Notable South Australians/Rev. M. Lencioni, R.C.
Rev. M. Lencioni, R.C.,
WAS popularly known among his own denomination as "Father Maurice." Born at Lucca, Italy, June 11, 1814, and died at Morphett Vale, April 6, 1864. He was liberally educated, and at the age of 18 devoted his life to the service of the Church, and joined the Congregation of the Passion of Our Lord in Viterbo. He here greatly signalised himself by his urbanity of manner and the progress made in his ecclesiastical studies. Completed his education in Ancona, where he was ordained a priest. In 1841 was employed in ecclesiastical works of importance and trust in connection with the Convents of St. John and St. Paul, at Rome; appointed missionary priest for Australia in 1843, and arrived in Sydney, N.S.W., during the same year. Laboured for four years among the aborigines in Moreton Bay, and became thoroughly acquainted with their language. Arrived in Adelaide in 1847, and resided here upwards of seventeen years. He was an unostentatiously learned divine, a zealous priest, and a good man.