--- Page 1 ---
Acts and Decrees of the 23rd Provincial Chapter, held
St Josephs Retreat, Highgate, London.
7/3/24/2
The 23rd Provincial Chapter of the Province of St. Joseph was begun on Sunday 24th June 1923: the day eventually fixed by V. Rev. Fr. Malachy, Provincial and approved by the Most Rev. Fr. General. Owing to the grave illness of Fr. General, the V. Rev. Fr. Leo, Procurator General, was delegated to preside.
The Venerable Brethren assembled in the Chapter Room, on that morning at 9.30, with the usual ceremonies and prayers. The names of the Capitulars having been called, each answered to his name. The V. Rev. Fr. President enquired as to its valid and lawful institution, and all having answered in the affirmative, he declared the Chapter canonically assembled.
The V. Rev. Fr. Provincial was appointed to read the letter of Most Rev. Fr. General delegating V. Rev. Fr. Leo to act as President. Fr. Provincial referred in touching terms to the illness of Fr. General expressing on the part of the Capitulars, and the entire Province, the fervent wish that his Paternity
would soon be restored to perfect health, and likewise tendering warm welcome to his representative.
V. Rev. Fr. Leo in reply stated how anxious Most Rev Fr. General was to be present with the Capitulars at this Chapter, but since on account of his health, that was impossible, he decided to send one who thoroughly understands the circumstances of our Province and who is deeply interested in our welfare. Fr. President keenly realised the grave responsibility of this task but with the kind cooperation of the Capitulars, he felt confident that this Chapter would be as efficient and fruitful as any one in the past. The Holy Fathers blessing would contribute in no small way to that end. V. R. v. Fr. President, before leaving Rome had a private audience with His Holiness, who lovingly sent his Paternal Blessing to all the Brethren, but in a more especial manner to the Capitular Fathers. Fr. Leo in conclusion placed this very important work under the especial protection of St. Joseph, Patron of the Province and also of this Retreat. The Rev. Fr. Augustine was appointed by ballot "Custos" who immediately took the oath "de secreto servando"
The Rev. Fr. Richard was elected Secretary of the Chapter. The certificates of the due celebration of Masses, the keeping of the Archives, the inventories status animarum, and pagellas were then handed in. The financial statements were read, and the following Fathers were appointed to examine and report:- Financial statements FFs. Alban, John & Cyprian. Masses and Pagellas FFs. george and Herman. Status animarum FFs. Brnard & Gerald. Archives and inventories FFs. Sebastian and Hyacinth. The subjects for the consideration of the Chapter were submitted and arranged.
2nd Session 4 p.m. Sunday.
The Fathers during this Session were engaged in discussing:-
1. The question of accepting a Mission at Nice.2. A letter from Fr. Egidius with reference to the causes of FFs. Dominic & Charles3. The publication of the lives of our Holy Founder, St. Gabriel, FFs. Dominic & Charles & other subjects on the agenda Paper.
3rd Session, Monday 9 p.m.
1. The Venerable Chapter considered the standard of proficiency in studies required for our Alumni before entering the Novitiate.2. Foreign Missions.3. A separate house for the accommodation of Alumni.4. The substitution of the devotion of the Seven Sundays in honour of St. Gabriel in place of the six Sundays in honour of St. Aloysius.
4th Session Monday 4 p.m.
The question of the division of the Province was placed before the Capitulars which was considered at length, also the conduct of the Lay-Brothers, Religious discipline, and other matters of importance.

--- Page 2 ---
5th Session. Tuesday 9 a.m.
The Ven. Chapter realising the poor Financial state of Broadway, though burdened with a class of Students decided to assist that house by trans-
iering to it the Cuest from Harborne.
The remaining points on the agenda paper having been dealt with, the Ax
Capitulars began the "Discussio Meritorum" having first taken the customary
oath. At 3 p.m. all assembled in Choir and listened with attention to an
instructive discourse given by V. R. Ir. Alban. The preacher dwelt on the
virtues and other qualifications necessary for one whose duty it is to rule
a Community, -quoting from the words of our Holy Founder- the model of a
perfect Superior.
6th Session. Tuesday 4 p.m.
At this Session the reports on the Status Animarum. Certificates of Masses.
Archives, Financial Status etc were handed in. It was found that the Catholic
population of the Parishes under our care exceeded 20,000 souls. The number
of Communions given in our Churches since last Chapter was over 1000,000. A
further source of consolation is that the Missions given during the same
period have been more numerous than in any previous term. The Ven. Chapter
also expressed much pleasure that the Finances of the Province were in such
a sound state. The "Discussio Meritorum" then continued & was finished at
7 p.m.
