The Roman Catholic Bishop, Adelaide Observer, 8 February 1862, p 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158185283:

We understand that Dr. Geoghegan intends to start immediately for Europe, with the view of securing the assistance of additional clergymen for the duties of his extensive diocese. It is also stated that the Rev. M. Lencioni, S.J., is about to leave South Australia for the United States.

---

Execution of Malachi Martin, The South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, 26 December 1862, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31818426:

Wednesday, the 24th December, was the day on which it was appointed that Malachi Martin, the murderer of Jane Macnanamen, should suffer the extreme penalty of human law. At first the criminal was buoyed up by the hope of a reprieve, but for some days before his doom was consummated he must have known that there was no hope. In accordance with the new regulations the execution was carried into effect privately in the Gaol yard. […] The persons present looked with eager eyes and a sickening feeling of anticipation, but not for long; presently came the criminal, dressed in white from head to foot, and wearing a white nightcap. He was attended by the officials of the prison, and the priests. On one side of him was Father Russell, and on the other, Father Maurice Lencioni who repeated the prayers of the Church for those about to die. Martin walked with a firm step, his hands clasping the rosary and crucifix, and his eyes fixed on the sacred symbols. He never flinched nor faltered, but ascended the steps of the scaffold with a resolute manner, as one who had taken leave of the world. He spoke no word,—the priests ended their prayers,—the executioner and his assistant approached, adjusted the fatal noose, and pulled the white cap over the criminal's face. They then descended from the scaffold, on which the murderer stood alone. A deadly silence ensued,—a minute elapsed—a harsh sound was heard—the drop fell—a few convulsive heavings of the chest followed—and all was over.

---

Topics of the Week, South Australian Weekly Chronicle, Adelaide, 5 December 1863, p 5, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90264000:

On Saturday afternoon, as Mr. J. Pickering, of Hindmarsh, was driving along West-terrace, the shaft of his cart ran into the shoulder of a horse ridden by the Rev. Maurice Lencioni, severely injuring it. The reverend gentleman was thrown from his horse, but sustained no bruises. Mr. Pickering, who was greatly concerned at the accident, conveyed the rev. gentleman to his residence, and promised to pay all expenses.

---

Died, South Australian Advertiser, Adelaide, 7 April 1864, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31835156:

Lencioni.—On the 6th April, at Morphett Vale, of inflammation of the lungs, the Rev. Maurice Lencioni, in the 50th year of his age.

---

Funeral Notices, South Australian Register, Adelaide, 7 April 1864, p 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39125665:

On This Evening the Remains of the Rev. Maurice Lencioni will be conveyed to the Cathedral, in which they will remain till 2 o'clock on Friday, when the funeral will take place. An Office and Requiem High Mass will be celebrated at 10 o'clock, in the Cathedral.

---

General News, The Adelaide Express, 8 April 1864, p 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207688344:

The death of the Rev. Maurice Lencioni, after a very brief illness, has greatly surprised the numerous circle of his friends. He went on Wednesday week to Morphett Vale, to spend a few days, in the company of some friends, previous to his departure from South Australia. While in the country, the Rev. gentleman was taken ill, but did not think his illness of a severe nature in the beginning, and neglected for four days to send for medical advice. On Tuesday last, however, he consented to send to town for Dr. Gunson, who instantly started for Morphett Vale, but on seeing Father Maurice thought his case would terminate fatally; however, he made use of every means to alleviate his sufferings, and remained with him till he breathed his last on Wednesday evening at a quarter-past 7 o'clock. Father Maurice Lencioni was born on the 11th June, 1814, in Lucca, in which town he received his elementary education. At the tender age of 18 years he entered the severe order of the Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord, and was sent to Viterbo to perform his noviciate. Having made his religious vows his superiors sent him to Ancona to complete his ecclesiastical studies, in which city he received the Minor Orders in 1835, and in a few years afterwards was ordained priest by Cardinal Ferretti, a near relation to His present Holiness Pius IX. His superiors then called him to Rome, where they employed him in many offices of responsibility, in all of which he laboured with great profit to others, and satisfaction to them. At the age of 29 years he was sent with three of his religious brethren to New South Wales, under the Archbishop of Sydney, who, on their arrival, allotted to them a mission at Moreton Bay, the chief object of which was the religious training of the poor natives, who were very numerous in that district. The rev. gentleman remained there four years, and has since often entertained his friends by narrating many anecdotes of his adventures, and the privations he endured whilst amongst them. He came to Adelaide in 1847, in the 33rd year of his age, and for the past 17 years he has not only endeared himself to the Catholics of South Australia, but won the goodwill and friendship of all those with whom he became acquainted by his amiability and genuine goodness of character. The loss of the society of Father Maurice will be greatly felt by his fellow clergymen, and others with whom he was more intimately acquainted, but the poor, among whom it was his delight to spend no small portion of his time, will sorrowfully follow their Father, their adviser and benefactor to the tomb. The remains of the deceased were brought to Adelaide on Thursday, and placed in the Cathedral before the altar, which was hung with black. The coffin was covered with the pall, on which were placed the Sacred Elements. During the evening masses were said, and crowds of people thronged the Cathedral.

