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CALL NO.ITEM NO.1890-08-16001YEAR MONTH DAYCLASS.NUMBER.ENTRY DATESERIAL1973-05-24107ALLOWANDSFOUNTAINS, DUBLIN, C.
I.X.P.
Acts and Decrees
of the
22nd Provincial Chapter
of the
Province of St. Joseph,
held at St. Joseph's Retreat, London
from August 8th to 16th, 1920
AND
Circular Letter
of
Most Rev. Fr. General.

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The 22nd Chapter of the Province of St. Joseph assembled on Sunday, 8th August, 1930, the day fixed by V.R. J. Provincial and approved by M.R. J. General in St. Joseph's Retreat, London.
The Visitation of the Province made by the M.R. J. General, Silvius of St. Bernard, during the past month and the presence of his Patrinity as President of the Chapter surrounded it with preculiar interest.
The Ven. Brethren met at 8.30 a.m. and the Chapter was opened with the natural prayers and ceremonies. The names of the Capitulars being called and each answering to his name, it was announced that the S. Cong. of Religious had granted the rective voice to the P.R. J. Bertrand of Mt. Joseph, Pro-Priv. of Australia.
The V.R. J. Leo of the S. Heart of Jesus, Procurator-General, accompanied his Patrinity and attended the meetings as interpreter.
The M.R. President inquired as to the valid and bareful emittition, and being answered in the affirmative, declared the Chapter canonically assembled. Rev. J. Edward of St. Paul was appointed "Austor", but being engaged during the morning session, Rev. J. Chrysostem of St. Joseph was chosen for that period, and took the natural onth "de secrete survendo" as did also V.R. J. Leo as interpreter.
The M.R. President addressed the Capitulars bidding them welcome and reminding them that they had come together to elect superiors for the next 3 years, and also to consider the spiritual and material condition of the Province. This duty ought to be discharged with careful attention and even with the most devoted charity. The Province of St. Joseph was loved by all its members and they all arduity desired to see it shine before God and men. Its present and future needs will be reviewed and those measures adopted for its welfare which experience and careful consideration suggest. Let us then enter on our work, confiding in God's assistance. Let us not trust to our own light but always Resp before our eyes the Holy Rule in all our deliberations and decisions. St. Paul of the Cross, who saw his sons evangelising this country, will assist us by his interesses and obtain for us the heavenly assistance necessary for us in the due fulfilment of our sacred obligations.
The V.R. J. Alban was chosen by ballet Secretary of the Chapter. The certificates of the due celebration of Masses, the Respiring of the Archives, Inventories & Financial Statements were read, and the

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following Fathers appointed to examine and report:- "Masses and during Courts-Drs. Cyprian and Egymin;" "Status Amicanum nui Keeping of Archives-" Drs. Francis and Bernard;" "Financial Statements-" Drs. John & Libastian.
The subjects for the consideration of the Chapter were submitted and arranged.
At 3 p.m. The Capitular Fathers and members of the Community assisted at Vespers in Choir. The enslomary discourse was delivered by the V.R. Dr. Halachy. In a very eloquent and well-reasoned address, he urged that our three great desires - our own happiness, the good of the Congregation and the greater glory of India - were attainable only by the exact absence of our Rule. Therefore the duty of the Capitulars would be to dict as Superiors those among them who were best qualified to preserve and increase our love and fraction of the exact observance of Rule.
Second Session.
At the beginning of this meeting the oath "de scerto strando" was taken by the "Custos," Dr. Dr. Edward of St. Paul.
The Capitulars during this meeting were angaged in the promotion of one of the subjects on the arcueta paper.
Third & Fourth Sessions.
Two meetings, one at 8.30 a.m. and the other at 4 p.m., were held on Monday, 7th inst. At both meetings the Fathers were angaged considering the state of our regular observance, missions and reliefs.
Fifth Session.
This meeting opened at 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday, 11th inst. The following conclusions were unanimously agreed to:- The "hear. Chapter rejoiced at the increasing number of missions, and that uterithstaining the network conditions, created by the war. They also rejoice at the entire absence of abuses on missions, the fraction of temporance, the fructul avoidance of fieldies in sermons and the faithful observance of the mission directory. After minute inquiry they give it as their deliberate judgement that question has not diminished the missions in dioceses when it is done. Some were of opinion that "Supplies" are detrimental to missions; others thought they had the opposite effect. They much regret that occasionally missioners are lodged outside, and consider it most desirable that where

