--- Page 1 ---
6/1/93
Jesu Christi Passio
ACTS AND DECREES
OF THE
NINTH 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 St. Paul's Retreat, Mount Argus,
Dublin,
April, 1953.

--- Page 2 ---
ACTS OF THE NINTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER OF THE
PROVINCE OF ST. PATRICK.
In a Convocatory Letter, issued on the Feast of the Epiphany, 1953, Very Rev. Fr. Cronan of the Sorrowful Virgin, Provincial, summoned the Capitular Fathers of St. Patrick's Province to the Ninth Provincial Chapter, to be held at St. Paul's Retreat, Dublin, on 16th April, 1953. In accordance with the instructions of the Fr. Provincial, the Capitular Fathers assembled in St. Paul's Retreat on the evening of 15th April, and assisted at the prescribed Triduum which commenced that evening. Most Rev. Fr. General, Malcolm of Mary, arrived later the same day.
FIRST SESSION
The first meeting of the Capitular Fathers took place on the morning of Thursday, 16th April, at 9.30. Most Rev. Fr. General presided. Having recited the customary opening prayers, the Fr. President presented the Capitular Fathers with a Papal Rescript which gave to the Very Rev. Visitor, Neil of the Sorrowful Mother, the necessary authorisation to take part in the deliberations of the Chapter and to exercise an active voice in its decisions. By direction of the Fr. President, a copy of this Rescript is appended to the Acts of the Chapter.
Most Rev. Fr. General then addressed the Capitular Fathers, telling them that it was because of his genuine interest in the welfare of St. Patrick's Province, that he had left his many preoccupations at Rome in order to take an active part in their Provincial Chapter. He assured them that he had come to guide the deliberations and decisions of the Chapter, so that both he and they might have the greater assurance that all was done in conformity with the wishes of the Holy See. Having dwelt briefly on the powers vested in them as a moral body and having pointed out the limitations placed upon them by the laws of the Church, by the Bulls approving our Institute and by our Holy Rule, he went on to remind them of the importance of the work before them. The brethren, whose representatives they were, had a right to expect from them positive action in the right direction, his Paternity explained, and added the admonition: "You must not fail them". In conclusion, he charged the Fathers to be mindful, in all they would say and do, of their responsibility and accountability to God and to the Church. "And now", he enjoined, "in a spirit of faith, and using all our energies, mental and physical, let us proceed to the business before us".
Before beginning its deliberations, the Chapter elected a "custos" and a Temporary Secretary for the Preliminary Sessions. At the proposal of the Most Rev. Fr. President, the Rev. Fr. Kieran of St. Gabriel was unanimously elected to be Custos. Fr. Kieran was then called to the Chapter Room, where the Fr. President administered to him the Oath "de secreto servando". Very Rev. Fr. Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus was then elected Temporary Secretary.
The Certificates of the due celebration of Masses, of the keeping of the Archives and the other documents which Fr. Provincial had ordered to be brought to the Chapter, were handed in; and the Financial Statements of the various Retreats were read by their respective Rectors. Very Rev. Frs. Peter Paul and Stephen, First and Second Provincial Consultors respectively, were appointed to examine and report on the Financial Statements

--- Page 3 ---
-2-
and other Certificates.
Most Rev. Fr. President then asked the Capitular Fathers whether they had any proposals to lay before the Chapter. Their proposals were listed by the Secretary and added to those which had been already submitted to the Chapter by the Religious of the Province. The Agenda having been fixed and agreed upon, the Fr. President announced an adjournment until the afternoon.
SECOND SESSION
The Capitular Fathers re-assembled in the Chapter at 4 p.m. After the usual preliminary prayers, Most Rev. Fr. President announced that they would now proceed to the "Discussio Meritorum". In a short address, his Paternity emphasised the importance of these discussions. Having enumerated and described the qualities which our Holy Rule required of Superiors, he set forth the principles and motives which should guide them in discussing those eligible for office, and exhorted the Capitulars to assess the merits of each without fear or favour, but always in a spirit of charity. He then administered to all the Oath "de secreto servando". The "Discussio Meritorum" then began and occupied the whole of the session which continued until 7 p.m. The Capitular Fathers assisted at the Triduum which took place in the Church at 8 p.m.
