The South Australian Story
Part I
Situated on the central southern coast of Australia, at 34.56s and 138.36e is the picturesque city of Adelaide. Founded late 1836, with proclamation and establishment of Government by Governor Hindmarsh at Holdfast Bay on the 26th December 1836. It was almost a brand new colony that the first Passionists from the Italian Foundation set foot.
It wasn't the intention of our founding fathers to settle in this beautiful city, it was simply fate. Fate was to also appear in the second landing of the Passionists in Adelaide, but we will talk more about that later and consider events in chronological order.
The schooner 'Sister' was not a large boat by any means, it was only 44 tons, but they had previously travelled to Brisbane on an open boat, then, on the 25th of June 1846 they sailed to Sydney on the schooner 'William'. It took them almost a month to travel the distance, mainly due to the strong southerly gales.
The trip on the 'Sister' was no joy ride either as the heavy seas thundered in on the southern coast and they would have had to shelter many times on the turbulent way. In fact, as they left Sydney only one week after the 'William's' arrival it took six to seven weeks from Sydney to Adelaide. Being religious and with Bible in hand, one can't help but speculate how often did they reflect on the Prophet Jonah during the trip?
Port Adelaide today is a far cry from what it would have appeared to Frs. Maurice Lencioni, Joseph Snell and Luigi Pesciatoli, but after their travel it still must have been a beautiful sight.
Port Adelaide is seven miles from the city of Adelaide and even this would have been an ordeal to these Missioners, there is no record of their financial well-being, in fact there is plenty of recorded information to show that they were truly poor. So how did they travel so far from Stradbroke Island, and how did they travel those last seven miles with their belongings, cart, carriage, or bullock-wagon 7
One report of that time tells, "There were few houses in Port Adelaide and not a half dozen all the way to Adelaide, the road blinded you with dust on account of the bullock wagons cutting it up."
At this point of time they believed that their intended destination was still Western Australia with Bishop Brady, Adelaide was simply a resting point. On September 20th, 1847 Bishop Murphy wrote to Fr. B. Geoghan and said, "The Passionists are still in Adelaide. They reside in a small cottage and board with me. They have no money save and except what is procured by Father Snell, for instructions given by him, to a few families in Adelaide".
It could be said that the distance and lack of communication with Rome was a lot of the problem, here were a group of men sent to do a task that failed, and awaiting new instructions that never seemed to arrive. The Passionists felt the insecurity of their position. It must be remembered that there was no public Mass in South Australia until 1840, Fr. Ullathorne had been sent to make enquiries about the prospects of the Church and upon his report to Archbishop Polding, a Fr. William Benson had been sent to Adelaide. No doubt due to the small Catholic numbers and the depressed times, little progress was made.
Things began to change when Bishop Murphy and two priests arrived in October 1844. Within eighteen months a church-school and presbytery had been established in Adelaide and a Church had been built at Morphett Vale. Initially the entire clergy of South Australia lived with the Bishop.
Although the site is not known , the Passionists were to procure for rent a small cottage in Grote Street within walking distance of St Patrick's Church-school. Fr. Luigi became the cook, a field that he was good at, for Luigi had great difficulty with English .
Fr. Lencioni taught music and singing, and it is recorded that on August 8th, 1847 he conducted the choir at a Pontifical High Mass at St Patrick's.
Fr. Joseph Snell gave lessons in French and German, and of course,being well versed in English, taught and prepared people for the Sacraments. News leaked through from passing ship's travellers that the situation in the West was not good, Bishop Brady had arrived in the West with a number of Missionaries, seven priests, one sub- deacon, two Benedictine novices, two lay-brothers of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, eight catechists, Six Sisters of Mercy, a novice Sister of Mercy and a lay person by the name of Nicola Caporelli. The Bishop had anticipated that the Colonial Government would be delighted by the arrival of such a workforce and would reimburse the money spent so that the next stage of the Bishop's plans would go ahead....Not so !..... Not so!
Rarely then or now do Governments and Church think alike. As the Bishop was now borrowing money to accommodate and start the ministries of so many extra missionaries, he would have been ill advised to take on more. This certainly was the message that filtered through to the three Passionists stranded in Adelaide.
It was inevitable that the trio were obliged to talk with the Bishop of Adelaide about their plight, and, while reassuring , could not provide any easy solutions. In fact he said, "I foresee the privations you shall have to endure, there are no presbyteries to receive you, and with the exception of Morphett Vale, no churches in country districts."
"You have heard that I came to Adelaide a few years ago, I had neither church nor house; but the Good Providence of God has provided me with both, and the same kind Providence will watch over you, assist you, and provide you with what is necessary. You will therefore take courage, and sacrifice for a short time your comforts in order to bring the consolations of religion and the means of salvation to our people. You know the best way to preserve their faith and to establish the church is for the priests to live in their midst." A more modern day interpretation is "Your on your own ,Buddy !"
And so it came to pass that the three Passionists offered their services to the Bishop to volunteer for work where ever it was Fr. Joseph Snell was sent to Morphett Vale as priest in charge, and the date of this was thought to be the 25th March 1848. Fr. Luigi Pesciaroli went to Mt. Barker as assistant to Fr. James Watkins. Fr. Maurice Lencioni was assigned to the Bishop's house on West Terrace.
