Girard0241

16 February 1843 - Bishop Pompallier to his mother, Mme Solichon, Bay of Islands

Summary

He begins by noting that he wrote a very long letter to her on 25th November 1842 and assumes it will get to her before this present one. He then lists places he has visited since his return from the Pacific – all in the north – and his apostolic activity there.

On his return from the north he finds a French naval vessel in the Bay of Islands and gives Commander Lavaud some items of mission interest, for the Propagation of the Faith and his own family.

Text of the Letter

Translated by Merv Duffy SM, January 2025 From the copy. APM Pompallier family file. Sheet, written on both sides.

[Page 1]

Jesus, Mary, Joseph

New Zealand

Bay of Islands

February 16, 1843

To Madame Solichon, née Pompallier, in Vourles

Dearest Mama,

[1]

I wrote you a very long letter dated November 25, 1842. I believe it will surely reach you before this one, along with all the others it contained. Since then, I have undertaken journeys and made extended visits to the tribes of the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, Wagape, and Kaipara in New Zealand. The good Lord has seen fit to grant me many consolations during these travels. I administered Holy Baptism and Confirmation to about 150 people, and First Communion to some thirty adult converts. These children of simplicity and faith are taking the Kingdom of Heaven by storm, after having once been fierce savages. I also had the joy of receiving the abjuration of two Protestant Europeans, and then of a third in the Bay of Islands. Such, in essence, are the news that may interest you, as well as my dear father-in-law and my dear relatives.

[2]

Upon my return from this journey, I found a French corvette anchored in the bay’s harbour. I am taking advantage of the kind assistance of Monsieur Lavaud, ship’s captain, to send many items to the Propagation de la Foi. But I did not forget to also send, at the same time, through the care of Commander Lavaud and the editor of the Annales in Lyon, the items I mentioned to you in my previous letter. These items include a mat from the island of Wallis and three rosaries made by the neophytes of that same island. The mat was offered to me as a gift for you, and the rosaries are intended for my sisters-in-law.

[3]

How I regret not being able to write yet to Father Querbes. Please extend my greetings in Our Lord to that dear pastor. My warm regards as well to the individuals you know to be acquaintances or friends of the family.

[4]

Believe me, dearest Mama,

Your ever-affectionate son,

Jean-Baptiste François Pompallier,

Bishop,

Vicar Apostolic of Western Oceania

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