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7/3/21/2
Yes
CALL NO
ITEM NO
1914. 07. 18
YEAR MONTH DAY
SM
CLASS.
NUMBER.
ENTRY DATE
SERIAL
YESS. 0 21
111
ARGENTES
ROUNT ARGENTINE C.
1

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Acts of the 20th Provincial Chapter of the Anglo-Libertarian Province of the Congregation of the Most Holy Cross and Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ, held in St Joseph's Retreat, Highgate Hill, London, July 1914.

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by their respective Rectors. The Very Rev. F. Provincial presented and read that of Adelaide which had been forwarded by Fr. Edward and Very Rev. F. Cyprian as Superior 'acted similarly for Herne Bay. The Very Rev. F. F. Cyprian and Sebastian were appointed to examine and report on the financial statements and the Very Rev. F. F. Eugene and Bruno to examine the other certificates.
Second Meeting.
This meeting began at 4 p.m. of the same day. As the result of a secret ballot the Rev. Father Bertrand of St Joseph, Superior, Belfast, was admitted to the preliminary meetings. Subjects for discussion were handed in and the sath "de secreto servando" being taken by all, the "discussio meritorum" began and continued to the conclusion of the meeting at 7 p.m.
Third Meeting.
The Chapter assembled at 9 a.m. on the 23rd, and the morning session was devoted to the "discussio meritorum".
Fourth Meeting.
The Capitular Fathers met again at 4 p.m. and were engaged on the "discussio meritorum" until 7 when the meeting adjourned.
Fifth Meeting.
At this meeting which commenced at 9 a.m. 24th July, the "discussio meritorum" was continued and concluded. Three of the subjects on the Agenda paper had been considered when, the usual prayers being recited, the meeting closed at 12.15 p.m. At 3 o'clock the Capitular Fathers according to custom chanted Vespers with the Community. After Vespers Fr. Hilary preached the sermon usual on the occasion. Taking as his text the words: "Provide out of all the people able men such as fear God in whom there is truth and that hate avoice and appoint of them rulers" (Exodus XVIII. 21.) and having expressed the honour

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he felt and the pleasure it was to him to address the Capitular Fathers of our Province of St Joseph, he said: It was not presumption to believe that Christ and Him Crucified is with us as the sons of His Wounded Heart gathered together in His name under the standard of the Cross, and the Communion of Saints permits us to hope that Paul of the Cross, our own Father and Founder, who ever had at heart the welfare of his children in England is with us to guide and intercede for us at a time when so much depends for the success of the great work of his heroic life. A Provincial Chapter is a momentous and far-reaching event, and its importance and far-reaching effects come not so much from the new decrees it may enact and which may be forgotten as soon as they are read, but because the Chapter elects the Superiors. "Woe to the shepherds of Israel. The weak you have not strengthened and that which was sick you have not healed, that which was broken you have not bound up that which was driven away you have not brought back again neither have you sought that which was lost..... my sheep were scattered because there was no shepherd and they became a prey to all the beasts of the field. For my shepherds did not seek after my flock but they fed themselves and fed not my sheep." (Egechiel XXXIV) It follows that it is a grave obligation on the conscience of each Capitular Father to vote for men who have at least the necessary qualification for the office of a Superior. Hence we cannot do better than hearken to the words of Jethro, the kinsman of Moses, when giving him counsel for the selection of superiors,

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viz, Provide out of the people able men such as fear God in whom there is truth and that hate avarice". Thus we see the qualities considered necessary for a leader in Israel were: 1o Fear of God. 2o Love of Truth. 3o Unselfishness. The fear of God will make him realize he is not a "Rector potens verar deus", but an administrator in the affairs not of men but of God. It will cause him to keep in mind the words of God by Ezechiel (III. 18) "I have made thee watchman to the houses of Israel, those who are lost through your fault I will demand their blood at your hand's above all, it will cause him to lean daily, age hourly, upon God in prayer for light and for strength knowing that without him he can do nothing. The second quality is Truth - Truth the outcome of knowledge, experience and prayer. This truth will manifest itself in singleness of purpose. Following truth he won't try to lead a dual life, one external before his Community, the other internal when he worships in the shrine of selfishness. It will cause him to despise fiction which is always found out in a superior who has ever many eyes upon him: this love of truth in fine will cause him to be a man of his word who can be trusted and depended upon. The third quality considered necessary by Iethro for a Superior was a hatred of avarice - in its broad meaning - unselfishness. In the days of Moses as in our own, success in temporalities, was justly looked upon as a good thing, but no doubt there were those then, as now, who considered such the all of success, until the spirit of avarice caused them to neglect it end for the sake of the means. In this, history can and has repeated itself. In days gone by, if not at present,