It was not long after their appointments that a letter arrived from the General. This letter was not what they hoped for as it expressed disapproval of their not going on to Western Australia, and proposed three possibilities that they may follow.
1. That they join up with Fr. Peter Magganotto C.P. in Sydney.
2. Offer their services to Bishop Murphy as Missionary Apostolic.
3. Find the money for the passage home.
The first choice was ill-advised as Fr. Peter Magganotto had written letters showing he was far from happy with the work situation at St Mary's Priory Sydney. The third choice also posed many difficulties as neither the General nor themselves could find the money necessary for the trip. So, with no other choices available, they accepted the second. This decision of course meant that the Passionist Community as it was became divided, not from want, but by necessity.
Mount Barker is a beautiful town in the rolling Adelaide Hills, situated 21 miles from the centre of Adelaide. The road that currently winds its way between the two places follows almost the same track as the one Fr. Luigi had to travel. The Adelaide Hills are renowned for their steepness, but the choice of transport was limited to bullock wagon or carriage. The roads were winding and no doubt subject to weather problems.
When he arrived at Mt. Barker, Fr. Luigi found Fr. Watkins living in a little mud cottage divided by a curtain, one half of the cottage served as a bedroom and kitchen, the other half as an oratory. It being obvious that two could not share such crowded quarters, Fr Luigi found lodgings with a Catholic family in the district. Perhaps lodgings was a poor choice of words, as he remained in their care for seven months without being able to pay a penny for board.
Fr. Luigi had a special place in history because of the many letters he wrote,and a lot of our early history is remembered because of this. Regrettably one of the failings of Fr. Luigi was his limited knowledge of English. It had not been a concern when he was working amongst the Aboriginals, for their language was previously unknown to all the missionaries and had to be learnt by all. His limited knowledge was a real handicap, and despite his charming ways, was of little use to the parish of Mt. Barker. The Catholics of Mt. Barker could also see the problem and hard as it may have been, raised the money to send Fr. Luigi back home via England. On May 12th, 1849, he set sail from Pt. Adelaide on the brig 'Syme' . Fr Luigi eventually went back to Italy and died at Corneto on September 10th 1874.
Fr Joseph Snell settled into his appointment at Morphett Vale. It was not the life he would have chosen. He yearned to be with his companions and envied Fr. Luigi, who was blessed with the means to return.
Still, Joseph was very courageous and his concern was always for his companions first. He was very aware of the task to be done and went in and did it.
On most levels there is nothing remarkable about his work at Morphett Vale, one wouldn't have expected it to be, because in a founding Parish there is much back-breaking work where you sow rather than reap.
Fr Joseph Snell was the first resident priest at Morphett Vale, but he was preceded by Fr. Coyle and then Fr. O'Brien as Parish Priests.
The accommodation was scant, it comprised of three rooms joined to the back of the church. One was a sacristy, which doubled as a bedroom for strangers, one was a kitchen and the other upstairs being a bedroom for Fr. Joseph. Later on he built a cellar for himself outside and was very proud of that.
One report received by Fr. Thomas Cardwell O.S.B. from an un- named priest working in Adelaide tells that " the fittings of the church were very shaky, particularly the altar, through some of the boards you could stick your arm. I remember the first time I called on him, on my way to Willunga, I served Mass next morning; as he turned around and said the "Orate Fratres" a snake popped its head out through the boards and hissed at him. It was a caution to see how he hurried through the rest of the Mass (for he had a morbid fear of snakes ); as soon as Mass was over, without coming down the Altar-steps, he raced to the sacristy and locked himself in. It required some hearty kicking and persuasive powers on my part to make him open the door, and when he did it was only to put his nose out a half an inch and ask, "Is it gone ?". I often joked afterwards on how his server is getting on with the answering." ( Adelaide Archives.)
There were about 150 Catholics living within the area of Morphett Vale at this time, perhaps not enough to support their own priest, but there was a Government grant, called a grant-in- aid, that was offered for religious purposes in proportion to the number of each denomination. This grant was available from 1846 until 1851. It was not known if this grant was used by Fr. Snell or retained by Bishop Murphy.
One field that Fr. Joseph stood out in was Catholic Education. He defended the principles of it. The government had not worried much about education, only the rich could afford it. Bishop Murphy did all he could with little resources, and was forced to accept a government package that allowed a form of government control of what was to be taught and explained to the children.
Fr Joseph Snell was incensed at the government teacher explaining the bible without reference to the version, and opened a Catholic School with Catholic teachers, an action not approved of by the powers to be, although very courageous.
In a letter to the next Bishop of Adelaide, Bishop Geoghegan, dated January 30th 1861. Fr. Joseph Snell requested a months leave due to ill health. He had been ordered to take a long holiday and planned to have leave in Victoria and Tasmania. It was known that he went to Melbourne, then Launceston and Hobart. He was in Sandhurst sometime in June, then in Carisbrook where he took very ill with a heart attack. He died on July 13th 1861 and was buried in Carisbrook. The bushfires of 1920 destroyed his grave and any records held in the office, and a new cemetery was established in a different section of the same graveyard.
