Girard0292 - Revision history

Merv at 02:01, 25 July 2026

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	''[In Poupinel's hand:]'' Letters of Fathers Roudaire and Rougeyron - Wallis, December 1, 1843 - Port Balade, New Caledonia, 31 December 1843		''[In Poupinel's hand:]'' Letters of Fathers Roudaire and Rougeyron - Wallis, December 1, 1843 - Port Balade, New Caledonia, 31 December 1843


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Merv at 02:00, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T02:00:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 25 July 2026
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	''[In Poupinel's hand:]'' Letters of Fathers Roudaire and Rougeyron - Wallis, December 1, 1843 - Port Balade, New Caledonia, 31 December 1843		''[In Poupinel's hand:]'' Letters of Fathers Roudaire and Rougeyron - Wallis, December 1, 1843 - Port Balade, New Caledonia, 31 December 1843

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			\|[[Girard0291\|'''Previous LRO Letter''']]\|\| align=center \| [[Contents#1843\|'''LRO List of 1843 Letters''']] \|\| align=right\| [[Girard0293\|'''Next LRO letter''']]
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	''[p. 1]''		''[p. 1]''

Merv at 01:40, 25 July 2026

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 <references />
-# Baldomero Espartero (1793-1879), Spanish general and politician, regent from 1841 to 1843 (cf. doc. 293, § 3).
 ''Author's footnote:'' These letters have not been received. [No doubt these letters had not yet come to the attention of Father Roudaire, author of the present letter, but they would be received later - see Chevron's letter to Colin of June 27, 1843, [[Girard0262|doc. 262]], and the one he wrote to his family on the 24th and 25th of the same month, [[Girard0261|doc. 261]].]

Merv at 01:40, 25 July 2026

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	;[19]: A. The church of Bea<ref>Pea in current spelling.</ref> is magnificent. It was the savages, neophytes and infidels, who built it; it is made of bamboo, but of rare cleanliness and elegance. I would like to be a painter so as to send you its model. The temple of the Protestants is in this style; I visited it, but it does not approach the church of Bea. Bishop d'Amata officiated there. The recollection and the singing of these good savages would have drawn tears from you. Nothing is as touching as that spectacle.		;[19]: A. The church of Bea<ref>Pea in current spelling.</ref> is magnificent. It was the savages, neophytes and infidels, who built it; it is made of bamboo, but of rare cleanliness and elegance. I would like to be a painter so as to send you its model. The temple of the Protestants is in this style; I visited it, but it does not approach the church of Bea. Bishop d'Amata officiated there. The recollection and the singing of these good savages would have drawn tears from you. Nothing is as touching as that spectacle.

	;[20]: We visited almost all the chiefs of the island. The commander of the ''Bucephale'', Mr. Lafeyriere, gave them some presents on behalf of the king, and Bishop d'Amata, for his part, added something to them; so that they were delighted. Not even the chief of the Protestant fort was excepted. All dined aboard and, after drinking French kava, which is a little better than that of Tonga, the Protestant chief, whom our visit had probably somewhat embarrassed because of his ministers, opened up a little. He said to two Catholic chiefs who had dined with us: “We are not sufficiently instructed to know on which side the truth lies; it would be good if we had some ''[p. 7]'' means for that, if the missionaries and the ministers saw one another.” “But whose fault is it?” asked the two Catholic chiefs. “Our missionaries visited your ministers, and they did not wish to return their visit; and every time they go to your villages, your ministers take care to hide.”		;[20]: We visited almost all the chiefs of the island. The commander of the ''Bucephale'', Mr. Lafeyriere,<ref>Julien-Laferriere (cf. [[Girard0285\|doc. 285], § 1, n. 2).</ref> gave them some presents on behalf of the king, and Bishop d'Amata, for his part, added something to them; so that they were delighted. Not even the chief of the Protestant fort was excepted. All dined aboard and, after drinking French kava, which is a little better than that of Tonga, the Protestant chief, whom our visit had probably somewhat embarrassed because of his ministers, opened up a little. He said to two Catholic chiefs who had dined with us: “We are not sufficiently instructed to know on which side the truth lies; it would be good if we had some ''[p. 7]'' means for that, if the missionaries and the ministers saw one another.” “But whose fault is it?” asked the two Catholic chiefs. “Our missionaries visited your ministers, and they did not wish to return their visit; and every time they go to your villages, your ministers take care to hide.”

