Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
In the writings of Bishop Paul Ambroise Bigandet (MEP) 1887 The first seven parishes established in the diocese of Pathein Bassein,
Bassein. There is no doubt some of them, and their descendants settled at Bassein. In the 18th Century, we are informed that some European merchants and navigators were found established in that town, on the bank of the river at the southern extremity. From Rangoon, a Fr. Barnabite, visited Bassein at least once a year, for the special object of ministering to the spiritual wants of the small Catholic Community. Close to a house belonging to Mr Pilot MacLeod, there is a tank, which formed the limit of a small piece of ground, planted with a few cocoanut trees, upon which erected a not inconsiderable building which was used for divine worship. The writer has seen a remnant of bricks, indicating that the building, if not erected entirely with bricks, had a least, a brick foundation. This state of things lasted until the war broke out between the English and Burmese in 1824-25 The houses and the small Church belonging to the foreigners, were completely burnt and destroyed, as it is customary with the Burmese in the time of war to do, under the barbarous principle that law sleeps during such calamitous periods. No notice is ever taken of the doings that have taken place during war time. Not long after the war there was at Bassein an Armenian Catholic named Joseph, filling the important post of Collector of Sea Customs or Shabundar of Bassein. In or about the year 1840, Rev’d. D. Tarolly went from Rangoon to Bassein to visit that station. He though that the town was admirably suited for the centre of a Missionary establishment, destined to radiate in various directions, among the Karens living in the neighbourhood. Joseph procured for the Priest a good piece of ground in a very quiet and yet a central position. He built two good wooden buildings, connected one with the other, as it is usual with the Burmese Kiaungs or Monasteries, one for the Priest’s residence and another for divine service. A small school was kept up in the house of the worthy Missionary. Meanwhile Fr. Domingo set at work for establishing a Christian Mission in two or three localities in the neighbourhood. Having received a good reinforcement of fellow labourers in the person of Rev’d. Jacobo Pogolotti, Vincenti Gabutti and Candido Paruzza, Fr. Domingo carried his views a little further. He obtained from the Governor of Bassein the necessary permission to go and establish himself on a healthy, elevated spot near the large village of Myaungmya.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Father Gabutti Father Naude Father P. Dumollard He then began the great building of St. Peter’s Institute, so named after the Rev’d. Peter Barbe, who died in 1861, leaving all his property to the Mission, with the exception of a sum of 4,000 rupees, willed for a special purpose. The remainder of the money amounted to about 12,000 rupees, was solely and entirely devoted to the erection of the extensive premises. The work was carried on rapidly and in a way that combined strength with usefulness. I believe that it could have hardly been executed in a manner better suited for the contemplated purpose. Christian Brothers Press
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
During the period of his absence, the post of Bassein was tenanted by the Rev’d. X. Ducotey. On his return from Europe Fr. Dumollard applied himself to have the Press in a good working order. In a very short time the Mission possessed in Burmese a very complete Prayer Book, with the Epistles and Gospels of every Sunday and the principal festivals throughout the year, the books necessary for the schools, such as alphabets, treatises of geography and arithmetic, the Life of our Lord and several other works of minor importance. It was in the middle of this useful career that the Rev’d. P. Dumollard, owing to some hitherto unexplained misunderstanding, and to the evil and fatal influence exercised over him by a false Brother, took the fatal resolution to leave the Mission and return to Europe in 1868. Father D’Cruz Books Girls’ School In St. Peter’s Institution, Karen boys are not only trained up to the studies they have come to master, but they are taught several handicraft professions which in time, will prove of great use to them. Two of the boys understand well photography. Several are good hands in working on wood and metal, as carpenters and blacksmiths.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
The Institute of St. Francis Xavier, Native Nuns The undertaking of sending young girls from Rangoon to take charge of those schools was beset with many difficulties, which it is unnecessary to relate. We came both to the conclusion that the establishment of a small religious order for native girls that would be willing to enter it, would under God’s blessing, be the best means to provide for the native schools, a permanent staff of teachers. Having matured the plan for some while, and fully discussed the way to carry it in execution, it was decided that the small institution should be placed under the protection of St. Francis Xavier, the apostle of the East Indies and its members be styled Sisters of St. Francis. They would be placed under the direction of the Superioress of the order of the Good Shepherd at Rangoon, subjected however to the control of the Superior of the Mission. A neat dress of black colour was devised by the Superioress, to be the peculiar uniform of the new Sisterhood. It was understood that the principle work of the Sisters would be to take charge of the Girls’ native schools, in the localities where they would be sent. Moreover they would have to teach prayers and give instruction to the women that would have to be prepared for the reception of baptism and also they would visit and encourage those of their sex who would happen to be sick. A set of rules was framed to direct them in the spirit of their holy calling. At present the number of the Sisters is fifteen. They have to teach in Rangoon orphanage and in three localities or district stations. They are doing much good, inspire people with respect and confidence and secure the affection of their pupils. If well cared and carefully looked after, those humble daughters of St. Francis are in a position to render great and important services. It has been deemed prudent not to subject them to too many spiritual exercises, that they might have more time to devote to the service of their pupils. From the moment they become novices, and put on the religious habit, they make single vows, which they renew every year at the feast of St. Francis Xavier. They have to go through a four year probation When this period is over, they wear a silver cross which is the sign of their being promoted to the religious profession. One reflexion forces itself on the writer’s mind, whilst he was sketching out the establishment of the humble order of St. Francis Xavier. Could not an institution similar in every respect, be set on foot of keeping up of boys’ schools for the benefit of children of the male sex, in the principal localities of the Karen Mission? The attempt could be made at first, on a small scale, then developments could be gradually allowed, in proportion to the number of the young men who would be willing to enter the Institute and devote themselves to the most important work of educating youth. The greatest obstacle to the carrying out of such a plan is not the difficulty of finding young men willing to embrace such a religious mode of life, but in finding a convenient place where they could be properly trained up in a thorough manner to a religious life and to the practice of those virtues most befitting their position, particularly the love of God and the love of their duties for the sake of God. They should be broken to the most perfect obedience by the renouncing of self will. Meanwhile, their instruction should be especially cared for and attended to. The more the mind of men is enlightened under the influence of true religion, the better a man is prepared to work with true zeal and perfect disinterestedness. As the order of St. Francis is but an extension of the order of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, so the new institution alluded to in the foregoing lines, would be considered as a development of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. When will this idea be strongly taken up and brought into the region of reality.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Myaungmya The Burmese, seized with a fit of frenzy, so common with them under circumstances of great excitement, set fire to the mission buildings, beat the people that were guarding the Church, but offered no annoyance to the Christians living in the neighbourhood. The worthy Missionary was arrested, loaded with chains and in company with Rev’d. Fr. Gabutti, was sent up to Ava as a prisoner. Having reached the Capital, the two prisoners were left at liberty to go and live with their brother Missionaries residing in the Capital. Peace having been concluded in 1853, the zealous Fr. Domingo, hastened back to his deal station of Myaungmya. With the aid he received from the Mission, and also what he collected, he resolutely set at work to rebuild the Church. When the writer visited the place in 1856, he found the present building already standing and complete. The schools for boys and girls were operating regularly. The Mission in that place has not since made much progress, owing to several untoward occurrences, and the short time that several Missionaries have been in that locality. Moreover the several groups of Christian houses are much distant from the Church. Converts cannot receive the amount of care and instruction so much needed by people of a dull understanding and who have not yet had time to be trained to the practices of religion. It is to be hoped that by means of schools, boys and girls shall be better instructed and more effectually trained to a Christian life and will the means of bringing about a revival in that Christianity which is particularly interesting on account of its being the first, at least, in the province of Bassein. During the period under review, the Missionaries that have laboured in that locality are: Rev’d. P. Bertrand, who work there with great zeal, during a period of nearly two years, for repairing the mischief done by his predecessor. Having returned to Kanazogon he was succeeded by Fr. Devos, who exerted himself as much as his mental infirmities could allow him. On account of ill health, he had to leave Myaungmya. He had been assisted by old Fr. Domingo, during nearly two years. Fr. Cartreau, who came after him, worked very hard indeed during two or three years. He was directed afterwards to go to set up and revive a new Christianity, North-west of Myaungmya, called Kyuntalok, where his zeal has already infused a new life.