His Grave is unknown, but he is recognised in Rookwood Cemetery and mentioned at Glen Osmond Cemetery where his name and those of his confreres are recorded .
It had been eighteen years since the Passionists arrived in Australia but now with the death of Joseph Snell, Fr. Maurice was completely alone. It is believed he spoke frequently to Bishop Geoghegan about returning home but received very little encouragement . In fact he was even reprimanded for taking time to visit Fr.Joseph Snell's grave.
One description written of Adelaide at the time of Fr Maurice tells of a rougher place than we know today. It goes as follows, "There were very few houses in Nth. Adelaide, or indeed the city itself. Gawler Street was the most inhabited. Phillip Street (or the one on the right hand of Gawler Street) was a mass of deep ruts and holes during the winter season, so that a bullock was drowned in trying to cross from one side to the other the street. Running round the corner of the Bishop's House was almost in the same condition, and not above half-a-dozen houses the whole length of it."
Fr Maurice was far from being a house guest, he now worked hard for his keep and performed the task very well. He was employed teaching Moral Theology and Ecclesiastical chant to the students due to be ordained. He never attempted to preach, lacking confidence in his mastery of English, but was fluent enough to communicate, and communicate he did well. Bishop Geohegan spoke highly of him and said, "He was a great favourite in Adelaide, everyone had a good word to say of him and was ready to publish his many kind acts to the poor, whom he often visited and consoled."
Fr. Osmond Thorpe in his book "First Catholic Mission to Australian Aborigines" said of him , "He was the type of man people instinctively like. He was big and benevolent looking with a friendly smile for all. One, who as a girl, saw him frequently, recollected in later life his snuff-stained coat and the way he could paint pictures and write down the musical notation of any tune that was hummed."
Universally loved by people and clergy alike, he loved his work and it showed, but it never altered his determination to return to one of his Passionist Communities. Towards the end of 1863 even Bishop Geoghegan saw that he was not likely to change Fr. Maurice's mind and he consented to him going. All who knew him offered him help, and for the first time in his life he had the money to return. He even was given a chalice inscribed by his priestly workmates. (This found its way to Rome and re-appeared remade as a Monstrance, having the chalice base.)
In late March 1864 he was making his preparations to go and bidding farewell to his friends when he collapsed. It was diagnosed as pneumonia, and rapidly became worse. He made a will and was given the Last Sacraments. Fr. Maurice Lencioni died at 7.10pm on April 6th 1864.
This remarkable Passionist had a Solemn Requiem Mass at St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral and was buried at West Terrace Cemetery. Eighty four years later, his remains and the striking monument that the Catholics of South Australia had purchased were moved to St. Paul's Retreat, Glen Osmond. Fr. Maurice Lencioni had at last accomplished his wish, he now rested with his brother Passionists.
The memory of Fr. Joseph Snell and Fr. Maurice Lencioni are preserved on the stained glass window at the now historical Morphett Vale Church. The window was placed there by Archbishop Reynolds. The combined efforts of these courageous men is also recorded on the memorial Cross in the Passionist cemetery at St. Paul's Retreat, Glen Osmond, South Australia.
(This completes the first part of the Passionist story in South Australia.)
The South Australian Story
Part II
Like the first arrival in South Australia, it was fate that dictated the way things would flow. It wasn't planned to start a foundation in this beautiful city, well not yet anyway, and this is how it happened.
The story recommences in June 1895, when Fr. Hilary was travelling through Adelaide, en route to Broken Hill to give a Mission. Courtesy demanded that he call on the Archbishop, Most Rev. Dr. O'Rielly and his consultors. This was a beneficial meeting to both parties because the diocese had decided to have a course of Missions, and the Passionists could use the work.
Very Rev Dr. Byrne was first off the mark and applied for the first of these Missions to be held in his parish of Kapunda.
The task was allocated to Frs. Vincent , Kevin and Reginald. Fr Reginald began work in the country areas and Frs. Vincent and Kevin commenced with Brompton, in the suburbs. The crowds responded, the style of mission conducted seemed to appeal to the people and the numbers were steady and growing. By the time they gave their first Mission in the Cathedral, in October 1895, their great popularity was clearly discernible. They had been joined by another of their number , Fr. Hilary for these series of Missions.
His Grace the Archbishop was delighted with the missions and had been a frequent listener at the discourses offered at them. He realised that it would be a boon to the archdiocese if he could have a foundation of these men centred in Adelaide. Very Rev. Fr. Vincent was the current superior in Australia, and as he was one of the mission team it did not take too long before the Archbishop's dreams became a reality.
A very prominent property was up for sale at this time, it was the former home of Judge Boothby. The Judge's sister was handling the sale and 2,500 pounds was required for the house and property. So keen was the Archbishop that he contributed 1,000 pounds towards the cost. It was a very generous and magnificent gesture of the Archbishop.
".....part of section 894, comprising about sixteen acres, was sold by Mr.Arthur Hardy (of Hardy's wines), on February 1st 1847 to a Mr. Joseph Barrow Montefiore, who built the house, in oriental design, named it "The Glen" and planted the grounds with some rare and choice imported trees and plants, some of which still exist (1904) including two fine specimens of Norfolk Island Pine.
