• About the research

    Posted on May 21, 2009 by Web Editor

    It was Monsignor Philip Hanley's intention to proceed with the history of the Diocese up to the year 1915, and to publish the complete book upon its completion. Health considerations, however, have not allowed him to continue his research on this project past the year 1903. As an historical work, this book has been thoroughly referenced by its author. Indeed, the footnotes are so extensive that they were omitted in the printing of the paperback edition to simplify the publishing process. These footnotes are now included on the website.

    INTRODUCTION:

    By Most Rev. Richard Gagnon, Bishop of Victoria

    September 16, 2008

    “The House of the Lord has been well founded on firm rock.”

    The above words used for the blessing of the cornerstone of St. Andrew's Cathedral in Victoria, on October 5, 1890 and repeated the next day in the Victoria Daily Times, could very well have served as the inspiration for this fine history of the Diocese of Victoria written by Monsignor Philip Hanley.

    Starting with a description of the first Spanish, English and Russian explorations along the west coast of North America, Monsignor Hanley creates an easy to follow chronology of the establishment of the Catholic Church in the Pacific North West until the turn of the twentieth century.

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