THIRD SESSION
The Capitular Fathers assembled for the Third Session on the following morning at 9 o'cl. After the usual opening prayers, the "Discussio Meritorum" was again taken up and continued until the adjournment at noon.
-----
The Capitular Fathers joined the Community in Choir after Vespers for the usual Chapter Discourse which was ably delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Maurice, Master of Novices.
In the present world crisis, Fr. Maurice explained, the Church depends much on the Religious Orders which she has ever considered to be her fairest ornament and her strongest support. Whether or not our Congregation will contribute the share that God and His Church expect of us, depends on how we have attained to that perfection to which we have been called. The greatest service, which we as individuals can render to the Church in her hour of need, is to sanctify ourselves. In the concrete this means: How do we live our Holy Rule ?
Superiors therefore, as the divinely appointed custodians of the Holy Rule, must possess many qualities, both natural and supernatural. A Superior must be upright, conscientious, and sincere; but above all, he must be a loving father, easy of approach, patient and sympathetic after the example of Christ. These natural qualities, however, are not sufficient. As the visible representative of Christ, the key-note of a Superior's life must be a sincere dependence on God. He must strive to make his own the supernatural virtues of Humility, Faith and Trust in God. To acquire these great virtues, the Superior has always at hand the efficacious means of the Regular Observance, and the guidance of the Holy Rule and of the immortal letter of our Holy Founder to Superiors. In conclusion, Fr. Maurice pointed out that this Chapter, so important in the history of our Province, was not the concern of the Capitulars only, but of every worthy son of the Province. Consequently, it was the duty of all to unite in prayer for its success.

--- Page 4 ---
FOURTH SESSION
The Capitular Fathers again assembled in the Chapter Room at 4.15 p.m. The opening prayers having been recited, the "Discussio Meritorum" was resumed. As the discussions had not been finished at 7 o'cl., Most Rev. Fr. President announced a recess for supper. After supper, the Capitulars returned to the Chapter Room, and completed the "Discussio" before going to the Church to assist at the Triduum.
FIFTH SESSION
At 8 o'cl. on the following morning, Saturday, 18th April, a Solemn Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit was sung in the Church, the celebrant being Very Rev. Fr. Peter Paul. The offices of Deacon and Subdeacon were performed by Very Rev. Frs. Stephen and Christopher respectively, whilst Very Rev. Fr. Albert acted as Master of Ceremonies.
At 9.30 on the same morning, the Capitular Fathers and the Religious of the Retreat assembled in Choir for the formal Opening Ceremonies of the Chapter. Most Rev. Fr. General, vested in surplice and white stole and holding the Crucifix, intoned the hymn, "Vexilla Regis". This was taken up by all present, who walked in procession to the Chapter Room. All having arrived there and the hymn having been concluded, the usual versicles and prayers were sung by Most Rev. Fr. General. Using the prescribed formula, his Paternity then dismissed those having no active voice, and the doors of the Chapter Room were closed.
Most Rev. Fr. General then intoned the "Veni Creator", which was sung by the Capitular Fathers, and was followed by the prescribed versicles and prayers. At the request of the Fr. President, the Secretary then called the roll of those having an active voice in the Chapter, each Capitular signifying his presence by answering "Adsum":-
Reverendissimus Pater Malcolm a Maria, Praepositus Generalis et Praeses,
Adm. R.P. Cornelius a Matre Dolorosa, I Consultor Prov. Provinciae S. Crucis et Visitator,
Cronanus a Virgine Perdolente, Praepositus Provincialis,
Petrus Paulus a VII Doloribus, I Consultor Provincialis,
Stephanus a SS. Sacramento, II Consultor Provincialis,
Christophorus a Corde Agonizante Jesu, Rector Recessus S. Pauli a Cruce,
Albertus a Jesu et Maria, Rector Recessus S. Kentigerni,
Bonaventura a V Vulneribus, Rector Recessus S. Crucis,
Alfonsus a Matre Dolorosa, Rector Recessus S. Gabrielis,
Conlethus a S. Teresa ab Infante Jesu, Rector Recessus Mariae Immaculatae,
Placidus a B. Virgine Maria, Rector Recessus S. Joseph,
Fabianus a Jesu Crucifixo, Rector Recessus S. Michaelis,
Mauritius a Pretiosissimo Sanguine, Magister Novitiorum.