On Wed. Morning at 7.45, Solemn Mass was sung by V. Rev. Fr. Exaximaial
Malachy, Provincial, FFs. Alban & Bernard 1st & 2nd Consultors being
Deacon & Subdeacon respectively. The V. Rev. Fr. President assisted in the
Sanctuary. The duties of M.C. Acolytes, etc were distributed among the Ax
Capitulars.
7th Session, Wednesday.
The usual procession of the Capitulars & Community from the Choir to
the Chapter room, chanting the "Vexilla Regis" took place at 9.30 a.m.
The Prayers being finished the President dismissed in the prescribed form
those not having the active voice.
The V. Rev. Fr. President then adressed the Chapter as follows :-
V. Rev. Fathers, We have now reached the most important and responsible part
of our proceedings. Up to this we have considered and decreed general things
towards preserving and promoting the Passionist ideal in the Province.
Now we are about to elect the men who must be "living Sacraments" so to
say, of that ideal, viz, men, who symbolise and accomplish whatever that ideal
implies, men who shall be each a "signum practicum" of the Passionist
spirit & rule. Unless the Superiors be such, the religious will not be so
either, for as the Scripture says, qualis est rector civitatis, tales et
inhabitantes in ea, (Eccles. 10, 2). What standard we ought to follow in this
matter Fr. Alban has pointed out to us yesterday better than I can do. So
I need not dwell on the principles by which we ought to form our conscience
on the subject
But in this solemn moment I wish to remind myself and you of the
necessity of following our conscience only; independently of any personal
motives. Let us remember that we shall have to answer for our vote, perhaps
not to men, but certainly to God and to ourselves. The time will come when
we shall judge impersonally the votes we cast to-day. Well let us now vote
as we will wish to have voted then. Let the Light of Eternity shine on
our motives to make up our mind accordingly. In suggesting this I
follow the lead of the Church which by the oath we are required to take

--- Page 3 ---
reminds us of the judgment of Christ, & obliges us to elect those whom we deem before God should be elected. Let us remember all this in definitely making up our minds, and let us cast our vote, as we would if we knew it to be the last action of our life. We will now invoke once more the light of than the Holy Chost and comply with the other preliminaries.
The names of the Capitulars having been called & all answering; the "Veni Creator" was sung, the usual acts of humility performed, & absolution given. The Seals of Office were then handed in. Ffs. George & Herman were elected by ballot as first and second Scrutineers, & took the prescribed oath "De secreto servando". Having agreed that it should extend to all the amantia elections, the following oath was taken; - Testor Christum Dominum Cui me Judicaturus est, me electurum quos secundum Deum judico eligi. 14t
The election of the Provincial was then Proceeded with. At the Scrutiny V. Rev. Fr. Malachy, was elected, followed by Ffs. Alban & John, as 1st & 2nd Consultors respectively. Fr. Boniface, Master of Novices, - A telegram was sent the latter asking his acceptance. The Community being called to the Chapter Room, the announcement was made of the re-election of V. Rev. Fr. Provincial. All present tendered their homage and good wishes to Fr. Provincial, and proceeded to the Church for the Te Deum and Benediction.
8th Session. Wed. 4 P.M.
At 4 p.m. the Chapter again assembled. The V. Rev. Fr. President announced that a reply was received from Fr. Boniface Accepting the office of Master of Novices. The President then asked what order should be followed in the election of Superiors. After some consideration all appreed that the houses of "Full observance should come first, viz, Dublin, Enniskillen, Sutton, Likley, Broadway, then the other houses, viz Highgate, Glasgow, Belfast, Harborne & Carmarthen. The elections were continued and finished at 7 p.m.
The results are as follows:-
Rector ----- Dublin ----- V. Rev. Fr. Sebastian. Of the Imm. Conception
Rector --- Enniskillen " Gerald of the S. Heart of Jesus
Rector --Sutton --Herman of our Lady of Good Counsel."IlkleyFrancis of the Seven Dolours"BroadwayGeorge of our Lady of Good Counsel"HighgateCuthbert of the Imm. Heart of Mary"GlasgowBernard of the Immaculate ConceptionBelfastBelfastRichard of the Seven Dolours"HarborneEgwin of the S. Heart of Jesus"CarmarthenCyprian of the Precious Hood
The elections as they occurred were duly framed and published by the 1st Scrutineer V. Rev. Fr. George.