	;[21]: B. During our stay at Tonga, we were invited to a feast, to a mock combat, which Catholicism will destroy or at least reform, we trust. About six thousand men were gathered in an immense plain; a gloomy silence reigned throughout the assembly when suddenly a chief rose and harangued the people. Immediately two champions leapt into the arena, each armed with an enormous club or kind of bludgeon. Each of the combatants dealt terrible blows to his antagonist, if the latter was not skillful enough to avoid them. A great number came successively to join the earlier ones, and the assembly was not dissolved until victory was assured to one side. Fortunately, that day there were only a few wounded. Poor people, to be thus enslaved to such barbarous customs.		;[21]: B. During our stay at Tonga, we were invited to a feast, to a mock combat, which Catholicism will destroy or at least reform, we trust. About six thousand men were gathered in an immense plain; a gloomy silence reigned throughout the assembly when suddenly a chief rose and harangued the people. Immediately two champions leapt into the arena, each armed with an enormous club or kind of bludgeon. Each of the combatants dealt terrible blows to his antagonist, if the latter was not skillful enough to avoid them. A great number came successively to join the earlier ones, and the assembly was not dissolved until victory was assured to one side. Fortunately, that day there were only a few wounded. Poor people, to be thus enslaved to such barbarous customs.

Merv at 01:38, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T01:38:26Z

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	;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga.<ref>Their ship was “opposite Tonga” on November 21, but the missionaries arrived in port only the following day, according to Chevron (cf. [[Girard0286\|doc. 286]], § 1).</ref> It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.<ref>Cf. §§ 19-20 below.</ref>		;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga.<ref>Their ship was “opposite Tonga” on November 21, but the missionaries arrived in port only the following day, according to Chevron (cf. [[Girard0286\|doc. 286]], § 1).</ref> It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.<ref>Cf. §§ 19-20 below.</ref>

	;[15]: I believe that today the success of the mission is assured. The people of Tonga are very good; they set the tone for the neighboring islands because of their already advanced civilization. Our confreres, who for fourteen months have been sowing in tears, will soon reap in gladness. They have 100 baptized persons who are very fervent, 200 catechumens who give them much consolation, and altogether nearly 2,000 people who side with them and are thinking about instruction. Letters written last June by Father Chevron to the Reverend Father General will give you more details. We can assure you, and this is the general testimony, that they are loved above all by the infidels and even by the Protestants; and in truth, ''[p. 6]'' how could it be otherwise: they care for and heal their sick, they give or lend them tools, they patiently endure their ingratitude and sometimes their contempt, without ever ceasing to instruct them. Despite this, they receive only rebuffs and contempt from the Protestant ministers. They have visited them several times without ever having the visit returned. When they go to their villages, which happens often, on those days the ministers keep exactly to their rooms. Until now our confreres have not yet had any discussion with them; and I assure you, my Reverend Father, that there is no reason to be frightened by their learning; they are rather ignorant. The knowledge of most of them is limited to knowing and pompously pouring out a crowd of foolish objections against Catholicism. What they do best is trade and make their fortune. They understand that, I assure you.		;[15]: I believe that today the success of the mission is assured. The people of Tonga are very good; they set the tone for the neighboring islands because of their already advanced civilization. Our confreres, who for fourteen months have been sowing in tears, will soon reap in gladness.<ref>Cf. Ps 126(125):5: Those who sowed in tears reap in joy!</ref> They have 100 baptized persons who are very fervent, 200 catechumens who give them much consolation, and altogether nearly 2,000 people who side with them and are thinking about instruction. Letters written last June by Father Chevron to the Reverend Father General will give you more details. We can assure you, and this is the general testimony, that they are loved above all by the infidels and even by the Protestants; and in truth, ''[p. 6]'' how could it be otherwise: they care for and heal their sick, they give or lend them tools, they patiently endure their ingratitude and sometimes their contempt, without ever ceasing to instruct them. Despite this, they receive only rebuffs and contempt from the Protestant ministers. They have visited them several times without ever having the visit returned. When they go to their villages, which happens often, on those days the ministers keep exactly to their rooms. Until now our confreres have not yet had any discussion with them; and I assure you, my Reverend Father, that there is no reason to be frightened by their learning; they are rather ignorant. The knowledge of most of them is limited to knowing and pompously pouring out a crowd of foolish objections against Catholicism. What they do best is trade and make their fortune. They understand that, I assure you.

