Girard0045

6 January 1840 - Extract from Father Philippe Viard to Father Jean-Marie Noailly, parish priest of la Guillotiére

Translated by Fr Brian Quin SM

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Bay of Islands, 6 January 1840

[1]

... Bishop Pompallier has once again acquired new claims to the esteem and affection of the New Zealanders. The complete pacification of a tribe which, already under arms, was preparing to support injustice by violence, a pacification obtained by the sole influence of the character and virtue of our holy bishop. This is one more act to add to those which do so much honour to our holy religion. Four islanders had devastated the house of a Frenchman and, adding assault to plunder, had tied his hands behind his back. All our compatriots residing on the island considered themselves personally insulted and had word sent to the chief that, if the stolen objects were not returned, they would go themselves and take them back by force. The chief understood the justice of their claim and promised that he would make amends. But these good dispositions did not hold out against the harmful advice of certain rather ill-intentioned persons. A second reply informed the French that, far from satisfying their demand, the tribe was driving them from its territory, and that it had weapons with which to oppose their threats. The bishop, foreseeing the extremities to which matters were about to come, resolved to prevent this misfortune. He embarked with two captains whose ships were in the roadstead, a representative of the injured party, and a chief from the Bay of Islands. On approaching the tribe, they saw a multitude armed with axes and guns. Bishop Pompallier's companions advised him to avert, by some sign of peace, so imminent a danger. "Fear nothing," he said to them; "it will be enough for me to show myself and to let my pastoral cross be seen." Indeed, as soon as he was near the shore, the natives shouted for joy and prepared to give him a suitable reception. Scarcely had he set foot on land when all these savages, numbering three hundred, pressed around him. They soon acknowledged their fault. The chief of the tribe, after a moment of silence and reflection, declared in the name of all that not only would the stolen objects be returned, but that a fine piece of land would also be offered to the foreigner as reparation for the insult he had received. "Now," he added, "we seek his friendship." At these words, the joy was complete and universal. The natives threw down their weapons, crying: "Epicopo is with us; he makes us all happy."

[2]

Allow me also to tell you how favourable heaven is showing itself to this good people, and what confidence it is taking pains to inspire in them toward their legitimate pastors. For the six months that the bishop has lived in the Bay of Islands, not a single islander has died, neither young nor old. Meanwhile, in the tribes that obey the Protestant ministers, mortality is considerable. Thus the Zealanders delight in repeating that in the religion of their Epicopo one does not die. The daughter of the king of Karorareka having fallen ill, the doctors, after exhausting all the resources of their art, declared that her life was over. Her desolate father said to his people: "Go and fetch Epicopo; ask him to come and heal my daughter." The bishop arrived. The young woman, who had lost consciousness, recovered enough strength and reason to receive spiritual assistance and was immediately healed. I could also cite several children who recovered their health on receiving baptism. Perhaps soon the bishop will inform you in greater detail of the many wonders with which divine mercy deigns to favor our ministry. The day before yesterday Fathers Epalle and Petit Jean left for Hangoura, about twenty leagues from the episcopal residence. Tomorrow Father Comte is going among the tribe of Vilinak. A deputation of the most distinguished members of this people came a few days ago to wish our bishop a happy New Year, asking him, as their New Year's gift, for a missionary. The prelate told them in vain that he had no priest who yet knew Māori. "What does that matter!" they replied; "we will teach it to him. For long enough you have been making promises to us; if you do not want to keep them, we shall not leave you." The bishop yielded to the ardour of their desires, and now they are at the height of joy.

[3]

While my confreres go to evangelize the savage tribes, I am edified by the sight of the virtues of our first pastor. What admirable gentleness he preserves in the midst of a people who trouble him at every hour. These islanders are true children, whose indiscretion is matched only by the patience of the holy prelate. When they are with His Lordship, they no longer know how to part from him. "Epicopo, I am hungry," they say without further ceremony as they sit down at table; and Epicopo gives them to eat what he has, without his condescension being exhausted and without his zeal ever knowing fatigue.

Notes

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