Mr. John Stephen Boldero, a retired Indian Judge, occupied the house from 1853 -1855, when Mr. Justice Boothby purchased the property and resided there until his decease in June 1868.
The late Mr. Guy Boothby, the English Author , Passed his youthful days at 'The Glen'.
On Friday 10th January 1896 at about 12.15pm His Grace Most Rev. Dr. O'Rielly together with his solicitor, Fr. Hilary and Fr. Kevin arrived at "the Glen" to take possession from Miss Boothby, sister of the late Judge, Miss Boothby was not ready so they agreed to return at 4pm. Gentlemen that they were, or perhaps understanding women, they gave an extra hours grace and returned at 5pm. and took possession.
The Archbishop remained for only about half an hour, (which is not very surprising because it was an empty house with not a scrap of furniture inside.)
Fr. Kevin was obliged to leave for a supply at North Adelaide, and for a while Fr. Hilary was left alone in an empty house awaiting the arrival of the furniture. He was joined later by a Mr Downey, the traveller for the city cash store. The furniture arrived at about 7.30pm and it meant working until 2am to get the house in order.
FIRST MASS IN A NEW FOUNDATION
On January the 12th 1896 Mass was celebrated for the first time at St. Paul's.
"The front room , formerly the drawing room was, without much difficulty turned into a nice little chapel. So that by 8am everything was in readiness for the greatest of great events ever to take place in this new foundation, i.e., the Holy Mass, the real presence of Our Divine Lord in the Sacrament of His Divine Love for the first time, in a place which since 1853 belonged to a non-catholic family. How wonderful are the ways of God. How many hundreds have come and gone in this place since 1853 who, were they told this would be a Catholic Monastery- A Sacramental home for Christ on Earth, would have believed it possible."
Fr. Hilary blessed the chapel in the usual manner, "mode solito" after which he offered Mass. The first congregation was very small, numbering only three.
His Grace Dr. O'Rielly donated a large solid fireproof tabernacle which was ordered from Simpson and Co.,
Later in the year in March, a Lady, first unknown then identified as the Premier's wife, Mrs Kingston, donated a beautiful and costly monstrance.
Arrival of the first Passionist Brothers.
On Saturday January 13th, 1896, Brothers Laurence and Malachy arrived to join the community. Br. Laurence had been professed on April 24th 1854 and was regarded by the chronicler in the Glen Osmond Archives as the "Patriarch of Brothers" in Australia, whereas Br. Malachy was professed in August 1895 and regarded as the "Benjamin."
The Building
The Retreat at St Paul's was a special place, but it must be remembered that while the grounds and position were beautiful and the house, formerly 'The Glen', looked superb in this setting, it was not without it's faults. Water seepage from the higher estates had caused damage to the rear of the house. The following description appeared in the "Southern Cross", 16.3.1900....
".....Here first to hand is the oratory, with its stalls for the Fathers, where they chant the Divine Office, and the rows of forms for the worshipers from outside who come on Sunday for Holy Mass, and for the 4 o'clock sermon and Benediction on Sunday afternoon. This Sunday afternoon service at St Paul's Retreat has become very popular, and visitors from far and near wend their way to take part in it."
"On account of the large number which attends the sermon is frequently given out of doors, the oratory being all too small to hold the weekly gathering. Over the altar hangs a handsome painting of the founder, St. Paul of the Cross. This work of art was presented to the retreat by the Father General of the Order in Rome. It was painted by a Roman artist, and is of considerable value. On each side hangs an Ecce Homo and Mater Dolorosa, brought from Paris by the present Superior, Fr. Hilary. In a tiny little nook of a room at the turning of one of the passages there is erected a small altar, at which Holy Mass is sometimes celebrated. Fr. Hilary takes special pleasure in this miniature oratory, as it has been painted and decorated by his own hands. Over the Altar is a picture of Our Lady of Good Hope, for which he also entertains a special affection.
Commencement of Retreats.
The Passionists were not slow in starting retreats on March 13th 1896, Mr Leopold Conrad Jnr. made the very first lay retreat at St Paul's, he remained until March 21st and, "left quite delighted with his stay here and promising to make an annual retreat in future."
Bishop Maher, of Port Augusta, joined the community for a Retreat prior to his Consecration on April 26th 1896.
The first retreat to Religious was conducted at Cabra College, for the Dominican Nuns in January 1897.
The first Passionist retreat to Adelaide's clergy was held in October 1897.
The most outstanding supply of Missions and Retreats at that time were the ones conducted in Western Australia in 1897, a total of 61 Missions and 2 Retreats, details of these are found in the notes on Western Australia, held in our Archives.
And so the ministry of retreats was on the way, perhaps not in the same class as it would later develop into, but considering their very limited and suitable accommodation it a was remarkable feat.
First Additions.
In 1900 a new wing was added at the cost of 1,100 pounds, "to be devoted to Priests' retreats and as a spiritual refuge for laymen."
These additions are all that remain of the original monastery, and are the section known to many as 'the old House' .
