Editor: We hereby republish sections of the Centennial Booklet, “La Salette—1846-1946: Ten Decades with Our Lady,” edited by Fr. Emile Ladouceur, M.S., describing the first hundred years of making Mary’s message known. This is the last of twelve articles.
In 1937, the La Salette Missionaries of the North American Province took over the Mission of Arakan, Burma, then in charge of the Holy Cross Fathers. On November 9th of that year, the first contingent of five Missionaries, headed by Fr. Thomas M. Newman, M.S., arrived at Akyab (now Sittwe) where the chief post of the Arakan mission is located. They were warmly welcomed by the Holy Cross Fathers whose duty it was to initiate them in the work of converting Arakan.
The Fathers could not have had better initiators and guides. Less than a year and a half passed when they were able to assume the entire responsibility of the Mission and the last of the five Holy Cross Fathers transferred to the Bengalian Mission of Arakan.
The Mission comprises the entire district of Arakan which stretches for some 400 miles along the Bay of Bengal. This part of lower Western Burma, varying in breadth from 15 to 90 miles, is cut off from Central Burma by a mountain chain that runs North and South. This strip of land — undoubtedly the wettest section of Burma, since it averages 200 inches of rain during the rainy season — is inhabited by at least a million people.
Provincial, visits with La Salettes departing for Burma (l to r): seated: Fr. Francis Kirby, M.S., Provincial; Fr. Thomas Newman, M.S., Superior of new mission; standing: Frs. Joseph (Phil) Gardner, M.S., Fr. Edward O’Sullivan, Fr. Joseph Labonte, M.S., and Fr. Wienczyslaw Weselak, M.S.
Here are to be found Burmese and Arakanese (Buddhists in religion); immigrants from India who are for the most part Hindus or Mohammedans, with a sprinkling of Parsees and Anglo-Burmans; some Chinese; Anglo-Indians; some Indians; and last but not least a goodly number of Chins who offer the best prospects for conversions.
In the northern part of the district are the Kamee and Mro tribes who in time may rival the Catholic Chins in number once Missionaries can be sent to them. As one can see, such a corner of the Orient presents a kaleidoscopic effect, and is a rich field for missionary zeal.
Of the five missionaries who formed the first group, one was destined to make the sacrifice of his life scarcely three months after arriving. Father Weńceslaus Weselak, M.S., died at Chaungtha where his memory is dearly treasured by the native Catholics who already learned to love his gentle and heroic priestliness.
Year after year, until the very outbreak of the war, new groups of American Fathers came to increase the original contingent. These Fathers were distributed among the main posts; some at Akyab (now Sitwe), headquarters of the Mission; some at Sandoway (now Thandwe) , about 250 miles south of Akyab; some at Gyeiktaw, 20 miles from Sandoway; some at Chaungtha, 56 miles from Sandoway, — and later they were able to assume charge of the Prome (now Pyay) District.
Pre-war Akyab had a Catholic population of 275 or more with a school under the direction of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, At Sandoway there were more than 80 Catholics, with two schools under the same Sisters, one for the pagan children in the town and one on the compound for Catholic children. Moreover, there was a school for Catechists in training.
La Salette Missionaries who served in BurmaA beautiful church to Our Lady of La Salette was erected at Sandoway on the eve of the war, by the late Fr. Philip J. Gardner, M.S. This church has been entirely destroyed by bombing and its builder was cruelly put to death by bandits in the first days of the Japanese invasion.
Gyeiktaw, besides its 353 or more Catholics, boasted of a new school with a Catholic teacher in charge. Chaiingtha, the most prosperous station, numbered more than 39,5 Catholics. Here, too, was a school run by a Catholic teacher. A school for Catholics was soon organized.
The reason for Chaungtha's comparatively large number of Christians was that the Chins predominated. These people are Animists in religion and consequently easier to convert than the Buddhists. In all truth they are the backbone of the Arakan mission. Chaungtha also had quite a number of out-missions. Not only did the La Salette Missionaries succeed in maintaining what the Holy Cross Missionaries had built up — they soon added several important posts to their wide territory.
It is with legitimate pride that we point to the fact that Arakan became a Prefecture Apostolic less than three years after the arrival of the first La Salette Missionaries in Burma. It speaks highly of Bishop Thomas M. Newman, M.S., who brought such intelligent direction and administration to the task; it also reflects on the zeal and good work of the La Salettes in the Mission.
World War II dealt a terrific blow to the entire Arakan Mission. Bishop Newman and his missionaries spent the duration in the Tavoy Internment Camp. Their various missions were wiped out almost beyond recognition. On a survey trip to these mission posts, nothing but tragic ruins were found of the various houses and churches.
Yet the Chins and other groups of Arakan's Catholics had remained loyal to the Faith and were extremely gratified to hear the Bishop announce to them that all would be rebuilt. Already a new contingent of six American Fathers are on their way to replace the pioneers now due for a period of rest and recuperation after the long trying years of Japanese occupation. Slowly they will rebuild again, blessed by God, they are sure, for the trials and anguish of the last five years.