the preacher " What is the special spirit of the Passionist Congregation? He suggested three ways of finding this special spirit, the life of our Holy

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Founder, his words and his rule. Studying these we find everywhere a mistake of the contemplative and active lives. Our great work is to know and to make known Jesus Crucified, and for this meditation & preaching, contemplation and action are necessary. To preserve this spirit & propagate this work, solitude, prayer & penance must be the three distinguishing features of our lives. Solitude, because of the sacredness of our object, the contemplation of Jesus Crucified. Prayer, that we may know Jesus Crucified. Penance, the self-discipline of the Rule & observance that we may show forth in our lives the spirit and the operations of the Crucified. " " " "
In conclusion he reminded his hearers that the preservation of the spirit and the propagation of the work of a religious order depended upon its Superiors, & urged those who were about to engage in the duty of electing those of the Province of St Joseph, to have but one mind, the selection of men who would strive to cultivate, the three essential operations of our spirit, Solitude, prayer and the self-discipline of the rule so that the spirit of the Congregation of the Savion may be preserved and its work promoted.
Sixth Meeting
At 4.30 p.m. the Capitulars met again & were engaged in discussing two of the subjects on the agenda paper till 7.p.m when the meeting adjourned.
On Saturday July 29th High Mass was sung by V Rev Fr Malachy Provincial; the 1st, 2nd Consultors being Deacon & Subdeacon. Most Rev Fr General and other Capitulars assisted in the Sanctuary.
First Session
At 10 a.m the Capitular Fathers and the religious of the Retreat assembled in Choir. The Most Rev President vested in surplus and white stole

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intoned the "Vecilla Regis", and singing the hymn the Capitulars and religious followed him in procession to the Chapter-room. The hymn and prayer sung the President dismissed in the prescribed form those having no "active voice". The President addressed the Capitulars. Speaking in later the following is in substance what he said. "As you are certainly persuaded of the importance of the work you are going to do, I will say but little. You are going to elect the Superiors to whom are to be entrusted the Retreats and the Religious and indeed the entire Province of St Joseph. That you may do so wisely and well give ear to the inspirations of those Saints and Martyrs whose dust mingles with that of this Island, called of old the 'Island of Saints'. They whisper from their heavenly home, "Give us, O Fathers, by your vote teachers and guides of justice who by example and word & sincere charity may lead to the pastures of truth, and fill by their lives and leading the thrones already prepared in heaven for our Religious by our common Father the Great & good God. This cannot be done unless you choose men who excell in love for the Congregation, and the regular observance, and who are mindful of the words of our Holy Founder "Remember my commands and keep my children that none of them may be lost." Let us not in this matter trust to carnal prudence, but let us invoke the Almighty Wisdom and our Holy Founder, Bl. Gabriel and our other heavenly patrons, that with their assistance we may begin & continue the choice of Superiors of the Province of St Joseph. Let us cry -
"Veni Creator Spiritus" &c.
This hymn sung, the names of the Capitulars were called each one answering "adsum".
Most Rev B. Jeremias of the Sacred Thoms, General and President.

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V. Rev Fr Malachy of the It Dolorus - Provincial
V. Rev Fr Philip of the Inn Concep. I Consultor
V. Rev Fr Hilary of the Inn Concep II Consultor
V. Rev Fr Felix of our Lady of Good Council, Rector St Josephs Highgate
" " " Revin of the Sacred Hearts " St Savious Broadway
" " " Egwin of the Sacred Heart of Jesus " St Annes Sutton
" " " Lebastian of the Inn ac Concep. " St Pauli Dublin
" " " Cyprian of the Precious Blood " St Mungo's Glasgow
" " " Hubert of St Mary Magdalene " Holy Cross Belfast.
" " " Alban of the Inn ac Concep. " St Marys Harborne
" " " Bernard of the Inn ac Concep. " St Marys Carmerther
" " " Eugene of the Mother of God " Alfgabriels Enniskillen
" " " John of Jesus Crucified Superior St Josephs Paris.
The Most Rev President asked the Capitulars if they thought the Chapter
lawfully and canonically convened. All answered in the affirmative.
The President then granted the 'active voice' to V. Rev Fr John of Jesus Crucified
and in his own name and the names of all present protested against
admitting the disqualified and excluding the qualified from the
elections of the Chapter. After the customary acts of humility
had been made by V. Rev. Fr Malachy for himself and the other Capitulars
the Most Rev. President imparted the "absolutio ad cautelam", he after-
wards receiving it from V. Rev. Fr Malachy. The V. Rev Fr alban
was chosen by lot as Secretary, and V. Rev. F. F. Hubert & Bernard as
scrutineers. The President called on the Secty to read the Decrees "Contra
Sollicitantes" and the one from the Tridentine Council, "Ratio eligendi
Superiores", & gave the Secty the faculty of framing and publishing

