Girard0227

25 November 1842 — Bishop Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier to his mother, madame Françoise Solichon, Bay of Islands

Based on the copy made.

Translated by Fr Brian Quin SM, May 2016

Vicariate-apostolic of Western Oceania, Mission of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

25 November 1842

My very dear Mother,

[1]

It must seem to you to be a long time since you have received a letter from me, because it seems to me that it’s a fairly long time since I wrote to you. It is not just a slight mortification for me to be deprived of this duty and this pleasure as often as I would wish. But, alas! the Lord, whose most holy will must always be for us a treasure of grace and salvation, sometimes, and even very often, does not allow me to have even the most praiseworthy consolations in this short life! Just think, dear Mother, think, for your happiness and mine, that I am with all those who share my work, like soldiers in battle. Our enemies are the powers of darkness which tremble with rage at seeing snatched from their tyranny entire peoples whom, with the power of Our Lord, I have been able to pull out of paganism and heresy and offer them to him as prizes of his grace and a portion of his holy inheritance in the Church, our Mother. Yes, beloved Mother, and all of you, members of our same family, to whatever degree of relationship we may have with each other, rejoice in the spirit of our faith and of the Lord!

[2]

Here, in the midst of so many crosses, I have one struggle after another, I have the promises he made to his apostles. I suffer persecution for the sake of justice, people traduce me because of his divine name; it has pleased heretics to describe me as the antichrist; but the arms of Mary and her divine Son bring to ruin all obstacles and all their efforts; souls enter the fold of the Church in thousands, and in the midst of my sufferings I abound with joy!

[3]

Do not think, very dear Mother, and all you dear relatives, that I can ever forget you. May your souls be precious to me in the presence of Him who has bathed them with his blood, redeeming all people! Every day during my voyages on the seas of these vast distances, I have the happiness of offering with my hands, raising to God that divine blood at the sacred altar to beg Him to apply His infinite merits on behalf of my many sheep and of those who have not yet entered the sheepfold, and not less as well, on behalf of the souls whom I know and cherish, and who also are very numerous, and among those, you hold the first place in my heart. There it is that I have offered you, dear Mother, with all my family, while humbly resting my eyes on the Good Shepherd who gives his life for His sheep, in the holy sacrifice, while adoring this victim of love and receiving It into myself where He deigns to enter! May He bless you as much as I love you! Let us all stand close to him; let us live for him; He died for us, He is our happiness, our strength, our joy, our heaven! May He preserve in us a faith that is pure and fertile in good works! Ah! How precious is the gift of faith! May sin never come to darken its light!

May the life of grace make it fruitful in us! If it happens that we fall into the temptations of the enemy who ceaselessly prowls about us, let us make haste to rise again and go and purify our souls in the sacraments of salvation!

[4]

These truths, dear relatives, which are familiar to you, are already guiding many catechumens and newly-baptised in my mission. How many of them urge me to be given them, as a result of my journeys, to experience with me the dangers of the seas, and to have the opportunity to shed their blood for Jesus Christ in the midst of the idolatrous peoples whom I see called to the kingdom of God. I always have some of them with me, I cannot take all those who want to come, my resources do not allow it. Sometimes, joking with them, I try to frighten them to test their magnanimity, saying, for example, that if they come with me they risk being killed, roasted and eaten with me, and they answer me, some saying that the good God would not allow this blessing to happen to me because the people of this mission need my work; the others say that instead of harming me, people would love me very much, and they all add that nothing could terrify them, that they would account themselves very happy to suffer martyrdom with me, and to go all together and live in heaven with Jesus Christ, Mary and the saints. Those whom I can, at one time or another, receive into my group, are in great joy at seeing their desires satisfied. Sometimes I have up to four or five of them, and sometimes they are sad in my company, especially on ships during my voyages they busy themselves with sharing the work of the crew; they do all they can to help, but at the start of their novitiate in seamanship they suffer from sea-sickness. Then I console them and try to encourage them, but the replies they give me are full of faith in spite of the lack of strength that these novice sailors find themselves left with by this sickness. They smile at what I tell them with a smile of respect and affection while uttering the words which are sometimes and always the basis of those expressions, it is good that we suffer like that, it’s our little cross offered for Jesus Christ.

