The Rt.Rev.Paul Ambrose Bigandet ( Bishop of Ramatha)
First Vicar Apostolic of Lower Burma,
1656-1894
Bishop Paul
Ambrose Bigandet MEP, the first Vical Apostolic of Lower Burma, was born on
August 13th, 1813 of a distinguished and profoundly Christian family.
He came from Malans in Franche-Comte which was
known as a mountainous part of France,
famous even in the times of Romans for its brave and courageous people. The
people of Franche-Comte
were above all remarkable for their deep Catholic faith. That power of faith
always formed so prominent a characteristic in Bishop Bigandet, and guided him
through all his labours in the vineyard of Lord.
Paul
Bigandet has grown as a graceful youth gifted with noble spirit, quick of
intellect and altogether with a charming character. When he has rrived at adulthood,
a brilliant career was open before him. By the extraordinary talents that he
was gifted, he would have made a name for himself. Wealth, honour, all that the
world loves and longs for, would had been his had he followed a worldly career.
But that was not his choice. He was destined by God to be the great Sower and
cultivator who would propagate the sacred seed of the Word of God in those
hands which were still spiritually desert and barren. He began his theological
studies at the early age of sixteen and distinguished himself for his piety and
for his aptitude and progress in his religious learning. At the age of nineteen
he was already appointed Professor in the Ecclesiastical College of Marnay
while preparing himself to the priesthood.
It was
recorded that his zealous, vivacious and amiable disposition secured him the
affection of his pupils, whose respect had early been paid to his scholarship
and intellectual attainment. At the College
of Marnay he devoted
himself for some years to classical teaching. But God called him to be a more
arduous vocation and in 1836, after taking minor orders, he solicited and
obtained admission to join the seminary of the Foreign Missions at Paris.
After a year's probation he was ordained priest on
February 8th,1837 at the age of twenty four and was sent by the Society to
mission in the far east Asia, the Malay Peninsula.
After a voyage of 130 days he landed on the shores of Penang.
The newly-arrived missionary was then sent to Mergui which was in those days
comprised within the limits of the Malaysia mission, though the
inhabitants are majority Karen and Burmans. But now Mergui is one of the
stations in the diocese of Moulmein
(Mawlemyine), in the Church
of Burma. In Mergui the
young Father Bigandet began to work with the zeal of an Apostle and devoted a
great deal of his leisure to the study of the Burmese language. He made such
rapid progress in that language that he succeeded in composing a "Life of
Our Lord " and a "Prayer Book in Burmese" within two years after
his arrival.
During
his stay in Mergui, Father Bigandet founded several schools in which he himself
undertook the laborious task of teaching and instructing the students under his
care. After a life of intense labour for six years in Mergui, he was recalled
by Bishop Bouche of Penang to take charge of the Cathedral and to fill the post
of Vicar General of the Vicariate Apostolic of the Malay
Peninsula. Out of a very humble obedience he returned to Penang and accepted his assignments. With the
characteristic industry he applied himself to the study of Malay language. His
time was employed not only in performing the functions of his sacred ministry,
but he also spent it in teaching the poor. Here he distinguished himself in the
literary line. Apart from contributing articles to newspapers and magazines he
translated several books into the Malay language.
In 1846
the Bishop of Singapore wanted a Coadjutor and he appealed to the Pope who
nominated Father Bigandet. The humility of the Bishop Elect was so great that
he begged to be allowed to refuse the episcopal dignity. To this request Bishop
Bouche reluctantly consented. For ten years more, Father Bigandet continued to
work as a simple priest. In 1856 the Burma mission passed into the hands of the
Foreign Mission of Paris, and it became necessary for Father Bigandet to be
consecrated Bishop with the double title of Coadjutor Bishop of Malaysia and
Vicar Apostolic of Ava and Pegu. Consecrated titular-Bishop of Ramatha on March
30th 1856, he left Penang for Mergui on April
4th. He landed at Moulmein
at April 14th. After 25 days' stay at Moulmein, Bishop Bigandet set out on a
tour of the whole territory under his charge, going first to Rangoon, then to
Bassein and Myaungmya and then to Thayetmyo and Amarapura, City of the Kings.
On an elephant he visited the Old Catholic villages of Shwebo district. Next he
went to Bhamo and on his return to Rangoon
visited Toungoo, Shwegyin, Sittang and Pegu.The on-the spot-survey of the various
Catholic centers gave the zealous Bishop a first-hand knowledge of the
conditions prevailing in the mission field. The complete visitation of the
Vicariate was accomplished in less than a year.
The state
of affairs was not cheering and heartening. In the course of his extensive
tour, Bishop Bigandet found out that after more than a hundred years of
missionary effort, there were only about 2,000 Catholics in Southern
Burma and lesser numbers beyond Amarapura. In Moulmein there were two wooden churches. In Rangoon there was a
bamboo-house chapel and an unfinished brick church. In Bassein and Myaungmya
all church property was burnt to the ground in the temporary anarchy which
accomplished the British invasion during the Second Burmese War of 1852. In
Theyetmyo there was a wooden church for the troops. There were good buildings
in Amarapura while in Bhamo there was nothing. Around Catholic villages in the
Shwebo district, the saintly Bishop found many fallen away Catholics due to
lack of priests and due to drink and mixed marriages. It was during this tour
that Bishop with characteristic energy utilized his spare moments to the study
of English and took a lively interest in everything that came under his
observation. At Amarapura, King Mindon received him most graciously, discussed
religion with him. The Bishop was a sound scholar in Burmese. He was wont to
visit the Buddhist monasteries to consult, discuss and argue with the monks and
to pore over the old Pali commentaries and legends. The fruit of this led him
to produce "The Life or Legend of Gaudama" which was published in
1858.
