Catholic Missionaries Research Articles

Contributions of Catholic Missionaries in the Economic Development of Nkongho-Mbo, Southwest Region, Cameroon, 1936-2000

This paper is primary concerned with providing evidence that the Catholic Missionaries who introduced Christianity (Whiteman’s religion) in Nkongho-Mbo in 1936 played a significant role in the economic development of the area. The paper argues that if the Catholic Missionaries did not set foot in the area, then the entire region should have remained as stagnant economically just as it was during the pre-Christian era. In the domain of agriculture the paper reveals that the Missionaries introduced new fruit trees such as mango, paw-paw (Carica papaya), oranges (Citrus sinensis) pineapples (Ananas cosmosus), guava (Psidium guayava), pear (Persea Americana) and lime (Citrus aurantifalia) fruits. They also experimented the cultivation of vegetables such as tomatoes, onion and yellow pepper. The cultivation of these food crops coupled with cash crops such as coffee, American oil palms and cocoa that were also introduced by the Missionaries helped to improve the nutritive diet of the entire Mbo populace, increased the income of the villagers, increased agricultural yields in the area and thus raised the standard of living of the people. The paper further illuminates improvement in trading activities, road infrastructure and the introduction of a radio telephone network in Nkongho-Mbo. The study also sheds light on the bee keeping that was introduced by Catholic Missionaries as it fetched honey-producers a fortune and thus improved their financial situation remarkably. To accomplish this study, three main sources of information were consulted including archival documents, sacred return records from Catholic Mission Mbetta, printed documents such as books, dissertations, theses and finally oral interviews.

Telling stories that cannot be told: remembering mothers and daughters in métis narratives from Rwanda

ABSTRACT On the eve of independence in Ruanda-Urundi, hundreds of Métis children were taken from Catholic missions and flown to Belgium where they would be fostered, adopted, or sent to local boarding schools. These illegitimate children of white European fathers and Black African mothers were viewed by the colonial authorities as ‘children of sin’. Most of the Métis never saw their birth mothers again and remained illegitimate, unacknowledged by their white European fathers. In 2019, the Belgian government issued a formal apology for the abduction of these children but, for almost sixty years, the stories of the Métis and their mothers had been conveniently forgotten. This article discusses creative attempts to tell the missing stories of the Métis and their mothers by two mixed-‘race’ authors born in Rwanda: Georges Kamanayo, also a filmmaker, was removed from his mother in the late 1950s and taken to Belgium for adoption; Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse imagines the story of an ageing Métis woman with dementia in her novel, Consolée. Drawing on Saidiya Hartman’s concept of ‘critical fabulation’, we consider the role of creative works in repositioning Métis mothers and daughters at the centre of their own history and telling stories that cannot be told.

Integrated Marketing Chain Pattern of Smallholder Rubber Commodities in The Southern Region of Papua Province, Indonesia

Smallholder plantations drive economic growth, provide livelihoods, and support conservation, such as rubber, coffee, and cocoa widely cultivated, including rubber in Papua since the colonial era. This research aims to analyze rubber cultivation's history, development, and challenges in Southern Papua and identify strategies to optimize rubber commodities' supply chain and marketing. The study used qualitative and quantitative approaches, including historical data analysis, interviews with farmers and traders, and analysis of rubber prices from 2009 to 2016. The data are analyzed using the QSPM method to determine strategic priorities based on internal and external factors. The results show that since 1969, rubber development in the region has been facilitated by Catholic missionaries, who played a key role in education and the distribution of rubber seedlings. However, the global decline in rubber prices since 2013 has reduced farmer incomes, with many halting rubber sheet production. Supply chain barriers, such as difficult transportation and a lack of partnerships between farmers and traders, further exacerbate the situation. To address these challenges, the research recommends several strategies. In the short term, rubber plantation rejuvenation and strengthening partnerships between farmers and traders are needed. In the medium term, strengthening cooperatives and financial institutions and supporting production and marketing should be prioritized. In the long term, new processing machinery should be introduced, and medium-scale rubber processing factories should be established—rubber plantations in Merauke face price fluctuations, transportation issues, and weak partnerships. The research suggests rejuvenating plantations, strengthening cooperatives, and building processing factories to improve sustainability.

Two Unpublished Letters of Jean Basset: A Young French Missionary Sent to Siam in 1685

This notice presents two previously unpublished letters by Jean Basset (1661‒1707), a young French Catholic missionary, written during his 1685 journey to Siam, as discussed in the previous issue of this journal. These letters offer valuable insights into Basset’s experiences and mindset as a newly dispatched missionary to Asia. Through his correspondence with his former superior, the letters provide a rare glimpse into the challenges he faced, the practical aspects of his advanced training, his relationship with peers including the Jesuits, and his adaptation to life both during the sea journey and in the new mission land.