9th Session
At 10 oc on Thursday morning this Session opened. The Secretary read the acts and Decrees of the Chapter, which were amended and approved. The Ven. Chapter confirmed the appointment of Ffs. Oswald & Urban, as Examiners of the Young Friests. During this Session a telegram was received from Fr. Francis Accepting the Rectorship of Ilkley. The Capitular Fathers considered the plans etc, for the building of a new Church at the Gran. A Telegram was sent on Tuesday 26th inst to Most Rev. Fr. General by V. Rev. Fr. President in the name of the Capitulars as follows: - The Chapter unanimously send most cordial congratulations recovery & heartiest of submission & filial devotion. Leone
On Friday morning 29th June the following reply was received by V. Rev. Fr. President: - Passionist Fathers, Highgate Hill, London, Moved, cordial greetings. I thank, I bless most affectionately Capitular Fathers, all Religious. Silvio

--- Page 4 ---
19th Session.
At this Session the "Acts & following Decrees" were read and approved by the Chapter:-
DECREES
1. As St. Gabriel is the Special Fatron of our Passionist Students, the Chapter requests the Provincial to petition the General Curia that the Devotion of of the seven Sundays preceding the Feast of our Saint be substituted for that of the six Sundays in honour of St. Aloysius.
2. The Capitulars while recognising the almost complete absence of the abuse of intoxicating liquors, declare that the Decree regarding this matter remains in force and highly the action of Superiors, who on occasions of relaxation supply also non-intoxicant beverages. commend
3. The Chapter that great civil has resulted to our Province in consequence of the intervention of some of our Religious in political matters, contrary to the express injunction of a Decree of the last Chapter and to the last letter of the Most Rev. Fr. General. The observance of that Decree in the letter and spirit is strictly on all, Religious, and Superiors will be expected henceforth to deal rigorously with those who set at nought the clearly expressed determination of our Congregation to hold alcof entirely from political controversies
4. The Capitulars considered the report regarding the division of the Province ordered by last Provincial Chapter and from particulars given, it was decided by a majority that the time was not yet opportune for such a division.
5. The Chapter confirms the Decree of 18 1914 concerning uniformity in the use of habit-cloth for our Religious which Decree on account of the war could not be carried out.
6. The Lay-Brothers are reminded of the Rule which enjoins on them to present themselves once a month to the Rector for conference.
7. The Chapter is of opinion that generally speaking it is advisable in the interests of Religious themselves that they should not be left for a long time in the same Retreat. Our Religious should not attach themselves to particularly to any one Retreat so as to consider it a hardship and they are or a grievance if they are appointed to another house at the discretion of the Provincial.
8. In considering the decree of the last General Chapter concerning Foreign Missions etc, we express the fervent hope that our Province may soon take a worthy share in the propogation of the Faith. Meantime we suggest that Volunteers offer their services to the Australian Province for at least a limited period, of five years. Also with the due permission of Frs General and Provincial financial assistance may be given by the Superiors to our Religious employed on Foreign Missions.
9. The Chapter directs that no aspirant shall be received into our Novitiate without having beforehand passed successfully the Matriculation Examination
10. The Ven. Chapter enjoins upon all to endeavour to stimulate a strong devotion in the hearts of the Faithful, towards the two Servants of God, Frs Dominic & Charles and in order to defray the expenses of the Introduction of these Gauses directs that a fund be established, to which Glasgow shall contribute £50, Highgate, Dublin, Belfast, Sutton, £10, The other Retreats £5 per annum, for a period of three years.
11. An application having been made by Canon Cummins, Roscommon, to Fr. Provincial, to have a Statue of our Hely Founder erected in that Church, the Chapter agreed & suggested that the Matter be placed in the hands of the Provincial and his Consultors.
12. The Capitulars suggested that our Customs & New Regulations be printed in the Vernacular, also that the Compendium of the Chapter Decrees be revised
13. The Financial help hitherto given by Glasgow & Belfast to the Provincial towards the support of the Students was confirmed by the Chapter. The Frs Capitulars also directed that should His Paternity require further assistance, Highgate, Dublin & Herne Bay would suggest the amount as required.

--- Page 5 ---
14
The Ven. Chapter are unanimous in the acceptation of a Mission in Nice, on condition that it be served from our house in Paris, that the matter be submitted as soon as possible to the Provincial Curia and if approved that it be placed before the General Curia for consideration.
15. Considering the difficulty of carrying into effect the decree of the Provincial Chapter of 1917 regarding the building of an Alumniate on the grounds of Mt. Argus, it was decided that a separate house be procured as soon as possible, the location etc, to be left to the Provincial and his Consultors.
16. The Capitulars recommended the lives of our Holy Founder, St. Gabriel, FFs. Dominic & Charles, should appear in print without delay & suggested that this work be placed in the hands of the Provincial & his Consultors.