With the
advent of the British there was peace and order. With the annexation of Lower Burma in 1852 developments in the mission field
began. The Church was also fortunate in having at its head one so wise and able
as Bishop Bigandet. The government was sympathetic towards the work done by the
Bishop and his band of zealous missionaries and gave grants and sites for
churches and schools. In these favourable circumstances and with such aids,
Catholic buildings sprang up rapidly. In 1858 and 1859 the Cathedral at Barr Street and the church
of St.Patrick's at Moulmein were built. The Brothers of
Christian Schools were brought in and were given charge of the school at Moulmein. In 1860 he
established at Bassein for Karen Catholics a school in which he hoped to retain
up catechists, teachers and also to foster indigenous vocations to the
priesthood.
In 1860
the Bishop Bigandet brought the Brothers to Rangoon and installed them alongside the
newly-built Cathedral at Barr Street. The
Brothers in the following year directed the school at Bassein. He got the
printing-press going under able supervision and it printed books in the
vernacular. By 1865 Bishop Bigandet found the mission field was so vast for one
man to administer effectively. In 1870 Toungoo Mission was given over to the
Italian Fathers of the Foreign Mission of Milan. The Vicariate of Southern
Burma was erected and Upper Burma became the
Vicariate of Northern Burma.
The Good
Shepherd Sisters were introduced into Rangoon in
1867 and the Sisters of St.Joseph of the Apparition who came in 1847 to open a
convent in Moulmein were invited to extend their
activities in Rangoon
in 1861. The church of St.Anthony was erected in 1887 for Indian Catholics
who were coming into Rangoon from India to find
employment in Government service and in mercantile firms.
In 1887
Bishop Bigandet celebrated his sacerdotal Jubilee. By now the number of
Catholics had risen from 2,000 to 18,000. In reply to the eloquent tribute paid
to the worth, genius and social character of the venerable Prelate, the humble
Bishop said: " Now I reap a hundredfold the fruit that was grown from the
handfuls of seed that I have planted during the fifty years of my pilgrimage in
these parts, which have become my home. I feel quite happy to have exchanged
the West for the East, Europe for Asia, France
for Burma.
After half a century I can state without hesitation that my choice has truly
been a good one and a source of pleasurable reminiscence."
In 1893,
Bishop Bigandet now four score, worn out by the toil of a lifetime, secured
Monsignor Cardot as his Coadjutor. In the same year a site for a new Cathedral
worthy of a town like Rangoon which was growing more and more important, was
obtained after negotiating with the Government of India. In 1894 after his
visit to Mergui, the first scene of his apostolic labours he returned to Rangoon exhausted and
spent. Pneumonia set in and informed of his grave condition the saintly Bishop
prepared to receive the last rites of the Church. He passed away quietly at
noon on March 19th, the Feast of the Great St.Joseph, in the eighty-first year
of his age and the thirty-eighth of his Episcopate. At his death the number of
Catholics in Burma
was about 35,000. This year marks the centenary of the coming of Bishop
Bigandet to Rangoon,
and today, sixty-two years after his death, the number of Catholics in the
Union of Burma is 160,000 out of a total population of 18,000,000.
............................
Let us
now pass over to Bassein
As there are Christians in the town of Bassein, during a considerable time,
previous to the period under review, it is perhaps not uninteresting to state
in a few words what is known concerning the small Christian Congregation
(Community) in that remote part of the province of Pegu During
the latter part of the 16th Century, the whole of the 17th, the Portuguese
adventurers and merchants made their appearance in these parts, as they did at
Dacca, Chittagong, Pegu and even at Ava.
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 Father 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 an 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 at least, a brick foundation. This state of
thing lasted until the war that broke out between the English and Burmese in
1924-25
The house of 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.Tarolly went from Rangoon to Bassein to
visit that station. He thought that the town was admirably situated for the
centre of a Missionary establishment, destined to radiate in various
directions, among the Karens living in the neighbourhood. Joseph the Armenians,
procured for the priest a good piece of ground in a very quiet and yet a central
position. He built on the spot, 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 Father Domingo set at
work for establishing a Christian Mission in two or three localities fo the
neighbourhood. Having received a good reinforcement of fellow labourers in the
person of Rev.Jacobo Pogolotti, Vincenti Gabutti, and Candido Paruzza Father 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 .( We have mentioned
in a foregoing article the obstacles he met in his Missionary career at that
spot, owing to the second war of 1852.)
Father Jacobo Pologotti at Bassein
Fr.Jacobo
Pogolotti after has ordination, laboured for two years in upper country and
afterwards in Moulmain. He was subsequently sent to Bassein to assist the
Rev.D.Tarolly, in carrying on the Karen Mission. He was a most promissing young
clergy man: his abilities were more than common and his zeal rather more ardent
than discreet. He went to establish himself in the jungle among Karens and
conformed entirely to their mode of life. Being a man of a strong constitution
he withstood the ordeal for some time, but soon after he was attacked by the
jungle fever. Having neglected to take
remedy in proper time, he was removed, when too late, to Bassein, and expired
in the arms of his fellow labouers, in the year 1894.
Father Gabutti at Bassein
Fr.V.Gabutti
was ordained priest together with the Rev.Pologotti in the city of Amarapoora by Bishop
Ceretti. This unusual ceremony attracted a great number of people, and among
others was the prince of Prome. The Reverend Father remained for sometime in
the upper country. He came subsequently to Pegu and Tenasserim. For some years,
he was stationed at Bassein, and in 1857 he was placed in charge of the
congregation of Mayangone in Moulmain. In 1858 he was removed to Rangoon, where he has
laboured for four years. In the year 1862, suffering of an ulcer in the mouth,
he returned to Italy
and died in the following year at Turin.