"The additions consisted of a staircase, hall and corridors on the ground floor, with refectory 30 by 18 by 14ft high, lit with large triple windows. The ceiling is lined in stained figured boarding. The hall is provided with movable seats supported on curved brackets. The floor is laid in English tiles. The kitchen is well lighted, and specially ventilated. The floor is laid in tiles, and the ceiling lined in small fluted iron. The scullery is conveniently placed, with outside storage lobby, provided with cellar under. On the first floor entrance is gained through the massive Gothic archways, with staircases 7ft 6inches wide. A spacious open promenade partially protected with verandah is provided for the private use of the inhabitants of the monastery for study or recreation purposes. The floor is closely battened and protected all round with ornamental balustrading, the general effect of the work is ecclesiastical in character. The walling is executed in Mitcham freestone in special selected tints, and relieved with sandstone dressings, bands, and gable on the southern side, surmounted with moulded cross. The work has been executed from the designs of Mr. Albert S. Conrad, F.S.A.I.A., architect. Messrs. Langley and Son were the contractors, and they have completed the work in a satisfactory manner, and both designer and builder were highly complimented by the Superior of the Monastery".
......Southern Cross 5/10/1900.
The format of the opening ceremony was a procession around the grounds, with hymns and a sermon by the Archbishop on Religious life, followed by an appeal by Fr. Hilary, a generous sum of £215.00 was raised on that day.
September 30th 1900 was the solemn opening and blessing of the new wing of the Retreat House of St Paul of the Cross. It was essential that the new wing be added because the back section of the original building was getting beyond repair. The area concerned was formally Judge Boothby's kitchen, pantry and bathroom, water seepage had gathered under the rear of the house and the area was rotted. To prop up the house with repairs would almost exceed the cost of rebuilding so permission was given to go ahead. It was specified that the building be completed in the first week of August, but due to constant rain it was not completed until the middle of September 1900. The opening day was rescheduled until Sunday October 1st.
PASSIONIST PARISHES.
The following letter was sent from Archbishop O'Reilly to Fr. Alfred CP on December 16th 1896.
"My Dear Fr. Alfred,
A re-arrangement of the churches in the southern suburbs comes into force on January 1st, 1897. On that day the Passionist Fathers will kindly be prepared to take charge of the Mitcham congregation as well as of the few Catholics in Glen Osmond.
You will be glad to know that the assignment of Mitcham to your Fathers takes place under circumstances which preclude any possibility of suspicion of interest of any of the secular clergy. Parkside to which Mitcham has hitherto been attached, has to be joined to the mission of Goodwood; and the staff at this later place will be barely equal to the additional duties thus thrown upon it. Mitcham must accordingly stand alone; and our supply of secular priests being limited there is no alternative for me but to fall back on the services of the Passionist Fathers.
Yours truly in Christ
+ John O'Reilly
Archbishop of Adelaide."
There was no delay in this action taking place for the parish was handed over on New Years Day 1897. Fr Alfred CP celebrated the Mass on that day and after Mass the Archbishop spoke to the people on the changes in the archdiocese. He paid high tribute to the work of the recent pastors Fr. Gandolfi and Fr. O'Neill. and particularly pleased with the financial management of these men.
The Archbishop also pointed out to the people that those in the area were now better off as despite the fact there was only one parochial church for a very scattered flock, the Passionists have made available a room in the Monastery as an oratory which further catered for the needs of the people.
August 1897, Due to the interchange of parishes between Dr. Byrne V.G. of Kapunda and Fr. T O'Neill of Goodwood His Grace the Archbishop offered the Passionist the temporary charge of the Parkside district which previously was assigned to Goodwood. This was to be but the beginning of Parish Ministry, if one could see into the future this is what lay ahead.
Mitcham and Glen Osmond were entrusted to the Passionists in 1896. Parkside was entrusted in 1897. The boundaries for Parkside were: North - Greenhill Road and Park Terrace; West - Unley Road; South - Wattle Street and John Street; East - the district to the hills. Marion was accepted with Parkside, and that portion of the Goodwood parish which is south from the road leading from Glen Osmond to Glenelg.
Masses were also said at Corromandel Valley, Belair, Fullarton Refuge and Kingswood Church-School.
The Fullarton Refuge was opened in 1901.
The Monastery Procession - 1902
This procession was first held on the Feast of Corpus Christi, 1902. The Catholic Journal of South Australia, 'The Southern Cross 'reported it as follows, " The ceremony was one of the most impressive ever carried out in connection with the Church in South Australia."
This procession was held each year from that day on, it was a wonderful display of faith that was advertised widely, extra transportation was provided and police were allocated to ensure a flow of traffic. It was a matter of personal pride for the schools, groups and sodalities to ensure a full attendance.
The Mitcham Church.
During the latter part of 1903 much needed improvements were made to our Church at Mitcham. The whole of the old portion , inside and out was repaired, a new sacristy was built, and an addition of 26 ft 6 inches was added to the church. The total cost including some new furniture came to 287 pounds 6 shillings and 11 pence.
The opening ceremony took place at 3.30pm Sunday January 17th 1904. His Archbishop blessed the new building and the Very Rev Prior O'Farrell O.P. of North Adelaide preached the sermon.