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there have been men whose whole ambition seemed to be to have a big deposit in the Bank and to make at chapter time a foolish flowrish of the flag of Mammon: men who had hardly ever given a serious thought to their chief work - the sanctification of their subjects and their tending to perfection. Even in temporal matters, they deprived them of the ordinary comforts of good food, clothing and medical care. Can we wonder that the result of such administration was much murmuring, laxity, a seeking after out-door relief and, in a word, general discontent? In a Provincial Chapter as in the Church there enters the human element as well as the divine, and sometimes the human impedes the full working of the Holy Spirit. The principal obstacles which may prevent us choosing men who fear God, love truth and hate avoice are 1o. Ignorance. We are not told what we ought to be told regarding those who have the passive voice. It is not necessary to tell all against a man, but it is necessary to tell what is essential. False charity in the time of a chapter makes one betray his Mother, the Congregation. 2o. Prejudice arising from affection. Those whom we love we naturally like to succeed. We let our affections blind us. Somehow we think we betray them if we vote not for them, foolishly forgetting the cruelest of the Cruel is to put a man in a false position, to carry a burden he is not able to bear. 3o. The prejudice of dislike: we let old sores re-open. we magnify insults neglect or coldness until we become blind to solid virtues and good qualities. We let selfishness be our guide: we consider not the good of the Congregation, but

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our own private advantage. Let us be above such little ways. Let us, putting self aside fearlessly, vote for able men who fear God, in whom there is truth and that hate awareness: able men who can face the Pharaohs, like Elias the Achabs. like John the Baptist the Herods, like Peter the Ananiases, like Paul the Hymnenes, but above all like Christ who would not break the bruised reed or quench the smoking flax: men who will faithfully follow 12 rules laid down for Rectors by St Paul of the Cross in his famous letter dated 4th May. 1761. which he said was the outcome of the experience of his long life. If necessary let us not be afraid to elect the young: Joseph a youth was chosen to be the Saviour of Egypt: David a shepherd boy slew the Philistines: Daniel a youth saved the life of Susanna: Jobias was the quide and blessing of his house: Josias a mere youth saved his people. Of course, some experience is good. St Augustine tells us it would be truly rash to give a man the helr. who has never known how to use an oat. In conclusion remembering all it cost our Holy Founder to establish our Congregation, remembering our beloved Province of St Joseph, remembering we have sooner or later to face death judgment and eternity, let us do our very best to put in Superiors who will steer the ship of the Province of St Joseph safely through the storm and stress, rocks and shoals of the next three years and bring their crews nearer to the haven of Eternal Life.
Sixth Meeting.
The Chapter assembled at 4 p.m. and was engaged until 7 o'clock in the discussion of other matters on

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the Agenda paper.
On Saturday July 25th at 8 a.m. High Mass was sung by Very Rev Fr Philip, Provincial, F. F. Cyprian and Hilary 1st and 2nd Consultors being Deacon and Sub Deacon. Very Rev Fr. Jeremias and the other Capitulars assisted in the sanctuary.
First Session.
The accustomed procession of the Capitulars and Religious of the Retreat from the Choir to the Chapter room took place at 10 a.m. The hymn "Vexilla Regis" and prayers being sung those not having the active voice were dismissed by the President in the prescribed form. The V. R. President then addressed the Chapter in Italian. Quoting the gospel read in the mass of the day, the feast of St James, he said, "that although no one had solicited the favour for us, yet Our Divine Lord Himself had drawn us near to Him and placed us on His right hand and on His left: He had associated us with Himself in the great work of sanctifying our religions and the salvation of souls. When the Apostles James and John wished to share in the glory of His Kingdom, He asked them if they were ready also to drink of His Chalice. This, too, he demands of superiors. Their office ought not to be considered by them an honour of which they should be proud or a privilege which they can use for their own benefit. It is rather a cross to carry a burden to be borne for the good of the congregation. Only those who thus consider the office of a superior who are willing to share the sorrow and # the shame of Christ's bitter Passion were worthy to be entrusted with the ruling of our Houses. In his lifetime, St Paul of the Cross had a special love

