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16 February 1843 - Bishop Pompallier to Father Épalle, Kororareka

Summary

Épalle is in Lyons, where he went in 1842 to try to give the Marist administration and the Society for the Propagation of the Faith a first-hand view of the situation in the Pacific mission. He begins by telling Épalle of letters he has written to men in authority in the Church, in Lyons and Rome. Then he tells him to stay in Lyons, while looking for vocations, money, and in general trying to arouse the interest of the faithful in the mission. He is annoyed that while he was up in the tropics his instructions as to what should/should not be printed on the new press were ignored. He says that the tropical part of the mission is flourishing, and also that in the north of NZ, but is unhappy with that in the south. (“the south” at this time meant anything south of Auckland).

He has sent him 2,000 copies of what has been printed, and says that this work has mightily impressed the New Zealanders.

Translated by Merv Duffy SM, January 2025

Text of the Letter

[Page 4 Address]

To Father ¤ Father Épalle ¤ Lyon, Montée Saint Barthélemy ¤ No. 4, or, in the absence of Fr. Épalle, ¤ to Father Poupinel ¤ Lyon ¤ Europe France.

[Postal marks]

BREST 19 OCT. 43 (28) — PARIS 21 OCT. 43 ([--]) — LYON 23 OCT. [43] (68)

[In Poupinel's handwriting]

New Zealand ¤ Kororareka February 16, 1843 ¤ Bishop Pompallier

[Page 1]

Jesus, Mary, Joseph

Kororareka, February 16, 1843

To the Reverend Father Épalle, Pro-Vicar Apostolic of the Mission of Western Oceania

My Reverend and Dear Father,

[1]

How I long to receive news from you and updates on the tasks you have undertaken! This is the fourth letter I have written to you. I have also written to His Eminence Monsignor de Bonald, to Monsignor the Bishop of Belley, to the Superior General of the Society of Mary, a very long letter to the Propagation de la Foi in Lyon, and several equally lengthy letters to Monsignor Cardinal Fransoni.

Remain in Lyon. Seek vocations as much as possible. Be careful to avoid accepting candidates over 40 years of age; if they are religious, they should have fully completed their novitiate. Gather as many benefactions as you can, but prudently, so as not to offend the Propagation de la Foi. Always encourage the charity of the faithful who support this mission, so they continue sending us clothing and supplies. Examine vocations, guide candidates in their preparations for the mission, maintain the charity of the faithful, and foster ever greater trust among the mission’s benefactors—this is your important and valuable role in cooperation with our work here on the ground.

Do not undertake anything in the administration of the Apostolic Vicariate without directives and instructions issued by me from here. Otherwise, in attempting to do good, one can do great harm, because one is not on-site, unaware of the circumstances of this country and its challenges, and, moreover, it would not be in line with God’s order.

[2]

Upon my return from the tropics, I resumed the printing of manuscripts that had, in my absence, been set aside. I did not deem it appropriate before the Lord to print what had been written and deemed suitable for the good of minds and the cause of religion. What unfortunate illusion had seized several collaborators who believed themselves wiser, more capable, and more graced for the mission than the authority itself!

[3]

Wallis and Futuna are becoming like two other Gambiers. Several tribes in Hokianga are following their example. The entire Hokianga region, which I recently visited along with Wangape and Ahipara, has returned to the epikopo (bishop), to courage in prayer and instruction. However, in the southern tribes, there is a certain languor, and I believe the missionaries are bored, which is the worst of all. Why does God choose to glorify the works of the episcopate in my person, and why does He so humble the priesthood in this mission? I fear that past criticisms and the spirit of illusion that has crept into several individuals are among the main causes! I pray to the Lord for all and for each one, so that, understanding things better, success may come—for the joy of my heart, the happiness of the workers, and the salvation of the flock!

[4]

I am sending you one of the two thousand copies I had printed. The beginning contains a long letter and the instruction I wrote for the New Zealanders to help them recognize the true Church. The rest is an abridgment of my catechism, which will later appear in full, followed by prayers. All our natives rejoice and celebrate this first part of the substantial book we promised them, but which was too lengthy to complete. Meanwhile, souls were starving.

[5]

If I do not have time to write to Father Poupinel, please convey my greetings and thanks to him in the Lord. I am also sending him a copy of the Ako Marama. Soon there will be a Latin or French translation to aid understanding.

[6]

I have just sent many museum items to the Propagation de la Foi, the court of France, and the Holy Father. These include items for the Society's house in Lyon, for the Archbishop of Lyon, and the Bishop of Belley, as well as copies of the Ako Marama. Pray earnestly to Our Lady of Fourvière for the one who is, with much affection in Jesus and Mary,

Your completely devoted,

Jean-Baptiste François Pompallier, Bishop

Vicar Apostolic of Western Oceania

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