When the
writer visited Bassein in 1856 he found the Rev.V. Gabutti in charge of the
place.
The
Christian Community was composed of a certain number of Karens of the
neighbourhood, of some inhabitants of Bassein, and of a portion of a detachment
of European troops, then stationed at Bassein. On account of ill health, Father
Gabutti, was removed to Moulmain.
Father Naude at Bassein
His
successor was Rev.Fr.R.Naude, who during a stay of one
year, baptized in the jail of Bassien, many of the unfortunate prisoners,
arrested under the pretext of having shared in the revolt of what they called
the Karen Mentha. At that time there was at
Bassein, a Chapel built with the posts and planks of an old Burmese Monastery,
by the exertions of the soldiers then in garrison at the station. Two rooms
contiguous to the Chapel, formed the low and humble residence of the
Missionary. The Rev. Naude ,having left Bassein for the Hinzadah district, the
Rev.P.Barbe, went to assume temporarily spiritual charge of
the place. He erected a house for the Priest, a tolerably good building, in
1857.
Normal School at Bassein
For
the purpose of remedying the evil just complained of and preventing its growth
and spread in the rising Karen missions, the Bishop had long entertained the
idea of establishing at Bassein, a school or seminary, placed under the
immediate supervision of a European Missionary, for the purpose of educating
young Karens and Burmese, and by communicating to them a good amount of
knowledge and training them up in the rational way that is observed in well
managed in Europe; and there by to prepare them for discharging effectually the
important duties of school masters and Catechists. The Superior had fixed his eyes upon the Rev.Fr.P.
Dumollard, as eminently qualified for this duty. But during more than two
years, several untoward occurrences thwarted the execution of the plan, and
prevailed the Revd gentleman from being
sufficiently disengaged to second the view of the head of the Mission. At last in the year 1861, he
repaired to Bassein for the purpose of making the preliminary arrangements. The
locality as far as the compound is concerned is vast, and well fitted for an
Institution; but the small and old buildings were unsuitable for admitting a
certain number of boys. The Revd Dumollard was not a man to be disheartened by
such difficulties. He collected about twelve or fifteen boys from the two
principal Karen stations and forthwith began the good work with a
praiseworthy earnestness. Soon after a good opportunity having afforded the
means of procuring three Christian Brothers, the Bishop thought that they would
form most excellent auxilliaries for keeping up the Bassein school, and
enlarging the sphere of its usefullness by extending the blessing of education
to a certain number of boys of the town. During the winter of the year 1982,
the out-offices of the new institution were built of masonry, and a good place
for the printing press. Meanwhile the building of the Institution was begun and
carried on with great vigor. It would have been finished, had not a misfortune
caused the raft upon which were accumulated all the ready materials for the
house, to split into two parts, occasioning thereby a great loss of a valuable
portion of the posts and planks. But the energy of Father Dumollard soon
repaired the losses, and the building has beend completed in the month of July
of the present year. The number of boarders in the institution amounts to sixty
two, besides a similar number of children from the town.
Father P.Dumollard at Bassein
He(Fr.Peter
Barbe) remained there about 18 months, when he was succeeded by the Rev.
P.Dumollard, who was sent thither for the express purpose of establishing a
kind of normal School, for the special object of training up young Karen boys
for the duties of teachers and Catechists, and also to prepare a few of them to
be sent as students in our College general of Penang to study the Latin tongue and to be prepared
for the ecclesiastical state. Father Dumollard set resolutely at work. In 1860
or 1861, the foundations of the Institution were at first erected with a roomy
place for the Printing establishment. He then began the great building of
St.Peter's Institution, so named after the Rev.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 amounting to about 12,000 Rupees, was solely and entirely devoted
to the erection of the extensive premises. The work was carred 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 at Bassein
A small
community of Christian Brothers was likewise established in that locality, as a
Noviciate for all the Schools of the Mission,
managed by the members of the same Society. The Brothers kept at the same time an English day School, attended by 60 to
70 children from the town.
Press established at Bassein
The Press
was sadly in want of English and Burmese types. The former could easily
procured from Calcutta.
For the supply of the latter the Mission
was at the mercy of the Baptist's Press. The head of the Mission
resolved to send to Europe the Rev.P.Dumollard for the express purpose of
procuring matrices and puncheons of casting Burmese types in any quantity that
might be required.The Rev.gentleman succeeded in having everything done at Paris, in a very
creditable manner. On his return, he brought back with him, besides the
articles necessary for casting types, about three sets of types cast in Paris.
During
the period of his absence, the post of Bassein was tenanted by the Rev.X.Ducotcy. On his return from Europe Father 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.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 at Bassien
He was
succeeded by the Rev.G.D'Cruz, who was eminently fitted for the situation.
Under his active and perservering efforts, the institution was made great
progress. The number of pupils has much increased, and the Press has been
worked with energy.
About Rev.Fr.D'Cruz
Fr.George
D'Cruz is the second native priest born at Rangoon. After having studied for some time,
the English language at Calcutta, he came back
to Burmah (Burma).
He expressed to Bishop Ceretti, the great desire he had to become a priest. His
excellent dispositions having been soon duly appreciated, the good Bishop to
him with himself to Europe when he returned to Italy, and placed him in the
college of the Propaganda. When he had completed his studies, he was ordained
priest, and sent back to Burmah, in 1855. Fr.D'Cruz remained for some time in Maulmain, when he
was,in the end of 1856, ordered to proceed to the Military station of Tonghoo
(Taung Ngu) At that place he has given and continues to
give proofs of a great zeal, and of an ardent activity for doing good and
propagating the Christian religion.2 At last in the year 1868, he was summoned from
Tonghoo, and directed to take charge of the mission's College and Press
established in the town of Bassein.
