The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 12 of 55: 1601-1604; Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century
History
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 — Volume 12 of 55: 1601-1604; Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the Islands and Their Peoples, Their History and Records of the Catholic Missions, as Related in Contemporaneous Books and Manuscripts, Showing the Political, Economic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of Those Islands from Their Earliest Relations with European Nations to the Close of the Nineteenth Century
Demarcation line of Alexander VI; Missions -- Philippines; Philippines -- Discovery and exploration; Philippines -- History -- Sources
The station of Ogmuc lies on the shore of the sea, in the southern
part of the island of Leite, on the coast almost directly opposite to
Carigara, which is in the northern part. It has in the same island
a very good vicinity, as well as three smaller islands adjacent,
which they call Polo. All those people are friendly and docile and
received Ours with much affection and pleasure. This post was assigned
to Father Alonso Rodriguez with another companion; and it seems that
the gentleness and kindness of this father had its influence upon the
Indians even before they saw him as also later when they met and knew
him. Their governor and other persons came out to sea to receive him,
with much joy; and the chief, without delay, made arrangements on the
spot for his conversion, and wrote out the prayers, that he might learn
them. The rest followed his example, and not only in this matter, but
in at once offering all their children, with whom the father formed a
very promising school. Some of the youngest children were exceedingly
bright; and it was indeed a marvel to see the mass served, with grace
and address, by a child who was scarce able to move the missal. Many of
these children also helped us greatly in catechizing and instructing
their elders and in preparing them, and even urging them, to receive
holy baptism. This was done by a little child of only four years,
who seeing his father somewhat lukewarm in this respect, urged and
incited him with such energy that he aroused the father, and caused
him to entreat us urgently for baptism. They not only fulfilled this
office with their parents but even interceded with us in their behalf,
urging that we should not delay granting this favor. An incident befell
one of these children which in its very childishness gave token of the
esteem with which our holy gospel faith takes root in these tender
little hearts. He found himself among some heathens who were eating
meat on a Friday, and, without thought of wrong, began to eat with
them. Upon taking the first mouthful he was reminded of the day; and,
spitting it out, descended from the house and came in haste to Ours
in great sorrow at having committed a sin. Our fathers reassured him
and sent him away consoled; and were themselves greatly edified and
pleased at such a specimen of Christian faith, although so young and
so recently planted. Nearly all of those people were converted to
Christianity without much difficulty; but there was one man who was
much troubled on account of having three wives--all, like himself of
high rank. Although the thought of renouncing two of them was painful
to him, his greatest consideration was the dowry which he must thus
lose. The good father saw his predicament, and was greatly concerned
lest this man, for at slight temporal interest, might lose eternal
gain. Inspired by God our Lord, he formed a plan, and went to talk with
the woman who was most beloved by the man, hoping to persuade her to
receive baptism.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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