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Collection
Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia, 1865-1931
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Photographs of the Jesuit community at Riverview, Sydney, Australia and ordination at Corpus Xti College, Melbourne

Photographs relating to Australia, taken from Clongowes Wood College. Inlcudes:

  • the Jesuit community at Riverview, Sydney, Australia (1890-1891). Includes 2nd from left, seated, Fr John Ryan SJ, Superior of the Mission [1894]-[1917];

  • ordination of Rev. Leonard Dew (+1931), Missionary of the Sacred Heart, April 1929, at the Jesuit run-diocesan seminary, Corpus Xti College, Melbourne, Australia. Includes seated, 1st from left, Fr Robert Peterson SJ; 3rd from left, Fr Henry Johnston SJ; Third from right, seated, next to Archbishop Daniel Mannix, Fr Albert Power SJ By C. J. Fraser Photo, Melbourne.

  • unknown photograph, maybe in Australia c[1900-1930], but looks Italian.

Account for the Melbourne Mission

Account for the Melbourne Mission, total receipts and expenses in Australia, '3 students and one teacher were fed daily'.

Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia, 1865-1931

Letters from Fr Joseph Mulhall SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the mission in Australia

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Mulhall SJ to the Irish Fr Provincial concerning the mission in Australia. Includes a letter concerning the upkeep of ecclesiastical students. Remarks that he does not agree with Fr Kelly that '...we have no right to accept...money for (their) maintenance...' Continues '...in the written contract with us the Bishop promises to pray us for their maintenance. They teach for 3 hours and during Mr. Lentaigne's time, they got lectures for 2 hours now these 2 things may be said to balance each other...' (DATE). Includes a letter referring to the establishment of a boarding school in Australia. Remarks that the Society accepted St. John's University and that the Board has promised not to interfere. Remarks '...they are most anxious that we should have it - for they are most apprehensive that the government will take it into their own hands...' (29 January 1870, 6pp). Includes a letter referring to the need to build a house for the community beside St Ignatius church, Richmond (6 November 1871, 6pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr James Cullen SJ and remarks that he would welcome him to Australia. Remarks '...he is a very zealous missioner, one that would save a great number of souls here living in this parish entrusted to our care - he is exactly the father we want in Richmond...' (29 January 1884, 4pp)

Mulhall, Joseph, 1820-1897, Jesuit priest

Australian Mission

The Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia was initiated due to the will of Fr John Joseph Therry (1790-1864), who named the Irish Jesuits as beneficiaries to his property in Australia, and by an invitation to the Irish Province by James Alipius Goold, Bishop of Melbourne (later Archbishop) (1812-1886) to set-up a mission in his diocese. The first two Irish Jesuits, Frs William Lentaigne (1805-1884) and William Kelly (1823-1909), arrived in Melbourne in September 1865. Previously, two Austrian Jesuits, Frs. Kranewitter (1817-1880) and Klinkowstroem (1819-1896) had arrived in 1848 after Jesuit expulsion from Austria. The Austrian Mission centred on South Australia and the Northern Territory. In 1901, the Austrian and Irish missions amalgamated. Australia was made a Vice-Province in 1931 and Fr Austin Kelly SJ (1891-1978) was named the first Provincial of the Australian Province in 1950.

The papers of the Australian Mission provide a comprehensive history of the Irish Jesuit Mission, concentrating on the years 1865-1931. The Irish Jesuits worked as missionaries, educators, writers, chaplains, theologians, scientists, pastors and directors of retreats, mainly in the urban communities of eastern Australia.

Subjects touched upon include: agreements with Archbishops in establishing Jesuit houses in a particular diocese; reflections on the journey to and from Australia; administration of schools, colleges, universities and Jesuit residences - (St Patrick’s, Melbourne; St Francis Xavier College, Kew, Melbourne; St Aloysius, Dunedin (NZ); St Aloysius College, Sydney ; St Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney; St Louis, Claremont, Western Australia; Newman College, University of Melbourne); parishes - (Norwood and Sevenhills in South Australia; Invercargill (NZ); Melbourne; Sydney; Toowong and Indooroopilly in Queensland); financial documents; expansion of the Mission; and correspondence between Father Provincial in Ireland and Jesuits in Australia. By far the greatest number of letters sent to Father Provincial in Ireland was from Fr John Ryan SJ (1849-1922) (Superior of the Mission from 11 February 1901-14 June 1908; 9 April 1913-24 October 1917). Until the creation of the Australian Mission as a Vice-Province, the Irish Provincial was kept informed of every minor detail about the Mission and often decision making in Australia was delayed until approval from Dublin was given.

