Girard0291

29 November 1843 and 8 December - Father Charles Mathieu to Father Jean-Claude Colin, at sea

Summary

He is aboard the “Bucephale” the French warship carrying Bishop Douarre to New Caledonia. He wants to tell Colin of his impressions of the Tongan mission. Very edified at seeing the three Marists – their witness to poverty, detachment and humility. But is dismayed at the physical condition of the Marists. Makes some suggestions as to how the introduction of missionaries to a new territory might be better handled in future. Makes some suggestions about medications and clothes to be sent, and how they could be better packed.

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Document 291 — 29 November & 8 December 1843

Charles Mathieu to Jean-Claude Colin

Source: APM OW 208 (Mathieu).

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Editorial Description

Sheet forming four pages, of which three are written; the fourth contains only the address and Poupinel’s annotation. In the register of letters (ED 1), it bore number 136.

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Address

Monsieur — Monsieur Colin, Superior General of the Society of Mary — montée Saint-Barthélemy — Lyon

Annotation (Poupinel)

29 November 1843 — Father Mathieu

Text

29 November 1843, on board the Bucéphale

My Reverend Father,

[1]

You will have learned from Monsignor d’Amata [+Douarre] the details of our navigation since the Marquesas and of our happy arrival at Tonga. Permit me also to set before you some reflections which I have made on the state of the mission and on the measures to be taken to ensure its success.

We had occasion, my dear Father, to be greatly edified at the sight of the two missionaries of Tonga. One cannot imagine a greater spirit of poverty, humility, detachment, and charity than that of which we were witnesses in seeing these two good Fathers and their Brother Attale. It is impossible that the good God should not bless the work of such holy priests.

Thus they have accomplished more than one might have hoped, given their destitution. The mission promises much, and the visit we have made—by dispelling many prejudices—will contribute, I hope, to hasten the work of God.

But what caused me distress, my dear Father, was the state of weakness in which I found Father Grange and Chevron and the poor Brother Attale. God has preserved their lives as if by miracle, but their weakness is so great that, humanly speaking, it is much to be feared that their lives will be greatly shortened or that they will become entirely incapable of fulfilling their duties.

This weakness comes only from lack of nourishment; having nothing with which to procure it, they have had to abandon themselves for this to the discretion of the natives, who scarcely think of their own needs.

However, my dear Father, what will become of the mission without missionaries? What will the newcomers do without the older ones to teach them the language and guide them? I believe that the work was not established from the beginning as it ought to have been.

The first thing to be done, it seems to me, when placing missionaries on an island, is to settle them, to procure for them suitable land for cultivation, and to give them the necessary provisions until they can support themselves by their labour.

In these regions money is nothing, but one can obtain whatever one wants with spades, shovels, picks, and tools; the land is fertile, and poultry and livestock multiply very well. Missionaries living on their own and independently would not be any less respected, and would have no less opportunity to render service to the natives, to instruct them, and to form them.

One would confidently request reinforcements from Europe if one had the means to provide for the needs of the missionaries, and establishments could be founded and developed.

These views are entirely those of Monsignor d’Amata. I believe they are also yours. It appears, however, that Monsignor Pompallier had not viewed things in the same way, for Father Chevron has only followed his instructions to the letter in living as he has done.

It is for you, my dear Father, to judge and to give your children your orders and your counsel. You know that they are ready for anything and that they are in no way attached to their own ideas. I do not yet know what Father Bataillon thinks; I shall try to speak with him and give you an account.

[2]

A word on supplies. — Wine in bottles, in small cases of 12 or 15 bottles, so as to make distribution easier; barrels of flour well packed; seeds in bottles in small assorted boxes so that each may make trials.

Small pharmacies, especially remedies against venereal diseases and wounds: calomel and some notes from a good doctor on how to apply them; blue stone for the eyes, opium for colic, etc. It would be very useful if each missionary had his own small pharmacy, or at least if there were one in each mission.

The natives are extremely pleased with the care taken of their health, and when one does not succeed, they never attribute the fault to the doctor.

Small missionary outfits: cassocks without openings and trousers of light fabrics such as cross-woven merino or lasting; linen stockings and shoes—ankle boots are much used.

It would be desirable that these shipments be made in an orderly manner and that the objects intended for each missionary be placed in a separate box addressed to him. Otherwise, what confusion on board when sorting must be done! One would have to suppose captains and sailors with the patience of saints to avoid disputes.

What confusion also for the missionaries, who do not know where to store or how to carry what is given to them.

(They inform me that we are in sight of Wallis. Allow me to go and see this land of our desires. I shall try to resume my letter in a few days.)

[3]

Wallis, 8 December. Monsignor Bataillon was consecrated on 3 December. He is keeping me with him. I have found him to hold exactly the same views as those which I have set before you.

I am happy to find myself with so good and holy a prelate, although I keenly regret Monsignor d’Amata, who had for me all the affection of a father.

The mission of Wallis is going well. Only the young chief Tangahala causes much concern to Monsignor. Please pray and have prayers offered for his conversion. He has not yet been baptized, although he loves religion and has thus far supported it, often with ill-regulated zeal.

I hope to send you shortly some details concerning the life of Father Chanel in the missions. I have strongly urged Monsignor Bataillon to write down what he knows; I think that he will do so.

Forgive, my Reverend Father, my haste. Since I have been at Wallis, I have not had time to breathe. I have had to assist Monsignor in his correspondence and to take care of the moving and arranging. So many things to do in so little time!

Pray, my Reverend Father, for me, whom the good God has not judged worthy to be sent to a more perilous mission, but who would work wherever it pleases Him with all his heart for His glory and for the service of the Most Holy Virgin.

[4]

I have the honour to be, with the most profound respect,

my Reverend Father,

your very devoted and affectionate child

in Our Lord,

Mathieu, apostolic missionary

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Notes

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