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Father D. Tarolly During the period under review the station of Myaungmya, though labouring under several disadvantages owing to the changes of Pastors and other causes, has not remained stationary, but has also considerably progressed. Fr. Domingo Tarolly, after having laboured in several localities of the districts of the Delta and Twantay, had at last returned to Myaungmya, which had been the seat of his first labours among the Karen people. He was assisted by Fr. Devos, whom sickness compelled soon to leave the Mission for a time. He was replaced by Fr. Cartreau, who has done much for the material and spiritual improvement of the place. Possessed of much zeal and a robust constitution, he worked with courage and resolution to bring back many Christians who had almost abandoned the practices of religion, and lived in a state of complete indifference. The Boys’ School has been well attended and conducted on sound and excellent principles. The building is rather small and insufficient for the number of boys that frequent the school owing to the fact that the Karens live scattered in the middle of jungle and fields, almost all the boys are borders, and the result is that extensive premises are required for sheltering 40 boys. The Church and school have each received a good and substantial shingle roof. The Girls’ School has been much extended and is now amply sufficient for any purpose. At the end of 1877, Fr. Cartreau left Myaungmya for a new field not very distant, where a small Christian congregation has been established. There is no doubt that he will succeed with the help of God, in doing much good and founding a flourishing Christian Church among the Karens. A young Missionary, Rev’d. Kern is now at Myaungmya, with Fr. Domingo. The premises for the Boys’ School are narrow and insufficient. The missionaries are endeavouring to gather the materials necessary for erecting a suitable building. The Church and the Priest’s house have received a good shingle roof, which though expensive at first, is after all, much cheaper than the ordinary dany-leaves roof. Moreover, it is not so much exposed to the danger of fire. Great efforts are being made for enlarging the plantation, south of the Church. An attempt is made to plant teak trees, on a spot of ground contiguous to the garden already possessed which has been granted by the Government. In the year 1878-1879, the zealous Priest of Myaungmya a Fr. Kern assisted by the veteran Missionary Fr. Domingo, built a very good edifice intended as a school for the boys of the localities that constitute the Mission of Muaungmya. The school is intended not only for the day-scholars, but also for boarders. Such a step is absolutely required because most of the children belong to parents who live in small villages separated from each other and situated at a great distance from the centre of the station where the school is.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Considerable improvement has been made to the Girls’ school under the management of the native Nuns of St. Francis Xavier who are showing a most praise worthy zeal in labouring among persons of their sex. It is delightful to see Nuns who are natives of the jungles, born from Karen descent performing in the twofold capacity of religious instructors and of school mistresses, multifarious fatiguing and important duties, and in that double capacity, giving generally great satisfaction to those who are in charge of them, and to the parents of the children. In the year 1882, Fr. Kern, enlarged the Girls’ School, directed by the two Nuns of St. Francis Xavier. The building as it is at present, offers a pleasant aspect and affords ample room for the numerous inmates of the house. Ordination of John Baptist Pabaung Death of Father Domingo Tarolly From Monhla, Fr. Trolly went successively to Rangoon, Maulmain and Bassein. In the first mentioned place he contrived by his industry and perseverance to cast Burmese types and print a few books in Burmese for the benefit of the Mission. The writer likes to mention that it was in the year 1838 or 1839 that he met Fr. Tarolly for the first time. From Maulmain he went to Bassein and became the founder of the Karen Mission in that district. It is incredible how much he laboured and suffered at Myaungmya for establishing a Mission. With his own hands and the aid he received from inexperienced pupils he erected a large, substantial wooden building that presented a fine appearance, beside a house for the Priest and a school. In the year 1852 the whole was destroyed by the Burmese because of the war that had broken out between the English and Burmese Governments. At the same time he was seized and carried prisoner to Amarapoora, together with Father Gabutti, but he was set at liberty as soon as he reached the place. Peace being concluded between the two nations, the zealous missionary went back to his dear Myaungmya and reconstructed the same kind of building that he had set up before.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Having fallen sick in 1883 he was removed to Bassein to have the benefit of a good medical attendance but he expired at that place about one month after his arrival. He has always been a man remarkable for the purity and innocence of his life, his seal and his courage. He was, in a word a true Apostle, full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. He has bequeathed to us the bright heirloom of his virtues, as the most valuable inheritance. Kanazogon In the district of Shwelaung, there appeared a fanatical Karen who gave himself as a Min-laung or a person destined to become a king. He craftily practised on the credulity and simplicity of the Karens and persuaded many to become his followers. He assumed the air of a prince, with paraphernalia of his dignity and began to roam over the districts in order to increase the number of his adherents. Many simple Karens were taken in by his deceitful language and promises. The