Girard0253

28 April 1843 - Father Séon to Father Colin, Matamata

Summary

Grateful for the visit of Father Forest. His greatest hardship is being on his own. Nearest confrère is a day and a half walk away, through swamps and forests (Father Pèzant). Is having trouble learning to speak Maori. Distances are long – estimates 40 leagues (200 km) from one end to the other of his territory. Hostility of Protestant Maori a problem. Misrepresentation of Catholic beliefs - “Nebuchadnezzar and his statue were Catholics” (!)

Has problems with the catechetical texts recently printed for the mission - they are not fitted to their intelligence and taste.

In a post-script he asks for prayers for his people - suicides, marital breakups – infanticide, theft – are all problems among them.

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