	;[16]: Note B is placed at this point.		;[16]: Note B is placed at this point.<ref>Cf. § 21 below.</ref>

	;[17]: So here we are at Wallis, this land of desires. I must remain there to establish our printing press, which will be of immense usefulness. Time presses me; I reserve for another occasion the task of giving you more details about our dear missions. The day after tomorrow the consecration of Bishop Bataillon will take place.		;[17]: So here we are at Wallis, this land of desires. I must remain there to establish our printing press, which will be of immense usefulness. Time presses me; I reserve for another occasion the task of giving you more details about our dear missions. The day after tomorrow the consecration of Bishop Bataillon will take place.
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	:apostolic missionary		:apostolic missionary

	;[19]: A. The church of Bea is magnificent. It was the savages, neophytes and infidels, who built it; it is made of bamboo, but of rare cleanliness and elegance. I would like to be a painter so as to send you its model. The temple of the Protestants is in this style; I visited it, but it does not approach the church of Bea. Bishop d'Amata officiated there. The recollection and the singing of these good savages would have drawn tears from you. Nothing is as touching as that spectacle.		;[19]: A. The church of Bea<ref>Pea in current spelling.</ref> is magnificent. It was the savages, neophytes and infidels, who built it; it is made of bamboo, but of rare cleanliness and elegance. I would like to be a painter so as to send you its model. The temple of the Protestants is in this style; I visited it, but it does not approach the church of Bea. Bishop d'Amata officiated there. The recollection and the singing of these good savages would have drawn tears from you. Nothing is as touching as that spectacle.

	;[20]: We visited almost all the chiefs of the island. The commander of the ''Bucephale'', Mr. Lafeyriere, gave them some presents on behalf of the king, and Bishop d'Amata, for his part, added something to them; so that they were delighted. Not even the chief of the Protestant fort was excepted. All dined aboard and, after drinking French kava, which is a little better than that of Tonga, the Protestant chief, whom our visit had probably somewhat embarrassed because of his ministers, opened up a little. He said to two Catholic chiefs who had dined with us: “We are not sufficiently instructed to know on which side the truth lies; it would be good if we had some ''[p. 7]'' means for that, if the missionaries and the ministers saw one another.” “But whose fault is it?” asked the two Catholic chiefs. “Our missionaries visited your ministers, and they did not wish to return their visit; and every time they go to your villages, your ministers take care to hide.”		;[20]: We visited almost all the chiefs of the island. The commander of the ''Bucephale'', Mr. Lafeyriere, gave them some presents on behalf of the king, and Bishop d'Amata, for his part, added something to them; so that they were delighted. Not even the chief of the Protestant fort was excepted. All dined aboard and, after drinking French kava, which is a little better than that of Tonga, the Protestant chief, whom our visit had probably somewhat embarrassed because of his ministers, opened up a little. He said to two Catholic chiefs who had dined with us: “We are not sufficiently instructed to know on which side the truth lies; it would be good if we had some ''[p. 7]'' means for that, if the missionaries and the ministers saw one another.” “But whose fault is it?” asked the two Catholic chiefs. “Our missionaries visited your ministers, and they did not wish to return their visit; and every time they go to your villages, your ministers take care to hide.”

