Jean Forest - Revision history

MAW: /* First Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-04-16T23:26:05Z

First Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:26, 17 April 2026
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	:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.		:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions.<ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and Colin carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions.<ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him.<ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and Colin carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>

	:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

MAW: /* First Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-04-16T23:25:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:25, 17 April 2026
Line 11:		Line 11:
	:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.		:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and Colin carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions.<ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and Colin carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>

	:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

MAW: /* 1st Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-04-16T23:20:30Z

1st Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:20, 17 April 2026
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	==Jean Forest==		==Jean Forest==
	===~~1st~~ Visitor <ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===		===First Visitor <ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===

	:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.		:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.

MAW: /* 1st Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-03-18T21:30:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:30, 19 March 2026
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	:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.		:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> ~~to the Missions~~ in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on ~~Jean~~ Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and Colin carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>

	:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.
Line 19:		Line 19:
	:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8 January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on 2 April at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Jean-Baptiste Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3 April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure there was always a community of two or three Marists in the same mission station.		:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8 January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on 2 April at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Jean-Baptiste Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3 April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure there was always a community of two or three Marists in the same mission station.

	:In 1850 Forest was appointed superior by Colin for a term of 3 years, with the title of “Visitor”. <ref> CS4, 135 (21 January 1850).</ref> In the same year, he moved to the Diocese of Wellington, where ~~he opened~~ the mission in the Hutt valley and built the church of Saints Peter and Paul, ~~also~~ a presbytery and school.		:In 1850 Forest was appointed superior by Colin for a term of 3 years, with the title of “Visitor”. <ref> CS4, 135 (21 January 1850).</ref> In the same year, he moved to the Diocese of Wellington, where Bishop Philippe Viard instructed him to open the mission in the Hutt valley (northern end of Port Nicholson harbour) and built in 1851 the church of Saints Peter and Paul, as well as a presbytery and school.

	:~~Poor~~ health in April 1859 ~~forced him to transfer~~ to Meeanee ~~parish in Hawke's Bay~~ as assistant to Euloge Reignier. In ~~1857~~, Napier ~~became~~ the capital of a new province and the 45th Regiment was quartered there. The Catholic population increased so that ~~same year~~ a Catholic church was opened in Napier to which Forest moved in August. In 1860 Forest was appointed Napier's ~~first parish priest~~, a position he held until his death in 1884.		:Hoping the climate in Hawke's Bay would be better for his health, in April 1859 Forest transferred to Meeanee mission as assistant to Euloge Reignier. In 1858, Napier had become the capital of a new province and the 45th Regiment was quartered there. The Catholic population increased so that in March 1859 a Catholic church, St Mary's, was opened in Napier to which Forest moved in August. In 1860 Forest was appointed Napier's mission rector, a position he held until his death in 1884.

	:Fr Forest welcomed the Sisters of the Mission to New Zealand in 1865. ~~He was aware that~~ Reignier, in ~~1867~~, ~~was opening~~ St Joseph's Providence, a school for Maori and mixed-race girls. This school is still in existence at Greenmeadows and is now known as St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College.		:Forest welcomed the Sisters of the Mission to New Zealand in 1865 where they started Sacred Heart College. In 1867, the Sisters opened with Reignier's support opened in the convent grounds, St Joseph's Providence, a school for Maori and mixed-race girls. This school is still in existence at Greenmeadows and is now known as St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College.

	:Remembering his charge to buy a property for the Society of Mary he was grateful Reignier had bought a property on Meeanee Flat. In 1880 a house was built, which was suitable as a retreat for the sick and elderly. Later this became the site of St Mary's Seminary which moved to Greenmeadows in 1910.		:Remembering his charge to buy a property for the Society of Mary he was grateful Reignier had bought a property on Meeanee Flat. In 1880 a house was built, which was suitable as a retreat for the sick and elderly. Later this became the site of St Mary's Seminary which moved to Greenmeadows in 1910.

	:He was authorized in 1872 to receive the consecration of Mademoiselle Suzanne Aubert<ref> She had arrived at Auckland in 1860.</ref> as a novice into the Third Order of Mary and to accept her profession a year later. Suzanne Aubert went on to become Mother Aubert, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Forest also welcomed the Marist Brothers to Napier in 1878, almost ten years after first requesting them to come.		:He was authorized in 1872 to receive the consecration of Mademoiselle Suzanne Aubert<ref> She had arrived at Auckland in 1860.</ref> as a novice into the Third Order Regular of Mary and to accept her profession a year later. Suzanne Aubert went on to become Mother Aubert, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Forest also welcomed the Marist Brothers to Napier in 1878, almost ten years after first requesting them to come.