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the elections. The Chapter immediately proceeded with the election of a Provincial. After several ineffectual scrutinies it reparated at 12 o'clock with the usual prayers.
Second Session.
The Fathers assembled again at 4 p.m. After some scrutinies the V. Rev. Fr Philip of the Imm. Concep. was elected Provincial. The election was framed and published by the Sect in the usual form. The newly-chosen Provincial thanked the Chapter for the honour done him and the confidence reposed in him, and while keenly sensible of the onerous duties attached to the office, lowed himself to the will of the Chapter and promised to discharge the duties to the best of his ability. The Religious were summoned to the Chapter-room, the election was published to them and the Provincial received their congratulations. All went to the Choir where the 'Te Deum' was sung and Benediction given. The Capitulars returned to the Chapter-room and began the election of 1st Consultor. When the assembly rose at 7 p.m. there was no result.
Third Session.
The Capitulars met at 9 a.m. on Sunday 30th July and proceeded with the election of the 1st Consultor. After several scrutinies V. Rev. Fr Lyprian of the Precious Blood was elected. This was followed by the election of the V. Rev. Fr Hilary of the Immac. Concep. as 2nd Consultor; and on the first scrutiny of V. Rev Fr Egwin of the Sacred Heart of Jesus as Master of Novices. On the 2nd scrutiny V. Rev Fr Malachy of the Ti Dolours was chosen Rector of St Josephs Highgate. Then Fr Didore of the mother was elected Rector of St Saviours Broadway; V. Rev. Fr Kavin of the Sacred Hearts Rector of St Annes Sutton, and V. Rev Fr Sebastian of the Iam. Con.

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Rector of 5t Pauls Dublin. The election for Glasgow was begun and when several scrutinies proved ineffectual the session closed at 12, with prayers.
Fourth Session.
The Fathers assembled at 4 p.m. and continued the election for Glasgow. As there seemed no likelihood of a choice the session adjourned at 6-15 p.m.
Fifth Session
The Chapter met on Monday July 31st at 7 a.m. and resumed the election of a Rector for Glasgow. After several scrutinies V. Rev. Fr Alban of the Immac Concep. was found to have the required, On signifying his acceptance, by direction of the Most Per President, the election was framed & published by the 1st scrutineer V. Rev. Fr Hubert. The election of a Rector for Belfast was then proceeded with, but when the assembly rose at 12 o'clock with the usual prayers, no choice had been made.
Sixth Session.
The Fathers re-assembled at 4 p.m. After several scrutinies the V. Rev Fr Hubert of 5t Mary Magdalene was elected Rector of Belfast. The election was duly framed and published by the Secy. On the second scrutiny V. Rev. Fr Bruno of our Lady of Good Counsel was chosen as Rector of 5t Marys Harborne, and the election formally published and declared. The election of a Rector for Carmarthen was entered upon, & the session closed at 7-15 p.m. without any result.
Seventh Session
This Session began at 7 a.m. on Tuesday 1st Aug. On the 2d scrutiny V. Rev. Fr Bernard of the Imm Concep. was elected Rector of 5t Marys Carmarthen, and on the 1st scrutiny V. Rev Fr Lugene of the Mother of God, Rector of B'Gabriels Enniskillen. Both elections were framed & published by Secy in usual form.

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Telegrams of acceptance of office were received from V. Rev F. F. Jaidore and Bruno. In Provincial read a letter from In Joseph giving an account of an interview in St Pauls Mount Argus with Dr Clarcy, Bishop of Elphin and two of the Canons of the Discusse. The purpose of the interview, as indicated in the letter, was to offer to our Congregation a foundation in their discusse. The letter contained a discussion of the property and its surroundings and the conditions on which the offer was made. The proposal was received with great joy and satisfaction. The Venerable Chapter decided to leave the further negotiations in the hands of the Provincial and Consultors in the hope that they will bring them to a favourable issue.
A letter from the Pro-Provincialgauntralia was read and after discussion the suggestions contained in it were in the main approved. The Capitular Fathers directed that the two houses, Marrickville & Adelaide should each continue their yearly contributions of £50 to the Pro-Provincial for general purposes. They also directed that the Provincial should continue to receive from Glasgow £200. yearly for the wants of the Province, and confirmed the annual grants of £200. each from Glasgow and Belfast towards the support of the students in Dublin.
The course of studies and matters connected therewith were under discussion when the Session adjourned at noon, with the usual prayers.
Eighth Session.
The Most Rev President having kindly granted a free afternoon on the previous day, the Fathers met at 9 a.m. Wednesday Aug 2nd when they further considered the matters connected with the Students. Recognising the importance and advantages of the local chapters held before the presentation of Students for Holy Orders, the Venerable