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for his future sons in England. Let us implore him not to intercede for us that in this great work of electing the Superiors of the Province of St Joseph, we may accomplish the Will of God and the extension of His Kingdom here on earth." The hymn "Veni Creator Spiritus" was sung, and the names of the following Capitulars were called, each one answering "Adsum"
Very Rev Fr Jeremias of the Sacred Thorns, President.
" " Fr Philip of the Immae Conception, Promicial.
" " Fr Cyprian of the Precious Blood. 1st Consultor
" " Hilary of the Immae Conception 2nd Consultor
" " Malachy of the VII Dolours, Rector, St Joseph's, Nighgate
" " Isidore of the Mother of God " " Savionis, Broadway
" " Kevin of the Sacred Hearts " " Annis, Sutton
" " Sebastian of the Immae Conception " " Paul's, Dublin
" " Alban of the Immae Conception " " Mungo's, Glasgow
" " Bruno of the Mother of God Counsel " " Mary's, Harborne
" " Bernard of the Immae Conception " " Mary's, Carmarth
" " Eugene of the Mother of God " " B. Gabriel's, Enniskill
" " John of Lesus Crucified, Superior, S. Joseph's, Paris
" " Athanasius of the Mother of God, Pro Provincial Australia
The Very Rev Fr. President asked the Capitulars if they thought the Chapter lawfully and canonically constituted and all answered in the affirmative. The V. R. Fr. Philip, Provincial made the customary acts of humility on behalf of himself and the other Capitulars. The Very Rev Fr. President was parted the absolutio ad Cautelam, he afterwards received it from Very Rev. Fr. Provincial. By secret ballot the Very Rev Fr. Alban was chosen Secretary and the Very Rev F. F. Isidore and Bernard, 1st and 2nd Scrutineers respectively. The decree "Contra Sollicitantes" and the Chapter of the Tridentine Council "De regularibus" were read by the Secretary. The faculty of framing and publishing the elections was granted by the President to the Secretary.

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and the oath "de secreto servando" was administered to the Secretary and Scrutiniers. The remainder of the session which closed at 12.30. a.m. was occupied in discussing the matters of the agenda papers.
Second Session.
The Chapter re-assembled at 4 p.m. The V. R. F. F. Cyprian and Sebastian presented the financial report. It showed that although there had been an expenditure of £9.000. on buildings and improvements in buildings, still the position financially of the Province was better by £18.000. This was hailed as a matter for great thanksgiving to God and of congratulation to all concerned. The V. R. F. F. Bruno and Eugene reported that they found the other certificates in order. Other subjects on the agenda paper were considered and the meeting adjourned with the usual prayers at 7.30. p.m.
Third Session.
This session opened at 9 a.m. on Sunday 26th July, and when it closed at 12.45. p.m. the agenda paper was disposed of.
Fourth Session.
The Capitular Fathers met again at 4 p.m. and discussed the condition and needs of Australia. After a short interval they re-assembled at 6 p.m. and the new method of voting was explained by the V. R. F. Philip. The election of a Provincial was then proceeded with. On the 6th Scrutiny the V. R. F. F. John of Jesus Crucified and Philip of the Immal. Concep. were found to have the same number of votes, and as Fr. John was senior by profession he was declared elected. The election was framed and published by the Secretary in the usual form. The newly elected Provincial expressed his thanks to the Chapter for

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the honour it had done him and the confidence it reposed in him and trusting to the blessing of God and the help and sympathy of his brethren, signified his acceptance. The congratulations of the Capitular Fathers being tendered to the very Rev. Fr. John, the election of the 1st Consultor followed. In the first scrutiny the V. R. Fr. Philip had the required number of votes and his election was duly proclaimed by the Secretary. On a sixth scrutiny the V. R. Fr. Sebastian of the Immac. Concep. was elected 2nd Consultor, and on the 3rd the V. R. Fr. Hilary of the Immac. Concep. was unanimously elected master of Novices. Being now 70 o'clock the further elections were postponed until the morrow, and the Community being summoned to the Chapter room, the Secretary made known the results. The Se Deum was sung during the Benediction Service in the Church and Solemn Benediction was given by the newly-elected Provincial.
Fifth Session
This session opened at 9 a.m. on Monday July 27th. The elections were immediately resumed. On the first scrutiny the V. R. Fr. Malachy of the VII Dolous was elected Rector of St. Joseph's, Highgate. The following was the result of the other ballots:
Very Rev Fr Urban of the Blessed Sacrament, Rector of Broadway. The Very Rev Fr Bernard of the Immac. Concep. Rector of Sutton. The Very Rev Fr William of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, Rector of Mount Argus, Dublin. On the sixth scrutiny, the V. R. F. F. Cyprian and Eugene were found to have obtained an equal suffrage for the Rectorship of Glasgow. V. R. Fr. Cyprian, being senior by profession, was