Merv at 01:36, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T01:36:18Z

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	;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars<ref>Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars (cf. [[Girard0188\|doc. 188]], § 7, n. 2).</ref> was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.		;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars<ref>Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars (cf. [[Girard0188\|doc. 188]], § 7, n. 2).</ref> was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.

	;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga.<ref>Their ship was “opposite Tonga” on November 21, but the missionaries arrived in port only the following day, according to Chevron (cf. [[Girard0286\|doc. 286]], § 1).</ref> It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.		;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga.<ref>Their ship was “opposite Tonga” on November 21, but the missionaries arrived in port only the following day, according to Chevron (cf. [[Girard0286\|doc. 286]], § 1).</ref> It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.<ref>Cf. §§ 19-20 below.</ref>

	;[15]: I believe that today the success of the mission is assured. The people of Tonga are very good; they set the tone for the neighboring islands because of their already advanced civilization. Our confreres, who for fourteen months have been sowing in tears, will soon reap in gladness. They have 100 baptized persons who are very fervent, 200 catechumens who give them much consolation, and altogether nearly 2,000 people who side with them and are thinking about instruction. Letters written last June by Father Chevron to the Reverend Father General will give you more details. We can assure you, and this is the general testimony, that they are loved above all by the infidels and even by the Protestants; and in truth, ''[p. 6]'' how could it be otherwise: they care for and heal their sick, they give or lend them tools, they patiently endure their ingratitude and sometimes their contempt, without ever ceasing to instruct them. Despite this, they receive only rebuffs and contempt from the Protestant ministers. They have visited them several times without ever having the visit returned. When they go to their villages, which happens often, on those days the ministers keep exactly to their rooms. Until now our confreres have not yet had any discussion with them; and I assure you, my Reverend Father, that there is no reason to be frightened by their learning; they are rather ignorant. The knowledge of most of them is limited to knowing and pompously pouring out a crowd of foolish objections against Catholicism. What they do best is trade and make their fortune. They understand that, I assure you.		;[15]: I believe that today the success of the mission is assured. The people of Tonga are very good; they set the tone for the neighboring islands because of their already advanced civilization. Our confreres, who for fourteen months have been sowing in tears, will soon reap in gladness. They have 100 baptized persons who are very fervent, 200 catechumens who give them much consolation, and altogether nearly 2,000 people who side with them and are thinking about instruction. Letters written last June by Father Chevron to the Reverend Father General will give you more details. We can assure you, and this is the general testimony, that they are loved above all by the infidels and even by the Protestants; and in truth, ''[p. 6]'' how could it be otherwise: they care for and heal their sick, they give or lend them tools, they patiently endure their ingratitude and sometimes their contempt, without ever ceasing to instruct them. Despite this, they receive only rebuffs and contempt from the Protestant ministers. They have visited them several times without ever having the visit returned. When they go to their villages, which happens often, on those days the ministers keep exactly to their rooms. Until now our confreres have not yet had any discussion with them; and I assure you, my Reverend Father, that there is no reason to be frightened by their learning; they are rather ignorant. The knowledge of most of them is limited to knowing and pompously pouring out a crowd of foolish objections against Catholicism. What they do best is trade and make their fortune. They understand that, I assure you.

Merv at 01:35, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T01:35:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:35, 25 July 2026
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	;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars<ref>Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars (cf. [[Girard0188\|doc. 188]], § 7, n. 2).</ref> was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.		;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars<ref>Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars (cf. [[Girard0188\|doc. 188]], § 7, n. 2).</ref> was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.