Joseph W. Peterson. Sacred Rivals: Catholic Missions and the Making of Islam in Nineteenth-Century France and Algeria.

Joseph W. Peterson. <i>Sacred Rivals: Catholic Missions and the Making of Islam in Nineteenth-Century France and Algeria</i>.

The Sesquicentennial of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions: Honoring the Complicated Legacy of the Catholic Boarding Schools in Indian Country

The Sesquicentennial of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions: Honoring the Complicated Legacy of the Catholic Boarding Schools in Indian Country

Gender, Colonialism, and the Archive: A Spanish Female Doctor among a Fang Community in 1940s Río Muni

Abstract: Medical interventions played a pivotal role in the colonization of Africa, including in the Spanish Territories of the Gulf of Guinea, where they served as instruments for colonial expansion, control, repression, and institutionalized racism. Erasures in the dynamics of medical and scientific practices—including gendered erasures—are commonplace in colonial archiving. The Spanish female doctor Avemaría Vila Coro served nine years as a pediatrician and maternal health care doctor at the Catholic mission of Nkue-Fulán, in the Río Muni region, among Fang communities. She was responsible for the mission’s dispensary, hospital, and orphanage from 1944 to 1953. From outside the state-run colonial health system, she resisted mainstream medical approaches to colonial health; and as the author of numerous scientific essays on prenatal, maternal, and childcare medicine, she engaged with Fang pharmacology and medical knowledge. Activating a gender perspective on colonial health experiences and interpretations, this article attempts to resituate the participatory role of Spanish women in colonial health sciences in Africa. It is also intended as an archival supplement to the dominant male narrative of colonial science. It finally strives to stimulate a reflection on what lies at the intersection of gender, medical sciences, colonialism, and the archive.

Bridging Cultures: A Comparative Study of Early Catholic Missionaries’ Chinese Proverb Collections

For early Christian missionaries, Chinese proverbs were an invaluable resource for learning the language, understanding the culture, and carrying out religious evangelization. While existing research has predominantly focused on collections of Chinese proverbs by Protestant missionaries, Catholic missionaries’ efforts in gathering Chinese proverbs preceded those of their Protestant counterparts and hold significant linguistic, historical, and cross-cultural value. This study begins by tracing the emergence of Catholic missionaries’ interest in Chinese proverbs and then presents a comparative analysis of three representative collections compiled by Joseph de Prémare (1666–1736), Paul Perny (1818–1907), and Joseph Van Oost (1877–1939): Catholic missionaries from different orders and historical periods. It examines the compilation structures, purposes, Chinese proverbs selected, and interpretive approaches in their works, tracing the evolution of Catholic missionaries’ Chinese proverb collections. The study interprets this evolution in relation to the Catholic Church’s missionary strategies and the personal evangelization philosophies of the missionaries themselves. This research demonstrates the diverse cultural engagement practices of Catholic missionaries in China from the 18th to the early 20th century, offering new insights into the interaction between Catholicism and Chinese culture during this period.

The Missing Pictures: Southern European Catholic Missionaries, Humanitarian Photography and the Fall of the Portuguese Empire in Mozambique

This article contributes to two sets of growing historiographies: one on the role of religious actors in the fall of European Empires; and another one on humanitarian photography. The article’s focus is on the visual campaign organised by a network of Southern European Catholic missionaries to denounce colonial massacres during the war of independence in Mozambique. Whereas the written reports made by the missionaries have been the object of lengthy research, the paper reveals the very specific use the missionaries made of humanitarian photography in a context characterized by the Estado Novo’s fierce censorship. Despite the missionaries’ atrocity pictures failed to persuade the Church hierarchy to publicly condemn the Portuguese crimes, the paper demonstrates how the leap of their images into the public domain had a major rhetorical and symbolic role both in facilitating the fall of the Portuguese Empire and in legitimising FRELIMO’s postcolonial authority. Moreover, given the concurrence of the denunciation campaign with the fall of fascism in Portugal and the global boom of the Human Rights movement in the 1970s, the paper also explores the particularities of the entangled history of decolonisation, humanitarianism and human rights when seen through the eyes of Southern European actors.

Что думали в Ватикане о религиозном возрождении на оккупированной территории СССР в 1942 г.