In that place he discharges the multifarious duties of his sacred calling, with
an admirable activity, and a success truly satisfactory.
Books printed for the Mission
A
considerable collection of instructions written by one of the Fathers of the
Barnabite Order, containing an explanation of the Gospels for every Sunday and
principal festivals throughout the year, had been printed in a large volume.
The Homilies being written in a very pure and correct language, the work must
be of great help to all missonaries, and particularly to those who are studying
the Burmese language. The Life of St.Francis Xavier, the Life of our Savior in
verses, an abridged history of the Old Testament, a Collection of Hymns and
Canticles, and other books have been successively published in Burmese. We may
say that the Mission
is well provided with books both for the vernacular Schools and also for the
use of the Native Christians.
Moreover,
a fine Church has been erected in a large compound of the School. It is built
with bricks, and roofed with tiles. From the entrance into the compound, the
front part of the building exhibits a fine and elegant appearance. It has been
erected from the proceeds of a subscription and chiefly form the generous and
liberal aid afforded by the two principal Christians of the place, Messrs W.Thisella
and M. Cajetano D'Attaides.The latter, in particular has displayed, in the
promotion of this good work, a generosity worthy of the olden times of
Portuguese ascendancy in India.
The Press building has been likewise considerably enlarged. A substantial seat
has been erected for the benefit of the Christians, who living at a distance
from the town, want a place of rest, where they can stay during the Sunday, and
other days, when they have to come to town.
Girls' School at Bassien
A very
large plank edifice has been erected for a Girls School.
It is intended for an English day school, and a sort of orphanage and Burmese School, for the daughters of the Karen
Christians, inhabiting villages spread about the town. Two native Nuns have
been sent from Rangoon, for conducting the Burmese School, and managing the children of the
Orphanage. Under God's blessing, it is to be hoped that the Institution will
prove productive of much good for the benefit of the Karen population.
St.Peter's Institution
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.
The boys
School at Bassein as seen by Bishop Bigandet
The boys school at Bassein has not much progressed as
regards the studies. It is purely Burmese
School. The deficiency of
good Masters, and a want of active and stimulating supervision are the two real
causes of the inferiority that has been, oftentimes remarked by the Government
Inspectors and by the writer himself. There are, however, two points in which
the writer is glad to call the attention of the reader, because they have shed
a certain lustre on the institution, vis, the Survey class, in which several
boys have learned land measuring, and thereby qualified themselves for
obtaining small situations under Government. Many boys have obtained
employments which enable them to
maintain themselves and their small rising families. Father D'Cruz , has
always had in his mind a desire to creat a sort of industrial School, in which
boys could learn some professions which would be subsequently a means of
gaining a decent livelihood.The idea in theory is a capital one. But practice
shows that our Christian boys, particualy the Eurasians, cannot compete with
nativesof Bengal or Madras.
The latter work as well as the Eurasians, and at a much lower rate of wages.
Moreover, they required hardly more for their support than one third of what
will be sufficient for maintenance of their competitors. There is only one line
opened to Eurasians, that of apprentice Engineer. The workshop set up at Bassein
is intended to train up boys in the line of business. Father D'Cruz, began with
very limited means at first; but assisted, hereafter, by the advice and the
purse of mr.Murphy, a practical Engineer, he has been able to give a greater
development to the works, so much so that many boys Burmese or Karens, can
receive a fair training in that profession, and be enabled, hereafter, to earn
their livelihood. Intelligence and perseverance in carrying on this branch of
industrial training are the things required to ensure success.
(Ref: pp.139)
The institute
of St.Francis Xavier
native nuns
Since we
have had an opportunity of mentioning the native nuns, it is perhaps
interesting to know how that small order has come to be established in this Mission. In the year
1874, the writer had occasion, to mention to the Superioress of the Covent of
the Good Shepherd, Mary of Angels, how we could employ some of our orphan girls
as school mistresses in the various stations where our Missionaries resided and
opened schools, for the benefit of the girls of Karen converts. The undertaking
of sending young girls from Rangon 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 somewhile, 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 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 principal 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 Sister is fifteen. They have
to teach in Rangoon
orphanage and in three localities, or distinct stations. They are doing much
good, inspire the 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 years probation. When this period is over, they wear a
silver cross which is the sign of their being promoted to the religious
profession.
One
reflesion 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 to 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 Sister of 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!
....
2. Myaungmya Mission
Myaungmya as the
first station among the Karens
Myaungmya
is the first station established by Catholic Missionaries in Pegu, among the
Karens. It was begun with great zeal and determination by the Rev.D.Tarolly,
then stationed at Bassein, in or about the year 1846. By his admirable
perseverance he found himself at the head of a considerable Congregation. He
erected a very large and substantial building for a Church, and also with
adjacent rooms for his residence. He had also with him a number of Christian
boys. Every thing seemed to prosper, the grand work was consolidated and took a
progressive development when the breaking out of the war between the English
and Burmese, in the year 1852, destroyed in a few days the great work
accomplished by the fervent Missionary, at the cost of so much labour and
expense. 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. Father 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 Father Domingo, hastened back to his dear 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 beginning to
on regularly. The Mission
in that place has not since, made much progress, owing to several untoward
occurances, 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 can not 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, the 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.P.Bertrand,who work there with great zeal, during
a period of nealy two years, for repairing the mischief done by his
predecessor. Having returned to Kanazogon he was succeeded by Father 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 Father
Domingo, during nearly two years. Father 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.
Father D.Tarolly
left for new mission
Rev.Fr.D.Tarolly,
having left Myaungmya, came to settle in a place called Shaboa,
somewhere below the village
of Twantay. The reason
that induced him to go to such an out of the way, was that there were few
people whom he knew before, who had invited him to come and settle among them.