---

The Late Rev. Maurice Lencioni, South Australian Register, Adelaide, 26 April 1864, p 6, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39115886:

We have been favoured with the following biographical sketch of the Rev. Mr. Lencioni— popularly known amongst his own denomination as "Father Maurice"—The Rev. Maurice Lencioni, news of whose death took so many persons by surprise recently, was born at Lucca, in Italy, on the 11th day of June, 1814. During his younger years he received a liberal education in the leading seminary of his native town. When 18 years old he devoted his future life to the service of the Church by joining the Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord, in Viterbo, in which town he greatly signalized himself among his fellow-students by the urbanity of his manners and the progress he made in his ecclesiastical studies. He next visited Ancona, where he completed his education, and was ordained Priest by Cardinal Ferreti, a near relative of the present Sovereign Pontiff, Pius IX. In 1841 he was in Rome in the Convent of Saints John and Paul, where from original papers he is found to have been employed in ecclesiastical work of great importance and trust. In Rome he remained for about two years, or a little more. In 1843 he volunteered to cast his future lot in doing the work of a missionary priest in Australia. Twenty-one years ago he arrived in Sydney, and for four years laboured in the district of Moreton Bay, mostly among the aborigines, with whose language he became tolerably well acquainted. A gentleman of this province visited about eight years ago the scene of Father Maurice's former labours, and has often assured the writer of this brief memoir that the rev. father was well and affectionately remembered by the natives. After a residence of four years there he left and came to Adelaide, where he has continued to live for the past 17 years. Adelaide has greatly changed in 17 years, but Father Maurice's love for the place or its people never once changed; and truth to say his feelings were repaid in kind, for the old settlers loved him on to the close. He continually made new friends and never lost an old one. Those whose privilege it was to enjoy his more intimate society can alone understand what they have lost; while those who were left as a legacy to the world—the poor— will now know how richly even a poor man can be charitable. An unostentatiously learned divine—a zealous priest in every sense of the word—a good man, died at the residence of Rev. C. A. Reynolds, at 7.10 p.m. on the 6th April. The Rev. Father Maurice intended to spend a few days with old acquaintances about Morphett Vale previous to his leaving South Australia. A sudden illness came upon him, and whatever of him was mortal will remain until the last day among those he loved so well. His medical attendant was Dr. Gunson, who was with him to the end, and from whom we learn that the rev. gentleman first took ill on the previous Thursday. Next day he walked out into the township, thinking that his affliction—inflammation of the lungs—was not likely to prove serious. He became worse, however, and had to be taken back to the Rev. Mr. Reynolds's residence. On Tuesday Dr. Gunson was called in, but human skill proved unavailing. At 2 o'clock p.m. on Thursday a hearse was dispatched from Adelaide to bring down the corpse, and shortly after 9 o'clock it reached the Cathedral, followed by a mourning coach and several other vehicles. The coffin was at once borne into the building, preceded by the clergy, reciting the office for the dead. A solemn silence prevailed among the crowded congregation while the procession advanced up the aisle, only broken by the sobs of many of those present. The coffin having been deposited in front of the altar, a prayer was offered, and the Rev. Father Smyth ascending the platform announced that the Office and Requiem High Mass would be performed the following morning. On Friday a large number of persons were present. The service, which was conducted by the Rev. Father Reynolds, commenced at 10 o'clock and continued until past noon. In the course of the morning the Rev. Father Smyth gave a brief biographical sketch of the deceased, referring to his early consecration to the priesthood, his subsequent and continued zealous and self-denying efforts on behalf of the Church, and the holy example and child-like simplicity which he ever evinced. He delivered the deceased father's dying blessing to the people, and claimed a place for him in their prayers, their affections, and their memories. In conclusion, the rev. gentleman exhorted his congregation to prepare for death, seeing that life was so uncertain, as was evidenced that day. That day week, Father Maurice appeared in good health, but now his remains were before them, and they were called upon to perform his obsequies. During the address the majority present were in tears, especially when the preacher referred to Father Maurice's devoted and affectionate labours in their midst. At 2 o'clock a considerable crowd had assembled at the Cathedral to accompany the remains to the Cemetery. Shortly after the hour named, the coffin was slowly borne down the aisle and placed in the hearse, when the procession moved off in the following order:—About 100 persons walking—the priests reading the office for the dead—the hearse, and three mourning coaches. Then followed a large number of other vehicles, reaching about a quarter of a mile. Arrived at the grave, the prayers usual on such an occasion were read or intoned, and the coffin having been lowered into its last resting-place, the assembly dispersed.

