Catholic College, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 5 September 1857, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115558702:

(From the Bathurst Free Press.)
A meeting of the Catholics of Bathurst took place on Thursday evening, the 27th August, in St. Michael's Church, to initiate steps towards a co-operation with the Catholics of Sydney for the erection and foundation of a College in connexion with the Sydney University. [...] The Rev. P. White rose and said—We are assembled then on this evening to aid our Catholic friends throughout the colony in the promotion of a pure and holy cause. We are assembled to contribute, according to our means, towards the erection and endowment of an institution which will, in the future pages of Australian history, shed immortal honour on our names—which will be, when ages shall have rolled by, a standing memorial of our noble and generous exertions—which will be the lamp from whose effulgence the golden beams of young Australian intellect will burst forth and shed their benign influence over the onward march of science and civilization. Our truly paternal Government has afforded us advantages, to the enjoyment of which, since the dark and gloomy days of persecution, our ancestors were strangers. These are advantages, which, if enjoyed in by-gone days, would have long since arrested the red arm of calumny, and stayed the foul and unwarrantable insinuations which have been levelled against us Catholics because of our religion. Had not Oxford and Cambridge been wrested from our grasp and handed over to the fiery zealots of persecution, of despotism, and of misrule, we might have stood in emulous rivalry for the higher offices of state with our more favoured friends, and be in a position to rebut the foul and opprobrious stigma of "barbarism" and "ignorance" which penal restrictions have fastened to our names. But no ; our religion, the name Catholic was in itself a cause sufficient to disqualify us from the acquisition of State honours and from State emoluments. But these days have now passed into oblivion ; and while we repine over the base attempts which were made by a hostile Government to stifle the creed of our forefathers, we have good reason to congratulate ourselves on the fact, that a bright era has now dawned upon us in a southern clime— the mystic veil of dark oppression has, at least in this country, been rent asunder—that the landmark of Australia's future greatness is now being planted in a soil which recognises neither distinction of class nor favoritism of creed. This is to be the college of the poor man, as well as the rich. Talent and behaviour are the great essential requisites to qualify the proud aspirant for honours to attain to a high position in the various professions. Scholarships and fellowships will be thrown open for competition. But this is not all. The doors of the Sanctuary will be thrown open for those whose character stands unblemished, in the estimation of their Superiors and are desirous to embrace the religious state. Provision will be made for the education of clergymen, regular and secular. With these golden prospects before us, why should we be slow in running the race we have so nobly begun? Why should we hesitate to come forward and respond to the call of a wise and generous administration which deems civil and religious equality as the most effectual means to stay the tide of bigotry and sectarianism, which unhappily prevails to so great an extent in other countries. Let us then come forward and give cheerfully. Let us give according to our means, and we will have satisfied all. Let us co-operate with, and carry out the intentions of our venerated Archbishop in the language of the resolution:—"That in order to meet the munificent provisions made by the Government for the promotion of a high order of Education in the Colony, immediate steps be taken by the Catholics of the Western Districts to assist, to the utmost extent of their power, in carrying on the work so well commenced in Sydney, of raising the sum of Twenty thousand pounds for the foundation of St. John's Catholic College, in connexion with the University of Sydney." [...]

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To Agents and Subscribers, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 14 November 1857, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115559666:

We beg to acknowledge the receipt of remittances from the following parties, viz:— [...] Rev. P. White, Wellington; [...]

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Donegal Relief Fund. Eighth Subscription List, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 4 August 1858, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115558809:

Subscriptions received from Wellington, per the Rev. P. White. [...]

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Roman Catholic, Queanbeyan Age, 14 November 1868, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article30578515:

According to the Monaro Mercury the Catholics of this district are about to lose the pastoral oversight which the Rev Father White, who has had charge of the affairs of the church here for some years past, has exercised over them. The Rev Father White, it is stated, has been nominated to the Monaro district, to supply the vacancy occasioned by the departure of the Rev Father Kavanagh. Like our contemparary, we have heard nothing corroborative of the bare statement as conveyed above.

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Local & General News, The News, Shoalhaven and Southern Coast Districts Advertiser, 2 January 1869, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article258226007:

Roman Catholic.—The Rev. P. White has been named Dean of Maneroo; and he is to be succeeded at Queanbeyan by the Rev. J McAuliffe, late of Shoalhaven.