The publication introduces documents characterising the Vatican’s perception of religious processes in the occupied territories of the USSR that took place in 1941-1942. The main of them – “Memorandum on the Religious Situation in Russia” - was drawn up in the General Curia of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order) and sent to the Congregation for Extraordinary Ecclesiastical Affairs in May 1942. It presents a sketch of the information available to the Vatican about religious sentiments in the occupied territories of the Soviet Union. On the basis of this information, it is concluded that the anti-religious policy of the Soviet authorities had collapsed and that since the turn of the 1930s and 1940s there had been a religious revival in the USSR, witnessed by Catholic chaplains who had entered its territory at the outbreak of the Great Patriotic War. From the point of view of the author of the note, this provides a unique chance for the unfolding of a Catholic mission in Soviet Russia. The author puts forward specific proposals necessary, in his opinion, for the deployment of this mission. In particular, he proposes the creation of a special body to supervise missionary activity, as well as the involvement of lay people in mission.

The Global Catholic Missionary Societies and the Spread of Marian Devotion in Pre-Twentieth-Century Vietnam

Abstract Dating back many years, Marian devotion is currently a ubiquitous phenomenon among Vietnamese Catholics in Vietnam. This article examines the endeavours of specific global Catholic missionary societies – the Society of Jesus (S.J.), the Dominican Order or the Order of Preachers (O.P.) and the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris (mep) – in spreading Marian devotion in pre-twentieth-century Vietnam. In doing so, the article seeks to demonstrate that the prevalence of Marian devotion primarily resulted from the enduring efforts of global Catholic missionaries during the stages of proselytization. This argument aims to challenge the prevailing notion that the primordial Vietnamese cultural identity, widely known for emphasizing female status and Mother Goddess worship, exerted its influence on the elevation of Marian devotion among Vietnamese Catholics during the course of history.

The Reports of European Travelers and Catholic Missionaries on the Purchase of Captives in Western Georgia (17th century)

The Reports of European Travelers and Catholic Missionaries on the Purchase of Captives in Western Georgia (17th century)

Synodal Discernment on a Catechetical Drama called “Service of Light,” Its Impact on the Integral Education and Edification of Faith of the Laity

Synodality is a vital characteristic of the Catholic Church's life and mission, highlighting joint revitalization through listening, discernment, and active participation. Inspired by this concept, researchers started a study exploring the impact of the "Service of Light," a catechetical drama observed during Easter vigil, on local parishioners within the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia in the Philippines. Employing an exploratory and qualitative approach, the researchers examined the denotative and connotative meanings embedded in images and narratives surrounding this ritual, using Roland Barthes' semiotic model for analysis. The study involved visiting five local Catholic parishes within the archdiocese, conducting purposive sampling for survey interviews, and gathering visuals. Results uncovered meaningful impacts of the Service of Light on the integral Christian education and spiritual edification of the parishioners. The catechetical drama served as a powerful teaching tool that deepened the parishioners’ understanding of Christian doctrine. It helped develop a sense of belonging within their faith community. Moreover, the Service of Light generated spiritual renewal and strengthened individual faith. The ritual's symbolism aroused a deeper connection with God, empowering parishioners to live out their faith more fully in daily life. The Service of Light was acknowledged as a tool of faith that continues to inspire the parishioners to bear fruit for years to come. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of the Service of Light in parishioners' Christian education and spiritual journey, emphasizing its role in fostering community, deepening understanding of faith, and inspiring personal and communal growth. As a recommendation, the researchers are suggesting future research to explore the perspectives of ordained clergy for a comprehensive understanding of its impact on Christian communities.

The Mi’kmaq Hieroglyphs in Vienna: Christian Kauder and the Leopoldine Society

Abstract This article documents the specific activities by Christian Kauder in the context of Catholic mission work and their direct influence on the daily life, culture, and religion of the Mi’kmaq. These activities were the mechanism of forced culture change and took place long after the arrival of the first Europeans. Kauder’s writings give us a small but excellent glimpse of what he wanted to do and how he set about it, while describing some elements of Mi’kmaq culture he encountered. This article tries to shed light on how Kauder, who, having left his order, and living in a missionary outpost in Nova Scotia, was able to garner the necessary support for this monumental and unique task, the printing in Vienna, Austria, of a religious instruction manual in “hieroglyphics” destined for missionary work among the Mi’kmaq.

Judith A.BennettandUrsulaNixon, Eds.: Letters from Kiribati: Correspondence by the Daughters of our Lady of the Sacred Heart Congregation of Catholic Mission Sisters to the Mother House in Issoudun, France and Thuin, Belgium, 1895–1944. Melbourne, VIC: Australian Scholarly Publishing, 2024; pp. xvi + 517.