Although this collection provides a comprehensive history of the Australian Mission, there are some gaps. For example, the collection does not contain any deeds or other legal documents relating to property obtained by the Society of Jesus in Australia and it is presumed that these documents would have been kept by the Superior of the Mission and later the Vice-Provincial of the Vice-Province in Australia, where they remain today.

Superiors of the Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia (1865-1931)
Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ 1865-1866
Fr Joseph Dalton SJ 1866-1872
Fr Thomas Cahill SJ 1872-1879
Fr Joseph Dalton SJ 1879-2 September 1883
Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ 2 September 1883-5 April 1890
Fr Patrick Keating SJ 5 April 1890-1 February 1895
Fr Timothy Kenny SJ 1 February 1895-11 February 1901
Fr John Ryan SJ 11 February 1901-14 June 1908
Fr Thomas Brown SJ 14 June 1908-9 April 1913
Fr John Ryan SJ 9 April 1913-24 October 1917
Fr William Lockington SJ 24 October 1917-20 June 1923
Fr Jeremiah Sullivan SJ 20 June 1923-19 March 1931

Vice-Provincials of the Vice-Province of Australian (1931-1950)
Fr John Fahy SJ 19 March 1931-25 August 1939
Fr John Meagher SJ 25 August 1939-1 October 1947
Fr Austin Kelly SJ 1 October 1947-1 November 1950

Irish Vice-Province of the Society of Jesus, 1830-

Letter concerning the two fathers setting out from Ireland to establish the Australian Mission

Letter from the Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to [ ] concerning two fathers setting out from Ireland to establish the Australian Mission (Fr William Kelly SJ and Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ). Refers to Fr Therry's brother in Cork who has agreed to co-operate in anyway so that the Jesuit fathers may secure their bequest.

O'Reilly, Edmund J, 1811-1878, Jesuit priest

Letter from the Irish Fr Provincial to the Bishop of Melbourne, on the arrival of two Jesuits

Copy of a letter from Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ, Milltown Park, Dublin to the Bishop of Melbourne, James Alipius Goold, concerning the arrival of Frs Lentaigne and Kelly in Australia in order '...to take preliminary steps for the establishment of our Society in Melbourne.'

O'Reilly, Edmund J, 1811-1878, Jesuit priest

Cutting with a tribute to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ

Cuttings from 'The Catholic Press' of an article entitled 'How the Irish Came to Queensland. The Voyage of the "Erin-go-bragh" and a tribute to Fr Aloysius Sturzo SJ'.

Australian Vice-Province of the Society of Jesus, 1931-

Letter from Roger Bede Vaughan, Archbishop of Sydney to Fr Thomas Cahill SJ, concerning the establishment of the Society in Sydney

Letter from Roger Bede Vaughan, Archbishop of Sydney, St John's College, Sydney to Fr Thomas Cahill SJ (Superior of the Mission) concerning the establishment of the Society in Sydney. Remarks that he has no objection but wishes to discuss a number of conditions. Refers to the closure of Lyndhurst College. Remarks 'The result of this very painful duty will be at all events to clear away complications and you will have no reason for feeling any delicacy in accepting the offer I am going to make to you when you come.

Vaughan, Roger William Bede, 1834-1883, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Sydney

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ to Irish Fr Provincial in reference to issue at Mungret, and the Jesuit mission in Australia

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Thanks his correspondent for ‘the paper & for the good news’. Sends the congratulations of the Fr General, who was particularly pleased by the part played by Fr Delany. Hopes that ‘the business of the college may be brought to an equally favourable termination’. Refers to the case of a member of the Limerick community, whose removal is left to the discretion of Fr Weld's correspondent. Adds that the Fr General is anxious that the man in question should be removed as his behaviour could cause scandal. Also refers to the ‘Montgret lease’, and states that if this Limerick diocesan seminary succeeds it ‘well may lead the way to very important work for the Society in Ireland’. Discusses the importance of helping the development of the Australian province, and refers to the sending of Frs Thomas Keating and Joseph Brennan there.
Note: The name of the man in Limerick, who may be removed from there is blacked out in this letter. The letter is accompanied by an envelope marked: ‘F. Rabbitte; 1. Letter enclosed for archives. 2. I am keeping the other (two) letters; [ ]’.