He lived there until the arrival in the Mission,
of Father Schmitt, whom the Superior of
the Mission had sent to help and to assist him. The good
Father was not pleased with that measure. On a sudden he left Shaboa and came
to settle in the midst of paddy fields,
among some Karens families at a place called Khiaung-wine (Giawine). He
remained there, and also at a place called Konta, where the people gave him a
Khiaung or Buddhist monastery abandoned by the former inmates. Tired of being
alone in those places, he applied for leave to return to Myaungmya, where he is at present doing all what he can for
the benefit of his old converts.
Myaung Mya Mission
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. Father Domingo
Tarolly, after having laboured in several localities of the districts of 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 Father Devos,
whom sickness compelled soon to leave the Mission
for a time. He was replaced by Father Cartreau, who has done much for
the materal and spiritual improvement of the place. Possessed of much zeal and
of 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 lived scattered in the middle of jungle and fields, almost
all the boys are boarders, and the result is that extensive premises are
required for sheltering 40 boys. The Church and School have received each 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, Father Cartreau left Myaungmya for a new field not
very distant, where a small christian Congregation has been
established. There is no doubt but he will succeed with the help of God, in
doing much good and founding a florishing Christian Church among the Karens..
A young
Missionary, Rev.G.Kern is now at Myaungmya, with Father 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 Government
New Boys' School at Myaungmya
In the
year 1878-1879, the zealous priest of Myaungmya Father Kern assisted by the veteran Missionary Father
Domingo, built a very good edifice intended as a school for the boys of the
localities that consitute the Mission of Myaungmya. 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 staying at a great distance from the centre of
the station where is school. 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 laboring among persons of their sex.
It is delightful to see Nuns who are Naives of the Jungles, born from Karen
descent, performing in the twofold capacity of Religious 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.
Rev.Fr.D.Tarolly leaves Thaboo and retuns to Myaung Mya
During
many years, the Rev.S.Schmitt, has been labouring among the Karen population
dwelling south of a line drawn from Rangoon,
extending in a Western direction as far as that branch of the Irrawaddy China
Bukeer. The first place where a house was erected is Shaboa. This small station
was begun at first by Rev.D.Tarolly. But the good priest having been attacked
and wounded by robbers during the night, he became justly alarmed and leaving
Shaboa came to fix himself in a place called Giaung Wine,on the Dallah side
close to Rangoon.
After a stay of a few years in this locality, Rev.Tarolly went back to Myaung
Mya which had been the first seat of his labours among the Karens.
Rev.S.Schmitt succeeded Father D.Tarolly at Shaboa........
Ordination of the Karen priest John Baptist Pabaung
In the
year 1882, Father Kern, at Myaungmya, enlarged on a scale comparatively
extended, 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. In the beginning of the following year,
the Deacon John Baptist was promoted to the priesthood. As he is a pure Karen
both by the paternal and material side, the writer has much pleasure in
mentioning that he is the first priest of the race. On the day of his
ordination, there was a numerous congregation of his countrymen. It was with a
great satisfaction that they heard the joyful announcement that God has
condescended to select one of their kin and blood, to be elevated to the
dignity of Priest.
Death of Father Domingo Tarolly
It is a
painful duty to the writer to have now to record, with feelings of the deepest
sorrow, the death of Rev.Father Domingo Tarolly, a Tyrolese, who departed his
life at the Patriarchal age of 84 years. He was sent by the Propaganda to the
Burmese Mission, in the year 1829, and reached the place of his destination the
following year. He formed as it were, the connecting link between the Barnabite
Fathers who during more than a century, had presided worthily over the
destinies of the Burmese Mission, from 1720 to 1832, and the priests of the
Propaganda at first and the Oblats of Turin next. Owing to the very limited
numbers of priests, labouring in the Mission,
the Rev.Tarolly , was sent to the upper country. It is in the year 1832, in the
village of Monhla, that the las Barnabite expired
in his arms. His name was Jose D'Amato, worthy representative of the
illustrious religious family he belonged to.
From
Monhla, Father Tarolly , 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 Father Tarolly, for the first time. It
was from Maulmain, that he went to Bassien 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 find apperance, 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
brokend out, between the English and the 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 buildings that he had set up
before. 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 zeal 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.
Blessing
of the corner stone of the Church at Myaungmya
The zealous priest of Myaungmya, Revd.Fr.Kern had long
nourished the idea of erecting at Myaungmya Station, a strong, solid brick
church to take the place of the old and much worn out wooden building erected
by the Revd.Father Domingo in 1855. For a year or two, Revd.Kern had been
slowly but perseveringly amassing the materials necessary for buiding his
Church. He had all the bricks made upon the spot; fresh water sand could be
procured without much difficulty. Lime also, through the numberless creeks
which intersect the country, could be brought by boats even from a distant
place, with little expense. In the beginning of the month of August, the
trenches were opened for the foundations and in about a month, the masonry work
was brought up on foot six inches above the level of the ground. In his
enthusiasm, the zealous pastor would not let pass the opportunity offered to
him, of laying down the corner stone of buiding, without having it done with a
great solemnity. The Head of the Mission,
as well as his Provicar, went to Myaungmya on the 27th of September. What was their
surprise on their arrival at 9:00 p.m to find that the almost all the Catholic
Congregation of Bassein had gathered in Myaungmya for that important ceremony.
A great crowd of them had come to receive us at the landing place. Instead of a
regular band, we had eight or ten Chinese Christians with their tam-tams,
making such an unearthly vacarme,that they terrified the pariah dogs of the
streets to such an extent as to save us from hearing the horrible howling and
barking of those brutes. The house of the priest was splendidly illuminated.
From the top of the verandah, the writer stood for a while admiring the immense
crowd that was, wave-like, moving and rolling before him. He addressed them a
few words, imparted unto them his blessing, and bade them to return each of
them to his place, for it was nearly 10 o'clock at night.