	;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga. It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.		;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga.<ref>Their ship was “opposite Tonga” on November 21, but the missionaries arrived in port only the following day, according to Chevron (cf. [[Girard0286\|doc. 286]], § 1).</ref> It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.

	;[15]: I believe that today the success of the mission is assured. The people of Tonga are very good; they set the tone for the neighboring islands because of their already advanced civilization. Our confreres, who for fourteen months have been sowing in tears, will soon reap in gladness. They have 100 baptized persons who are very fervent, 200 catechumens who give them much consolation, and altogether nearly 2,000 people who side with them and are thinking about instruction. Letters written last June by Father Chevron to the Reverend Father General will give you more details. We can assure you, and this is the general testimony, that they are loved above all by the infidels and even by the Protestants; and in truth, ''[p. 6]'' how could it be otherwise: they care for and heal their sick, they give or lend them tools, they patiently endure their ingratitude and sometimes their contempt, without ever ceasing to instruct them. Despite this, they receive only rebuffs and contempt from the Protestant ministers. They have visited them several times without ever having the visit returned. When they go to their villages, which happens often, on those days the ministers keep exactly to their rooms. Until now our confreres have not yet had any discussion with them; and I assure you, my Reverend Father, that there is no reason to be frightened by their learning; they are rather ignorant. The knowledge of most of them is limited to knowing and pompously pouring out a crowd of foolish objections against Catholicism. What they do best is trade and make their fortune. They understand that, I assure you.		;[15]: I believe that today the success of the mission is assured. The people of Tonga are very good; they set the tone for the neighboring islands because of their already advanced civilization. Our confreres, who for fourteen months have been sowing in tears, will soon reap in gladness. They have 100 baptized persons who are very fervent, 200 catechumens who give them much consolation, and altogether nearly 2,000 people who side with them and are thinking about instruction. Letters written last June by Father Chevron to the Reverend Father General will give you more details. We can assure you, and this is the general testimony, that they are loved above all by the infidels and even by the Protestants; and in truth, ''[p. 6]'' how could it be otherwise: they care for and heal their sick, they give or lend them tools, they patiently endure their ingratitude and sometimes their contempt, without ever ceasing to instruct them. Despite this, they receive only rebuffs and contempt from the Protestant ministers. They have visited them several times without ever having the visit returned. When they go to their villages, which happens often, on those days the ministers keep exactly to their rooms. Until now our confreres have not yet had any discussion with them; and I assure you, my Reverend Father, that there is no reason to be frightened by their learning; they are rather ignorant. The knowledge of most of them is limited to knowing and pompously pouring out a crowd of foolish objections against Catholicism. What they do best is trade and make their fortune. They understand that, I assure you.

Merv at 01:34, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T01:34:22Z

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	;[12]: I confess to you, my Reverend Father, that I see little difference between Europeans and Marquesans. These people are very well formed in every respect. There is only one thing that is striking and that everyone notices: the difference of expression between the baptized natives and those who are not. The latter have something wild and sad in their gaze and features; in the others it is the gaze of the lamb, and one would say that a tint of Christianity remains visibly imprinted on their faces. I also made this observation at Tonga, and I am assured that I shall have occasion to make it everywhere.		;[12]: I confess to you, my Reverend Father, that I see little difference between Europeans and Marquesans. These people are very well formed in every respect. There is only one thing that is striking and that everyone notices: the difference of expression between the baptized natives and those who are not. The latter have something wild and sad in their gaze and features; in the others it is the gaze of the lamb, and one would say that a tint of Christianity remains visibly imprinted on their faces. I also made this observation at Tonga, and I am assured that I shall have occasion to make it everywhere.

	;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.		;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars<ref>Abel-Aubert du Petit-Thouars (cf. [[Girard0188\|doc. 188]], § 7, n. 2).</ref> was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.

	;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga. It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.		;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga. It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.