	:Forest administered the Wellington diocese on Viard’s death in 1872, and again in 1880, during Bishop Francis Redwood’s ''ad limina'' visit to Rome.		:Forest administered the Wellington diocese on Viard’s death in 1872, and again in 1880, during Bishop Francis Redwood’s ''ad limina'' visit to Rome.

MAW: /* 1st Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-03-18T21:14:15Z

MAW: /* 1st Visitor At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-03-18T03:55:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:55, 18 March 2026
Line 15:		Line 15:
	:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

	:Within a short time, he realized the bad situation of the missionaries in New Zealand, largely due to Bishop Pompallier's financial mismanagement and overindulgent zeal for conversions, and he determined to prepare some proposals for Fr Colin, and for the Holy See if necessary. Although Pompallier did not welcome the idea of another 'superior' of the missionaries and was afraid of Forest infringing on his ecclesiastical authority, he knew from previous experience<ref> CS2 doc 31 [12].</ref> that Forest was most diplomatic. ~~From 1843~~ Forest ~~had~~ the ~~responsibility of a provincial but he refused~~ the title. <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0245\|245]], [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref>		:Within a short time, he realized the bad situation of the missionaries in New Zealand, largely due to Bishop Pompallier's financial mismanagement and overindulgent zeal for conversions, and he determined to prepare some proposals for Fr Colin, and for the Holy See if necessary. Although Pompallier did not welcome the idea of another 'superior' of the missionaries and was afraid of Forest infringing on his ecclesiastical authority, he knew from previous experience<ref> CS2 doc 31 [12].</ref> that Forest was most diplomatic. When Garin was moved into active ministry, Forest took over the tasks previously done by Garin without accepting the title of ‘provincial’. <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0245\|245]], [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref>

	:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8th January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on April 2nd at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Father Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3rd April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure Marists were always two or three in the same mission station.		:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8th January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on April 2nd at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Father Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3rd April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure Marists were always two or three in the same mission station.

MAW: /* 1st Visitor General At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2026-03-18T03:53:46Z

1st Visitor General At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:53, 18 March 2026
Line 7:		Line 7:

	==Jean Forest==		==Jean Forest==
	===1st Visitor ~~General~~<ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===		===1st Visitor <ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===

	:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the diocese of Lyons in the department of Loire, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24th September 1836.		:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the diocese of Lyons in the department of Loire, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24th September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor ~~General~~ of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16th November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6th April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had six months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20th October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16th November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6th April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had six months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20th October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>

	:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

Merv at 17:27, 21 September 2025

2025-09-21T17:27:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:27, 22 September 2025
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	=== Notes ===		=== Notes ===
	<references/>		<references/>


			{\|border=1; style="width:100%"
			\|+
			\|-bgcolor=lightgreen
			\|align=center \|[[Antoine Marie Garin\|'''Garin''']]\|\| align=center \| [[Biographical_Notes#Delegated_Religious_Superiors_1836-1898\|'''Delegated Religious Superiors 1836-1898''']] \|\| align=center \| [[Phillippe Calinon\|'''Calinon''']]
			\|}

Merv: /* 1st Visitor General At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4]. of the Missions */

2025-09-11T16:28:17Z

Merv at 16:27, 11 September 2025

2025-09-11T16:27:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:27, 12 September 2025
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	===1st Visitor General<ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===		===1st Visitor General<ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===
	:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the diocese of Lyons in the department of Loire, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24th September 1836.		:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the diocese of Lyons in the department of Loire, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24th September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor General of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16th November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6th April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had six months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20th October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor General of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16th November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6th April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had six months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20th October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>
	:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:14, 19 March 2026
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	===1st Visitor <ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===		===1st Visitor <ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===

	:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the ~~diocese~~ of Lyons ~~in the department of Loire~~, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on ~~24th~~ September 1836.		:Born 31 October 1804 in Chuyer, Loire, in the Archdiocese of Lyons, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24 September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on ~~16th~~ November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on ~~6th~~ April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had ~~six~~ months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (~~20th~~ October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16 November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6 April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had seven months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20 October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>

	:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on ~~4th~~ May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p.2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4 May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