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Fifth Session.
This meeting opened at 8.30 a. m. on Tuesday, 11th next. The following conclusions were unanimously agreed to:- The ben. Chapter rejected at the increasing number of missions, and that authoritationing the understandings created by the war. They also rejoice at the entire absence of abuses on missions, the tractics of temporance, the prudent avoidance of justices in sermons and the faithful absence of the mission directory. After minute inquiry they give it as their deliberate judgement that question has not diminished the missions in discussion when it is done. Some were of opinion that "Supplies" are detrimental to missions; others thought they had the opposite effect. They much regret that occasionally missioners are lodged outside, and consider it most desirable that when possible they should reside in the parochial house or presbytery. All agreed that our missions are now so well conducted that new suggestions are successous, and authority with great pleasure the large

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increase to our missionary staff from the zealous young schoolers who are now preparing for the missions. It was also the unanimous opinion of the Chapter that effect should be given at the sariest obscurity to the previous legislation directing the setting apart in each Riteat a room at an imprisonment, and the due and proper treatment of the iron.
The training of our moviers, especially the Cay-moviers, was considered and a cleane promoted and passed.
Sixth Session.
At this meeting which began at 4 p.m., the Capitular Fathers considered at length a suggestion to divide the Province by forming an Irish and English Province, and unanimously adopted the following directions: "The ben. Chapter desires to express its opinion that the time is approaching when the Province will have to be divided, and direct the Provincial and his Consultants to prepare and report on the matter for the next Provincial Chapter."
Seventh Session.
The Capitular Fathers met on Monday, 11th inst. at 5.30 a.m., the Commission of Administration reported "that through in two or three houses the income was considerably below the expenditure, yet the total resources of the Province are sufficient to meet present and future needs, whether general or local." In view of the success which has attended the financial and economical arrangements for the last three years, the ben. Chap. recommends that the same arrangements be continued.
Eighth Session.
This meeting was hold at 4 p.m. of the same day. Regarding the Alumniati the ben. Chap. regretted that arring to circumstances over which we had no control, the Alumniati had to be removed to Belfast. The Capitular Fathers desire to impress upon the numbers of the Province that while the present arrangements are strict factory, they are only temporary, and no effort should be spent to obtain a more satisfactory district and house for the Alumniati. The Capitular Fathers listened with great interest to the V.R. Fr. Provincial's and V.R. Fr. Pro-Provincial's reports on the condition and perspects of our Houses in Australia. They were particularly gratified to learn of the great and successful labours of the Fathers there and of the sound financial position of this portion of the Province.

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Chap. recommended that an annual contingential recommendation be proposed.
Excipth. Sedilen.
This meeting was held at 1 p.m. of the same day. Regarding the Alumnials the Con. Chap. requested that arriving to procure status over which we had no control, the Alumnials had to be removed to Belfast. The Capitular Fathers desire to impress upon the numbers of the Province that while the present arrangements are statisfactory, they are only temporary, and no effort should be spent to obtain a more satisfactory district and house for the Alumnials. The Capitular Fathers listened with great interest to the V. R. Fr. Provincials and V. R. Fr. Pro-Provincials reports on the condition and prospects of our houses in Australia. They were particularly gratified to learn of the great and successful labours of the Fathers there and of the sound financial position of this portion of the Province.
The building of the new Retrieval at Starvickville, which will accommodate 30 religious, though rooting £ 6,000 will be opened for of debt.

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This discrete circumstance will be secured by setting the Canada as abandoned canonically approved. The establishment of a secondary Australian Province was carefully considered, and while most anxious to see this accomplished, the Capitular Fathers were unanimously of opinion that until such time as the e is a prospect of an adequate supply of religious from Australia itself, such a separation would be premature. The New Chap. drovers to asbrew its readiness to do everything to form an Australian Province, and in the meantime would argue our Fathers in Australia to do all they can to secure subjects for our Congregation.
The V. R. Fr. Provincial gave a detailed report on his visits to South Africa and Canada and on the prospects of foundations in these colonies. The decision in this matter was left to The V. R. Fr. Provincial and his Committees in conjunction with the General Curia. It was also agreed that when the decree of the recent General Chapter concerning Foreign Missions was put into execution, our Province should do all in its power to assist with men and money as the General Curia would request.
Ninth and Tenth Decisions.
These meetings were held on Thurs., 12th Aust. The first began at 8:30 a.m. and concluded at noon. The second was opened at 3:30 p.m. The Capitulars adjourned for supper, and after continued the meeting until 9:45 p.m. At these meetings the Capitular Fathers were argued in the choice of the order in which the Superiors of the Reiteals should be elected and the "discussion meritorum" which was finished at the above hour. The order of the election of the Superiors chosen was as follows:- Youthborn, London, Dublin, Glasgow, Belfast, Sutton, Ennishillen, Broadway, Hortone, Carmarthen.
En Friday, 13th August at 8 a.m. Bottom Mass. was seeng by the V. R. Fr. John, Provincial, Frd. Cyprian and Sebastian, 1st and 2nd Consulters, being Deacon and Subdeacon respectively. Virtue Rev. Fr. Saybours of St. Bernard, General, assisted in the sanctuary. The duties of therefore, accidyte, &c. were distributed among the Capitulars.