[5]

One day I was visiting a young man, married and a newly baptised catechist, who while ill was lying on mats and was suffering from a bad headache. I asked him if he was not afraid of death. Oh, no, he replied, that’s what I want now that I am baptised and confirmed. I want to get to heaven soon so I can see the good God. But you are suffering a lot, my good friend. The good God wants you to take the means of easing your suffering and recovering your health so that you can work in his service. “Yes, it’s true, I am suffering a lot, but may he make me suffer still more for love of him; I beg him to really make me suffer, and to bring me to him in heaven.” In these words there was more than indifference to taking the means of easing his suffering than could be given him. Then I moderated his zeal, I told him that it would be better if he placed himself completely in the hands of God, and to willingly receive what His providence offered him in the way of help to regain his health. He obeyed this advice immediately, and diligently began to properly use what he had been given by way of remedies and a diet to be observed.

[6]

On Wallis island, where for five months I carried out the sacred ministry with two other priests whom I had appointed there, I had many consolations, among others those of directing in confession many fervent newly-baptised. Three young women, daughters of the greatest chiefs on the island, ………. kindly deigned to send me by means of a naval vessel, was used on all these occasions. My dear newly-baptised and catechumens admired all that, and their hearts shared my gratitude.

[9]

The islands that I visited and in which I worked were Wallis, whose entire population I baptised and confirmed – about 2,600 natives ; then the island of Futuna, where more than a year and a half ago my pro-vicar, Father Chanel, was martyred by an axe-blow which split his head in two and gave him the beautiful crown of the saints in heaven; on the island of Futuna, I say, I worked for the salvation of the interesting people who live there; a simple native catechist whom I had sent there some months before my arrival had truly succeeded in preparing those people for receiving the Bishop and two new priests whom I had intended to leave with them if they showed themselves worthy of it. After ten days of my visit had passed, I had baptised and confirmed one hundred and twenty people, said holy Mass on the spot where my pro-vicar was sacrificed by order of the king of the island and solemnly planted a cross on the same place, so as to bring down the mercy of God on these people, and to be a double memorial of the death of our Saviour and the martyrdom of their first missionary, whom I had left with them more than five years ago.

[9]

I got returned to me the things which had been stolen from him at his death, and especially the axe which had crowned him with martyrdom. I have it now. I was assured that this axe had become tapu; that is to say, in the language of these people “sacred”, and as a result, because it had created a saint, had never been put to any use; it’s now in my hands, a really precious memorial, in the eyes of faith, showing how enviable is the happy fate of that pro-vicar.

[10]

From Futuna I went to the island group of Fiji, a really dangerous place and full of reefs, but Mary protected me everywhere; my mission ship never touched the rocks which are just above the water level. The people of this group are numerous, they have frizzy hair, dark coppery skin, are tall in build, and lively and very savage in nature. They are no less cannibalistic than the New Zealanders of former times. I left in one of the main islands a native catechist from that place, until I can send some priests there, as the greatest chiefs from those islands with whom I am linked in knowledge and friendship, have asked me to do.

[11]

From Fiji I went to Tongatapu, the island which is queen of the archipelago called the Friendlies, where heresy has, through every manner of civil intolerance, given me lively opposition, but I resisted it vigorously in a conference held in the presence of the people and the chiefs, then almost all of the island, which is one of the most interesting in my mission, turned to my side; the most powerful and numerous tribes coming out for the Catholic faith. Now I have two priests and a catechist there.

[12]

From the Friendly Islands I came back to dear New Zealand, which I was really longing to see again. I arrived on the 26th August last, at the Bay of Islands, where I am busy working to consolidate, through the administration of this vicariate-apostolic, so many saving works which the Lord has given me. Right now I am working on my correspondence, in which you have a cherished place. When I arrived I found no fewer than a hundred letters awaiting me. Having dealt with those concerning administration, I have got to those demanding edification.