Porter, George, 1825-1889, Jesuit priest

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ to Irish Fr Provincial on Fr Joseph Clery SJ in Australia, terna for Australia and studies at Milltown Park

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Reports on a ‘very serious charge’ against Fr [Joseph] Clery in Australia. He is to be dismissed if the charge is substantiated. Refers to the terna for the new Superior in Australia, and to the ‘University Reserve’. Asks Fr Tuite what has been done about Fr Murphy's expedition to America, and about studies at Milltown Park. Adds that Fr Chambellan has recalled Fr René.

Porter, George, 1825-1889, Jesuit priest

Letter from the Superior of the Australian Mission, Fr Joseph Dalton SJ to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ

Letter from the Superior of the Australian Mission, Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, Villa Maria, Hunters Hill, Sydney to Fr Joseph Lentaigne SJ concerning the Australian Mission. Refers to a number of topics he wishes to be passed on to Irish Fr Provincial Edmund O'Reilly SJ when Fr Lentaigne returns to Ireland.

Dalton, Joseph, 1817-1905, Jesuit priest

'Our Australian Missions', 1886 & 1898

Copies of a publication entitled 'Our Australian Missions', 31 July 1896 (2 copies) and 1 September 1898

Australian Vice-Province of the Society of Jesus, 1931-

Letter from Archbishop Thomas J Carr to Fr Timothy Kenny SJ concerning Fr Kenny's visit to Australia

Letter from Archbishop Thomas J Carr, St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne to Irish Fr Provincial Timothy Kenny SJ concerning Fr Kenny's visit to Australia. Expresses his gratitude to the Jesuit Fathers for the work they have carried out. Refers to relations between himself and the Jesuit Fathers and describes them as unsatisfactory until Fr Kenny's arrival. Remarks 'You have met all my representations in an open, disinterested and religious spirit. You have framed wise and salutary regulations...You have carried out...the whole object of your mission in a very successful manner.'

Carr, Thomas Joseph, 1839-1917, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne

Bound volume of the accounts of the Australian Mission in account with the Irish Province

Bound volume of the accounts of the Australian Mission in account with the Irish Province. Includes Robert Little Estate (23 March 1922 - 25 February 1926, pp. 246 - 247), Fr Joseph Canavan's Estate (1 March 1924, p. 399), Half Year's Contribution (25 March 1884 - 29 September 1884 pp. 401 - 402).

Irish Jesuit Mission to Australia, 1865-1931

Letters from Fr Patrick Keating SJ, expressing his frustration at the lack of good men being sent out to Australia

A file of letters from Fr Patrick Keating SJ, St Ignatius College, Riverview, Sydney to Fr Peter [Beckx] SJ. Expresses his frustration at the lack of good men being sent out to Australia. Remarks 'I wish you could be spared to us. This place would suit you in many ways admirably... But that of course is out of the question. It is only the invalids the good for littles and the troublesome who are transported.' (1 May 1885, 8pp). Includes a letter relating to the delay in granting permission for a new building at Riverview. Remarks 'If the people at home saw the grand college the Marist Brothers have built they might think it necessary to do something...I hope that now the Provincial is well again things may go on a little faster. It is an awful thing to be so far away from headquarters and to have to write for permission for everything' (12 May 1885, 2pp).

Keating, Patrick, 1846-1913, Jesuit priest

Letters from Fr Joseph Dalton SJ to Irish Fr Provincial concerning the Australian Mission

A file of letters from Fr Joseph Dalton SJ, (Superior: 1866 - 1872; 1879 - 2 September 1883) to irish Fr Provincial concerning the Australian Mission. (Note: undated fragments - 17 items).