incipient insurrection as a matter of course was soon put down and the chief actor was arrested and safely lodged in the Bassein jail. The Burmese who were employed as chiefs in the disturbed district began to arrest and annoy all the Karen population, for the ostensible object of showing their zeal in defending the interests of the English Government, but principally for securing for themselves large sums of money that were easily extorted from poor persecuted Karens, under the pretence of releasing them from all troubles and vexation. The Rev’d. A. Lacrampe happened to be in that district at the very time that the poor Karens were indiscriminately hunted like wild beasts. Only but a few were his disciples who had begun to learn the elements of the Christian religion. The others, in the hope of finding protection flung themselves into his arms, promising to obey him and do whatever he would command them. In a short time, the numbers of Neophytes rapidly increased to several hundreds. The seat of the new congregation was established on a well selected spot, called Kanazogon, nearly half way between Shwelaung and Myaungmya. At first a long building was raised by the Karens which was used in part for the Priest’s residence, but the larger portion was reserved for divine service. The number of Christians increasing, it was thought advisable to build a substantial plank Church apart, and a house for the residence of Priests. These two buildings together with a third one for the school were all competed in 1862. They have a fine appearance and will likely last for a great number of years. In the end of the above mentioned year, the number of Christians rose to a little more than one thousand. Rev’d. Fr. Bertrand and Tagnet Fr. D. Tarolly to prepare himself to become a fellow labourer in the same field. When Fr. Tagnet knew a little of Karen, Fr. Tarolly came to establish himself in a place called Giawine, in the neighbourhood of Rangoon on the western bank of the river.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Under the zealous and active management of the Rev’d. Fr. Bertrand, the station of Kanazogon has made great important progress. In point of material improvement it has taken the lead of all other stations in the field of the Karen Mission. During the space of four or five years, the old buildings have entirely disappeared and have been replaced by new, handsome and substantial ones. The Church, the two school houses, one for the boys and another for the girls, the house for the missionary’s residence are constructions which would grace and adorn any place where they would be erected. The Church is built on a solid brick foundation. The roof is supported by broad brick pillars and the space between them is filled by thick teak planks that form the walling. In the interior, two rows of brick round pillars have a pleasing appearance. The building is a little wonder in the midst of these localities, which are studded only with poor Karen huts. The Girl’s School is a large and substantial teak building, having ample accommodation for the school on the ground floor, and the residence of the mistresses and their pupils on the upper storey. The school is managed and conducted by two native Sisters, who afford the greatest satisfaction both to the Priest and to the parents. The Boys’ School is equally well built and affords ample room both for the studies and the lodgings of the boys. The Priest’s house is high, roomy and comfortable. It is worth noticing that those fabrics have been erected almost entirely by the liberal donations of the members of the congregation. The estimated expense cannot possibly be less than 12,000 or 15,000 rupees. This is a large sum of money contributed by a congregation of about 1,600 souls, during a period of five years, who have no other resources but the produce of their paddy lands. It is true that the lands of the island of Kanazogon are both extensive and very fertile. They have the advantage of being regularly inundated by the river water which deposits on them a fertilizing sediment, which causes them to produce yearly, without being exhausted, an abundant crop. At a place called Taraumaraik, there is the nucleus of an important congregation, composed solely of Bama Karens, under the control of an excellent man named Sabelay, who by his age, his virtues and his superior instruction, has an undisputed superiority over all other Christians at that place. He does much good in the locality. In fact, apart from the administration of the Sacraments, he does the duties of a Pastor and maintains his village in an excellent order. Would to God, the Mission possessed in other groups of houses or villages such excellent and zealous headmen! It is the want of properly instructed and zealous chiefs of villages that renders the progress of religion comparatively slow, and the Christianizing of the customs and manners of the people, still slower. Encroachment at Kanazogon
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