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acclayte, &c. were distributed among the Capitulars.
Eleventh Session.
The usual procession of the Capitulars and community from the Choir to the Chapter-Room, chanting the "Verilla Regis," took place at 7.30 a. m. The prayers being finished, the President dismissed in the preservibed form those not having the network noise. Fleth. R. Fr.

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General Then made a brief and prevent discourse rather to mind the importance of the work about to be performed. The names of the Capitulars having been called and all unseening. The "Veni Creator" was seeng, the natural acts of humanity performed and the absolutions given. These formalities being complied with, the seals and patents of office were handed in. Frs. Ividore and Urban were chosen by ballet as first and second sentincers and took the prescribed oath "de secreto servando". Having agreed it should extend to all the elections, the following oath was taken by all:- "Testor Christian Dominum pare me judicaturus est me electionum ques secundum Deum judice eligi debere."
The election of the Provincial was thus proceeded with, and in the 6th serving, Fr. Abalachy of the Seven Dolorus was elected. As 1st Consultor, Fr. Alban of the Immaculate Conception was joined to have the requisite member of votes on the 1st serving. On the 6th serving, Fr. Bernard of the Immaculate Conception was elected 2nd Consultor.
Twelfth Session.
The community being called to the Chapter-room, the Secretary made known the election of C.R. Fr. Abalachy. All present tried to their honorage and good wishes to the new Provincial and proceeded to the Church for the "Te Deumi anti Solemn Benediction."
The elections were continued from 3:30 p.m. till 7 p.m., and resumed at 7:45 p.m., enclosing at 9 p.m.
The results were as follows:-
Alaster of Novices, The Gram, 3rd Serving - V.R. Fr. Francis of the Vii Dolorus.
" " " " " Goulbourn, 1st " " " " " James of St. Henrysins.
Dictor of Goulbourn and Fre-Provincial of Australia - V.R. Father Joseph of the S. Heart of Jesus.
Dictor, London, 2nd Serving - V.R. Fr. Githbel of the Imm. Heart of Grey.
" Luther, 3rd" -" " Richard of the Vii Dolorus." Glasgow, 3rd" -" John of Jesus Conceified." Le Crast, 2nd" -" Sebastian of the Imm. Concept." Saulton, 3rd" -" Ividore of the Mother of God." Emmethelle, 1st" -" General of the Heart of Jesus." B. Long, 2nd" -" Jesus of Our Truth of Good Counsel.

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Master of Novices, The Gramm, 3rd Seminary - V. R. A. Francis of the Vii Belonn.
" " " Goulbourn, 1st " " " " james of St. Alexander.
Dictor of Goulbourn and Pro-Prominent of Australia - V. R. Father
Joseph of the S. Heart of Jesus.
Dictor, London, 2nd Seminary - V. R. A. Citizen of the Imm. Heart of Glory.""""" Luther, 3rd " " " " Richard of the Vii Belonn."-" "" Richard of the Vii Belonn." Glasgow, 3rd " " " " John of Jesus Crucified."-" "" John of Jesus Crucified." Liberal, 2nd " " " " Selastian of the Imm. Concept."-" "" Selastian of the Imm. Concept." Salton, 3rd " " " " Ividore of the Mother of God."-" "" Ividore of the Mother of God." Emishilley, 1st " " " " General of the S. Heart of Jesus."-" "" General of the S. Heart of Jesus." Brouthery, 2nd " " " " George of Our Feelings of Good Counsel."-" "" George of Our Feelings of Good Counsel." Arabeton, 6th " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " ""-" "" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "" Cannon Them. 6th " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " ""-" "" " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " " "