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Country News, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 13 November 1869, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115433378:

Catholic.—It is with unfeigned regret we announce that the Rev. Dean White is about to leave this district, and we hear that the Rev. gentleman will take his departure next week. Located amongst us for a little more than twelve or eighteen months, Dean White has secured the friendship, esteem, and confidence of all in this district, and just as he had made himself acquainted with the various parts of Manaro under his charge, he is about to be removed. We are confident this announcement will be read with regret by every member of the Catholic persuasion in this district, for in the Rev. Dean White the members of that denomination will lose a zealous energetic pastor and a sincere friend. We believe the rev. dean's place will be supplied by the Rev Dean O'Brien. With reference to the Rev. Dean O'Brien, the Braidwood Dispatch of Wednesday last supplies the following:—The intelligence of the removal of the Rev. E. O'Brien will be received with general regret, not only by the members of the Roman Catholic body, but by all classes of the community in this district. The rev. gentleman has been appointed Dean of Cooma, to which town he will proceed in about a week's time. The Very Rev. Dean O'Brien has been stationed in this district for nearly eighteen years, during which time he has devoted himself most earnestly to his sacred calling, and has well merited the love which his congregation have for him. He has always taken a most lively interest in all matters of importance to the town and district, and has been one of the most active supporters of the Hospital, having been a member of the committee from the period of its establishment until the present time. He has won the respect and veneration of the whole community by his kind demeanour and friendly intercourse with the members of all creeds, together with his many acts of benevolence. His loss is a perfect calamity to the members of his flock, to whom he has been a "guide, philosopher, and friend," as well as their dearly beloved pastor. His departure from amongst us is viewed with regret by all classes. The Very Rev. Dean White, whose place the Very Rev. Dean O'Brien is taking in Cooma, will come to Braidwood.—Manaroo Mercury.

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Departure of the Very Rev. Dean O'Brien, The Goulburn Herald and Chronicle, 17 November 1869, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article101470356:

On Wednesday morning last the Roman Catholic body of this district assembled in great numbers to bid farewell to their much loved pastor, who has been just appointed Dean of Cooma, and whose departure for Cooma was announced for that day. The testimonial committee presented the very rev. gentleman with an address conveying the regret of the members of his congregation, with other inhabitants, at his departure. The address was accompanied with a purse containing £136, which had been subscribed by those signing the address. The very rev. gentleman having replied in feeling terms, prepared to take his departure. On leaving the parsonage and stepping into his carriage he was surrounded by hundreds of persons in whose faces were pictured the most intense feelings of regret at losing their pastor who had for so long a period ministered amongst them, and been a sharer in their joys and sorrows. The procession which followed him for a considerable distance out of town numbered nearly forty vehicles and about one hundred and fifty horsemen. The Very Rev. Dean White, who succeeds the Very Rev. Dean O'Brien, is expected to arrive every day. Braidwood Dispatch.

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Clerical, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 27 October 1877, p 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115374433:

The Very Reverend Dean White, we are given to understand, now in town for a few days, is en route for the diocese of Armidale. This reverend gentleman will continue to administer in New England, until the successor of the Right Rev. Dr. O'Mahony is appointed. His Grace the Archbishop of Sydney, it is understood, has commissioned Dean White to proceed to Armidale, in virtue of the authority he has received from the Holy See, empowering him to see to and provide for the exigencies of that province, and we have no doubt that a more judicious selection could not possibly be made by his Grace than that of the Reverend Father he has deputed for the purpose.

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Armidale, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 3 November 1877, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115375745:

Clerical.— News was received by the last mail that Dr. O'Mahony, who is at present in Europe, had resigned his appointment of Bishop of Armidale, and that Dr. Vaughan, Archbishop of Sydney, had received powers of administration in this diocese till the appointment by the Holy See. The Very Rev. Dean White, of Braidwood, has been delegated by his Grace to administrate till the instalment of our next bishop, and it is rumoured that a conference of the Australian hierarchy will shortly be held to nominate a successor for approval of the Pope.

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The Archdiocese, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 10 November 1877, p 14, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115374995:

The Rev. James Sheridan, of the cathedral, is at present at Braidwood, in the place of the Very Rev. Dean White, administrator at Armidale. Father Sheridan will remain a few weeks at Braidwood until he is replaced by Father James Phelan, now in Tasmania for the benefit of his health, but who will soon proceed to Braidwood, to minister there, until the return of Dean White.