The following day, at 7 o'clock in the morning, the sun
shining with a radiant effulgence, enlivened the scene where the ceremony was
to be performed. Everything having been done according to the prescriptions of
the ritual, an allocution was addressed to the vast congregation that was
present. Immediately after having left the ground, we proceeded to an
improvised chapel, to celebrate the holy Sacrifice of the Mass. After the Gospel, another allocution
was made in Burmese first, and then in English. At a quarter past 9,(o'clock)
the ceremony was over.
The Pastor of Myaungmya was, and rightly so, overjoyed at
the successful inauguration of the beginning of the church.
...........
(Ref:pp.141-142)
3. Kanazogon Mission
Revolt of a few Karens which leads to the establisment
of the Kanazogon station
The
Rev.Fr.Dumollard contrived to induce one of his parishioners, M.Ramos, to erect
a neat little building designed for a girls' shcool. Whilst these imporvements
were happily going on in Maulmein, Providence
offered n eccellent opportunity in the midst of the Pegu province for
propagating Christian Religion among the Karens.
In the
district of Shwelaung (Shwe Laung), there appered a fanatical Karen who
gave himself as a Min-laung or a personage destined to become a king. He
craftily practised on the credulity and simplicity of the Karens, and persuaded
many to ecome his followers. He assumed the air of a prince, with a
paraphenalia of his dignity and began to roam over the district in order to
increase the number of his adherents. Many simple Karens were taken in by his
deceitful language and promises. The incipient incsurrection as a matter of
course, was soon put down, and the chife 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 Karens population, for the ostensible object of showing their zeal in
defending the interests of the English Government, but principally for securing
to themselves large sum of money that were easily extorted from poor persecuted
Karens, under the pretence of releasing them from all troubles and vexation.
The Rev.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
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 number 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 substatntial
plank church apart, and a house for the residence of priests. These two
buildings together with a third one for the schools were all completed in 1862.
They have a fine appearance and will likely last for a great number of years.
In the end of the aboved mentioned year, the number of Christians rose to a
little more than one thousand.
Rev.Fr.Bertrand and Tagnet
In the
beginning of the year 1858, the Mission
received a fresh accession of labourers in the persons of the Rev.P.Bertrand
and P. Tagnet. Fr. Bertrand went to Kanazogon to assist Fr.Lacrampe, learn the
Karen language, and qualify himself for the duties of Missionary among the wild
habitants of the forests of Pegu. Fr. Tagnet was directed to proceed to
Myaungmya and under the auspices of the
Rev.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 establishe
himself in a place called Giawine, in the neighbourhood of Rangoon on the western
bank of the river.
Mission
in Kanazogon
Under the
zealous and active management of the Rev.Father 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, 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 illars
have a pleasing appearance. The building is a little wonder in the midst of
these localities, which are studded only with poor Karens huts. The Girls'
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 Boy's School is equally well built
and affords ample room bothe for the studies and the lodging 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 can not 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 soley 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.
Incroachments of building at Kanazogon
The fine
establishments such as the Church, Boys and Girls Schools, as well as the
Priest's residence, set up with so much labour and expense by Father Bertrand
were threatened with a partial destruction by the gradual encroachment of th
river on the bank whereupon stood the buildings. At last, in 1883, the poor
Missionary had to pull down his own fine and strongly built house, as well as
the roomy boys' school house; and with the materials he rebuilt the two places
on spot more inland and at a greater distance from the bank of the river. May
they be safe for the future, from further incroachment!
4. Mayoka or Maryland Mission
(1864)
It is now
time to visit the three principal Karen Stations which are situated between the
towns of Danabew (Danubyu) and Mianaung ( Myanaung). In ascending the river as
far as Danabew,the first of the three principal Christian stations, that is met
with, is that of Mayoka now called Maryland, situated somewhat inland, about
seven or eight miles, north of the above named city, and about three miles distant from the bank of the
river.
It was in
1864, that the Rev.J.B.Tardivel a man full of faith and of the spirit of God,
resolved to coine and settle in a lonely place on the bank of a small creek
called Mayoka. The whole country was almost uninhabited . It was covered with
tall and thick elephant grass. 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.
Plank Church at Maryland
His hope
was not confounded. He was living in a bamboo hut. Four or five families came
at first to dwell around his hut. In the following year 1865, he erected a
large wooden building, which showed the poeple that the Priest was determined
to remain among them. The years 1866 and 1867 as well as the following, saw the
number of Christians considerably and steadly increasing.
Fine brick Church and House at Mayoka or Maryland
In 1870,
the wooden Church on one hand was too small for the increasing number of
converts.On the other, being made of common jungle wood, it was already , after
a few years, giving evident signs of approaching decay, in several parts. The
Rev. Father resolved to build a new Church of substantial materials, which
would not require constant repairing. He selected a spot at a small distance
from the one he presently occupied and began to make bricks. The masonry work
was begun and carried on with the utmost activity. 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 comfortably 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.
Two schools for boys and girls
In
addition to this, the Priest has not forgotten the Schools. There are two
substantial buildings erected for the two Schools. One of them, the one
destined to the girls is made of bricks. 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 discription, hardly better than that of a
poor Karen. The number of Christians belonging to the place of Maryland, is about 800.
During the period under review, a Native Priest, Rev.Pakin remained with
Father Tardivel for about 18 months, when he was sent to the upper country. He
was then succeeded by another Priest, the Rev.Moses, who stayed there
three or four years. He exchanged his place with the Deacon Carolus, who
is now assistant to Father Tardivel, and has been ordained priest.
