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JESU CHRISTI PASSIO.
6/1/8/3
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ACTS AND DECREES
OF THE
EIGHTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
OF THE
PROVINCE OF ST. PATRICK
OF THE
CONGREGATION OF THE MOST HOLY CROSS AND PASSION
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
HELD IN
GT. PAUL'S RETREAT, MOUNT ARGUS, DUBLIN.
12th - 26th APRIL, 1950.
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JESU CHRISTI PASSIO.
ACTS AND DECREES
OF THE
EIGHTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
OF THE
PROVINCE OF ST. PATRICK.
O - O - O - O - O - O
In view of the forthcoming Canonizations of Blessed Vincent Mary Strambd and Blessed Maria Goretti, which are to take place on June 11th and June 25th, respectively, it was decided after consultation with Most Rev. Father General to hold the Eighth Provincial Chapter of St. Patrick's Province in April this year. By Convocatory Letter, dated March 3rd, Feast of the Crown of Thorns, the Very Rev. Fr. Cronan of the Sorrowful Virgin, Provincial, convoked the Chapter for April 12th, 1950. The Capitular Fathers assembled in St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus, Dublin, on the evening of April 11th, 1950. Most.Rev. Fr. Albert of the Sorrowful Virgin, General, arrived earlier the same day. The Tridum for the Chapter commenced the following day.
FIRST SESSION
The Capitular Fathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 12th. April. The customary prayers were recited, and then the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial, speaking on behalf of the Capitular Fathers and of the entire Province of St. Patrick,

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Fr. General, and expressed grateful appreciation and joy in having Father General to preside in person at the Chapter. From the lips of Father General, he said, as from the lips of our Holy Founder himself, all would hear and accept words of guidance and instruction that would ensure the success of the Chapter proceedings. In his reply, Father General said that Father Provincial's words had suggested the correct mental attitude for the Chapter; they testified to our wish to live under the banner and Rule of our Holy Founder, and, if entered upon in this spirit, the success of the Chapter was ensured. He himself came to the Chapter with a double advantage: it was his second time to preside at a Chapter in our Province and on that account he felt very much at home. He knew most of the Fathers from his previous meeting. Furthermore, he was glad to be able to speak to us in English for, while the mentality of the Argentine might be a little different, it was a distinct advantage to speak a common tongue.
Emphasising the importance of the Chapter, he said that this Eighth Provincial Chapter of St. Patrick's Province was doubly important. Every Chapter carries with it grave responsibility before God, but this Chapter, following so soon upon the General Canonical Visitation carried out by Very Rev. Fr. Malcolm, First General Consultor, as General Delegate, would have to be conducted in the light of the experience and impressions gathered by the Visitor. A visitation, said Father General, to be effective must be thorough, but nowadays particularly it has to be remembered that the Holy See is most vigilant to observe the work and conduct of all Orders and Congregations.
Having heard Father General's address, the Chapter then proceeded to elect a 'Custos'. Very Rev. Fr. Provincial proposed Rev. Fr. Wilfrid

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of the Mother of Sorrows. He was elected, and the Most Rev. Fr. President administered to him the Oath 'de secreto servando', and gave him the usual instructions concerning his office.
Most Rev. Fr. President then asked for certificates of the due celebration of Masses and of the keeping of the Archives. The Inventories were handed in, and the financial statements of the various Retreats were read by their respective Rectors. The Financial Statements of the Province, and of St. Patrick's Retreat, Belfast, were read by the Very Rev. Fr. Provincial. All Statements, certificates, etc., were then given to Very Rev. Frs, Peter Paul and Terence to examine and to make a report on them. Various matters for the Agenda were then proposed and approved for discussion by the Capitular Fathers. Very Rev. Fr. Oliver of the Sacred Heart was appointed and duly approved as Secretary to the Chapter during the Preliminary Sessions.
SECOND SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled at 4 p.m. Most Rev. Father President administered the Oath 'de secreto servando', and the 'Discussio Meritorum' commenced. This continued for the entire session. The Capitulars and Community attended the Tridum Devotions after supper.
THIRD SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled on Thursday, April 13th., at 9 a.m. After the customary prayers had been recited, the 'Discussio Meritorum' was resumed and continued during the entire session. In the afternoon, this being Thursday, all were left free. There was no evening session. All were present at the Tridum Devotions in the Church after supper.