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Local Intelligence, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 23 November 1877, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188960998:

On Wednesday, at 3 p.m., the Archbishop administered Confirmation to about 60 candidates, who had been preparing for some time previous for its reception. Immediately after Confirmation, his Grace made a short address, during which he stated that, in accordance with powers conferred on him by the Holy See, he had appointed the Very Rev. Dean White Administrator during the interregnum.

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Araluen, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 1 February 1879, p 10, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110561583:

The Rev. Father Phelan expects to be leaving Braidwood in the course of next month. The Very Rev. Dean White, who left this district to administer the affairs, &c., of the Armidale diocese, purposes returning to his old flock, by whom he was so deservedly respected. His advent amongst us again will be the means of causing a commencement to be made in the erection of the proposed new convent.

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Armidale, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 1 March 1879, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110561409:

Ecclesiastical.—News has arrived during the past week that the appointment of a bishop to the diocese of Armidale, now vacant for over three years, has at length been made by the Holy See. Our bishop, it appears, is an Italian Capuchin, and has been for many years on the mission in North Wales. No doubt on his arrival here he will receive a demonstrative welcome. It has also been announced that the Very Rev. Dean White, who has administered this diocese with such ability and discretion since the jurisdiction of his Grace Archbishop Vaughan, has been raised to the dignity of Doctor of Divinity by the Pope. Dr. White's many friends throughout the colony will no doubt be glad to learn of this mark of distinction in recognition of his long and arduous labours.

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Catholic. Presentation to Dean White, D.D., Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 23 October 1880, p 14, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133486413:

It will be remembered that, for some two years previous to the arrival in this colony of the present most esteemed Bishop of Armidale (the Most Rev. Dr. Torregiani), the Very Rev. Dean White ably discharged the functions of Administrator and Vicar-General under the jurisdiction of his Grace the Archbishop of Sydney. Directly it became known that the newly-appointed Bishop had arrived in Sydney, en route to the scene of his labours, and that the Very Rev. Dean White was about to return to Braidwood, the priests of the Armidale diocese determined and resolved that so worthy, prudent, and efficient a priest and guide as the worthy Dean had proved himself to be during the term of his administration should not be permitted to depart from amongst them without their manifesting in some practical and tangible form, their sincere appreciation of his arduous labours and personal worth. It was therefore decided to present him with a gold chalice, such a gift being, they thought, the most suitable that could be chosen and the one most agreeable to his tastes. The subscription list was immediately started, and the amount required was very quickly obtained, every priest contributing most generously. Pere Joly, S.M., was commissioned to procure the chalice from France, and last week the handsome and costly gift was placed in the hands of Dean White, together with a most kind and complimentary letter from the donors, to whom the Dean has sent tho following reply:—

"To the Priests of the Armidale Diocese. "Words fail adequately to express the gratitude which I feel upon receiving your unexpected, and I may add undeserved tribute of affectionate regard. I readily accept your generous gift, which I shall ever prize most highly as a memento of our happy intercourse during my comparatively brief stay amongst you. During the two years which I, though unworthy, endeavoured to discharge the duties of administrator of the diocese of Armidale under the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Sydney, my work was rendered easy and agreeable by the prompt, generous, self-sacrificing spirit which in the fulfilment of your duties you have always displayed. My success—if indeed there were any—was mainly attributable to the farseeing and wise counsels of his Grace the Archbishop, and secondly to your ready and generous cooperation in all that appertained to your clerical duties. Wishing you every blessing, and concluding with the parting request of Monica to Augustine—
"'Memento mei ad altare Domini,'—
"I am yours faithfully in Christ,
P. White, D.D., Dean.
"October 13, 1880."

The chalice, which is a most beautiful one, is elaborately finished and most artistically ornamented. It is of exquisite, design, and bears a suitable inscription.

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Catholic. Dean White, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 12 March 1881, p 14, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115454680:

The Very Rev. Dean White, will leave for Sydney en route to Ireland on the 16th, and we understand that the Catholics of the district in which he has laboured so long and so faithfully are to present him with an address and testimonial on the eve of his departure. Father D'Arcy of Shoalhaven will take charge of the district during the Dean's absence from the colony.