It is to
be observed and carefully noted that the Rev.Tardivel has erected those various
edifices, without receiving hardly anything from the mission, in the shape of
money; he has often refused it, when freely offered to him by the Head of the Mission.
He has boldly trusted in Providence
and in the aid of his poor christians. With this 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. No where 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. 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 father 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.
5. Thinganaing Mission (1858)
North of
Maryland, about 8 miles South West of Henzada, in a place called Thinganaing,
there is the second Christians station of importance on the western bank of the
Irrawaddy. It is the first that has been
established in these parts by the zeal of Catholic Missionaries. Rev.R.Naude, having left Bassein in March
1858, under the guidance of and old Karen, whom he had delivered from the
Bassein Jail, directed his steps, at first to a place called Kyinpho, about six
miles North of Henzada. No sooner had he arrived at that place, than he found
that his guide had imposed on his credulity. After a stay of two months, he saw
that the position of the locality, was a very unfavorable one; he left it, and
came to settle in another locality called Thinganaing the situation of which
has been already alluded to.
Beginning at Thinganaing
On that
spot, there is a small Mango tree grove. There the energetic Missionary, with
the help of two Boys he had with him, erected a miserable bamboo hut, the
imperfectly thatched roof of which,hardly him from the rain.
He began
to have some success among the families living in his neighbourhood. They as
well as the pagans joined their efforts, and began to erect with the jungle
wood of the forests, 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 being built with common wood, it began soon
to give unmistakeable signs of rapid decay in 1869. It was during that period
of time, that the work of conversion went on with great energy. Every year the
flock rapidly increased, and the good father had the consolation to see himself
at the head of a congregation of converts, numbering more than 1000 souls. In
1861 Rev.Father Tardivel went to assist the Missionary of Thingangaing. He
remained there until the year 1864. Rev.J Bringaud was sent to relieve
Father Tardivel. He remained in that locality during nearly three years. Deacon
Carolus went subsequently to assist Father Naude. Having been afterward
removed to Mayoka or Maryland, his place was occupied by
Rev.Moses.
New brick Church and House at Thinganaing
Father
Naude, perceiving the decay that was gradually encroaching on the building that
has cost him so much labour and fatigue, though it had hardly stood 10 or 11
years, resolved to erect a new one, made of more durable and lasting materials.
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 amass, he resolutely set at work.
The work was begun 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. The dwelling place for the priest is connected
with the Church. The whole building is a very substantial one, and presents a
fine appearance. It is, for the wilds, where it stands, a real monument. It was
in 1871, that the energetic Father Naude wished to have a steeple erected in
fornt of the Church. With him, to will and to set at work, is one and same
thing. An old undermined dike of bricks, thrown across a stream close to his
place, many years ago, by a well-to-do Burman, supplied a good quantity of
bricks for carrying on the undertaking. Men and women who had not the means to
give money contributed to the good work by their labour.
The
wrtter has been astonished and, at the same time much edified in witnessing the
zeal and devotedness, the cherfulness and alacrity displayed by all in
furthering the work, every one 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 the Lord, and the day of rest. On Sunday, they
are summoning the faithful to gather into the house of their common Father, and
offer to him their prayers and supplications, petitions and thanksgiving.
Remarks of Bishop Bigandet
When
Father 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 to 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
familiarized with him. As they were often vexed by the Burmans of the
neighbouring places, they were quick enough in perceiving that by having an
European Priest, they would possess a protection in whom they could trust, and
who would be able to defend them from the vexations they had so often
experienced at the hand of who would be
able to defend them from the vexations they had so often experienced at the
hand of the Burmans. On this point, they
had not been disappointed in their expectation. Father 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
somewhere else, they call themselves, the disciples of the Priests, and use his
name as a means of protection against their opponents. 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
cosiderations 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 different 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 effectually adhering to the truths expounded by the messagers
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 reflexion, 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, Father 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. The number of applicants was often so
great that the assistants of the priest, were not able to suffice to the work.
The elan or impulse thus given, lasted
for a few years; then came to the most difficult part to be accomplished
viz, completing the summary instructions at first given, and christianizing the
thoughts, the affections, the feelings, the ways and the manners of the new
converts. Hoc opus, hic labor, No one, but he who has been devoted to the work
of converting the pagans to 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 well, children of both sexes
who will subsequently form the next generation.
Two schools built at Thinganaing
Father
Naude, with some assistance from Government, built two fine Schools, one for
boys and another for girls. They are situated within the Church's compound. The
number of children attending the Schools, has never been considerable, owing to
the great distance children are living from the centre of the Church's
locality. Perhaps, also, sufficient efforts have not been made in order to have
a larger boarding place for a considerable number of children.
In his
compound, Father Naude, has also planted a good number of teak trees, which are
growing up to a good and promise to thrive well. They will however yield and
inferior quality of timber, which can never bear any comparison with that yield
by trees growing on elevated ground. For the last 4 or 5 years, Father Naude
has been assisted by the Rev. Moses,a most zealous and worthy native priest.
New Boys' school at Thinganaing
In 1881,
the Boys' school building being old and in a much dilapidated state, Rev.Father
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, south west of Thinganaing. Many Christian families are living
in the two above named localities. The plan for grouping the Karens in or above
a common centre, is the best that can be devised for giving consistancy to the
Karen congregations and rendering comparatively easy, the spiritual administration,
and for establishig schools, which would be frequented by children residing
about the neighbourhood. The great obstcle to the progress of religion and
civilization among the Karens' 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 effectually the Christians dispersed upon a vast extent
of territory, in 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 existance, as a
rational being. No means for effectually bettering the position of him who
places himself out of the pale of civilization, can avail. The efforts that are
made with a most praiseworthy 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, can not 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.
