Basilica Nativity
Exhibit To Be Available To The World
"History
of the Basilica - From Cornerstone to Consecration" New Virtual
Exhibit
Coming Soon:
Slate to Chalk - A History of Education in Newfoundland before
Confederation
Access and Support ServicesThe Archives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's (ARCASJ) is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries are handled by mail, email, fax or telephone, or by visit. Advance notice of extensive research is required. Appointments are required as there is limited research space.
Photocopying services are available on-site at cost subject to the availability of staff. Some items may not be photocopied for reasons of privacy and conservation. Some records are restricted. Reproductions of photographs may be ordered at cost.
BackgroundIt is the responsibility of the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. John's under Canon Law (the law of the Church) to maintain a diocesan archives where documents concerning the spiritual and temporal affairs of this diocese are stored. The purpose for maintaining the archives Is to centralize, organize, preserve, protect and make available the records and materials which pertain to the origin, history, spirit, and growth of the Archdiocese. Where applicable, Canon Law shall govern the maintenance, organization and preservation, or use of the Archdiocesan Archives. Where Canon Law does not apply approved policies set out in the Policies and Procedures manual adopted in April 1994 shall govern.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. John's was erected as a Vicariate Apostolic by Pope Pius VI on December 5,1795. This new Vicariate was placed under the care of Reverend James O'Donel, O.F.M., who was later to become the first Bishop of Newfoundland. In June 1847, St. John's was established as a Diocese. Internal evidence suggests that the Reverend Michael Howley, the first native-born Bishop of the Archdiocese was instrumental in laying the foundation of the Archdiocesan Archives. He was a renowned historian, writer, lecturer, poet and people's advocate who preserved not only his own papers, but the papers and documents of the earlier Catholic Bishops in Newfoundland.
Areas of SpecialtyThe Archdiocesan Archives is the main repository for the historical and contemporary documents of the Roman Catholic Church in Newfoundland.
The holdings of the Archdiocesan Archives are divided into the following categories:
* Papers of the Bishops (1784-2001)
* Clergy Files
* Estates and Wills
* Parishes of the Archdiocese
* Vatican Publications
* Educational Records and Reports
* The Monitor (1934-1996)
* Photographs
* Parish Baptism, Marriage and Mortuary Records (1763-1850)
* Architectural descriptions and blueprints.
Finding Aids/PublicationsA guide to the collections of the Archives is available to researchers for examination at the Archives, upon request. Finding aids are available for processed collections.