[13]

All the same, don’t get the idea that that is all I have to do here. I still have to get my manuscripts for the catechism and the doctrine of the faith printed with two presses that I have got sent from France; that is pretty demanding on my time. Then preaching every Sunday, both in the New Zealand language and in English. Since I have been in this mission I have had to learn four languages, because, thanks to the Lord, his help has very much aided me; it has done everything. You think, perhaps, dear relatives, that so much continuous work, so many journeys by sea, are affecting my health. Do not believe it. God takes care of everything. I think of His souls and His glory, and He takes responsibility for the rest. My health is in a certain constancy which allows me to face up to so much work. I am only disappointed that I cannot write as often and at such length as I would prefer; but I think that people will understand my situation.

[14]

Anyway, as I see it, I know that all the sacrifices made to God for His service are such as to attract more graces and blessings on us, than if we choose to do many good things according to our praiseworthy inclinations, but not according to his good pleasure. For His part, He takes responsibility for thinking of our work, those near us, and our friends when He requires for His service all our abilities and our strength. Now His care is that of the best and most tender of fathers, His solicitude is certainly the equal of that of men, whatever they might be capable of. These thoughts console me, dear Mother, in all the sacrifices that He has had me make concerning us and my family, which I have loved so much, and still love so much; yes, dear relatives, judge my affection not so much by the letters that I send you, but by the sacrifices I have made to the Lord on your behalf by leaving everything for His glory and that of the holy Church, our mother! Do not worry about me. There are no doubt many dangers on the way on which the good God has given me the grace to be called, but not one hair of my head could fall without His willing it. Never have I been happier than amidst the crosses and tribulations that I endure from the enemies of the holy Church. Simply pray, dear relatives, that the great reward put aside for the ministers of the Lord on that way might truly, one day, be my share. How happy I would be if one day martyrdom came to crown so much work with my beloved crosses. Keep on praying, beloved relatives, and pray with Jesus Christ in your hearts at Holy Communion, that having been sent here to save a great number of people, I might not lose my soul, as St Paul himself feared. Go to Heaven in the Church of France, my homeland. For my part, I have to strive here to go there by means of a Church which must be raised up to the Lord with His grace, with the cross, and might I, one day fix it there with my blood! Never be afraid, dear relatives, with the good God there is nothing to lose, but everything to win! What is this poor life, this poor body made of mud; our soul, God, grace in this life, heaven in the other, His love everywhere. There you have everything we have, that is everything, that is everything; that is something of the New Zealand way of expression, written in French. Our New Zealanders very much love to repeat the things that please them; in that I am much of the same view. I love their sort of literature. Do not think that my savages are deprived of it; they even have poetry, beautiful poetry, but not beautiful voices, for example; they grate on your ears.

[15]

But, dear Mother, I will not finish with the pleasure of talking with you and with my family. There are so many things here to tell you that it would need a lot of paper and time to tell you everything. But what consoles me is that the Annals must keep you up to date with this mission by way of the letters that we write. That our names be written in heaven, that is the thing that counts. I think, dear Mother, that you are still kind enough to share with the whole family, and in particular with my very dear father-in-law, that goes without saying, all the news about me and my views.

[16]

Your name, and those of many of the members of my family are known and cherished by my newly-baptised and catechumens. How often these poor children, who always are free to come to me, especially the chiefs of the tribes and their families, how often, I say, these dear spiritual children ask me questions about my relatives and especially about you, my respected mother; they want to know your baptismal name (that is always the one that interests them most), if you are still alive, how old you are. The mothers of families and young women sometimes want me to give them your name at their baptism. [In] all my conversations with them, and when I am instructing them, they never fail to tell me how much you must have suffered at the separation of our homelands, and these good mothers, who have sons and families, ask me these questions with tears in their eyes. I usually answer them that your joy in having a son consecrated to God and to their salvation, and then the thought of our seeing each other in Heaven after this so short a life, have dried your tears. Then these people are full of affection and gratitude for you, and promise me to pray fervently to Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin for you. The young people, the young women want to know news of you, asking me how many brothers I have, how many sisters, if I am the oldest or the youngest, whether they are married or not. They also ask me to bear their names at their baptism. Indeed also, it is young women and young men who have brought me interesting things from their island as a sign of their affection for me and for those whom I love, whether belonging to my family or elsewhere. But it is difficult for me to send these things to France. I am waiting for a good opportunity for that, a naval vessel would best provide it. I will try, dear Mother, to send you a fine-tissued mat [made?] by one of my Oceanian religious women, and to my sister Fany a rosary made of pearls which they made themselves in their own style.