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FOURTH SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter Room at 9 a.m., on Friday, April 14th., and the usual prayers were said. The 'Discussio Meritorum' occupied the first part of the session. Afterwards certain propositions to be discussed after the elections were further debated.
Friday afternoon, after Vespers, Very Rev. Fr. Oliver of the Sacred Heart, Master of Novices, gave a lecture in the form of an examen to the Capitular Fathers and the entire Community, assembled in Choir. He took as his text: "Icharge thee before God who quickeneth all things and before Jesus Christ ... that thou keep the commandments without spot blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." (ITim. vi 13). By the commandment received from God, he said, a Passionist is a lover of prayer, a lover of solitude, a lover of poverty. These three loves constitute the spirit of Passionist life as embodied in the Rules and maxims of St. Paul of the Cross. Having dwelt on the supreme importance and indispensable necessity of prayer, which alone disposes the will and the mind to surrender themselves perfectly in all that regards the service of God, Father Oliver said that sanctity means neither more nor less than surrender to God. To make this surrender possible, a man must be poor in spirit: he must be detached. And if our Holy Founder has bound us, his children, to poverty and solitude, it is because in the first place "the life of a good and religious monk", as we read in the Monk's Alphabet, " begins with contempt of the world and the denial of himself, and proceeds even unto the contemplation of God." It is because God Himself has made poverty and solitude the conditions of Passionist sanctity. St. Paul of the Cross, claiming to have written

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the Rule under the special inspiration of God, tells us that "the first end of the Institute consists in the acquiring of individual perfection by means of complete withdrawal of self from created things, and by living a life of rigorous poverty, of prayer and of fasting." No one will deny to God the right to make His grace contingent on fixed conditions. God never leaves a soul to pick and choose for himself either the measure of the manner of its union with God. The Rule with its mighty graces and little obediences is God's cure for our pride and sensuality. By its observance, we are healed. By its observance we cultivate the grace of prayer and attain to the sanctity decreed for us by Almighty God. Our own sanctification and the success of our labours for others depends upon it. It is the first and best preparation for public Missions. And every member of the Congregation, subjects and superiors alike, is bound and charged by God to maintain its faithful observance. This obligation, however, is the special duty of superiors, and as the primary work of the Chapter is the election of worthy superiors, Father Oliver exhorted all the religious to pray for God's light and guidance on all the proceedings of the Chapter. Subjects, he said, in thinking of good superiors might be inclined to think only of the superiors' need of virtue, but it has often been said that God gives communities the superiors they deserve. It is an opinion that has the backing of sound authority. "Let subjects put away their sins," says St. Thomas, "and God will take away the scourge of mis-rule." Why should God give superiors to instruct, guide and edify religious in the spirit of the Rule, if the Religious have not the will or desire to be so guided. Superiors, on their part, must be ready

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to do and to endure for God, looking upon Jesus Christ who gave His life that we might live. Let all be done in a spirit of charity, which thinketh no evil, dealeth not perversely, seeketh not its own, but hopeth for all things through a lively faith in God's abiding presence and unceasing help.
FIFTH SESSION
At 4.30 p.m., the Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter Room. The opening prayers were said, and matters on the Agenda were considered. The various offices for the following morning's Solemn Votive Mass were arranged by Most Rev. Fr. General. After supper, all attended the Triduum Devotions in the Church. This concluded the Triduum.
SIXTH SESSION
At 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 15th, Solemn Votive Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Fr. General, with Very Rev. Fr. Peter Paul as Deacon, and Very Rev. Fr. Christopher as Sub-deacon. Very Rev. Fr. Cronan was Master of Ceremonies; Very Rev. Frs. Placid and Angelo were Acolytes; Very Rev. Fr. Oliver was Thurifer, and Very Rev. Fr. Bonaventure Cross-bearer.
At 10 a.m., the Capitular Fathers and the entire Community assembled in Choir. Most Rev. Fr. General, vested in Surplice and White Stole and bearing the Crucifix, intoned the 'Vexilla Regis', which was taken up by all the Religious as they walked in procession from the Choir to the Chapter Room. On arriving there, the bymn having been concluded, the versicles and prayers were sung by Most Rev. Fr. General who then dismissed, in the prescribed form, those having no active voice in the Chapter. The Capitulars remained. The door of the Chapter Room having been closed, Most Rev. Fr. Pres-