	:Within a short time, he realized the bad situation of the missionaries in New Zealand, largely due to Bishop Pompallier's financial mismanagement and overindulgent zeal for conversions, and he determined to prepare some proposals for Fr Colin, and for the Holy See if necessary. Although Pompallier did not welcome the idea of another 'superior' of the missionaries and was afraid of Forest infringing on his ecclesiastical authority, he knew from previous experience<ref> CS2 doc 31 [12].</ref> that Forest was most diplomatic. When Garin was moved into active ministry, Forest took over the tasks previously done by Garin without accepting the title of ‘provincial’. <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0245\|245]], [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref>		:Within a short time, he realized the bad situation of the missionaries in New Zealand, largely due to Bishop Pompallier's financial mismanagement and overindulgent zeal for conversions, and he determined to prepare some proposals for Colin, and for the Holy See if necessary. Although Pompallier did not welcome the idea of another 'superior' of the missionaries and was afraid of Forest infringing on his ecclesiastical authority, he knew from previous experience<ref> CS2 doc 31 [12].</ref> that Forest was most diplomatic. When Garin was moved into active ministry, Forest took over the tasks previously done by Garin without accepting the title of ‘provincial’. <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0245\|245]], [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref>

	:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On ~~8th~~ January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on April ~~2nd~~ at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with ~~Father~~ Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from ~~3rd~~ April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure ~~Marists were~~ always two or three in the same mission station.		:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8 January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on 2 April at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Jean-Baptiste Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3 April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure there was always a community of two or three Marists in the same mission station.

	:In 1850 Forest was appointed superior by Colin for a term of 3 years, with the title of “Visitor”. <ref> CS4, 135 (21 January 1850).</ref> In the same year he opened the mission in the Hutt valley and built the church of Saints Peter and Paul, also a presbytery and school.		:In 1850 Forest was appointed superior by Colin for a term of 3 years, with the title of “Visitor”. <ref> CS4, 135 (21 January 1850).</ref> In the same year, he moved to the Diocese of Wellington, where he opened the mission in the Hutt valley and built the church of Saints Peter and Paul, also a presbytery and school.

	:Poor health in April 1859 forced him to transfer to Meeanee parish in Hawke's Bay as assistant to Fr Reignier. In 1857, Napier became the capital of a new province and the 45th Regiment was quartered there. The Catholic population increased so that same year a Catholic church was opened in Napier to which Forest moved in August. In 1860 Fr Forest was appointed Napier's first parish priest, a position he held until his death in 1884.		:Poor health in April 1859 forced him to transfer to Meeanee parish in Hawke's Bay as assistant to Euloge Reignier. In 1857, Napier became the capital of a new province and the 45th Regiment was quartered there. The Catholic population increased so that same year a Catholic church was opened in Napier to which Forest moved in August. In 1860 Forest was appointed Napier's first parish priest, a position he held until his death in 1884.

	:Fr Forest welcomed the Sisters of the Mission to New Zealand in 1865. He was aware that Fr Reignier, in 1867, was opening St Joseph's Providence, a school for Maori and mixed-race girls. This school is still in existence at Greenmeadows and is now known as St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College.		:Fr Forest welcomed the Sisters of the Mission to New Zealand in 1865. He was aware that Reignier, in 1867, was opening St Joseph's Providence, a school for Maori and mixed-race girls. This school is still in existence at Greenmeadows and is now known as St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College.

	:Remembering his charge to buy a property for the Society of Mary he was grateful Fr Reignier had ~~already~~ bought a property on Meeanee Flat which was suitable as a retreat for the sick and elderly. Later this became the site of ~~the Mt~~ St Mary's Seminary which~~, later still,~~ moved to Greenmeadows.		:Remembering his charge to buy a property for the Society of Mary he was grateful Reignier had bought a property on Meeanee Flat. In 1880 a house was built, which was suitable as a retreat for the sick and elderly. Later this became the site of St Mary's Seminary which moved to Greenmeadows in 1910.

	:He was authorized in 1872 to receive the consecration of Mademoiselle Suzanne Aubert<ref> She had arrived at Auckland in 1860.</ref> as a novice into the Third Order of Mary and to accept her profession a year later. Suzanne Aubert went on to become Mother Aubert, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Fr Forest also welcomed the Marist Brothers to Napier in 1878, almost ten years after first requesting them to come.		:He was authorized in 1872 to receive the consecration of Mademoiselle Suzanne Aubert<ref> She had arrived at Auckland in 1860.</ref> as a novice into the Third Order of Mary and to accept her profession a year later. Suzanne Aubert went on to become Mother Aubert, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Forest also welcomed the Marist Brothers to Napier in 1878, almost ten years after first requesting them to come.

	:Forest administered the Wellington diocese on Viard’s death in 1872, and again in 1880, during ~~Archbishop~~ Francis Redwood’s ''ad limina'' visit to Rome.		:Forest administered the Wellington diocese on Viard’s death in 1872, and again in 1880, during Bishop Francis Redwood’s ''ad limina'' visit to Rome.