17. The steady progress and extension of the Arch-Confraternity of the Passion throughout the Province & in many Missions, in the country, was a source of great gratification to the Members of the Chapter and they urge the Rectors & Superiors of Missions to continue this good work, as a fitting and becoming means of propogating devotion to the Passion.
The Ven. Chapter directs that in future the Director of the Arch-Confraternity attached to our Retreats be appointed by and its management be entirely dependent on the Rector or Superior.
19. The plans of the new Church for Enniskillen submitted to the Chapter & approved provided that the total cost of the Church & other structural changes, entailed by its building were covered by the donation given.
Important: - Should it be the case that Decree the 18th has been submitted from your copy of the Decrees of Chapter, Excluding insert as follows:-
18. The Capitular Fathers heard with great pleasure of the increased circulation of the Cross recommended our Superiors, to help as opportunity may occur, its still greater diffusion amongst our Parishens, and suggests to the Committee & Editor of the Magazine the maintenance of its character as a means of propogating devotion to the Passion & Death of Christ.
Markethy G. P.
Paolinskal.

--- Page 6 ---
10th Session , (contd)
At the request of the newly elected Master of Novices & Rectors according to Canon 177 the V.Rev.Fr.President confirmed the elections which confirmation is herewith attached.Fr.President inquired if there were any other matters to be discussed & being answered in the negative,put the further question,if the Chapter could now be canonically closed ? To this query an affirmative reply was given. In felicitous terms the V.Rev.Fr.Previncial tendered the V.Rev.Fr.President the sincere & hearty thanks of himself & of the Capitulars,for his invaluable services during the deliberating and work after the Chapter,& assured him of a hearty welcome on his return three years hence & in the same capacity,even if in the meantime,Providence entrusts him with the greatest and highest responsibility of our Congregation.
The V.Rev.Fr.President replied as follows:-
V.Rev.Fathers, We are now at the end of our meetings and before formally closing the Chapter,I wish to express my great satisfaction,with the earnest,religious and gentlemanlike spirit which has animated all our proceedings. Six years ago in this very Province,I attended for the first time a Provincial Chapter and I remember saying how nice an experience it had been. I can repeat the same today after presiding at a Chapter for the first time. I feel very grateful to you all for your considerate kindness, in making my task easy, and more than ever. I will henceforth be anxious to contribute in every possible way to the spiritual welfare of the Province. If ever I can be of any Personal use to say one of you individually,I will always be pleased to have an opportunity for doing so.We are now going to separate,and each of us is going to take up the duty assigned to him by Providence. Let us pray for each other,that God May bless our efforts for the welfare of our country,and accept all my nest collaboration. Wishes for the greatest success:ad multos annos.
L.X.P.
Potestate Nobis Delegata libenter utentes; attentis precibus Magistra Novitiorum et Rectorum qui in Capitulo XXIII Provinciae S.Joseph,electi fuerunt,eorum electionem confirmamus,ad normam Can.177.
Datum Londini,ex Recessu S.Joseph,
Die 29th Juni 1923.
Leo a S.C.J.
Proc. Gen.
Fraeses delegatus.
SIGILLUM

--- Page 7 ---
The v. Rev. Fr. President then declared the Chapter closed and invited the Capitulars to sign the Acts etc,
Lee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Free. Gen. President.
Maischy of the Seven Dolours, Provincial.
Alban of the Immaculate Conception, 1st Consultor.
Bernard of the Immaculate Conception, 2nd Consultor.
Cuthbert of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Rector of St. Josephs Retreat, Highgate.
George of our Lady of Good Counsel, Rector of St. Saviours, Broadway.
Richard of the VII Dolours, Rector of St. Pauls Retreat, Dublin.
Herman of our Lady of Good Counsel, Rector, St. Annes, Sutton.
John of Jesus Crucified, Rector, St. Mungos Retreat, Glasgow.
Secustian of the Immaculate Conception, Rector, Holy Cross Retreat, Belfast.
Hyacinth of the VII Dolours, Rector, St. Marys Retreat, Harbone.
Cyris of the Precious Flood, Rector, St. Marys, Carmarthen.
Gerald of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rector, of St. Gabriels Retreat, Innis Killer.
St. Josephs Retreat, Highgate Hill, London.
29th June, 1923.
Richard of the VII Dolours,
Secretary.
Fotestate Nobis delegata libenter utentes suprascripta acta et decreta
hujus Capituli rata hayenus et confirmanus.
Lee e S.C.J.
Free. Gen.
Fraeses delegatus.
SIGILLUM