The Diaries
The personal diaries of Fr Ignatius Spencer CP (1799–1864) survive in four volumes spanning his life from his undergraduate years at Cambridge to his death as a Passionist missionary in 1864. They record, in his own hand, his intellectual and spiritual journey from the English aristocracy through the Church of England to Rome — and then across Britain and Ireland as a Passionist preacher.
The diaries have been transcribed from the original manuscripts held in the Provincial Archive. The full text of each volume is available to read below.
Cambridge and the Grand Tour
1817–1820
Spencer's undergraduate years at Trinity College, Cambridge, and his tour of Europe. The diary opens in October 1817 as he begins his College life, recording lectures, friendships, reading, and his first encounters with Catholic Europe.
Read volume → Volume IIAnglican Ministry at Brington
1821–1827
Spencer's years as an Anglican clergyman at Great Brington, Northamptonshire. The diary records his pastoral work, his growing religious doubts, and the spiritual searching that would lead him towards Rome.
Read volume → Volume III, Part 1The Road to Rome
1827–1829
The pivotal years of Spencer's conversion to Roman Catholicism. The diary covers his journey to Rome, his reception into the Church, and the early stages of his formation as a Catholic priest.
Read volume → Volume III, Part 2Passionist Missionary Work
1849–1864
Spencer's years as a Passionist religious, travelling across Britain and Ireland giving missions and retreats, promoting prayer for the conversion of England, and working alongside Blessed Dominic Barberi until his death in 1864.
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