14 May 1866 - 6 December 1869, 52 items
Includes a letter concerning a 'serious hitch' with the Bishop over the boundaries of the Mission (24 May 1866, 4pp). Includes a letter concerning a successful agreement between the Society and the Archbishop. Remarks that the Archbishop is very anxious that the Jesuit Fathers obtain the best sites for their houses and to this end has applied to the government for a 'church reserve.' (26 June 1866, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to an invitation by Dr Murphy for the Jesuits to set up a Mission in Tasmania. Remarks that he discussed the matter with his Consultors who felt it was not a desirable offer 'But the real danger is - if Dr. Murphy calls in the Marists or any other body and if they open a community in...Tasmania before we shall have opened one here we may be "cut out" by them; a college in Tasmania even if not a great success might interfere seriously with our college here..' (22 August 1866, 10pp). Includes a letter expressing his disappointment that Fr Provincial can provide neither men nor money for the Australian Mission. Remarks 'It is a great delusion to imagine that gold in Australia is like coal in Newcastle - would it were! The lucky golden days out here are all past and gone and it now requires great capital and great machinery to work the mines... which...lie out here some 200 or 300 feet underground.' Refers to Sir Charles Gavan Duffy lately arrived in Australia. Remarks that he (Fr Dalton) is his Parish Priest and that he has called to see him (26 November 1866, 7pp). Includes a letter referring to the laying of the foundation stone of the church of St Ignatius. Includes a rough plan of the design (25 July 1867, 4pp). Includes a letter marked private concerning the crisis over appointing a new Bishop. Remarks that Dr Goold is acting as administrator temporarily but asks if one of the Jesuit Fathers could be appointed. Remarks 'The laity were about sending a petition to Rome for one of us - I dissuaded them...it will ruin the Melbourne Mission and I intend to impress this on Dr Goold...' (nd, 2pp). (Note: this letter is see also filed after the letter dated 27 July 1867). Includes a letter referring to the litigation over Fr Therry's will. Remarks that this is hindering their plans to secure a site for a new college (26 August 1867, 6pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he made to Fr Therry's sister in Hobart. Remarks that everything has been settled '..I found Miss Therry and her brother most favourably disposed towards us and most anxious that Fr Therry's will and "instructions" should be carried out: they were under the impression however that the Trustees were making away with the property and hence the lawsuit.' (25 September 1867, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to the building of the churches at Richmond and Hawthorn. Remarks 'The two churches are going on well TG - Hawthorn mason work will be completed in a month TG - the Richmond church ("dear and ugly") is rising more slowly and winning admiration as it grows..' (4 January 1868, 8pp). Includes a letter concerning Fr Therry's property and the various allotments left to the Society of Jesus (28 February 1868, 4pp). Includes a lengthy letter replying to a series of charges levelled against the Mission by Fr Lentaigne. Remarks '...I feel that Fr Lentaigne's bill of indictment is greatly exaggerated and in some respects childish - it is almost entirely made up of charges against Fr Nolan...' (11 September 1868, 14pp). Includes a letter referring to the Benedictines in Sydney. Remarks '...(they) are broken down completely - they have failed in every way, their school, their convent - their priests and their Lay Brothers - all a failure. The laity and some of the clergy are very anxious that the Archbishop should give us Lyndhurst for a college, the Marist too are most anxious to see us there..' (4 December 1868, 10pp).

3 January 1870 - 11 May 1879; 87 items
Includes a letter referring to the endowment by Dr McEnroe of a Chair in St John's College (27 March 1870, 11pp). Includes a letter concerning the General Elections and the Education Bill and the Bishop's directive that the clergy should use all their power to ensure the Bishop's directive that the clergy should use all their power to ensure that men opposed to the Government's Education Bill should be returned. Remarks that he did as much as he could quietly. Continues 'We all abstained from voting tho' the B(isho)p was very anxious - Fr General has already forbidden ours to vote under any pretence.' (23 March 1871, 8pp). Includes a letter discussing the pros and cons of the Mission's first attempt at convictus. (20 May 1871, 8pp). Includes a letter describing a visit he paid to South Australia to give a series of retreats. Describes the Mission of the German Fathers of the Society of Jesus in detail. Remarks 'I have had a special reason for giving you...(a) very detailed...account of the Mission of our German Fathers (because... our German Fathers...are very anxious for an amalgamation of the two missions - theirs and ours).' Remarks that he would not approve of an amalgamation and sets out his reasons for this opinion.' (22 August 1872, 8pp). Includes a letter referring to his attempt to raise money for the new colleges. Remarks that he is in Castlemain '...begging for our new colleges, I fear I shall not make my fortune - the place is poor and I am not a good walker and a beggar should be a good walker and a good rider also - I am neither...' (25 February 1873, 4pp). Includes a letter referring to the new secular Education Bill coming into operation. Remarks that it is the Jesuit Father's duty to provide for the schools 'Xtian Brothers for our boys and nuns for our girls are only hope..' (2 January 1974, 4pp).