The roll-call having been completed, the Most Rev. Fr. President, using the customary formula, asked the Capitular Fathers whether the Ninth Provincial Chapter had been legitimately convened and, having received an affirmative answer, he declared the Chapter canonically opened. The usual acts of humility were then performed, and the Seal of Office and "Litterae Patentes" were handed in. Most Rev. Fr. President imparted to all the "Absolutio ad cautelam", he himself receiving it from Very Rev. Fr. Provincial. By secret ballot, the Capitular Fathers elected Very Rev. Fr. Christopher to act as Permanent Secretary of the Chapter, and the Very Rev. Frs.

--- Page 5 ---
- 4 -
Alphonsus and Conleth to be First and Second Scrutineers respectively. The Fr. President and the Scrutineers then took the Oath "de secreto servando et de munere fideliter adimplendo" All the Capitulars then took the following Oath with regard to the election of the Provincial: "Testor Christum Dominum, qui me iudicaturus est, me electurum quem, secundum Deum, iudico elegi debere".
Most Rev. Fr. President then delivered a brief Allocutio. By way of introduction, his Paternity referred to the harm that had been done to the Church by ambitious and place-seeking ecclesiastics. Any desire of preferment or of the honours of office should be countered by the realisation of the great responsibility attaching to offices which involve the government of souls. On the other hand, it must be remembered that unreasonable reluctance to accept the burdens of office inclusion he charged the Capitulars to set aside all personal prejudices and human considerations, and to give their approval only to those whom they considered before God to be worthy and capable of the offices to be filled.
Most Rev. Fr. President then instructed the Scrutineers in their duties, and the Chapter proceeded to the election of the Provincial. At the first scrutiny, Very Rev. Fr. Fergus of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary was elected. At the time of his election Very Rev. Fr. Fergus was "de familia" of the Retreat of SS. John and Paul, Rome, where he was acting as General Secretary of our Foreign Missions. The election having been framed and published in the prescribed form, the Most Rev. Fr. President instructed the Secretary to inform the Provincial of his election and announced that pending his arrival from Rome, the Chapter would proceed to the other elections. During the remainder of the morning session, the following elections took place:
Very Rev. Fr. Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus was elected First Provincial Consultor at the 1st scrutiny, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen of the Blessed Sacrament was elected Second Provincial Consultor at the 1st scrutiny, Very Rev. Fr. Maurice of the Precious Blood was elected Master of Novices at the 1st scrutiny, Rev. Fr. Levinus of the Seven Dolours was elected Rector of Mount Argus at the 6th scrutiny.
In each case the election was duly framed and published, and the newly-elected, who were present, signified their acceptance and having thanked the Capitulars for their confidence in them, promised to carry out the duties of their offices to the best of their ability.
Fr. Levinus was then summoned to the Chapter Room, and on being informed of his election, expressed his reluctance to accept the office. Most Rev. Fr. President explained to him the principles and motives which should influence his decision, and asked him to reconsider the matter in the light of these directions.
At this point, the Community was summoned to the Chapter Room and was informed of the elections of the Provincial Curia and the Master of Novices. Having offered their felicitations to the newly-elected who were present, and signified their enthusiastic approval of their new Provincial, they were dismissed by Most Rev. Fr. President who then recited the concluding prayers and adjourned the Chapter until the following morning.

--- Page 6 ---
SIXTH SESSION
At 9 o'cl. on the following morning, Sunday, 19th April, the Chapter again assembled. When the opening prayers had been said, Fr. Levinus was called to the Chapter Room, and was asked by Most Rev. Fr. President for his considered decision. He humbly declined to accept the Rectorship of St. Paul's Retreat and thanked Fr. President and the Capitulars for the consideration they had shown him.