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The elections as they occurred, man only favored ranked and fraters listed by the 12d Aborigines, The V.R. Jr. Society.
At the beginning of this lesson the Chastes, Rev. Jr. between all of W. Parkleaving to conclude a detail, Rev. Jr. Hallstone of Ca. Lady of Hount invited occurred the appointment and took the customary with Theresa H. Selvier.
Considering the bray and exhaustive labours of the Chapter, the Aborigines Rev. President declared the meeting of Sot. W. Parkleaving, free.
In the optimism at 30's the Futhers assembled. After some discussion on the referees in the Acts of the General Chapter to the Civ. Jr. Dominic, it was argued that our Superiors and religious should stay to propagate devotion to the Founder of our Province in all our ministries, especially in that of the Word when giving retreats to religious communities. V. R. Jr. Provincial readily agreed to do all he can to assist the friends worth.
The Provincial and his Consulters undertook to consider and decide as to the future of "The Cross."
Rev. Jr. Eswald and Urban were nominated examiners of the priests in our Province who are in the class mentioned in Canon 590, and also examiners of the sermons and discourses as prescribed in Regulation VI-2.
The V.R. Jr. Provincial fixed Sunday, 21st November, 1920, for the solemn celebration of the twenty-first of the founding of the Congregation he will in a later announcement indicate the special arrangements to be made.
The Commission on the work of the ministry reported that the total population in parishes under our charge in these countries was 23,000. The number of Communions given in our Churches - 900,000; marriages celebrated - 603; children baptized - 1946; converts received - 294. The attendance at the meetings of the Conferency of the Passion was computed to be 7,000, and 430 missions and retreats had been given since the last Provincial Chapter.
A telegram having been received from Fr. Berchman's declining the Rectorship of Harborne, a new election became necessary. The V.R. Jr. Hyacinth of Our Lady of Dolours was elected on the 6th

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priests in our Province who are in the class mentioned in Canon 590, and also examiners of the sermons and discourses as prescribed in Regulation VI-2.
The V.R. Jr. Provincial fixed Sunday, 21st November, 1920, for the solemn celebration of the twenty-first of the founding of the Congregation. We will in a later announcement indicate the special arrangements to be made.
The Commission on the work of the ministry reported that the total population in parishes under our charge in these counties was 23,000. The number of Communions given in our Churches - 900,000; marriages celebrated - 603; children baptized - 1946; converts received - 294. The attendance at the meetings of the Conferency of the Passion was computed to be 7,000, and 430 missions and individuals had been given since the last Provincial Chapter.
A telegram having been received from Fr. Berchman's declining the Richardship of Harborne, a new election became necessary. The V.R. Jr. Hyacinth of our Lady of Liolours was elected on the 6th seminary. The sease of election having been framed and published by the 1st Seminary (à. L'échore), the moly-eboled was called to the Chapter-room and being informed of his election signified his acceptance.

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Fourteenth Decaden.
At 10 o'clock on Samboy morning, the 15th inst., this session opened, the secretary read the Acts and Decrees of the Chapter which were amended and approved. Letters were received from our Fathers in Australia concerning our foundations at Marrickville and Adelaide. These letters were carefully considered and the terms of the replies agreed to. Regarding Adelaide it was decided that the property at Hen Downend should be retained and that a new building adjoining and communicating with the Church at Parkside be created. The sale of the frontages in Marrickville as already canonically sanctioned was ordered to be effected. The letters communicating these decisions were read and approved before the Chapter adjourned.
Fifteenth Decaden.
The Capitular Fathers met on Monday morning, 16th inst., at 10 o'c. A telegraph and letter were received from V. R. Fr. Joseph declining his election as Rector of Goulbourn and his appointment as Pro-Provincial of Australia. The Chapter expressed the hope that he would consider his decision, and left the matter to be arranged by the Provincial and his Consultors. At the request of the mothy-elected Master of Movies and Rectors, the M. R. Fr. General confirmed their elections 'ad nominam' (an. 17 y) (Certificate of confirmation is attached). The President engineered if there were any other matters to be considered, and being answered in the negative, fed the further question if the Chapter could now be canonically closed. To this question an affirmative reply was given.
A vote of thousands was proposed by the V. R. Fr. Mulachy to the M. R. Fr. President. He said he should not like the Chapter to be formally closed without expressing on behalf of the Capitular however feebly their appreciation of the honour which the M. R. Fr. General had done our Province in visiting all our houses and giving to all our religious the benefit of his guidance and advice. The Capitulars were so filled with admiration for the patience and predence with which Fr. General presided at their deliberations that no words should convey their appreciation and gratitude. It was providential that at this important Chapter there should be a President with such a balanced mind and matured judgement, and one who in the estimation of the Capitulars was such a worthy representative of St. Paul of the Cross.