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ident addressed the Capitulars. He remanded the Fathers that they had reached a solemn moment in the history of the Province of St. Patrick, when once again the superiors would cease to hold office. This cessation of office and authority was expressed in symbolic fashion as each one placed his official seal and 'Litterae Datentes' on the altar. Thanking each and all for their labours of the past three years, Most Rev. Fr. General said that all Religious Congregations were living organisms in which subjects and superiors formed one grand whole. Each member affected the whole, and in matters of government the General ruled through Provincials, and Provincials through local superiors. Superiorship was a heavy cross.
It implied the sacrifice of oneself and of one's personal comforts. In fact, a superior is set on a pedestal to be stoned, to be misunderstood, and that not always by the worst, but sometimes even by the best - who are not in a position to know all the superior's motives. God is the reward. And the best spirit in which to enter the Chapter is a spirit of faith, love and loyalty to the Congregation, to St. Paul of the Cross, to the Church and to Jesus Crucified; a spirit of faith which would influence all our actions. This election of superiors was full of responsibility and significance. Men enter the Congregation to find an easier and safer way to sanctity, - men who have a sincere love for the Congregation and the Passionist way of living. With these ideas in mind, we should not have to render a terrible account to an angry God. An account will have to be rendered surely, but it may be one that will win words of praise and commendation.
To this end God's blessing was invoked by singing the 'Veni Creator', which was intoned by Most Rev. Fr. President. The ver-

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sicles and prayers concluded, the names of the Capitulars were then called by the Secretary, each one answering, 'Adsum'.
Albertus a Virgine Perdolente, Praepositus Generalis et Praeses,
Cronanus a Virgine Perdolente, Praepositus Provincialis,
Petrus Paulus a Septem Dolobibus, Primus Consultor Provincialis,
Terentius a Domina Nostra de Perpetuo Succursu, Secundus Consultor Provincialis
Christophorus a Corde Jesu Agonizante, Rector Recessus Sti. Pauli a Cruce,
Cormac a Matre Dolorosa, Rector Recessus Sti. Kentigerni,
Bonaventura a Quinque Vulneribus, Rector Recessus SSae. Crucis,
Placidus a B. Mariae Virginis, Rector Recessus Sti. Gabrielis,
Angelus a Quinque Vulneribus, Rector Recessus Mariae Immaculatae,
Stephanus a SS. Sacramento, Rector Recessus Sti. Joseph,
Fabianus a Jesu Cricifixo, Rector Recessus Sti. Michaelis,
Oliverius a S. Corde, Magister Novitiorum.
The Most Rev. Fr. President then asked the Capitular Fathers whether the Provincial Chapter had been assembled canonically, and having received an affirmative answer, he declared the Chapter canonically opened. Culpa was then made by Very Rev. Fr. Cronan in the name of the Capitulars, the seals of office and the 'Litterae Patentes' were delivered up next, and Most Rev. Fr. General imparted the customary 'Absolutio ad cautelam' to all members of the Chapter. He himself received it from Very Rev. Fr. Cronan. Very Rev. Fr. Oliver was then elected permanent Secretary to the Chapter, and Very Rev. Frs. Christopher and Placid were elected 1st and 2nd Scrutineers respectively. The Scrutineers together with the President then took the oath 'de secreto servando et de munere fideliter