The Chapter then proceeded to a new election of a Rector of St. Paul's; and at the 13th scrutiny, Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus of our Lady of Sorrows was elected. The election having been framed and published in the prescribed form, Fr. Alphonsus declined to accept, and with the permission of Most Rev. Fr. President renounced his passive voice with regard to the Rectorship of St. Paul's Retreat.
Another election for the office was then begun. While the balloting was in progress, Very Rev. Fr. Conleth of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus also renounced his passive voice with respect to the particular office then in question. At the 5th scrutiny, Very Rev. Fr. Edmund of the Blessed Virgin was elected. The election was framed and published, and the Secretary communicated the news to Fr. Edmund by telephone, and received his acceptance.
The elections then proceeded in the usual order of precedence. Very Rev. Fr. Albert of Jesus and Mary was elected Rector of St. Mungo's at the first scrutiny; and the Very Rev. Fr. Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours was elected Rector of Holy Cross at the 6th scrutiny. These elections having been duly framed and published, the newly-elected, who were present, returned thanks to the Capitulars for the confidence placed in them. At this point, Most Rev. Fr. President adjourned the Chapter until the following morning.
At 7 o'cl. on Sunday evening, Very Rev. Fr. Fergus arrived from Rome, and received an enthusiastic welcome from the Capitulars and the Community of Mount Argus who had assembled to greet him. Having offered him their felicitations, all went to the Church where Solemn Benediction was given by the new Provincial, and the "Te Deum" was sung in thanksgiving.
SEVENTH SESSION
At 9 o'cl. on Monday morning, the Capitular Fathers again assembled in the Chapter Room and, having recited the usual prayers, proceeded with the elections. During this session, the following were elected, the election in each case being framed and published in the usual way:-
Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus, Rector of St. Gabriel's at the 11th scrutiny,Very Rev. Fr. Frederick of the Sorrowful Virgin, Rector of Mary Immaculate at the 5th scrutiny,Very Rev. Fr. Andrew of the Sacred Heart, Rector of St. Jeseph's at the 16th scrutiny,Very Rev. Fr. Reginald of the Seven Dolours, Rector of St. Michael's at the 6th Scrutiny.
The only one of the newly-elected who was present, Very Rev. Fr. Alphonsus, signified his acceptance. Very Rev. Fr. Andrew, then a member of the Community of St. Paul's, was called to the Chapter Room and, hearing the decision of the Chapter from Most Rev. Fr. President, accepted the office to which he had been elected. The Secretary communicated the

--- Page 7 ---
-6-
news of their election to the Very Rev. Frs. Frederick and Reginald. Before the session ended, the Most Rev. Fr. President received and read to the Chapter a telegram from Fr. Frederick, accepting the Rectorship of Mary Immaculate. As the elections were now completed, Most Rev. Fr. President adjourned the Chapter until 9 o'cl. on the following morning.
EIGHTH SESSION
At the appointed time on the morning of Tuesday, 21st April, the Chapter again convened. When the customary prayers had been said, Most Rev. Fr. President read a telefrom Fr. Reginald, accepting the office to which he had been elected. The Chapter then proceeded to the discussion of the Agenda which had been fixed and agreed to by the Capitular Fathers during the Preliminary Sessions.
A proposal to introduce the use of the new Psalter was discussed, and the opinions of all having been heard, it was agreed that, in view of the possibility of a Breviary Reform in the near future, no decision should be taken in the matter; especially since it can be hoped that, through the kind offices of Very Rev. Fr. Visitor, an adequate supply of Breviaries, containing the old Psalter, will be made available in a short time.
A change in the Spiritual Reading Book in general use in our Choirs having been proposed, Most Rev. Fr. President explained that, since there was no legislation on the point, it was within the competence of the local Superior to choose suitable spiritual reading for the Community. The Chapter, however, was of the opinion that, for the guidance of Superiors and to secure some uniformity in the matter, the Provincial Curia should provide local Superiors with a list of suitable books, from which a selection may be made to suit the particular needs of the various Communities.