---

Original gravestone inscriptions: "Rev. Mauritius Lencioni / Lucensis / Natus die XI Junii / MDCCCXIV, / obdormivit in Domino / die VI Aprilis / MDCCCLXIV. / Requiescat in pace." "Pacificus, mitis, prudens, humilisque suavis / Delicias mundi, patriamque reliquit amatam. / Per mare, et terras, partes pervenit in istas / multiplicare studens tota virtute talent.. / doctrinae, populis et spargere semina vitae." "Beati mortui qui in Domino moriuntur."

---

Denis M. Long, Pioneer and Early Priests, Archdiocese of Brisbane, Deceased or retired by 1929, 2021, pp 102-103:
Fr Maurice Lencioni CP

Maurice Lencioni was born at Luca, Italy, on 11 June 1814. He received his elementary education in Luca. At 18 years of age he entered the Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord. His noviciate was served in Viterbo. After his religious profession he went to Ancona to complete his ecclesiastical studies. He was ordained a priest at the end of 1837 by Cardinal Gabriele Ferretti. He was called to Rome, filling many offices of responsibility.

At the age of 29 he was sent to New South Wales with three of his religious brethren.(1) Bishop Polding assigned the four priests to found a mission to the indigenous people on Stradbroke Island in May 1843.

In June 1848, Fathers Snell, Lencioni and Pesciaroli set out in a small rowing boat for Brisbane, where on 25 June they sailed for Sydney, aboard the schooner William. Owing to strong southern gales the little ship was wind-bound along the coast, and did not reach its destination until 22 July. Two weeks later they boarded the schooner Sister, reaching Adelaide on 1 September 1846.(2) Father Vaccari remained on Stradbroke until he left to arrive in Sydney on 20 July 1847.(3)

A report of the laying of the foundation stone of an extension to St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Adelaide refers to the original plans for the construction of the building.

A tea party was held in the Catholic schoolroom in Franklin Street to raise money for a cathedral building fund. The function was presided over by the Rev John Smyth.… At least 300 people were present; among those present at the party was Fr Maurice Lencioni.(4)

The Adelaide Catholic paper published some memories of Fathers Lencioni and Snell in 1925:

(From the Chaplet and Southern Cross of 29 June 1872)