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adimplendo." Then all the Capitulars took the oath for the election of the new Provincial, as follows: "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me judicaturus est, me electurum quem secundum Deum judico elegi debere." The oath was compulsory for the election of the Provincial, but Fr. President explained that each Capitular was free to extend it to all elections.
Very Rev. Fr. Terence, at this point, renounced his passive suffrage on account of his delicate state of health. Very Rev. Fr. Stephen asked to be permitted to express the gratitude of all present to Very Rev. Fr. Terence for all he had done for the Province during his many years of office. All deeply regretted his illness. Most Rev. Fr. General added his appreciation of the work done by Fr. Terence, and hoped that he would soon be restored to health.
The election of the Provincial and Provincial Consultors was then proceeded with. Very Rev. Fr. Cronan of the Sorrowful Virgin was elected at the seventh Scrutiny. Very Rev. Fr. Cronan, accepting the office of Provincial, thanked the Capitular Fathers for the confidence placed in him, and assured them that, with God's help, he would do his best to discharge the heavy responsibilities which Provincialship entailed.
At this session also, Very Rev. Fr. Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours was elected First Provincial Consultor at the fourth Scrutiny, and accepted the office.
After the election of the First Consultor, the Community was summoned to the Chapter Room and offered the newly-elected Provincial their obedience and congratulations. The Capitular Fathers and the Community then went to the Church where Solemn Benediction

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was given by the newly-elected Provincial, and the 'Te Deum' was sung in thanksgiving.
SEVENTH SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter Room at 4 p.m., and after the customary prayers had been said continued the elections. The following were elected, and in each case the election was framed and published in the traditional manner:
Very Rev. Fr. Stephen of the Most Blessed Sacrament Second Consultor at the first Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Fr. Maurice of the Precious Blood, Master of Novices at the sixth Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Fr. Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Rector of St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin, at the first Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Fr. Cormac of the Mother of Sorrows, Rector of St. Mungo's Retreat, Glasgow, at the first Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Frs. Stephen, Christopher and Cormac, who were present signified their acceptance of the offices to which they were elected.
Very Rev. Fr. Provincial was instructed by Most Rev. Fr. General to communicate with Very Rev. Fr. Maurice who signified by 'phone message his willingness to accept office.
EIGHTH SESSION
Owing to the indisposition of Very Rev. Fr. Terence, the Eighth Session did not commence until Monday, April 17th. The Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter Room at 9 a.m. The customary prayers having been said, the Fathers continued the elections.
Most Rev. Fr. General read a telegram from Rev. Fr. Maurice re-affirming his willingness to accept the office of Master of Novices.
The following were then elected, and in each case the election was framed and published in the traditional manner:

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Very Rev. Fr. Bonaventure of the V Wounds, Rector of Holy Cross Retreat, Belfast, at the first Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus of Our Lady of Sorrows, Rector of St. Gabriel's Retreat, Enniskillen at the fourteenth Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Fr. Bonaventure, who was present, signified his acceptance; and Very Rev. Fr. Rpovincial was instructed by Most Rev. Fr. General to communicate with Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus.
At this point, the question was raised whether the Chapter wished to change the order in the election of the Rectors of the remaining Retreats. A vote having been taken, it was seen that no change was desired.
Very Rev. Fr. Oliver of the Sacred Heart was elected Rector of the Retreat of Mary Immaculate, Musselburgh at the sixth Scrutiny. The election was then framed and published in the traditional manner. Very Rev. Fr. Oliver, who was present, signified his acceptance, and the Session closed.
N I N T H S E S S I O N
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter Room at 4 p.m. After the customary prayers had been said, the elections were continued. Most Rev. Fr. General read a telegram, received from Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus signifying his acceptance of the Rectorship of St. Gabriel's Retreat.
The following were then elected, and in each case the election was framed and published in the traditional manner:
Very Rev. Fr. Placid of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rector of St. Joseph's Retreat, Collooney, at the sixth Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Fr. Fabian of Jesus Crucified, Rector of St. Michael's Retreat, Dankeith at the first Scrutiny.
Very Rev. Frs. Placid and Fabian, who were present, signified their acceptance. The elections being now finished, the Community