Another matter, which occupied the attention of the Chapter, was a proposal to re-establish a former custom of saying the Angelus when the Church bell rings, so as not to cause disedification to laymen, working in the Retreat. While many of the Capitulars expressed their doubt as to the existence of such a custom in the past, it was generally agreed that the matter could be left to the prudence of individuals, and that our religious could be exhorted not to omit the recitation of the Angelus in any circumstance in which its omission might cause disedification.
The Chapter then considered a request from the Capitular Fathers of St. Joseph's Province, seeking its opinion as to the present arrangement with regard to suffrages between our two Provinces. It was agreed that, in view of the increased numbers of religious in both Provinces since the division in 1927, a revision of the original agreement was now due. As to the form which this revision would take, the Capitulars were of opinion that in the future the interchange of suffrages should be confined to those religious who were already clothed on or before the date of the formal division of the Anglo-Hibernian Province, and that the new Provincial Curia should be given the necessary authorisation to work out an agreement with the Provincial Curia of St. Joseph's Province along these lines.
Other items on the Agenda were discussed and suitable Recommendations and Decrees were drafted to give effect to the mind of the Chapter on the matters that had been proposed. The Chapter then adjourned until the following morning.

--- Page 8 ---
- 7 -
NINTH SESSION
When the Capitular Fathers had assembled at 9 o'cl. on Wednesday morning and the usual opening prayers had been said, Most Rev. Fr. President read a letter from Fr. Frederick, in which he (Fr. Frederick) begged to inform the Chapter that, owing to health conditions, he would be unable to keep the Night Observance. Most Rev. Fr. President then explained that he had since been in communication with Fr. Frederick by telephone and, having satisfied himself that the state of Fr. Frederick's health was such as would prevent him from keeping the full Observance, he had had no option but to accept his resignation.
The Chapter then proceeded to a new election for the Rectorship of the Retreat of Mary Immaculate; and at the 3rd scrutiny, Rev. Fr. Dermot of St. Therese of Lisieux was elected. The election was duly framed and published; and the Secretary informed Fr. Dermot of his election by telegram.
The Capitular Fathers then returned to the discussion of the Agenda; and for the remainder of the session gave their attention to proposals concerning the spiritual care and general training of our young religious, lay and chemical. It was generally agreed that the usefulness of our lay-brothers and their spiritual education would be better provided for, if they were allowed to remain for a longer period under the direction of the Master of Novices. Most Rev. Fr. President appointed a Committee to discuss and draft a Recommendation embodying a scheme which would give practical effect to the mind of the Chapter, as it had appeared in the discussion.
A proposal, questioning the suitability of St. Paul's Retreat as a House of Studies, led to a long debate on the care of our students generally. The Capitulars were generally agreed that, having regard to the difficulty of providing alternative accommodation for our students, the present arrangement should be allowed to stand; but that every effort should be made by the Superiors concerned to ensure that the students would be withdrawn as much as possible from distracting influences. During this discussion, Most Rev. Fr. President took occasion to convey to the Chapter the insistent demands of the Holy See that the curriculum and the standard of our studies should conform to those of the best ecclesiastical seminaries.
During the mid-day recess, a telegram was received from Fr. Dermot, regretting his inability to accept the office to which he had been elected. At the request of Most Rev. Fr. President, the Capitulars returned to the Chapter Room immediately after dinner, and proceeded to a new election for the Rectorship of the Retreat of Mary Immaculate. At the 5th scrutiny, Rev. Fr. Kevin of the Holy Souls was elected. The election having been framed and published in the usual way, the Secretary communicated the news of his election to Fr. Kevin, and the Chapter adjourned until the following morning.
TENTH SESSION
The Chapter again convened at 9 o'cl. on Thursday morning. The usual prayers having been recited, Most Rev. Fr. President announced that a telegram had been received from Fr. Kevin in which he signified his inability to accept the office to which he had been elected. After a short discussion it was agreed, at the suggestion of the Fr. President, to postpone the election to the afternoon session. Meantime, the Capitulars took up the discussion of the remaining proposals on the Agenda.

--- Page 9 ---
-8-
A proposal to provide for the necessary propaganda and financial support for our new Foreign Mission in Bāchuanaland was discussed, and the Capitulars were in general agreement that the elaboration of the required organisation could be very well left in the hands of the new Fr. Provincial whose experience of the Foreign Missions rendered him eminently capable of dealing with the problem.
