An Intrepid Missionary.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 5, 29 January 1903, Page 4

An Intrepid Missionary.

A Rood deal of interest was aroused in Sydney some months ago by the arrival of the schooner Eclipse in charge of an intrepid Marist missionary, Father Rouillac from the Salomon Islands. When he went back to the islands with his dusky crew and his newly-repaired schooner (says the ' Catholic Press ') he was followed with a thousand good wishes. We all thought he would surely have good fortune, for the old adage concedes success to the bravo And he was brave when he came to us across all those leagues of storm-tossed ocean in a leaky little -vessel that might founder at any moment ! It was with a taut ship and a gay heart that he left us . but from the vcrv outset he met dark days, and our readers will remember the tale of tempest and misfortune he sent Father Le liennetel. But he did get back to the islands safely, and we were all thankful to learn that well and strong, he had resumed his evangelical labors among the natives. But whilst we were vet rejoicinor came the brief news that the unfortunate Eclipse had run aground, that a Marist missionary had been drowned, and that it was likely the vessel jwould never float again. Then later came the tidings that despite all Father "Rouillac's efforts the Eclipse became a total wreck. On the top of this conies more black news Hearing that a mail boat had arrived from the islands we communicated with the Very Rev. Father Olier, the Superior of the Marists. Here in his sad budget :—: — ' The last news I received about Father Rouillac is very alarming. You know, of course, that he got

wrecked on the south-west coast of Goiadalcaner. On that occasion he hurt his foot, and the wound he then sustained has never healed properly. In addition to this he became afflicted with rheumatism, the result of three months' work in the water in an endeavor to refloat his vessel. This rendered him unable to remain in the Solomons any longer, and he proceeded by the Titus to Noumea, where he now lies in the hospital in a condition of health that is not at all satisfactory to his friends. With regard to his illness is a pathetic incident. When the time came for him to leave the Solomons two of his native converts refused to leave his side. They insisted on accompanying him to Noumea, and during the voyage they nursed him like trained infirmarians. They aro devoted Catholics. ' And about the Eclipse ? Well, Father Rouillac succeeded after many attempts to refloat her, but she had lost her anchors, and she was in a very bad condition, and another storm completely wrecked her. lam glad to say that no other accidents to persons occurred. But during his sojourn amongst the natives of Guadalcaner, Father Rouillac had to show extraordinary courage and resource, for the people are cannibals, and they frequently sought his life. Father Olier makes a little appeal to Father Rouillac's friends. ' I hope,' he says, ' that the generosity of his friends in Australia will again manifest itself on behalf of his dear mission. I have much pleasure in announcing that Father Rouillac's sufferings have sirongly appealed to God's mercy for the conversion of the Islanders. The Marist Fathers in the Solomons have lately been able to baptise a good many children, and they have now a very promising school in Rura Sura.'