Judith A.Bennett<scp>and</scp>UrsulaNixon, Eds.: Letters from Kiribati: Correspondence by the Daughters of our Lady of the Sacred Heart Congregation of Catholic Mission Sisters to the Mother House in Issoudun, France and Thuin, Belgium, 1895–1944. Melbourne, VIC: Australian Scholarly Publishing, 2024; pp. xvi + 517.

Dulia or Latria: Revisiting the Catholic Missionaries’ View on Guishen in Late Ming and Early Qing

Dulia or Latria: Revisiting the Catholic Missionaries’ View on Guishen in Late Ming and Early Qing

Ethnobotany in Angola: The contribution of late 19th century christian missionaries to the knowledge of medicinal wild plants

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAngola has an extraordinary plant diversity and a great ethnobotanical potential. However, there is a general lack of information about the first botanical explorations in the country and their contribution to the knowledge of the medicinal flora. Aim of the studyThe main aim of this study was to unveil the ethnobotanical legacy of José Maria Antunes and Eugène Dekindt, priests of the first Catholic mission in Huíla (Angola) and shed light on their contribution to the knowledge of medicinal wild plants of the country, including information on the uses, plant parts used, and preparation methods documented in the late 19th century. The findings are discussed considering recent ethnobotanical studies to offer a more comprehensive understanding of the historical and traditional uses of plants in Angola over the last two centuries. Materials and methodsBased on the information available in manuscripts and on the study of botanical collections preserved in herbaria of Portugal and Angola, we extracted relevant information about the species used in traditional medicine by the rural population of Huíla, the health conditions treated, and the mode of preparation and application. ResultsOur results revealed that Antunes and Dekindt conducted the first ethnobotanical study in Huíla, and documented a large number of medicinal wild plants. From these, we report 191 medicinal species, including 25 endemic and four introduced species, belonging to 56 plant families and 146 genera. Fabaceae family presents the highest richness of medicinal plants (39 taxa), followed by Rubiaceae (13), Asteraceae (10), and Apocynaceae (9). The illnesses reported were classified into 15 different categories, with the highest number of species (49) corresponding to unspecific conditions, such as general pains, chills, and fever. Thirty-seven species were reported for respiratory diseases, 31 for musculoskeletal problems, and 30 for digestive issues. Leaves were the most used plant part for medicinal purposes (84 species). Infusion was the most frequently described preparation method (40 species), followed by maceration (24 species), and powdering (36 species). ConclusionsThe legacy of Antunes and Dekindt's work improves our understanding of Angola's botanical richness and traditional uses of plant resources. Our findings highlight the presence of unique medicinal resources in Angola, especially among endemic species, which hold the potential to improve the quality of life of rural communities. Moreover, our research underscores the lack of knowledge of medicinal species, emphasizing the risk of losing valuable historical information.

The Church and Migration during Apartheid Times: Roman Catholic Missionaries Banned from Former Homeland of Qwaqwa – Witsieshoek

The Church and Migration during Apartheid Times: Roman Catholic Missionaries Banned from Former Homeland of Qwaqwa – Witsieshoek

The use of song in RE and worship for spiritual development and wellbeing of pupils aged 7–11 in Catholic schools

This research reports an exploratory study of the use of song in religious education and worship (REW) with pupils aged 7–11. The study examined the use of three aspects of song pertaining to composition, understanding and prayer, and how these could be impactful in pupils’ spiritual development and wellbeing (SDW). This case study research was undertaken in two Catholic primary schools in London with pupils and teachers from all key stage two (KS2) classes. In total, 17 individual and group semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 participants and this data was combined with that from 207 surveys. The literature review looks at the benefits of music on the individual and school community and then explores spirituality so that a conceptual framework is created. Research indicated that song was effective in developing pupils’ SDW as it enhanced connectivity with God, Others, Self, Cosmos and Social Action. The findings of the research offer possible ways forward for the use of song in RE for the promotion of spiritual growth as well as the Catholic life and mission of the school.

Teaching and Preaching

Abstract During European colonial times in Africa and elsewhere, missionary education was an integral part of the colonial instruments for political domination, economic exploitation, and cultural assimilation. This paper aims to investigate the process of making colonial subjects through missionary education that was mainly provided by Catholic and Evangelical mission schools during the Italian colonial period in Eritrea. The paper argues that the Catholic and Evangelical mission schools distinctively worked to achieve their separate objectives that can be explained as employment versus salvation, teaching versus preaching, flag versus Bible, and hands versus soul, respectively. While the Catholic mission school focused on training the hand in order to supply labour, the Evangelical mission school stressed harvesting the soul to cultivate a docile labour force. Despite their differences, the works of the Catholic and Evangelical mission schools placed much emphasis on and exerted much effort to producing a class of colonial subjects that could serve as brokers of power.