Merv at 01:33, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T01:33:02Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:33, 25 July 2026
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	;[12]: I confess to you, my Reverend Father, that I see little difference between Europeans and Marquesans. These people are very well formed in every respect. There is only one thing that is striking and that everyone notices: the difference of expression between the baptized natives and those who are not. The latter have something wild and sad in their gaze and features; in the others it is the gaze of the lamb, and one would say that a tint of Christianity remains visibly imprinted on their faces. I also made this observation at Tonga, and I am assured that I shall have occasion to make it everywhere.		;[12]: I confess to you, my Reverend Father, that I see little difference between Europeans and Marquesans. These people are very well formed in every respect. There is only one thing that is striking and that everyone notices: the difference of expression between the baptized natives and those who are not. The latter have something wild and sad in their gaze and features; in the others it is the gaze of the lamb, and one would say that a tint of Christianity remains visibly imprinted on their faces. I also made this observation at Tonga, and I am assured that I shall have occasion to make it everywhere.

	;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva, where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.		;[13]: On Monday<ref>Probably Monday, October 16, 1843, for on Thursday, October 19 our missionaries were already at Nuku Hiva, from where Charles Eugene Mathieu wrote a letter on that date (cf. unpublished letter from Mathieu to his brother, p. 1, APM OG 031, 8th departure).</ref> we went to the large island, Nuka Hiva,<ref>Read: Nuku Hiva.</ref> where the first establishment is located. Admiral Dupetit-Thouars was there with five vessels under his orders. Immediately he placed the ''Bucephale'' at Bishop d'Amata's disposal, and on November 1 we set sail for Tongatapu, where the admiral had just learned that our confreres were being harassed by the Protestant ministers. ''[p. 5]'' Imperious circumstances obliged us to leave before the arrival of our five confreres who were aboard the ''Phaeton'', but the worthy admiral promised us that he would dispatch a second ship to conduct them to their destination. It was there that we left our companions from the ''Uranie''; and during so long a crossing we had only praise for the consideration and kindness of the officers. We owe a quite particular gratitude above all to the governor. This worthy officer loved us; thus he could not leave Bishop d'Amata without shedding tears.

	;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga. It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.		;[14]: On the day of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, we found ourselves opposite Tonga. It is a low island, but of ravishing beauty and uncommon fertility. Vines grow very well there. It was the first mission of our Society that we had the happiness to visit; how happy we were to throw ourselves into the arms of the good Fathers Chevron and Grange and dear Brother Attale. The destitution to which we found them reduced drew tears from us. You have poor people in France, my Reverend Father, but I do not think you have any who have had more to suffer from poverty than our dear confreres suffered for several months. They plant the cross, but they water it with their sweat; they work in hunger, thirst, and nakedness. They have been admirable in courage and trust in God amid their trials and the persecutions stirred up against them by the Protestant ministers established on this island since 1825. Our arrival was providential for this interesting mission, so well prepared and for which God reserves brilliant successes. Since major circumstances had prevented Bishop Pompallier from having these dear confreres visited, our enemies had not failed to tell the natives that the Catholic priests were adventurers, men of no account whom the storm had cast upon their shores. Their imposture was exposed when the natives saw the welcome given to them by the officers of the ''Bucephale''; and the presence of this corvette further convinced them of deceit when they said that France was only a point compared with England; the natives then said: “The French are a great people; they are a powerful nation.” Note A belongs here.

Merv at 01:30, 25 July 2026

2026-07-25T01:30:30Z

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	=='''December 1, 1843. - ~~FatherGilbert~~ Roudaire to Father Jean Cholleton, New Caledonia.'''==		=='''December 1, 1843 - Father Gilbert Roudaire to Father Jean Cholleton, New Caledonia.'''==

	Based on the copy, in Poupinel's hand, APM OW 208 Roudaire.		Based on the copy, in Poupinel's hand, APM OW 208 Roudaire.