Journey with the Archivist

Before being ordained in 1970, William Jordan served with distinction in WWII. Here is his obituary from the Zealandia in 1983. We also have a copy of his military record. Here is the citation for the Military Cross- William Jordan wrote of his experiences during the war – published in 1969.

In April 1850 Pompallier returned from a trip to Europe. He left New Zealand in 1847 as Vicar Apostolic and returned as Bishop. The Auckland Diocese was formed in 1848. Here is the first page of his pastoral letter issued on his return home. His focus on peace is particularly apt for this time. At Easter, Pompallier would have celebrated the Easter mass using this missal.  The Roman Missal is the book containing the prescribed prayers, chants and instructions for the celebration of Mass. We know that he used this missal as his signature is on the inside cover. The …
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As well as archives and ephemera relating to bishops, priests and religious, Auckland Catholic Diocesan Archive holds some items relating to significant lay people who have contributed to the diocese. While entering accession records I came across an unusual item – a conductor’s baton. The engraving reads: Presented to Mr P F Hiscocks Conductor St Patrick’s Cathedral Choir By Members and Friends In Grateful Recognition Of his valuable services 25-12-93 Further research discovered more information about the Hiscocks family The Month, November 1931, pg. 33 In the collection are two compositions written by Harry, the organist.

Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a special Jubilee Year coinciding with the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, OSV News reports. In 1926 the Church in New Zealand celebrated the 700th anniversary. Here is the front page from the Month, a journal founded by Bishop Cleary. The Franciscan friars first arrived in New Zealand in 1860. Here is the story of that foundation from the Month in 1929. Vaggioli’s History is part of the Auckland Catholic Diocese Collection (POM 40-2) Here is part of the table of contents- Here is a copy of the original list …
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The Treaty of Waitangi exists in both English and Te Reo. Bishop Pompallier wrote of the importance of learning both English and Te Reo in his account of the mission. Bishop Pompallier Early History of the Catholic Church in Oceania 1888 p. 36 The absolute necessity of a knowledge of Te Reo, or Māori as referred to by Pompallier, is reflected in the Auckland Catholic Diocese Archive collection, and in my opinion some of the most significant items in our collection are the early printed items in Te Reo. There are the Catholic catechisms that I have referred to in …
Read More about Waitangi Day – the importance of Te Reo for the early missionaries

This week many will be making the annual trip north to celebrate the anniversary of Bishop Pompallier’s first mass at Totara Point. In 1938, the centennial of the arrival of Bishop Pompallier, Totara Point saw a great influx of visitors. Here are some images from that celebration from our collection. If you would like to visit Totara Point, the site is 1km from the main Kohukohu-Mangamuka road and is signposted. The address is 619 Kohukohu Road, Kohukohu 0491 Totara Point   Check out the previous blogs on the Anniversary of Pompallier’s first mass- https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/2024/01/12/186-anniversary-first-mass-in-aotearoa/ https://www.aucklandcatholic.org.nz/2025/01/08/remembering-the-poynton-family-on-the-anniversary-of-the-first-mass/

This year the archives Christmas display features items from St Joseph’s Orphanage in Takapuna.. St Mary’s School opened on this site in 1849 . It was closed in the late 19th century and reopened in 1894 as St Joseph’s Industrial School and Orphanage for boys under the care of the Sisters of Mercy. In 1923 a fire gutted the building leaving the walls standing. It was rebuilt and a three storied wing was added. It reopened in 1924. The building still stands today- For the display we have the nativity figures from the orphanage and the 1925 orphanage diary opened …
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In 1927 Bishop Cleary published a book of children’s stories called The Garden. He used the pseudonym ‘Lunky Lee’ which was what his young nieces and nephews called him. Perhaps too, he recalled that a friend he met while a young priest in Victoria, Australia in 1895 also used a pseudonym. That friend was S L Clemens but most know him as Mark Twain. A volunteer entering records into our electronic catalogue noted that there is a letter from S L Clemens to Father Cleary dated 1902. Cleary became Bishop in 1910. Here is the full letter- Details on S …
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