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was summoned to the Chapter Room, and Very Rev. Fr. Christopher, First Scrutineer, read a complete list of the elections.
Most Rev. Fr. General thanked all for their prayers and recommending all to God, dismissed the Community. Very Rev. Res. Peter Paul and Terence made their report on the Statements, Certificates, etc., submitted to them.
During the remainder of the session, various points on the Agenda were taken up and discussed at greater length.
The need of building a new Church and Retreat at St. Joseph's was carefully considered. When the foundation was secured, the work of reconstruction on the building already in existence was designedly on a purely temporary character. Consequently, the accomodation is very inadequate; but the number of Students continues to increase and still more vocations must be sought and encouraged, if the Foreign Mission so fervently desired by all, is to be undertaken without reducing unduly the number of Fathers available for work at home. With these considerations in mind, it was the unanimous opinion of the Chapter that new buildings at St. Joseph's should be begun as soon as possible, and that they would have to be undertaken on a large-scale basis. The difficulty of financing the project was not regarded as insuperable; for the Chapter was confident that the work would receive the whole-hearted support of the entire Province.
Bearing in mind the Instructions of the Holy See on the training and education of candidates for the Priesthood, the Capitular Fathers considered it most desirable that Lectors in our Alumniate and also those, teaching subsidiary subjects to our Students, should have an University Degree. This point having been discussed, the

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Chapter recommended that a selected number should be sent to the University.
The advantages of having a brief outline of the Passionist life and spirit available for the information of prospective clerical and lay postulants were recognised by the Capitular Fathers and the Chapter expressed the desire that the Provincial Curia would take steps to have suitable pamphlets published.
During this session also, the rights and duties of Rectors concerning Parishes attached to our Retreats were discussed and the Capitular Fathers decided that the matter was fully legislated for in Decree No. 20 of the Compendium. No futher legislation was needed.
Considering the many spiritual privileges, enjoyed by our Benefactors, and recognising that these privileges were not fully known, even by people habitually frequenting our Churches, the Chapter recommended that a list of these privileges be displayed publicly, and that as far as possible, the times of celebration of the prescribed Masses be announced weekly as the Feasts occur.
TENTH SESSION
On Tuesday, April 18th, the Capitular Fathers assembled in the Chapter Room at 9 a.m. The customary prayers were recited. During this session, the Capitular Fathers resumed discussions on the Acts, Decrees and Recommendations of the Chapter, and corrections and amendments were made.
During the discussion of the Foreign Mission, Very Rev. Fr. Provincial drew attention to the Decree of the Last Provincial Chapter, and stated the difficulties encountered and the reasons which

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prevented its fulfillment. A letter from Mgr. Theodore, dated March 30th 1950, explained that, as the Civil authorities have now expressed their willingness to accept an Italian Passionist as Prefect of the Vicariate of Dodoma, our commitments to that Vicariate were now limited to three Fathers for educational purposes. These will be needed until some of the Italian Fathers, who are now studying English, are in a position to take over this important work of the Mission. Under these circumstances, the Venerable Chapter was of the opinion that the time was now opportune to carry out the wishes of the Province, as expressed in the last Provincial Chapter to acquire a Foreign Mission of our own. The Capitular Fathers expressed a wish that Father Provincial would acquaint the Religious of the Province of the efforts made and the difficulties encountered during the past three years, and at the same time state what are the probabilities for the future.
ELEVENTH SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled at 4 p.m. The customary prayers were recited.
At this session the concluding acts of the Chapter were discussed.
TWELFTH SESSION
On Wednesday, April 19th, the Capitular Fathers assembled at 10.30 a.m. The customary prayers were recited.
Portions of the Acts of the Chapter were read and amended. Most Rev. Fr. General directed that the next session would be held on the following morning.