Mayoka or Maryland 1864 It was in 1864 that the Rev’d. J.B. Tardivel, a man full of faith and of the spirit of God, resolved to come and settle in a lonely place on the bank of a small creek called Mayoka. The whole country was almost uninhabited since the revolt of a Burmese chief, named Myathun, after the war of 1852. Though overgrown with grass, the land is eminently fitted for the cultivation of paddy. The valiant labourer of Christ said to himself “I will go and settle in that wild place, with a catechist and will patiently wait until God will send me some families willing to hear the word of salvation”. His hope was not confounded. He was living in a bamboo hut and four or five families came at first to dwell around it. In the following year 1865 he erected a large wooden building which showed the people that he was determined to remain among them. The years 1866 and 1867 as well as the following saw the number of Christians considerably and steadily increasing. In 1870 the wooden Church on one hand was too small for the increasing number of converts and on the other, being made of common jungle wood was already showing signs of decay in several places. The Rev’d. Fr. resolved to build a new Church of substantial material. He selected a spot and began to make bricks. The masonry work was begun and the writer has seen the admirable zeal with which the people, young and old, men and women bore up the fatigue, heat, thirst and sometimes hunger in carrying on the work. In 1872 the building was so far advanced that it could be comfortable inhabited. Every succeeding year has witnessed fresh improvements. At last in 1876 the Church and the residence of the Priests have been completed. They present a palatial appearance in the midst of a wilderness. In addition to this the Priest has not forgotten the schools and he has erected two substantial buildings, the girls’ school is made of brick. Few Missionaries would have the physical strength and moral energy to go through a similar amount of labour which appears almost above the forces of human nature. The food on which he supported himself was of the coarsest description, hardly better than that of a poor Karen. The number of Christians in Maryland is about 800. During this period, a native Priest Rev’d. Pakin remained with Fr. Tardivel for about 18 months, when he was sent to the upper country. He was succeeded by the Rev’d. Moses who stayed for three or four years. He exchanged his place with the Deacon Carolus, who is now assistant to Fr. Tardivel, and has been ordained Priest. It is to be observed and carefully noted that he Rev’d. Tardivel has erected those various edifices without receiving hardly anything from the Mission, when offered money by the Head of the Mission he has often refused it. He has boldly trusted in Providence and in the aid of his poor Christians. With these two resources he has been able to bring to a successful issue several works which would have appeared impossible of execution in a country or district so destitute of all resources, to a man even who would have had at his disposal a well filled purse. Nowhere has the writer witnessed such an example or instance of perfect confidence in God, so manifestly and abundantly rewarded. It is impossible not to see the finger of God in all that has been accomplished.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
We must however, not forget nor lose sight of the great fact, that a man having one object in view and prosecuting it with unflinching patience and unswerving will, can accomplish great things with small means. It was faith alone, which communicated to Fr. Tardivel that indomitable courage and firmness of purpose which have formed the very essence of his missionary spirit. God also has been pleased, in several occasions to reward the humble, but strong faith of his servant by allowing, on several trying circumstances, a special interference of his divine Providence, in a manner, if not miraculous, at least, quite extraordinary Thinganaing 1858 He began to have some success among the local families, they as well as the pagans joined their efforts and began to erect with jungle wood a large house 150 feet in length and 30 in width, intended the best part for a Church, and the other part for the residence of the Priest. It was a very commodious place, but by 1869 was showing signs of decay. It was during that period of time that the work of conversion went on with great energy. Every year the flock increased and the good Father had the consolation to see himself at the head of a congregation of converts numbering more than 1,000 souls. In 1861 Rev’d. Fr. Tardivel went to assist the Missionary of Thinganaing. He remained there until 1864. The Rev’d. J. Bringaud was sent to relieve Fr. Tardivel. He remained in that locality during nearly three years. Deacon Carolus went subsequently to assist Fr. Naude. Having been afterward removed to Mayoka or Maryland, his place was occupied by Rev’d.Moses. Fr. Naude, resolved to erect a new Church, made of more durable materials and the expense he knew would be great, but he trusted in God and the liberality of his Christians. Moreover, he gathered some money from the principal officials of Hinzada and with what he had been able to amass, he set to work in March 1869. Having contrived to throw hastily a temporary roof on the pillars, he went to occupy it a few months afterwards. The edifice was far from being completed. During two successive years, he laboured hard to have some parts of it gradually finished, until it was at last brought to the present state of completeness.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