Father Maurice was a tall, burly man, with a voice like an organ, the heart of a little child, and the temper and disposition of a saint.
He laboured in Adelaide with all the zeal of an apostle. He could not preach nor hear confessions for a long time, because of his diffidence about speaking English, but his services were invaluable in the choir, for it would be difficult to find a finer musician. In concerts and all entertainments for ecclesiastical purposes Father Maurice was tower of strength. Everybody knew him. His fine proportions and cheerful voice were familiar to the citizens of Adelaide for many a long day.
His kindness and charity were proverbial. His great desire was to save as much money as would take him back to his convent in Rome, but this was a difficult matter when he would give everything away.
One day it was an old woman whom he wanted to send back to her friends in Ireland; and another day it would be the purchase of some cottage or hut for some poor couple to live in. These investments always secured him a great amount of ridicule and bantering, but his cheerfulness easily bore him over that. At last after seventeen years of long waiting and hard struggling, he had saved enough to take him home to Italy.
It was a matter of regret to all when he announced his intention of leaving. Loved and respected as he was by all classes, his departure was regarded as a severe loss to the community. The people presented him with a most affectionate address, and the clergy – he was dearly beloved by them – give him a chalice.
And then – four days before his intended departure, Father Maurice was taken ill and died. As a sign of the great love and respect with which he was regarded it may be mentioned that in a few days more than £300 was collected towards the monument which cover his remains in our much-neglected cemetery.
Poor Father Maurice! He was a child in affectionate simplicity and holy disinterestedness. After his death the little money he had with difficulty kept together, and never could he have so kept it had he been within hearing of the widows or the orphans cry, was left to be divided between the orphans and the schools.
At the time of the diggings when every male had rushed off to Ballarat, and nought but a sea of bonnets would be seen in the churches, Father Maurice alone remained with Bishop Murphy. A soldier would ring the bell, the Bishop would have to celebrate and preach; Father Maurice would sing.(5)

Fr Lencioni died at Morphett Vale in South Australia on 6 April 1864, just short of his 50th year. The local press reported on his death.

The death of Fr Maurice Lencioni
The death of the Rev Maurice Lencioni, after a very brief illness, had greatly surprised the numerous circles of his friends. He went on Wednesday week to Morphett Vale, to spend a few days in the company of some friends, previous to his departure from South Australia. When in the country, the Rev gentleman was taken ill, but did not think his illness of a severe nature in the beginning, and neglected for four days to send for medical advices. On Tuesday last, however, he consented to send to town for Dr Gunson, who instantly started for Morphett Vale, but on seeing Father Maurice thought his case would terminate fatally; however, he made use of every means to alleviate his suffering, and remained with him till he breathed his last on Wednesday evening at a quarter-past 7 o’clock.
Fr Lencioni often entertained his friends by narrating many anecdotes of his adventures, and the privations he endured whilst on Stradbroke Island. He came to Adelaide in 1847, in the 33rd year of his age, and for the past 17 years he has not only endeared himself to the Catholics of South Australia, but won the goodwill and friendship of all those with whom he became acquainted by his amiability and genuine goodness of character. The loss of the society of Father Maurice will be greatly felt by his fellow clergymen, and others with whom he was more intimately acquainted, but the poor, among whom it was his delight to spend no small portion of his time, will sorrowfully follow their Father, their advisor and benefactor to the tomb. The remains of the deceased were brought to Adelaide on Thursday, and placed in the Cathedral before the altar, … During the evening masses were said, and the Rev J Smyth, about ten o’clock, announced that the Service for the Dead would be performed at 10 o’clock on Friday morning, in the Cathedral, and the funeral procession would leave the same place about 2 o’clock in the afternoon for the West-terrace cemetery. Crowds of people thronged the Cathedral during last evening.(6)

An Adelaide newspaper the following day had had brief account of the funeral, adding:

The procession was very large, including a great number of vehicles, and several hundreds of pedestrians. Arrived at the place of internment, the priests performed the burial service, chanted a requiem, and the coffin was then lowered into the grave.(7)

Once again I refer reader to the Third edition of Fr Denis Martin’s work in 2018, pages 29 to 54, for an extensive account of the Passionist priests’ mission on Stradbroke Island.

Footnotes
(1) Southern Cross, Adelaide, 17 Jul, 1925, p. 19.
(2) Denis W Martin, The Foundation of the Catholic Church in Queensland, 1988 edition, p. 38 – quoting Osmond Thorpe.
(3) Ibid. p. 39.
(4) News, Adelaide, Oct 1923, p. 7.
(5) Southern Cross, Adelaide, 17 Jul, 1925, p. 19.
(6) Ibid. 8 Apr 1864, p. 2.
(7) Adelaide Express, Adelaide, 9 Apr 1864, p. 2.

Reproduced by permission of Fr Denis Long.