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New South Wales, The Sydney Daily Telegraph, 17 March 1881, p 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article238306392:

Braidwood, Wednesday.
This morning the Very Rev. Dean White left here for Wellington, en route to Sydney. Prior to his departure he was presented with a purse of 100 sovereigns and an address, to which he replied in suitable terms. A large number of his parishioners accompanied him on horseback as far as Warrambucca Creek, where they bade him farewell. ---

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Departure of Dean White, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 26 March 1881, p 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115456864:

The Very Rev. Dean White whose name is known throughout the colony, left Sydney for the old country by the Cotopaxi to-day (Friday), accompanied by a most worthy clergyman, Rev. Father Foran, of Branxton. The Braidwood Dispatch says that all classes regret Dean White's departure from that district, and adds that "activity and vigour combined with a geniality of disposition, and a loosening of purse strings whenever a good cause was to be fostered has marked the career of the departing gentleman." We join heartily with his parishioners in wishing him and his companion bon voyage.

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Catholic. Death of the Very Rev. Dean White, D.D., Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 21 January 1882, p 15, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111317071:

We deeply regret having to chronicle the death of one of the oldest, most zealous, and most esteemed clergymen who have ever laboured on the Australian Mission. When the Very Rev. Dean White left this colony in March, 1881, on a visit to Ireland, he expressed a hope that God would spare him to return to the land of his adoption. He was, however, at that time in failing health, and hardly believed that his hope would be realised. In November last it was currently reported that Dean White was dead, but nothing could then be ascertained further than that he was at the latest date in very bad health. His many friends at Braidwood, where he laboured for many years, and where he was beloved and respected by all classes of the community, will be sorry to hear that the sad news circulated in November was but too true. On Sunday morning last, at Mass, the Rev. M. D'Arcy announced the fact, and on Tuesday morning a Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Bede's Church. The following is from a home paper:—"With deep regret we learn the death of the Very Rev. Patrick White, which took place on Thursday, the 3rd November, at the residence of his brother, in the parish of Templeorum, Kilkenny. Father White was a member of one of the oldest and most respected Catholic families in that county. He received his classical education in the diocesan college, St. Kieran's, Kilkenny, and in 1848 he entered Carlow College to complete his theological studies, with a view of preaching the Gospel to the pilgrim Irish races in distant lands. While several of his confreres volunteered for various dioceses in America, Father White elected to spend his days beneath the Southern Cross in Australia. Twenty-six years of missionary labours having undermined his health, he returned to Ireland about four months ago in the hope of regaining his strength. On Thursday last week, fortified by all the consolations of religion, he was called away by his Maker to enjoy the reward of those 'who instruct many unto justice.' On Saturday his funeral obsequies were solemnized in the parish church of Templeorum. High Mass was sung by the Rev. John Lynch, assisted by Rev. J. Grace, and Rev. M. Cody, as deacon and sub-deacon, and Rev. P. Neary as master of ceremonies. At the conclusion of the Mass and Absolution the remains were borne round the cemetery and back to the church, where they were interred with the usual solemnities. 'Many of his old college companions,' says the [Dublin] Freeman ['s Journal], 'of Kilkenny and Carlow will learn with regret the demise of the genial and gentle Father Pat White, and will not fail to remember him at the altar of God.'"

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T.W. Campbell, The Priests of the Diocese of Armidale: A Necrology, Braddon ACT, 2005:
White, Patrick

Born in Co Kilkenny, Ireland, date of birth unknown. He was educated at St Kieran's, Kilkenny and studied at Carlow from 1848. He was ordained on 26 December 1854 at Carlow. He arrived in Sydney in November 1855. He was located at Braidwood when appointed administrator of the Armidale diocese by Archbishop Vaughan of Sydney when Timothy O'Mahony left for Rome. He remained Administrator at Armidale for some time and made at least one trip to the coastal part of the diocese in 1879. He went on a trip back to Ireland in March 1881, and died on 3 November 1881 in Ireland at his brother's home in Templeorum, Co Kilkenny. He was buried adjacent to the church at Templeorum.
(Sources: Farrell, Kelly, Advocate 28 Jan 1882, MDHC A-Z W34).

(Reproduced by permission of Tom Campbell.)

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ANZCC note: No Irish death record found.