The Parkside Church
The original church at Parkside was in the form of a cottage, in Young Street, situated almost opposite the existing church. The people in the area soon out grew the limited space allowed in this little church and plans were put forward for the building of large church. For eight years this little church had served the people.
July 23rd 1905 was the date set aside for the blessing of the foundation stone of the new St. Raphael's Church. I say "set aside" rather deliberately as the Lord seemed to suggest an alternative date. Adelaide was inundated with torrential rain on that day and the city faced flood and torrent.
Despite the fact that so many braved the weather to attend it was felt that an outdoor ceremony was out of the question and the event was deferred until Sunday July the 23rd at 3pm. It was anticipated that the church would be opened in October.
One cannot say the sun shone on the next appointed opening date, as the clouds threatened the waiting crowd, but this time there was only the isolated shower and the ceremony went ahead.
The form of the ceremony began with a procession from the old church to the new, with the cross-bearer, acolytes, Children of Mary and Hibernians (wearing their scarves), then the Clergy, led by Monsignor Byrne, Passionist Fathers, Andrew, Ignatius and Charles (the Parish Priest), Jesuit Fathers Parsch and Gallery, Dominican Fr. Spence and Fr. Crowley (Secular). As was the custom, hymns were sung during the procession amongst which were the traditional "Faith of our Fathers" and "Immaculate". The procession proceeded to the awaiting platform and after the appropriate prayers the stone was blessed and laid.
Sunday 3rd of December 1905 was the day that the new church at Parkside was opened. The procession commenced at the Convent of Mercy, Parkside and was led by Fr. Francis C. P. When the clergy and laity arrived ,at the church the procession divided and all spread around the church. His Grace the Archbishop, the Bishop of Ballarat and attending clergy proceeded around the building sprinkling it with Holy water and intoning the prayers of blessing. The doors were then thrown open and the blessing continued inside the church. His Grace the Archbishop presided at the Solemn High Mass and was attended by Mgr Byrne V.G., and Archpriest Nevin. Fr. Ignatius C.P. was the celebrant, Fr. Francis Clune,C.P., Deacon, Fr. Benedict, C.P., Sub-deacon, and Confrater Peter Paul was the Master of Ceremonies.
Admission was by ticket and still the church was so crowded that chairs had to be put around the wall.
Design of Parkside Church.
"The design of the church introduces a new phase of Ecclestical architecture as far as this state is concerned, and the architect has been successful in fulfilling the object of the Passionist Fathers in planning an edifice of rich ecclesiastical character, affording a maximum of accommodation with limitations regarding expenditure.
Although not completed in its entirety, the rear portion of a very imposing edifice has been raised, affording accommodation for nearly 400 worshippers, comprising sanctuary 27 ft by 24 ft.,two sacristies each 15ft by 13ft., two confessionals. nave 51 ft by 45 ft and a choir gallery, with spacious tiled entrances porches on each side.
The character of the building is modernised in conformity with local conditions, the design being an ecclesiastical adaptation of the Roman Basilica. The walling is built in specially selected bricks, stained and pointed, relieved with plinth, impost, and cornice mouldings rendered in cement tinted in neutral colour. An original treatment has been effected in the adoption of a deep rough-cast frieze below eaves, with a battered base in the same material.
The interior of the church has been designed with the object of forming an effective contrast of form and colour with the materials at hand. The roof being treated in heavy wood principals relieved with red pine open framing, semicircular headed, with massive cantilevers and brackets under tie beams, the whole of the ceiling being lined with special milled red pine boarding, the remainder of woodwork being in the same material, with communion rail specially designed with the emblem of the Passionist Order.
The windows are divided with mullions enclosed within outer arch, finished with hood moulds and ornamental keystones.
The chancel windows are quadrupular, placed well above altar, glazed with lead lights serving as memorials to the generous contributors. The internal wealling is finished with rough stucco, jointed and flushed in natural colour.
A temporary enclosure of wood and galvanised iron is erected at the end of the building for the future extension of the knave, which has been designed with spacious narthex, dual towers enclosing same, the lower portions being for use as confessionals, the upper space being devoted to ante-room and music room respectively.
The facade is modelled in conformity with the existing work with a central pediment over entrance and other projections. The towers are cupola-roofed, surmounted with finial in the form of crosses. "
Such was the description published in the "Southern Cross" on December 15th, 1905.
The School Church at Kingswood. 1914.
Because the present school-church at Mitcham was inconveniently situated in light of the growing population of Hawthorn and Kingswood, it was decided to relocate the building to Kingswood. It was obvious that a Church and School would be needed there eventually. Fr. Francis Kelly C.P., the superior of Glen Osmond at the time purchased three blocks in the Kingswood estate. It was decided that a convent be built on one block and the Church-school be constructed on the other. Fr Francis left for England before this could take place but the task was completed by his successor,Fr. Edward Lemaitre. C.P. The year was 1914. The church was a substantial brick and stone building, in the form of a school hall, for which use it was intended in the future when eventually the church was built. The church- school was situated on the corner of Cambridge and Macklenberg St (Macklenberg St later to be changed in name). The cost of the School-Church was 1,400 pounds and the convent about the same amount.