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canonically closed. So this query of an affirmative reply was quered.
A note of Thunbl's was f. reported by the V. R. F. Mulachy to the M. R. F. President, he said he should not like the Chapter to be formally closed without expressing on behalf of the Capitular however feebly their appreciation of the honour which the M. R. F. General had done our Province in visiting all our houses and giving to all our religious the benefit of his quilance and advice. The Capitulars were so filled with admiration for the patience and predence with which F. General presided at their deliberations that no words should come from their appreciation and gratitude. It was providential that at this important Chapter then should be a President with such a balanced mind and matured judgement, and one who in the estimation of the Capitulars was such a worthy representative of St. Paul of the Cross.
The Most Rev. President replied as follows:—

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"This is the hour of separation! Back one of you will go where he is called by God's Will. I also will leave this hospitable Wheat where we have spent a few days in an intimacy so agreeable and fraternal. I will leave this beloved Province, for which we have worked together with a devotedness and an abnegation which we slout have been very meritous in God's eyes. I am going to take leave of you all, and being already accustomed to live and almost to converse with you, this separation fills my heart with emotion and regret. If I may speak sincerely, I will say that you are to blame for my regret in leaving you. You have a happy defect unknown to yourselves, and hence not likely to be corrected (and I don't wish it corrected!)—that of being so extremely lovable! Your affability, your gentle mommers, your great kindness captivate and subjugate, To approach and know you is to extern and love you. That is the reason why our separation is almost painful for me. Only the thought that our souls are always remain supernaturally united through mutual proger soulles that feeling. Hence forth, then, we will meet daily; not materially as in this chapter-room, but spiritually at the holy altar, the new Calvary, where every day our crucified Love, Jesus Christ, offers himself for us. Let us promise each other that we will daily pray for all the members of this chapter, in memory of the days spent together in this chapter-room. As for me—"Jam Senni". I am meaner the end than anyone of you, and I have not much more time before me. However, if our Lord grants me three years more life and sufficient strength, I will come back again in listening of my sincere affection and attachment. I will be happy to meet you over more in order to work together for the glory of God and the welfare of the Bosmic, to accelerate at the same time the progress of those three years, and to give a new impulse to the important work of our sanctification. Consequently, I will not say adieu, but—An revoir!"
J. X. P.
Attentis precibus Magistronem Novictionem et Rectonem qui in Capitulo XXII Provincial S. Joseph electi fuerunt, comme electionem confirmanus, ad nominam Can. 177.
Datum Londini, ex Reason S. Joseph.

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J. X. P.
Attentis precibus Magistrorum Novictionum et Pectorum qui in
Capitulo XXII Provinciae S. Joseph elicti fuerunt, comm. elictionem
confirmaverunt, ad monam Can. 177.
Datum Londini, ex Reason S. Joseph.
Die 16 Augusti, 1920.
Sylvius a S. Bernardo.
L. + S.
Resp. Generalis.

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15th Session (built).
Conditional notes of Thunks were also proposed and survied to the Very Riv. Mr. Leo at Interpreter and the Very Riv. Dr. Alban us Secretary for the services rendered to the Chupten.
The Most Riv. Dr. General then declared the Chupten formally closed and invited the members to sign the Act. ———
Supremes of St. Bernard, Superior General, President.
John of Jesus Crucified, Provincial.
Cyprium of the Precious Blood, 1st Converter.
Secretary of the Immaculate Conception, 2nd Converter.
Bertrand of St. Joseph, Pro-Provincial of Australia.
Malachy of the Seven Dolours, Heler of Highgate.
Egyptian of the Sacred Hearts, " " Broadway.
Leiden of the Mother of God, " " Sutton.
Francis of the Seven Dolours, " " Lublin.
Alban of the Immaculate Conception, " " Harbor.
Bernard of the Immaculate Conception, " " Belfast.
Antoninus of the Sacred Hearts, " " Harbor.
Miram of the Blossed Sacrament, " " Carmarthen.
William of the S. Hearts of Jesus V. Mary, " " Emmiskillen.
Alban of the Immaculate Conception,
Secretary.
St. Joseph's Retrent,
London.
16th August, 1920.