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Capitularis recommend to the Provincial and Consultors the advisability of holding similar local Chapters yearly during the entire period of formal studies.
The V. Rev. Mr. Hilary and Mr. Gerald were then appointed as the examiners for the biannial examinations of the junior priests.
It was resolved that the universal custom in our Congregation of saying the "Angelus" after Matins, Dinner and Supper shall henceforth be followed in our Province.
The Chapter desirous of promoting a still greater spirit of temperance amongst us, enjoins on the Provincial in confunction with the local Superiors the use of the utmost vigilance in preventing any abuse in the use of strong drinks in our Retreats, and the correction of any existing abuses. Those who are thought likely to give scandal by intemperance should not be sent out on Missions or Supplies, and transgressors should be severely punished by the Provincial. The Chapter also draws attention to previous decrees on the subject.
A discussion arose concerning the libraries, and it was directed that in each Retreat a religious should be appointed by the Rector to have charge of the library. Prohibited books, if useless should be burned, but when it is thought well to preserve them they should be kept under lock and key. It is hereby declared to be contrary to the spirit of the Rule and to the prescriptions of the regulations to accumulate books needlessly in the cell.
The Venerable Chapter orders that a Compendium of the decrees of the Provincial Chapters be prepared by the Provincial and his Consultors, and be read publicly every three months. The session closed at 12 o'clock with the usual prayers.

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Ninth Session.
The Fathers again assembled at 4 p.m. They expressed a high opinion of the good effected by our inagazine, the "Cross", & warmly recommended that it should receive encouragement in our various houses. The Pectors present agreed to guarantee the present circulation in their respective Petreats.
The conduct of the lay-brothers of the Province was then considered according to custom. An earnest discussion followed on the grave necessity of procuring fit subjects for the Congregation. All were decidedly of opinion that this is the pressing need of the moment. Most of the difficulties encountered in our work result from our limited numbers. In view of the ever-increasing demands for our services, and the future wants of the Province, the Ven. Chapter wreges upon Superiors and the religious the obligation of doing their utmost to procure vocations for the Congregation.
The Capitular Fathers bearing in mind the continual prayers of St Paul of the Cross, and the labours and prayers of the Ven. Tr Dominic and of Tr Ignatius Spence, for the conversion of England warmly exhorts all the religious to have this great object constantly at heart, and while cheerfully acknowledging all that has been done in the past towards this end, expresses the desire that some special work should be inaugurated, such as a branch of the Arch-Confraternity of our Lady of Compassion at St Annes Petreat, where the body of the Ven. Founder of the Province reposes, & commits the matter to the earnest consideration of the Provincial and his Consultors. The Session adjourned at 7-15 p.m.

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Tenth Session
The Capitulars met for the last time at 9 on Thursday morning. A telegram was despatched to the Holy Father, expressing our love, submission and loyalty to his Holiness and asking his blessing upon the new Superiors and our work.
The Chapter gladdened at the prospect of the Realification of the Ven. Fr Dominic of the Mother of God, and the canonisation of Blessed Gabriel directs the local Superiors to continue their contributions towards the expenses of the Processes.
Most Rev. President now asked the Capitulars if they had anything further to propose, and all answered in the negative. After he asked if they thought it proper to bring the Chapter to a close and he was answered in the affirmative.
The profession of Faith was made, and the oath prescribed by Pius II "contra modernistas", was taken by all the newly-elected Superiors present. The General formally approved the Acts of the Chapter and confirmed the elections of all the Superiors, declaring that in the case of Fr Hubert this was done by virtus of a dispensation obtained from the Holy See. The V. Rev Fr Provincial proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Most Rev President for the unfailing courtesy, wise counsel and sincere sympathy manifested by his Paternity throughout the sittings of the Chapter.
In reply, the General expressed the edification which he had received since his arrival in the Province and with the spirit shown by the Capitulars. Impressing upon them the obligation of keeping the Rule and observance, he said that if this were done by them and

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the religious the hopes and wishes of the Capitulars, both spiritually and temporally would be realized
Finally the Acts of the Chapter were read and signed.
Jeremiah of the hol. Thoms Praep. General and President
Malachy of the In Dolours Provincial
Philip of the Inm. Concep 1st Prov. Consultor
Hibary of the Inm. Concep 2nd " "
Felis of our Lady of Sood Commel. Rector St Josephs Highgate
Kevin of the Sacred Hearts " St Saviours Broadway
Eqwin of the Sacred Heart " St Cannes Sutton
Sebastian of the Inm Concep " St Pauls Dublin
Cyprian of the Precious Blood " St Mungos Glasgow
Hubert of St Mary Magdalene " Holy Cross Belfast
Alban of the Inmac Concep. " St Marys Harborne
Bernard of the Inmac Concep " St Marys Carmarthen
Eugene of Mary Inmaculate " B. Gabriels Emiskillen
John of Jesus Crucified Superior St Josephs Paris
Alban of the Inm. Concep
Secretary
Aug 3. 1911.
Concordant cum originalibus
Philippus at Inmac. Encl.
Praep. Prot.
Wire from Rome. " Holy Father deeply grateful filial homage
" affectionately sands special blessing "
Card. Merry del val.