6. Mittagon
Oukpho Mission (Zaungdan)1887
Rev.Father
Bringaud, after a stay of three years at Thinganaing directed his steps in
November 1867, to a place about four miles west of the large village of Oukpho.
He was invited to proceed thither by some Karens, who had relatives in the village of Thinganaing, and likewise by a few
Kyens, dwelling in that locality. As regards its
situation, the place that has received appellation, of Mittagon, is a well
selected one. It is in the centre of a vast plain, close to the Oukpho Stream,
which from Oukpho is lined with villages embosomed in groves of fruit trees.
The Oukpho small river issues from the Arracan chain of hills, and discharges
its waters in the Irrawaddy, close of the village of Thambradaing.
Boats can flost on it during almost the whole year, with the exception of about
two months. The whole plain is studded with villages. The small ones are
inhabited chiefly by Karens, and those of a larger description, by Burmese.
There are a few Kyein families dispersed in various localities.
Chapel and House built at Mittagon
When
Father Bringaud arrived, he received from Govern mnent,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, in
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 sufficent place of
residence.
Boys' School and Girls' School
In the year 1869, he erected another building
in the teak also, intented for a Boy's School. It is in every respect, well
disposed for the intended purpose. Near it, are the out-offices. 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 Government, and from a Rangoon Firm that was working teak
forests in the neighbouring localities. 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 his help. 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 Mistresses, and a number of
girls who are boarders on account of the great distance that sepeartes them
from the villages where their parents are residing. This state of things
entails a considerable expense on the Priest, who has to provide food for so
many pupils. It is true, parents make occasional donations of rice which forms
the staple of food to the people of these parts.
Help of St.Francis Xavier at Mittagon
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. The compound is enclosed with a
good enclosure, which separates effectually the Institution from all other
places.It is likewise stocked with many fruit trees, chiefly mango and tamarind
trees, as well as plantains. The children have a spot of ground where they
cultivate flowers and flowers and few European vegetables.
The whole
compound of the Mission
contains, at least, seven acres of land. The whole was been given by
Government. It was a completely waste spot, when Father 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 whole ground is surrounded with a good paling made of teak
slabs.
The work
of evangelization the natives has been somewhat slow and gradual; but it
appears to have steady and persevering. 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. Father Bringaud has known how to select two good
Catechists, one a yound man, and antoher an old one. Bothe 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 tentes. The number of converts is
yearly increasin, by dint of persevering zeal, and prodigious efforts.
Christians are to be found in several villages spread at a great distance. In
each village, a headman is established for the object of chiefly on Suday
prayer presiding the meeting and conveying instruction to the Christians of the
place. They are reminded of the importance of labouring for the converion of
their parents and relatives,living in the same villages or its neighbourhood.
The number of Christians in that station, is not less than 1200.
Buiding for the priest's residence
Hitherto
the priest was living in a couple of rooms cnnected with the Chruch. 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. 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 story. It will be the best building that the Mission
posseses in this districts. 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 in a
close vicinity to the river
of Oukpho. It posseses
many advantages, which are of a great importance. It is also situated at a
convenient distance from the chain of mountains called the Arracan Yoma range.
The place is as healthy as any one I have seen in lower Burma. The soil
is moderately fertile; but the vicinity of the hills enables men of active
habits, to go thither in search of many thisngs from the sale of which they can
realize a good proft.
Father Rouyer at Mittagon
Rev.Bringaud
is now assisted by Rev.Rouyer, who arrived from Europe in1877, and Deacon
Daniel The field is a very promising one, and it is
be hoped that with the zeal that animates most of the New convertrs, faith will
be spread rapidly throughout the district of which Mittagon may be considered
as the centre. The Baptist Missionaries, who live in those parts, do all that
they can, in order to spoil the works of the Catholic Priest.
But their
efforts have hitherto entirely failed, nay many of their followers are much
inclined to abandon their parts and declare themselves disciples of the priest.
Oukpho Mission
In the
Oukpho Mission, Father Bringaud, has of late built several, Chapels through the
many stations of this extensive portion of the vienyard committed to his care.
Some of them are erected with substantial materials. In the North of Father
Bringaud's mission, near to the town of Myanaung, Father Rouyer has established
himself three or four years ago. He has
built a good Church roofed with zinc and also a good house for the residing
Missionary. Unfortunately the want of schools is much felt. We know from
experience that without the agnecy of schools, the Missionary, with the greatest
zeal and exertion can not do much towards promoting the advancement of the good
cause.
6. Henzada
(Hinthada) Mission 1879
The town
of Hinthada had
been without a Church or even a dwelling, although missionaries frequently
resort to this station. At last, on 10th
September 1978, a suitable piece of land , little more than an acre, was
purchased, and a Church built in teak wood.
Chapel at Henzada
On
another place of this mission, a great desideratum has at last been filled. I
allude to the town of Henzada,
which up to the year 1879 had been without a Church or even a small and humble
dwelling for the various Missionaries, who from their principal centres, resort
frequently to that station. The head of the Mission, for a long time, had thought of
purchasing a small piece of ground, in a suitable quater, where a Chapel could
be erected and an accommodation for the momentary residence of Missionaries
passing through that place could be provided. A favourable opportunity having
offered itself, the writer eagerly availed himself of it. He purchased a small
piece of land, a little more than an acre, surrounded with a bamboo fance,
situated in a most quiet and secluded locality. A Church was erected with teak
wood materials. A specious room was
managed for the accommodation of the
priest who visits this place. Moreover, out-offices were erected as well as a
house for the residence of the guidian of the place. A sum of Rs.4,300 was
expended towards purchasing the ground and building the Church and the
out-offices. Henzada becomes an important place owing to its having become the
head-quarter of the Commissioner of the Irrawaddy division.
................
Complied by fr.eikhlein from the writing of Bishop Bigandet