[17]

I have been well aware of everything you have been so kind to tell me about my dear father-in-law, my brothers and sisters and friends and people known to the family. Please continue to be my interpreter for them when occasion needs. I am most grateful to you for your prayers and for all the devotion you reserve for me before the Lord. How often do I take sweet pleasure in doing my best to pay you back, in return for that. With interest, solicitude and happiness, I have learnt of the marriages made in the family, and the growth of your little sons and daughters, dear mother, and also of my nephews and nieces. Ah! May these little lambs of Jesus Christ be carefully watched over! May the devil and any of his agents not come and tear their robe of innocence! May the treasure of a living and fertile faith be their main wealth! May the love of Mary be in the depths of their hearts, and they will be children of piety, obedience and blessedness for their happiness and our joy. I wonder sometimes whether among them there will be, perhaps, some missionaries for Oceania, or some religious woman. My newly-baptised have sometimes asked me this. It would, no doubt be for them, and for me, if I were still alive, a very sweet consolation, but let us leave that to the Lord and to Providence. Vocations come from Him and correspondence to His graces. One can and one must be sanctified in the way in which Providence, attraction and the advice given by spiritual directors place you. The news that you send me, dear Mother, show me, to my great joy, that God is blessing the family. How I bless Him for that! When some family member goes and visits Our Lady of Fourvière I beg him to carry to her my gratitude, my love and my petitions, so that she goes on protecting us all, along with my fellow-workers and my flock. I learned with sadness of François’ loss of a little child. Alas! we must adore the plans of God, which are impenetrable. So how important it is that mothers commend strongly to the Lord and the protection of Mary themselves and the fruit that they bear in their wombs. I learned with delight that one of the Pompallier sons is boarding in one of Father Querbes’ schools. You ask me, dear Mother, whether I agree with your thinking that those who hope in you in the Lord will never be lost. Ah! yes, on what could we better base our hope? But it’s not done alone, we all have to take action, we all have to co-operate. Let us do as many good works as we can, and, especially, let us very carefully look after the souls that we are responsible for, or whose guidance Providence has entrusted to us; the fathers, the mothers, the teachers are like shepherds, in a way, for their children and their servants. So then, give me some news about my uncles and their families. Best wishes to everyone, best wishes of respect, affection and good health. My best wishes in the Lord also to Miss Comte, to the good Favre family, to Miss Rave and her sisters. My dear father-in-law, you tell me, wants to come and see me in Oceania. That is certainly not a bad idea, but you do not agree with it, dear mother. Now if both of you came, it would be even better. My father-in-law would be a catechist for the boys and you, one for the girls, but your good prayers in Vourles already amount to a fine sharing in my work. Please, dear Mother, make all in my family aware of my concern for them and the news about me; then send by safe means the letters here enclosed. Your most affectionate son.

+ François, Bishop, Vicar-Apostolic

[18] PS

I think I have received all your precious letters, here are their dates: 11 February 1838, 21 May 1839, 22 November 1840, 22 September 1841. I earnestly ask you, dear Mother, to inform my family of news about me, and to send to their destinations in a safe way, and in an envelope with the appropriate address, the little ones enclosed.

PS (2)

I wrote to the Central Council in Lyons with news of my mission in a letter dated 6th November. Don’t make public my letter that I am sending you before you have got the advice of the secretary of that council. My greetings in the Lord to Father Querbes. I am going to write to him. +