The Blackwood Church 1919.
The new Blackwood church was formerly the Catholic Hut from the Mitcham Army Camp. It had been used as a recreational hall and church for the troops. An opportunity had arisen for the hall to be purchased and removed from the site, and it was viewed most suitable to provide for the needs of the Catholics in the Blackwood area. It was removed from site, transported re-erected, and repainted virtually free of charge through the kindness of Mr. J. Hennessy, Messrs. McElligott Brothers., and McGoff. Local Catholics donated and painted the fence around the area .
The official opening ceremony was held on May the 2nd 1919. At that time Fr.Edward was the Parish Priest. Fr. Bernard and Fr, Ignatius assisted His Grace, the Archbishop with the opening Ceremony. Fr. Bernard read out the list of donations and it came to 31 pounds 7 shillings, making a total amount with the money in hand of 72 pounds.
On page 3 of the Adelaide Passionist Archives there is a small four line statement that reads as follows.
"Parishes Relinquished"
- "February 1st 1923, we relinquished a large portion of our parish
viz; Kingswood, Blackwood, and Glen Osmond.
- February 1st 1925, We relinquished the remainder of the parish
viz; Parkside."It would appear, although I find nothing in official communication, that the directive to "relinquish" the parishes came from Rome. ( In the fifty year jubilee of St Paul's Retreat booklet it mentions the order came direct from the General.)
It was taken shortly after a visitation and this confirms verbal tradition already handed down. With suitable farewells the Passionists returned to the cloistered life. The decision to return was not universally accepted in fact we lost a few priests at that time.
It is not surprising that with more Passionists located at home that a greater emphasis was placed on the home front, for it was shortly after the date of relinquishing that building programs commenced at St Paul's.
The Advertiser one of Adelaide's newspapers, ran an article on Saturday September 17th 1927. It told of the plans to build a new church and monastery at St Paul's. It was to be built in stages, the first section being the church, to be followed by the monastery.
The church was due to have the foundation stone laid on December 11th, 1927. by the Archbishop of Adelaide (Most Rev. R.W. Spence.)
"The Church is to be built in the Italian style, having walls of brick, finished in a cream coloured cement, on a base of brickwork, and covered with a roof of red tiles. At the front there will be three arches, leading to a spacious porch giving entrance to the nave of the church, which will measure 65 by 36.
The sanctuary is to be 22 by 36, and there is to be an additional semi-circular apse 20 ft in diameter. There will be a handsome triumphal arch screen between the nave and the sanctuary. One each side of the nave, near the sanctuary arch, there will be chapels. There will also be two spacious sacristies and a choir gallery situated over the porch. The intention is to junction the monastery with the church on the south side, and the building as a whole will face west. The cost of the new building is estimated to be 20,000 pounds. The architects are Messrs. Woods, Bagot, Jory and Laybourne-Smith."
On December 12th 1927, the Southern Cross reported on the laying of the foundation stone of the Church, designed to replace the existing building. The stone was laid by Archbishop Most Rev. Dr. Spence using a silver trowel provided by the architects. Very Rev. Fr. Bede, the superior at the time welcomed the Archbishop. The church was designed to hold 300 people and was expected to cost £7,000 pounds - £350 of that £7,000 was raised on the day of the laying of the stone.
It should be noted, as it was on the day, that despite the fact the original monastery was unsafe for habitation, the community chose to complete the church first before work was undertaken on the new Monastery.
Opening of the Church, and
Laying the Foundation Stone for the Monastery.Sunday 11th of November, 1928. The Archbishop of Adelaide officially opened the Church of Glen Osmond and laid the foundation stone of the Monastery of St Pauls. Very Rev. Fr. Bertrand, C.P., Provincial of the Passionists and Very Rev. Fr. Bede. C.P., Superior of Glen Osmond assisted the Archbishop. While Fr. Bede spoke of gratitude to the Archbishop for his caring concern of the Passionists, being a "father, benefactor and friend" to them, His Grace spoke of the now dangerous condition of the existing Monastery and the need for financial help in building the new one. The Archbishop personally gave 50 pounds towards the appeal. The Provincial of the Passionists also gave 50 pounds, and many generous donations (like the Rose window (30 pounds) from the Hewitt family) were also received. After the opening a tour of inspection of the dilapidated section of the old monastery took place, this no doubt helped the collection considerably. The Church had taken just 11 months to build.
Opening of the Monastery
Sunday 22nd of September 1929, was an occasion of much joy and rejoicing. The clouds that had threatened all morning broke up and the sun burst forth with warmth and brilliance just in time for the 3pm opening of the new monastery.
Again, the highlight of the day was a tour to show the people why it was so necessary to replace the old monastery. Water seepage from the nearby hills ran freely under the floors and settled under some of the rooms, some areas were propped up because supports were gone, the walls were held together only by the providence of God. The cost to restore the old was not practical , hence the new monastery that was to be opened this day.
With the new, the architectural design was Spanish, wide verandah's and brick outer walls being roughly coated in plaster.