	:Fr Jean Forest, 1st Visitor ~~General~~ of the missionaries of Oceania, died in Napier, New Zealand on ~~28th~~ September 1884, and was buried in the Napier Hill Cemetery.		:Jean Forest, 1st Visitor of the missionaries of Oceania, died in Napier, New Zealand on 28 September 1884, and was buried in the Napier Hill Cemetery.

	=== Notes ===		=== Notes ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:28, 12 September 2025
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	==Jean Forest==		==Jean Forest==
	===1st Visitor General<ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===		===1st Visitor General<ref> At the stage Forest leaves there are 3 priests and 3 brothers in the islands. He never visited the islands with his vessel sailing from London directly to NZ. CS1 doc 301 mentioned islands but specifically named NZ; scope later narrowed - Of New Zealand – see CS2 doc 31 [4].</ref> of the Missions===

	:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the diocese of Lyons in the department of Loire, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24th September 1836.		:Born 1804 in Chuyer of the diocese of Lyons in the department of Loire, Jean Forest was among the 20 men who first took vows in the Society of Mary on 24th September 1836.

	:Appointed as Visitor General of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16th November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6th April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had six months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20th October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>		:Appointed as Visitor General of New Zealand<ref> See CS2 doc 32 [4].</ref> to the Missions in 1841 he set off for Oceania from London aboard the vessel ''London'' on 16th November 1841 and arrived in Port Nicholson (Wellington) on 6th April 1842. (It was said by some he never left New Zealand again; but in fact, he had six months in Sydney in 1858.) Colin gave him precise instructions. <ref> CS 1, 301 (20th October 1841, Colin to the missionaries of Oceania).</ref> He was to see all the Marists, learn their situation, privations and dangers and he was to work as closely as possible with Pompallier and the religious superior designated by him. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin, Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p. 572.</ref> The General Administration had also charged him with the task<ref> CS1 doc 301 [5].</ref> of examining whether a house was possible and necessary for Marists having its own land. The intention was that this would eventually become the Provincial House and a house for sick and aged confrères. It would also be a place for new missionaries to stay while learning the language of their mission. The visitor was to draw up a report which could be submitted to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda in Rome, and he carefully noted he was not conferring any authority on Jean Forest. Colin did not want to encroach in any way on the “rights and authority of the vicar apostolic”. <ref>''Jean-Claude Colin Reluctant Founder'', Justin Taylor, ATF Press, Hindmarsh, Australia (2018), p.573.</ref>

	:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.		:On arrival in New Zealand Fr Forest found about 200 Irish Catholics in Wellington which had an overall population of 2,000 at the time. Five days after arriving in New Zealand he continued to his final destination – Kororareka via Auckland. <ref>18420411 departure Wellington on ''New York Packet'' for Auckland arrive 18420428 ''New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator'' 13/04/1842, p. 2. 18420503 departure Auckland on ''Minerva'' for Bay of Islands arrive 18420504 (veille de l'Ascension LRO doc 166) / ''The Australian'' 23/06/1842.</ref> After a long and rough voyage, he reached there on 4th May 1842. In his travels he ministered to all the people he met.

	:Within a short time, he realized the bad situation of the missionaries in New Zealand, largely due to Bishop Pompallier's financial mismanagement and overindulgent zeal for conversions, and he determined to prepare some proposals for Fr Colin, and for the Holy See if necessary. Although Pompallier did not welcome the idea of another 'superior' of the missionaries and was afraid of Forest infringing on his ecclesiastical authority, he knew from previous experience<ref> CS2 doc 31 [12].</ref> that Forest was most diplomatic. From 1843 Forest had the responsibility of a provincial but he refused the title. <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0245\|245]], [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref>		:Within a short time, he realized the bad situation of the missionaries in New Zealand, largely due to Bishop Pompallier's financial mismanagement and overindulgent zeal for conversions, and he determined to prepare some proposals for Fr Colin, and for the Holy See if necessary. Although Pompallier did not welcome the idea of another 'superior' of the missionaries and was afraid of Forest infringing on his ecclesiastical authority, he knew from previous experience<ref> CS2 doc 31 [12].</ref> that Forest was most diplomatic. From 1843 Forest had the responsibility of a provincial but he refused the title. <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0245\|245]], [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref>

	:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8th January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on April 2nd at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Father Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3rd April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure Marists were always two or three in the same mission station.		:In 1843 he organized retreats for the missionaries. On 8th January he starts a retreat at Tauranga; <ref> LRO doc [[Girard0247\|247]], [[Girard0253\|253]], [[Girard0254\|254]].</ref> in late February at Kororereka, Garin and Pompallier alternated ‘on mission’ while Servant gave the pastoral part; and on April 2nd at Hokianga, he preached for others and then did his own retreat in Holy Week. From 1845<ref>[[Girard0434\|LRO doc 434]].</ref> Forest was based at Auckland with Father Petitjean. Colin did write to Forest from time to time, but Forest wrote to Colin much more often. <ref> Forest wrote 12 letters to Colin from 3rd April 1842.</ref> Colin regularly exhorted Forest to make sure Marists were always two or three in the same mission station.

	:In 1850 Forest was appointed superior by Colin for a term of 3 years, with the title of “Visitor”. <ref> CS4, 135 (21 January 1850).</ref> In the same year he opened the mission in the Hutt valley and built the church of Saints Peter and Paul, also a presbytery and school.		:In 1850 Forest was appointed superior by Colin for a term of 3 years, with the title of “Visitor”. <ref> CS4, 135 (21 January 1850).</ref> In the same year he opened the mission in the Hutt valley and built the church of Saints Peter and Paul, also a presbytery and school.

	:Poor health in April 1859 forced him to transfer to Meeanee parish in Hawke's Bay as assistant to Fr Reignier. In 1857, Napier became the capital of a new province and the 45th Regiment was quartered there. The Catholic population increased so that same year a Catholic church was opened in Napier to which Forest moved in August. In 1860 Fr Forest was appointed Napier's first parish priest, a position he held until his death in 1884.		:Poor health in April 1859 forced him to transfer to Meeanee parish in Hawke's Bay as assistant to Fr Reignier. In 1857, Napier became the capital of a new province and the 45th Regiment was quartered there. The Catholic population increased so that same year a Catholic church was opened in Napier to which Forest moved in August. In 1860 Fr Forest was appointed Napier's first parish priest, a position he held until his death in 1884.

	:Fr Forest welcomed the Sisters of the Mission to New Zealand in 1865. He was aware that Fr Reignier, in 1867, was opening St Joseph's Providence, a school for Maori and mixed-race girls. This school is still in existence at Greenmeadows and is now known as St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College.		:Fr Forest welcomed the Sisters of the Mission to New Zealand in 1865. He was aware that Fr Reignier, in 1867, was opening St Joseph's Providence, a school for Maori and mixed-race girls. This school is still in existence at Greenmeadows and is now known as St Joseph's Māori Girls’ College.

	:Remembering his charge to buy a property for the Society of Mary he was grateful Fr Reignier had already bought a property on Meeanee Flat which was suitable as a retreat for the sick and elderly. Later this became the site of the Mt St Mary's Seminary which, later still, moved to Greenmeadows.		:Remembering his charge to buy a property for the Society of Mary he was grateful Fr Reignier had already bought a property on Meeanee Flat which was suitable as a retreat for the sick and elderly. Later this became the site of the Mt St Mary's Seminary which, later still, moved to Greenmeadows.

	:He was authorized in 1872 to receive the consecration of Mademoiselle Suzanne Aubert<ref> She had arrived at Auckland in 1860.</ref> as a novice into the Third Order of Mary and to accept her profession a year later. Suzanne Aubert went on to become Mother Aubert, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Fr Forest also welcomed the Marist Brothers to Napier in 1878, almost ten years after first requesting them to come.		:He was authorized in 1872 to receive the consecration of Mademoiselle Suzanne Aubert<ref> She had arrived at Auckland in 1860.</ref> as a novice into the Third Order of Mary and to accept her profession a year later. Suzanne Aubert went on to become Mother Aubert, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion. Fr Forest also welcomed the Marist Brothers to Napier in 1878, almost ten years after first requesting them to come.

	:Forest administered the Wellington diocese on Viard’s death in 1872, and again in 1880, during Archbishop Francis Redwood’s ''ad limina'' visit to Rome.		:Forest administered the Wellington diocese on Viard’s death in 1872, and again in 1880, during Archbishop Francis Redwood’s ''ad limina'' visit to Rome.

	:Fr Jean Forest, 1st Visitor General of the missionaries of Oceania, died in Napier, New Zealand on 28th September 1884, and was buried in the Napier Hill Cemetery.		:Fr Jean Forest, 1st Visitor General of the missionaries of Oceania, died in Napier, New Zealand on 28th September 1884, and was buried in the Napier Hill Cemetery.

	=== Notes ===		=== Notes ===
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