FIJI CATHOLIC MISSION.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 90, 17 April 1922, Page 8

FIJI CATHOLIC MISSION.

DEATH OF BISHOP VIDAXh -v> IAHRtVAL OP BISHOP NICOLAS. (From Our Own Correspondent.) 6UVA, April 10. The mission field in the Pacific is muen the loser by the death on April 2 of the Eight Rev. Dr. Julian Vidal, Titular Bishop of Abydos and Vicar-General ot FijiThe deceased prelate <wae 76 years of age, and was born in Avignon, in France. Beared in the Marist community, he came to Samoa in 1873, and showed a surpassing zeal and energy. When it •was felt that Fiji mission, carried on bo earnestly by the revered Father Braieret, wanted a young and active bishop to guide its destinies, Dr. Vidal was chosen, and from 1887 the growth of the mission.was a fitting tribute to his zeal. He was consecrated in France, and, being a zealous Educationist, he obtained teachers for schools in Suva •nd Levuka, whi«h to-day have developed into large day and boardie£ establishments. To obtain funds to build Suva Cathedral, for which the very etonee were brought from Sydney, he made several trips to Europe in order to raise funds.

The Catholic in the Solomons had been withdr*wn owing to the hostility of the natives, and the Society for the propagation of the faith invited Bishop Vidal to re-eetaWieh it, which he did in spite of much risk and opposition. Personally he was at a very cheeTy, lovable disposition. A few years ago he was partially inewpacitated I>y paralysis. ■He was recognised as the leading conchologist in the Pacific, and donated a large and lovely collection of shells to the Fiji Mnseum. His funeral at Levuka was very largely attended. Hie coadjutor, Bishop 2ftoolas, titular Bishop of PanopolU, has been on miasion propaganda in America and Europe for over 18 months, and fortunately returned a few days after Bishop ; VHal*e death. He received a large and ceremonial welcome by natives and Europeans.