16 October 1880 - 17 June 1889; 21 items
Includes a letter regarding his health and requests to be relieved from his position as Superior of the Mission as soon as possible. Refers to a meeting of Land League sympathisers at which Fr Joseph O’Malley SJ spoke very strongly. Remarks that he wrote to Fr O'Malley SJ on the matter. Continues 'To make matters worse I learned that the "Land League" had arranged to have 5000 copies of Fr O'Malley's speech...printed...I wrote at once to the printers but was too late...Fr Mulhall and Fr Clancy...agree with me in looking on the speech as very imprudent.' (24 July 1881, 12pp). Includes a letter concerning the conduct of Fr James Kennedy SJ at the graveside of Archbishop Steins which caused great upset to the Jesuit Fathers and members of the diocese. Remarks that he had to severely reprimand Fr Kennedy SJ ([September 1881], 6pp).

Dalton, Joseph, 1817-1905, Jesuit priest

Sketches compiled by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ on deceased members of the Society

Sketches compiled by Fr Joseph Dalton SJ on deceased members of the Society in Australia for 'Memorials of the Irish Province' including Frs John Cunningham SJ (1817-1858), and the pilgrimage to St Stanislaus College, Tullabeg, County Offaly before the Irish famine on the 'first Sundays' (Bona Mors) and Br Philip Reilly SJ (1784-1868).

Dalton, Joseph, 1817-1905, Jesuit priest

Triennial Documents, 1920 - 1923

Documents for Ireland:

  • House Histories (Historia Domus);
  • Annual Letters (Litterae Annuae);
  • Lives of those who have died (Summarium vitae defunctorum);
  • Index of authors and books published by Ours (Index auctorem et librorum a Nostris editorum);

Status Temporalis book for the Irish Province

Status Temporalis (Province Account) book which contains accounts for: St Ignatius’ College, Galway; St Stanislaus’ College, Tullabeg; Clongowes College, Naas; Belvedere College, Dublin; Crescent College (College of the Sacred Heart), Limerick; Mungret College, Limerick; Rathfarnham Castle, Dublin; University Hall; 35 Lower Leeson Street; St Francis Xavier’s, Upper Gardiner Street, Irish Jesuit mission to Australia.

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ to Irish Fr Provincial in reference to Mungret, and Jesuits in Australia and mission to New Zealand

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Refers to the latter's letter on 12 March, and addresses some of the points in it. Refers to Fr Tuite's proposals in relation to Montgret, and passes on the Father General's authorisation to send Fr Brennan to Australia. Also discusses the Terna for Australia, and an offer to the Society of 10 acres of the Catholic Reserve. With regard to the question of the New Zealand mission raised by Fr Dalton in his letter, asks Fr Tuite's opinion on the proposed removal of the missioners from there to Australia. Asks for a copy of the Irish Catholic Directory for 1882.

Porter, George, 1825-1889, Jesuit priest

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ to Irish Fr Provincial in reference to Mungret, and Jesuits in Australia

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Thanks the latter for sending a copy of the Catholic Directory. States that the Fr General gives his consent to Fr Dalton to accept the 10 acres of the Catholic reserve. Advises Fr Tuite that the Fr General wishes that ‘more important matters’ be addressed to himself and in Latin. Refers to the Australian mission and its need for ‘some young blood’. Reminds Fr Tuite that he and the Fr General are awaiting his letter about 'Montgret'. Also refers to the Dublin College, and to Cardinal McCabe, to whom Fr Armellini is to visit; and to a proposed convent of the Sacred Heart at Sydney.

Porter, George, 1825-1889, Jesuit priest

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ to Irish Fr Provincial on terna for new Superior, and on complaints regarding Jesuits at Temple Street

Letter from Fr George Porter SJ, writing from Fiesole, to Irish Fr Provincial James Tuite SJ. Refers to the terna for the successor of Fr Thomas Kelly SJ, and asks Fr Tuite to observe Fr Donovan to see whether he would make a good superior. Also requests that he names a Prefect of Studies for Milltown Park. Explains about a reminder for ‘extra [wines]’. Reports that complaints have reached the Fr General about the fathers at Upper Temple Street. Refers also to Fr Denis Murphy’s leave of absence, to the Frs Kelly’s visits to externs, and to Fr E. Murphy's missions in America. Reports on the Fr General’s views in relation to the new College.

Porter, George, 1825-1889, Jesuit priest

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