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THIRTEENTH SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter Room at 9.15 a.m. on Thursday, April 20th. The customary prayers were recited.
During this session Decrees were drawn up and voted upon. Portion of the Acts of the Chapter were read and amended. Then, the Secretary read the complete Acts and Decrees of the Chapter. Most Rev. Fr. General asked the Capitulars if there were any other matters to be discussed, and being answered in the negative, he proceeded to close the Chapter.
Before doing this, he addressed the Capitulars. In this final Act of the Chapter, he referred to the duties of Superiors to foster learning and sanctity in the Province, laying special emphasis on the care of libraries and the safeguarding of the Regular Observance, "Regarding our Libraries," continued Most Rev. Fr. General, "I would like to say a few words. The importance which the Holy See is giving to studies is every day more evident. This has set moving quite a number of our Provinces, and the result is that now over fifteen Universities in different countries are being frequented by our young Student Priests, who are sent there in order to qualify for efficient lectorship. As a consequence, many books and scientific reviews become a necessity in our monasteries. I, therefore, request very specially the Rectors of the different Retreats, and in a particular manner the Provincial Curia here present, that very great importance be given towards the acquiring of books for our libraries, for our lectors and for our students. Diligence in this respect will be the surest means in the near future of how to judge the standard of learning and culture in the

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Province. Quite a lot had been done in some Retreats, but this effort has to be increased. So, that in Rome it may be easy for the General Curia, and more especially for the General Prefect of Studies to know how this injunction is being observed, Father Provincial will henceforward, during this triennium, in the Ratio Annua sent to Rome, state the quantity and cost of the books which have been acquired each year by the different Retreats and by the Provincial Curia.
"As to Regular Observance, I wish to remind all Superiors that in this lies their great responsibility before the Congregation and before God. It cannot be over-emphasised that the Regular Observance should be the principal responsibility of their superiorship. In this all-important subject, I wish to recall the official statement made by another Passionist General, Fr. Sylvius, when he visited the Anglo-Hibernian Province, namely:- that the Community should not be diverted from the Regular Observance in order to assist habitually at the Parish Devotions and Offices. These Church Devotions should be carried out by the appointed priests, who serve in the Church or Parish, while the rest of the Community should carry on the Regular Observance in the Retreat. If these leading principles are adhered to strictly, the possibility would not occur of the Community Evening Meditation being frequently replaced with Church Devotions, and Matins dispensed with. Again, when the Regular Observance is considered by Superiors as their principal obligation and responsibility, subjects because of this vigilance, would be more careful to be exact in assisting at the acts of common observance, especially acts of the choir observance. As one of, our Passionist Characteristics is the spirit of prayer, and as choir observance embodies quite a lot of this life of prayer, it should

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be evident to all that when speaking of choir observance we are speaking of fundamentals in our life of perfection. Neglect on this point is neglect in grave matter for us, Passionists. This is why I stress so much the importance of these remarks and earnestly hope that Father Provincial will find complete co-operation with all the Rectors in seeing that the Regular Observance and life of prayer, as is traditional in the Passionist Congregation, be practised and adhered to by all the Religious of the Province. By allowing ourselves to be led by these principles, we can be certain that we are living that special life of evangelical perfection, pointed out to us by Holy Mother, the Church. By deviating, and more so, by neglecting to live up to these principles, we are unfortunately putting ourselves outside the road of perfection, pointed out to us and for us by our Holy Founder, and by the Church herself, who has approved our Holy Rule and mode of living. Finally, I would like to state that there are matters, regarding which there are Religious who, are expecting pronouncements from this Chapter. However, the circumstance is forgotten that only the General Curia has the authority to legislate on some of these subjects. Others are being dealt with, not in this Chapter but with the V. Rev. Fr. Provincial and his Consultors.
It only remains for me to thank the Capitular Fathers for their splendid spirit of Charity and co-operation which I sincerely hope the incoming Superiors will extend loyally and generously to the Provincial Curia, which remains with the heavy burden of carrying out the recommendations I have just made, and the instructions which within a few months will be forthcoming, so that this Province may