The Chapter then took up for reconsideration a Decree of the last Provincial Chapter which directed that "one of the Provincial Consultors as Provincial Delegate shall ordinarily reside in Scotland". Having heard from Very Rev. Fr. Cronan the circumstances and considerations which made its implementation impracticable, and being satisfied that the same considerations would remain valid for some time to come, the Capitulars by secret ballot decided that the Decree should be rescinded. The Chapter then adjourned until the afternoon.
ELEVENTH SESSION
At 4 o'cl. the Capitular Fathers assembled for the afternoon session. When the opening prayers had been said, the Chapter proceeded to another election for the Rectorship of the Retreat of Mary Immaculate. At the 4th scrutiny, Very Rev. Fr. Macartan of the Holy Name was elected. The election was framed and published in the usual manner, and the news of his election was communicated to Fr. Macartan by telephone, who signified his acceptance.
It was then brought to the notice of the Chapter by the Fr. President that there was a wide-spread complaint in the Province concerning the want of experienced Spiritual Fathers in many of the Communities, this being attributed to the overconcentration of senior religious in one or two of our Retreats. The Capitulars agreed that the remedy for this situation was already provided for in a Decree of the 23rd Provincial Chapter, (No. XII of our "Compendium of Decrees"), which reads: "The Chapter is of the opinion that, generally speaking, it is advisable that the Religious should not be left for a long time in the same Retreat. Our Religious should not attach themselves so particularly to any one Retreat, so as to consider it a grievance or a hardship if they are appointed to another house at the discretion of the Provincial". While recommending the implementation of this Decree, the Capitulars felt that all should be done with great discretion and charity.
The remainder of this Session was given to a provisional reading and emendation of portion of the Acts of the Chapter.
TWELFTH SESSION
The Chapter assembled for its twelfth Session on the morning of Friday, 24th April. The opening prayers having been recited, the Secretary completed the reading and emendation of those Acts of the Chapter which had been already formulated. The Capitular Fathers then resumed the discussion of the Agendas.
A proposal that the Decrees of Provincial Chapters should be reconsidered at the two subsequent Chapters was agreed to, and a Decree was drafted to that effect, and enacted by secret ballot. The Chapter went on to discuss the unsatisfactory nature of the existing "Compendium of Decrees", and recommended that the Provincial Curia should examine into the matter, so as to be able to recommend to the next Provincial Chapter which Decrees should be retained and which abrogated, the final decision in each case to remain with the Capitular Fathers.

--- Page 10 ---
-9-
The question of our Libraries was then considered; and it was agreed that, as a first step towards their proper organization, definite steps should be taken to establish some guarantee that books placed in our Libraries would remain available for the general use of the Religious.
Most Rev. Fr. General then asked the Capitulars if there were any other matters to be discussed, and having received a negative answer, he proceeded to read to them a Statement which, he explained, would be communicated to the Religious of the Province at a later date. Having heard the opinion of the Capitulars as to some of the matters treated of in the Statement, Most Rev. Fr. President adjourned the Chapter until 5 p.m., in order to give the Secretary time to complete his report.
FINAL SESSION
The Capitular Fathers assembled for the final Session at 5 o'cl. on the evening of Friday, 24th April.
The opening prayers having been said, the Committee, which had been appointed to examine the financial statements of the various Retreats, submitted its report to the Chapter.. The official business of the Chapter being now completed, the Secretary read the Acts and Decrees of the Chapter which were then accepted by a vote of the Capitulars.
Most Rev. Fr. General then thanked the Father Provincial and the Capitulars for the hospitable reception and the great consideration which they had given to himself and the Father Visitor. Having referred to the spirit of earnestness and co-operation which had been manifested by all during their discussions, he said that he was happy to be able to close the Chapter in a spirit of mutual trust and charity, and to bring away with him kind memories of St. Patrick's Province, in whose welfare he took a deep and personal interest.