The writer has been astonished and at the same time much edified in witnessing the zeal and devotedness the cheerfulness and alacrity displayed by all in furthering the work, everyone according to his strength and ability. They were all busy like ants. It took two years before the steeple was completed. Two small bells by their merry peals give some life, three times a day, to these silent places, and by their united sound announce on Saturday evening that the following day is the day of our Lord and the day of rest. On Sunday, they are summoning the faithful to gather into the house of their common Father and offer him their prayers and supplications, petitions and thanksgiving. When Fr. Naude made his appearance in that district there had never been there a single Christian or European Priest. It required a great courage and resolution to come alone, attended with two boys only, and pitch his tent in the midst of Karen huts, in a district which, in those days, was in great parts covered with jungle. The people at first were very shy of him, but as he could speak their language they soon readily approached him and became familiarised with him. As they were often vexed by the Burmans of the neighbouring places, they were quick enough in perceiving that by having a European Priest they would possess a protection in whom they could trust, and who would be able to defend them from vexations they had so often experienced. On this point they had not been disappointed in their expectation. Fr. Naude has been their staunch friend. In fact, he has placed his people in a position not to fear the Burmans. The latter are but too glad to treat the Christians as their equals and their friends. When they have some difficulties, either at Henzada or elsewhere, they call themselves the disciples of the Priests and use his name as a means of protection. It must be admitted that in all other stations where a Missionary has established himself the same instinct of self-preservation has acted in a similar manner. Human considerations have, at first, influenced the Karens in approaching the Priest and placing themselves under his guidance and control. They have obeyed to motives of self-interest, in the beginning, in fact things could not happen in a way difference from this, unless we are prepared to maintain that the grace from above has worked in a miraculous manner, upon the mind of those children of the forests. Providence, doubtless, has prepared the way to the advent of the Missionary in such or such place, and disposed the people to receive him and harbour him among them. But, as regards the acceptance of the religious instruction by every individual, another element was absolutely necessary in order to procure conversions. That element was no other but the free and active co-operation of every individual in sincerely and effectively adhering to the truths expounded by the messengers of God, in the name of Him who had sent them. But, this element could only show itself at the time that religion was preached and its truths expounded and brought within the reach of their intellect, it is, but at that moment, that, what is called conversion, can really take place. These few words are written down for the express purpose of anticipating remarks made by persons, who carried by an unenlightened zeal and lacking reflection, are prepared to condemn every missionary effort that has the least appearance of human agency, losing sight that the Messenger of Christ has to deal with men first, and with men who are gifted with liberty and free will and yield partly to human motives and self interest in the beginning of their conversion. During the first year of his stay at Thinganaing Fr. Naude obtained, with much exertion and labour, about one hundred converts. The number rapidly increased when they were truly convinced that he seriously meant to dwell among them for good. They believed in his earnestness when they saw him exerting himself to the utmost and straining every nerve in erecting a good and substantial wood building. From that moment the people became earnest in attending to the instructions and disposing themselves for baptism.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
The number of applicants was often so great that the assistants of the Priest were not able to suffice to the work. No one, but he who has been devoted to the work of converting the pagans to the Christian religion, can understand the amount of patient labour that is required. Schools are the principal means at the disposal of the Missionary, in order to educate children of both sexes who will subsequently form the next generation. Fr. Naude, with some assistance from the Government, built two fine schools within the Church’s compound, one for the boys and another for the girls. As many children live a great distance from the schools the number attending has never been considerable. In his compound Fr. Naude has also planted a good number of teak trees, which are growing well, they will however yield inferior quality of timber which can never bear any comparison with that yield by tree growing on elevated ground. For the past 4 or 5 years, Fr. Naude has been assisted by the Rev’d. Moses, a most zealous and worthy native Priest. By 1881, the Boys’ School building was in a much dilapidated state and the Rev’d. Fr. Naude set at work to have it rebuilt anew with good and substantial materials. Two chapels have been erected, one at Mindle and the other at Mwegoe, which have become somewhat considerable stations with many Christian families. The great obstacle to the progress of religion and civilisation among the Karen’s is the isolation in which they live and the almost insuperable barrier thrown in the way of the poor Missionary to whom it is impossible to visit effectively the Christians dispersed upon a vast extent of territory, in a small group of one, three or four houses. As man has been made by his Creator to live in society, it is evident that the mode of life, originally adopted and tenaciously adhered to by most Karens, is a violation of the law under which he has been brought into existence, as a rational being. No means for effectually bettering the position of him who places himself out of the pale of civilisation , can avail. The efforts that are made with a most worthy intention, will never be rewarded with a corresponding success. This subject deserves more than an ordinary mention. It ought to receive ampler explanations, which the contracted limits of an historical sketch cannot possibly admit. The author alludes to this fact, with the hope that it may catch the eyes of some missionaries, who will act up to it, and place the Karen Mission on a more satisfactory footing. Magna est veritas and pravalebit. Mittagon Oukpho – Zaungdan 1887