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God was elected Rector of Belfast. These elections as they occurred were duly framed and published by the Secretary. The dinner hour having arrived the Community was called to the Chapter room and the results announced. This concluded the business of the session which was closed with the usual prayers.
Sixth Session.
The Capitulars Fathers re-assembled again immediately after dinner to finish the elections. On the sixth scrutiny by a majority, the V. R. Fr. Egwin of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was elected Rector of Harborae, similarly the V. R. Fr. Kevin of the Sacred Hearts was chosen Rector of Carmarthen, and on the second scrutiny the V. R. Fr. Francis of the VII Dolours was elected Rector of Enniskillen. These elections being duly framed and published by the Secretary and made known to the Community, the V. R. Fr. President Kindly granted the Capitulars a free evening.
Seventh Session.
The Chapter met at 10 a.m. on Tuesday 28th. By permission of the V. Rev Fr. President, the V. R. Fr. Cyprian was permitted to make a statement. He said: "In the excitement of the moment and under the pressure put upon him he accepted yesterday the Rectorship of Glasgow. After mature deliberation he felt bound to tender the Chapter his resignation, and gave as his reason his weak state of health which he was convinced incapacitated him from the varied and onerous responsibilities of the office. The Capitulars expressed themselves much edified at the submission of Father Cyprian Yesterday and equally with his humility and sincerity in tendering his resignation this morning. A secret ballot being taken, his

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resignation was unanimously accepted. The Chapter then proceeded to the election of a Rector for St. Mungo's in the place of Fr Cyprian resigned, and on the 6th Scrutiny the V. R. Fr. Alban of the Immac Concep. was elected by a majority of votes. The first Scrutineer, the V. R. Fr. Isidore framed and published the election in the usual form. The Secretary was instructed to make application to the Sacred Congregation for the necessary dispensation as Fr. Alban was already six years a Canonical Rector.
Telegrams of acceptance of office were received from V. R. F. F. Urban, William and Francis.
The remainder of the session was devoted to the further consideration of the state and needs of Australia. Great pleasure was expressed at the establishment of the Alumniate in Goulbown and at the prospect of an early opening of the Noviciate. The Capitular Fathers were extemely pleased to hear from the V. R. Fr.
Athanasius Pro Provincial such a glowing account of the success attending the labours of our brethren under the Southern Cross and the greatly improved financial position of the houses was a matter of the deepest satisfaction to all. The session closed at 12.20. p. m. with the usual prayers.
Eighth Session.
This the last session began at 4. p. m. The only remaining matter for consideration by the Chapter was the customary review of the conduct of the lay-brothers.
The Capitular Fathers desire to express their appreciation and admiration of the edifying and laborious lives of the great majority of our brothers. Superiors are recommended to interest themselves earnestly in the spiritual well-being of the younger brothers in accordance with the prescriptions of our Holy Rule.

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The Venerable Chapter enacts and orders the following decrees and recommendations.
10 That an alumnate be established in Dublin or in some other convenient place with the least possible delay and that the monies heretofore levied viz, £400. on Glasgow and £200. on Belfast be devoted to its maintenance. The Chapter charges the Provincial and his Consultors to compile a "directory" for same.
20 In accordance with the directions of the General Chapter the Capitular Fathers instruct the Provincial after Consultation with the Lictors to make the necessary changes in the "Ratio studiorum" which should be submitted to the Most Rev. Fathers General for approval. X
30 The Chapter decided that the Confraternity of the Passion should be established in those of our Churches where it does not already exist, and that the book of Rules be revised and reprinted. Missioners are reminded of their duty to teach the people to meditate on the Sacred Passion; and the Catechist should not content himself with the devout recitation of the epaculations, but should also use them as a means of giving a short practical sentiment on the Passion.
40 In view of recent civil legislation, the Provincial and his Consultors are charged to safeguard the legal security of our properties especially in England, and to this end they are advised to obtain, as soon as possible, the best legal opinion.
50 The Capitular Fathers resolved that, considering the special circumstances of our Province, the active voice should be asked for the Master of Rovices for the next Provincial