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with all right and justice figure in the front ranks of the Provinces of the Congregation, as being conspicuous not only for Missions and Retreats, but also for its zeal and love for the Regular Observance."
In conclusion, Most Rev. Fr. General said that he had come to the Chapter with the earnest desire to further the interests of the Province and the religious for the glory of God, and he thanked the Capitulars most sincerely for their warm co-operation.
Proposing a vote of thanks to Most Rev. Fr. General, Very Rev. Fr. Cronan, Provincial, said he wished to speak on behalf of all the Capitulars in expressing warmest appreciation of the great kindness, consideration, and patience with which Most Rev. Fr. General had presided over the Chapter. This, he said, appeared all the more admirable when it is remembered that Most Rev. Fr. General is almost continually going from Chapter to Chapter, and must inevitably be engaged in concentrated thought, remembering and reflecting on all that had been done and said, as he travels from Province to Province. His unfailing patience was truely admirable. It had been noted and appreciated by everyone ever since the Chapter commenced. Concluding, Very Rev. Fr. Provincial assured Most Rev. Fr. General that his Curia and all the Capitular Fathers would do their utmost to comply with the recommendations, made during the Chapter.
The Acts and Decrees of the Chapter were then signed by all the Capitular Fathers, and the Chapter declared canonically closed.
Finally, all the Capitulars with jurisdiction made the Profession of Faith, and took the Oath against Modernism.

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DECREES
OF THE
EIGHTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER
OF THE
PROVINCE OF ST. PATRICK
I
The Venerable Chapter, having considered the progress made in Scotland during recent years, and desiring to foster still more the interests of the Congregation there, directs that one of the Consultors as Provincial Delegate shall ordinarily reside in Scotland: this decision to be reconsidered at the next Provincial Chapter.
II
The Venerable Chapter, desiring that the Feast of the Solemn Commemoration of the Passion be celebrated with due solemnity in our Churches, directs that the annual Retreat be so arranged as not to include this Feast.
III
The Venerable Chapter, while respecting such rights as may have been acquired already, decrees that, without the consent of the Local Chapter and the approval of the Provincial Curia, none but our own Religious be interred in the Cemeteries, attached to our Retreats.
IV
The Venerable Chapter directs Father Provincial to determine for each Retreat a suitable hour for the recitation of Night Prayers on Recreation nights.
V
The Venerable Chapter directs that the Religious in Ireland shall attend the Novena to St. Patrick. When it is not expedient for the Religious to attend the Public Novena, the Novena Devotions shall be held in Choir during the Evening Prayer.
(Signed) Oliver of the Sacred Heart Secretary.

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(Signatures)
Albert of O.L. of Sorrows, General and President
Cronan of the Sorrowful Virgin, Provincial
Peter Paul of VII Dolours, I Prov. Consultor
Terence of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, II Prov. Consultor
Christopher of the Agonising Heart of Jesus, Rector of St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin.
Cormac of the Mother of Sorrows, Rector of St. Mungo's, Glasgow
Bonaventure of the Five Wounds, Rector of Holy Cross, Belfast
Placid of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rector of St. Gabriel's Retreat Enniskillen.
Angelo of the Five Wounds, Rector of Retreat of Mary Immaculate Drum-Mohr, Musselburgh
Stephen of the Blessed Sacrament, Rector of St. Joseph's Retreat Cohlooney
Fabian of Jesus Crucified, Rector of St. Michael's Retreat, Dankeith, Kilmarnock
Oliver of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Master of Novices.
Acta et decreta hujus Capituli, necnon electio Mag. Novitiorum libenter confirmamus - Die 20 Aprilis 1950.
Oliverius a S. Corde
Secretarius.
L.S.
Albertus a V. Perdolente
Praep. Gen. et Praeses.
Concordat cum originali
Cronan a V. Perdolente.
Praepositus Provincialis.