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
When Fr. Bringaud arrived, he received from the Government an extensive piece of land on which he erected, at first, a modest temporary bamboo building, which was used as a Chapel and a house for his residence. In the following year, 1868, having gathered a good quantity of teak timber he built the present Church. It is a roomy and strong edifice calculated to last for many years. At the back of the building there are three rooms that afford a sufficient place of residence. In the year 1869 he erected another teak building, intended for a boys school. It is in every respect well disposed for the purpose. Near it are the out-office. The school compound is surrounded with a good paling. The energetic Missionary was not satisfied with what was already done. He wished to have also a good school for the Karen girls. By his admirable tact, he knew how to obtain pieces of teak gratuitously from the Government and from a Rangoon firm that was working the forests in the neighbourhood. Moreover, by his insinuating manners he obtained assistance from different parties, who admiring his great zeal and devotedness, were glad to come forward with money to help him. The Girls’ School is a fine teak building with two stories and a substantial tile roof. There is abundant room for the accommodation of the two teachers and a number of girls who are boarders on account of the great distance that separates them from the villages where their parents live. This state of things entails a considerable expense on the Priest who has to provide food for so many pupils. It is true that the parents make occasional donations of rice which forms the staple of food to the people of these parts. The school is managed by two native Sisters of St. Francis Xavier, who seem to have the qualifications necessary for carrying out satisfactorily the work entrusted to their care. The building was begun in 1874 and the compound has a good enclosure made of teak slabs, which separates effectively the Institution from all other places. It is stocked with many fruit trees, chiefly Mango and Tamarind as well as Plantains. The children have a spot of ground where they cultivate flowers and a few European vegetables. The whole compound of the Mission contains at least, seven acres of land. It was a completely waste spot when Fr. Bringaud came to pitch his tent upon it. Now it is a handsome ground planted out with fruit trees, studded with three principal buildings, the Church with its pair of towers and the two schools. The work of evangelisation the natives has been somewhat slow and gradual, but it appears to be steady. No extraordinary occurrence has taken place to bring about a sudden rush of pagans coming to declare themselves disciples of the Missionary. All has been done as it ought to be, through the agency of native converts. Fr. Bringaud has known how to select two good Catechists, one a young man and another an old one. Both have been men of an exemplary life, at the same time full of zeal for the conversion of the natives. Rarely have I seen men of such an extraordinary activity and ardent love for the dissemination of Christian values. The number of converts is yearly increasing, at present the number is not less than 1,200. Christians are to be found in several villages, spread at a great distance. In each village, a headman is established for the object of Sunday prayers and presiding over the meetings and conveying instruction to the Christians of the place. They are reminded of the importance of labouring for the conversion of their parents and relatives living in the same villages or its neighbourhood. Hitherto the Priest was living in a few rooms connected with the Church, the accommodation was narrow and insufficient, but the Missionary has put up cheerfully with that inconvenience, until he could manage to erect a building for himself.
Published by the Anglo-Burmese Library 2014. All rights reserved.
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Extracts from "Early Catholic Mission Pathein" 1720 - 1887
When the writer visited the station of Mittagon, he was much pleased to see raised up the frame of a good and large house for the accommodation of the Clergy of the station. I am sure that in less than four months from that date the building shall be completed. It is intended for a double storey and it will be the best building that the Mission possesses in this district. That of the Missionary at Kanazogon might be compared with it, but it is not broad nor so roomy. The station of Mittagon is lying about half way between Henzada and Myanoung and is close to the river of Oukpho. It has many advantages being situated at a convenient distance from the chain of mountains called the Arracan Yoma range and the place is as healthy as anyone I have seen in lower Burma. The soil is fertile but the vicinity of the hills enables men of active habits to go thither in search of many things from the sale of which they can realize a good profit. Fr. Rouyer at Mittagon Oukpho Mission Henzada (Hinthada) 1879
Published by the Anglo-Burmese Library 2014. All rights reserved.
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