Archivist

While entering old accessions into our new database (yes our catalogue is going digital) I went to check the location of a box. On lifting the lid I saw this note on the back of a devotional picture. I wondered what the role of train bearers entailed so I went to the archive box of photographs from the Catholic Centenary in 1938. In an album of newspaper clippings I found a picture of Frank proudly fulfilling his role. Ernest Simmons in his history of the Auckland Diocese In Cruce Salus tells us “The Catholic Centenary of 1938 became something of …
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While returning from a weekend away I stopped by the Catholic Mission site at Rangiaowhia in the Waikato. When the Auckland Diocese was established in 1848 the boundary went as far south as Tokaanu. The Waikato remained part of the Diocese of Auckland until the Diocese of Hamilton was formed in 1980. The archives holds the burial register 1844 to 1862 (ref. RD 21-1) and the marriage register 1844-1862 (ref. RM 21-1) for this mission. Translation – Book of the Deceased, Rangiaowhia Station (Waikato) Beginning in the Middle of February in the year 1844 The signage provides the history of …
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In February’s blog I mentioned that Bishop Luck’s pectoral cross contained a relic of the true cross. https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/2025/02/10/a-symbol-for-the-jubilee-year-pilgrims-of-hope/ Recently we had a conservator examine the cross for repair. It was the ideal time to view what was inside. Relics of the True Cross are physical pieces of wood, or objects associated with the instrument of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, believed to have been found by St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, in the 4th century. These fragments were distributed widely and are now venerated in various churches worldwide – despite questions about the authenticity and volume of the relics. The …
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The Josephite Sisters have been involved in catholic education in New Zealand since 1880. A recent discovery in the archives indicates they were bakers as well. The archives has only recently purchased a digital catalogue system. Until the work of entering the listings is completed, we rely on our hard copy lists.  Going through lever arch files and folders can be a slow process so often checking the actual archive boxes is just as quick.  Last week I was looking for an item and moved a very heavy box with a handle protruding. What a surprise to discover this- The …
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While listing boxes in storage I came across a book in a language I had not seen. I showed it to Sr Sian, who in her wisdom pulled out her phone and used Google Translate, it was in Old Irish. A search on the publishing details revealed a fascinating history of this bible edition. The History of Bedell’s Bible William Bedell, a qualified Hebrew scholar, set out to translate the Bible into the Irish language. He enlisted two native speakers of Irish to help with the translation from English into Irish. Bedell completed his project about 1640, but there was still …
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This week I decided to include three hymn books as part of the Archive collection  as they link to the 1840 publication of Ako Marama and illustrate regional differences in this national Catholic anthem Mo Maria. In the 1970s the dioceses of Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington produced hymnals which included the legendary hymn Mo Maria, written by Bishop Pompallier and published in Ako Marama. This is the Christchurch publication Tenei Matou. Here is the Auckland version in Sing to the Lord. There are slight variations in the tune and in the rhythm. When the Wellington diocese printed their hymn book …
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The fifth Bishop of Auckland was a Benedictine from England. Between 1879 and 1882 George Lenihan was in Spain at the English College of Valladolid completing his studies for the priesthood. He returned for a visit in 1909 and was the first alumnus of the college in 300 years to preside as Bishop at Mass there (See Founders and Keepers by Nicholas Reed, 2011) Linkedin is a great way to make contact with colleagues around the world. I received a message from a New Zealander working as an Archivist in Ireland: …..just thought I’d pass on an interesting portrait I’ve …
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The archives have a series of trowels presented to various bishops at the commencement of important buildings. Here are three of the trowels and photographs of the building from the photograph collection. The inscription on the trowel: Presented to His Lordship Bishop Luck on the occasion of laying the Foundation Stone of St Patrick’s Cathedral Auckland May 1884 The inscription on the trowel:   Corner Stone All Souls Devonport Laid by Bishop Cleary Feb 16th 1919 Inside Devonport Church pre 1926 now known as St Francis de Sales and All Souls Inscription on trowel Presented to His Lordship Bishop Liston …
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