Speaking on behalf of the Capitulars, Very Rev. Fr. Fergus, Provincial, thanked his Paternity for coming to preside at our Chapter, and for the breadth of outlook and the charitable understanding which he had brought to the discussion of our problems. He assured him of the esteem and the loyalty of the Religious of the Province, who would always be "children of Christ and children of Rome".
Most Rev. Fr. President then put the question whether the Chapter could be now brought to an end, and having received an affirmative answer, he formally declared the Ninth Provincial Chapter of St. Patrick's Province canonically closed.
Very Rev. Fr. President then declared the Chapter closed and invited the Capitulars to sign the Acts, etc.
Malcolm a Maria, Praesses et Praepositus Gen.
Neil a Matre Dolorosa, Visitator.
Cronan of the Sorrowful Virgin, Provincial.
Peter Paul of the Seven Dolours, I Consultor.
Stephen of the Blessed Sacrament, II Consultor. (Retreat.
Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus, Rector of St. Paul's Albert of Jesus and Mary, Rector of St. Mungo's.
Bonaventure of the Five Wounds, Rector of Holy Cross.
Alphonsus of the Mother of Sorrows, Rector of St. Gabriel's.
Conlethus a Sta. Teresia ab Enf. Jesu, Rector Mary Immaculate.
Placid of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rector of St. Joseph's Retreat.
Rabian of Jesus Crucified, Rector of St. Michael's Retreat, D'keith.
Maurice of the Most Precious Blood, Master of Novices.

--- Page 11 ---
-10-
The newly-elected among the Capitular Fathers, having jurisdiction, then made their Profession of Faith and took the Oath against Modernism. The Chapter then concluded with the usual prayers.
Christopher of the Agonizing Heart of Jesus,
Secretary.
St. Paul's Retreat,
Dublin.
24th April, 1953.
CONFIRMATION OF ELECTIONS. Auctoritate qua in Domino fungimur, Acta et Decreta huius Capituli, necon electionem Rectorum et Magistri Novitiorum, liberter confirmantus.
Malcolm a Maria, C.P.
Praep. Gen. et Praeses,
Dublini, 24 Aprilis, 1953.
RECOMMENDATIONS AND DECREES OF THE NINTH PROVINCIAL CHAPTER:
Recommendations:
1) The Venerable Chapter recommends that the Rector, when convoking the Local Chapter, should make known beforehand the matter to be treated of, except in particular cases when necessity or prudence may dictate otherwise; also, that when the importance of the decision, which is to be taken demands it, he can use his discretion to adjourn the Chapter, so that all may have opportunity to give their decision adequate consideration.2) Mindful of the authority given to Provincial Chapters by Decree no. 11, Section III, of the 36th General Chapter, and in accordance with Par. 236 of our Regulations, the Venerable Chapter desires the Provincial Curia to provide for the further training of our lay-brothers, after their first profession, as referred to in the same Decree. It recommends that their training should be for six years duration, during which time, without prejudice to the rights of the Local Superior, they shall be under the direction of the Master of Novices or the Director of Students or an approved priest, to whom they shall be subject in all things as the students are subject to their Director; and that the first two years of this period be spent in the Novitiate House.
Decrees:
1) Anxious that our Foreign Mission and those engaged on it should be remembered in our prayers, the Ven. Chapter decrees that, in all our Retreats, immediately before the "Asperges" (or "Vidi Aquam"), the following be added: "For our Foreign Mission, Ave Maria, etc., Regina Missionum, ora pro nobis".2) The Ven. Chapter decrees, in accordance with Decree no. 6, Section III, of the 36th General Chapter, that in any Retreat of the Province it shall be sufficient for the Religious, going out or coming in, to obtain the usual "Benedicite" from the Local Superior, except during time of Visitation, or in particular cases as the Father Provincial may decide.3) The Ven. Chapter directs that Decrees of Provincial Chapters be reconsidered at the two subsequent Chapters before final acceptance.
Concordat cum originali:
Pro Adm. R.P. FERGO a SS. Cordibus Jesu et Mariae,
Praep. Prov., et de eiusdem mandato, Dublini, die 11 Mai,
1953, Cyprianus ab Animalus Sanctis
Secretarius Provincialis.