Inside, it featured 13 bedrooms, a library, classroom, two parlours, even a cellar, a dining room, kitchen and associated storerooms, upstairs chapel, a wash-hall, entrance foyer, an ornate stairway and a smaller stairway. The hallways on the lower floor were made of terrazzo and on the upper deck was wooden. The roof was tiled and the belfry differs greatly to that which is shown on the plan, although no explanation was given for the change. In true Spanish style it boasts of high ceilings, wide verandahs and arches, a truly beautiful building that retains its grace even today.
The sum of 500 pounds was donated on the day of the opening and many hundreds of people looked through the old building, the new building and even prayed in the beautiful Chapel on that day.
(editors note; The church was referred to as the chapel because at the time of opening and for many years after the parish of Kingswood was the local church for the Catholics of the area).
A new wing is added to St Paul's Retreat.
With the rise of vocations it became apparent that space allowed was insufficient for entering vocations. A new wing was planned that added at least 8 new rooms upstairs and an extra washhall. This wing was added by Fr. Anthony Herring in his time as Superior and it was opened on June 29th, 1941.
A feature of this addition was that the Papal enclosure was removed from noon on Saturday June 28th to noon on Monday, June 30th, so that the people, so generous in their giving could see the fruit of their efforts
For the next 26 years building slowed down at St Paul's, but plans for the future were not laid to rest and the dream of establishing a special Retreat House were to become a reality in 1957.
The Retreat House, Opened
Sunday 12th of October 1958, Monastery Sunday, the new £70,000 pound retreat house for Roman Catholic lay-men was opened. It had long been a twenty year old dream of Fr. Alphonsus Foley to have a retreat where men could go on weekends and think over the meaning of life or the particular problems present in their life at that time. It was hoped that this time away would bring peace to their lives and give them the strength needed to carry on and confront the worries of the world.
For ten years this remained a dream, but then Fr. Alphonsus was elected Provincial of the Passionist Congregation, he received support and backing from Archbishop Beovich, of Adelaide, who spoke encouragingly of his plans, then with the next election he was appointed Superior of Glen Osmond in 1954. Now it became time to move , to set this dream into becoming a reality.
Sunday, May 19th, 1958. His Eminence Cardinal Gilroy laid the foundation stone to the new Retreat House at St Paul's. It was during the Cardinal's speech on the history of the Passionists in South Australia, that he mentioned the presence in Rome of a Monstrance that was presented to Fr. Maurice Lencioni C.P. by the Clergy and Jesuits of South Australia. (This Monstrance was returned to our province as part of our history on December 25th 1993, it travelled back with Fr. Christopher Monaghan.)
The Retreat House was opened on Sunday , October 12th, 1958. The opening was combined with the annual Monastery Sunday Procession. Pontifical High Mass was celebrated by His Grace the Archbishop. His Lordship the Bishop of Port Pirie, Most Rev. B. Gallagher, and the Auxiliary Bishop of Adelaide; Most Rev. J.Gleeson were among the honoured guests. The Passionist Provincial of the time, Fr. Gerard Mahoney was present as was Fr Alphonsus in his role as Provincial Consultor and Fr Bede O'Brien who was responsible for having the Church and Monastery built some 30 years before.
Glen Osmond Parish returns to Passionists.
Fr. Sebastian Norcock was installed as First Parish Priest on November 16th 1958, when Glen Osmond was entrusted to the Passionists, and the Parish still continues to be run by the Passionists to this day.
Parish Hall Opened
Moves were made in 1963 to ensure that land would be provided for a Church and Hall without the dependence on the Passionist Church. It was planned to build a Hall with an estimated cost of 17,000 pounds and later a Church estimated at 30,000 pounds at the site on Portrush Road. This information appears in a planned giving program at the time, the Hall was built and used by the Parish for quite some time.
Parish Centre Blessed and Opened.
In February 1977 The Parish centre was blessed and opened immediately behind the church, this centre has been a growing thing from the first arrival of a transportable building to the eventual active complex it has become.
Refugee Project.
An option for the poor was made by the community in 1979, and our Retreat House was made available for Kampuchean Refugees to help them settle into Australia. In its time it helped 1,100 refugees start a new life in Australia. " The Monastery has stood as a beacon and symbol of hope for nearly 2,000 Kampucheans in South Australia." " To that extent the Monastery can be proud of having achieved a major goal," words of Fr. Jeff CP (The projects chairman.) The refugee project ceased at Glen Osmond in 1984, although some of our Passionists (notably Fr. Jeff, continued in this work on a voluntary basis.)
Port Augusta.
On January 11th 1981, the Passionists took charge of the Parish of Port Augusta. The first Community being Fr. Linus O'Keefe, Superior., Fr. Joseph Furst, Fr John Coppock and Br. Damien Byrne. The Church, All Saints , had been built in 1976 at a cost of $425,000.
St Gabriel's Statue.
The statue of St Gabriel was enshrined in the Church of St. Paul of the Cross on April the 9th 1984.
Passionists Today.
Passionists continue to be an active presence in many varied ministries of South Australia today, and it would be a difficult task to compile all the men and their ministries that have served the Congregation in our state. Hopefully we will continue for many years to come.
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