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60 Questing outside the discusses in which our houses are situated is forbidden unless the permission of the Ordinary be obtained.
70 The Ven. Chapter affirms the decrees of former Provincial Chapters in the matter of strong drink. It moreover urges upon the Provincial and the Superiors the necessity of taking drastic measures with the intemperate and of imposing on them salutary restrictions. When offenders are transferred from one house to another, the Superior of the latter should be apprised of their failing and of any restrictions previously laid upon them. Superiors are exhorted to be specially vigilant with those who by taking drink in the neighbourhood of our houses give disedification to Seculars.
80 The Chapter recommends that arrangements should be made at Broadway for the giving of public Retreats to laymen.
90 Superiors and Religious are reminded of the prescripts of our Holy Rule regarding the great charity to be shown to the sick. The Chapter orders that in all our Retreats accommodation be provided for those who are dangerously ill, that these may be nursed with due care and comfort according to the rules of modern hygiene.
100 The Ven. Chapter decrees that after our young priests have completed their course of formal studies, they should remain together to prepare for the missions, and that no one of them be occupied in external duties until he has written his full course of mission discourses to the satisfaction of the Provincial; and further that no one of them be afterwards sent on missions unless his application and general conduct has been considered satisfactory.

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110 That at the Annual visitations and at the Provincial Chapters the Superiors be required to furnish an account of the spiritual condition of the congregations under our charge.
120 That the arrears due for the past three years by the different retreats towards the expenses of the Canonisation of our brethren should be paid by the newly-elected Superiors, and that these contributions be continued.
130 Recognising the need of additional priests for the Australian Mission the Chapter urges upon the Provincial the duty of sending out some efficient missioners. The V. Rev. Superiors of Marrickville and Adelaide are directed to continue their contribution of £50. each to the Pro Provincial for general purposes.
140 In accordance with the decrees of the General Chapter, the Very Rev Fr. Hilary and the Rev Fr. Gerald were appointed to examine the sermons and discourses of our young missioners.
After the enactment of the decrees the V. R. Fr. President asked the Capitulars if they had anything more to propose and all replied in the negative and inquiring if they thought it proper to bring the Chapter to a close was answered in the affirmative.
The Profession of Faith was then made and the oath prescribes by Pius X "Contra Modernistas" was taken by all the newly elected Superiors present.
The Very Rev. Fr. President, by virtue of powers conferred upon him by the Most Rev. Father General, confirmed in their offices the lately-elected Rectors and the Master of Novices, and, by the same authority, approved and confirmed the Acts and Decrees of the Venerable Chapter which he formally declared closed.

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Addressing the Capitulars the President said it gave him a great pleasure to be nominated by the Most Rev. Father General at the request of the late Fr. Provincial to preside at the Chapter and to be once more in our midst. The frankness, earnestness and charity that marked the discussion were a source of great satisfaction to him and he prayed God that through the intercession of St Paul of the Cross the work of the Chapter would fructify and prove a blessing to the Province.
In reply the V. R. F. Provincial tendered the President a hearty vote of thanks for the efficient and able manner in which he had conducted the proceedings and for the great interest he had displayed in the work of our Province. The Provincial requested him to convey to the Most Rev. Father General the sentiment of our final devotion and obedience and our gratitude for his Reminders in sending his Paternity to preside at our Chapter. Finally the acts of the Chapter were read and signed
Deremias of the Holy Thorns. President delegates by Most Rev. Father General.
Philip of the Immaculate Conception. Provincial.
Cyprian of the Precious Blood. 1st Consultor
Hilarius at Immac. Concept. 2nd Consultor
Malachy of the Seven Dolorus. Rector of St Iseph's, Highgate.
Daidore of the Mother of God. Rector of St Saviours, Broadway.
Kevin of the Sacred Hearts. Rector of St Anne's, Sutton.
Sebastian of the Immac. Concept. Rector of St Paul's, Dublin.
Alban of the Immac. Concept. Rector of St Mangos, Glasgow.
Bruno of Our Lady of Good Counsel, Rector of St Many's, Harborne.
Bernard of the Immac. Conception. Rector, St Many's, Carmarthen.
Eugene of Mary Immaculate, Rector, The Gream, Emmishillen

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17
John of Lesus Crucified, Superior St Lopellis Retreat. Paris.
Chanasius of the Mother of God. Pro Prominential, Australia.
Alban of the Imm. Concep.
Secretary
28th July 1914
Concordat cum originali
Loames a Lesu Crucifico.
Prop. Prominential