most apt to work effectively on the imagination of an Indian. In specifying articles needed for the mission, the writer asks for “a picture of Christ without a beard,” the Indians disliking that appendage. Several Virgins are desired, as also several representations of âmes damnèes, to show variety and intensity in the forms of their torments through an ingenious arrangement of demons, dragons, and flames. One happy or beatified soul will suffice in that kind. The pictures must not be in profile, but in full face, looking squarely with open eyes at the beholder; and all in bright colors, without flowers or animals, which only distract. Some of the missionaries who lived within reach of the bayberry soon learned to boil its fruit, and, mixing the product with animal fat, to supply themselves abundantly with good candles. The wild grape afforded them wine for the sacrament; the rosary was found a very serviceable help; the cross always and everywhere held its place of veneration. Images and devices on tin and pewter came to be coveted rewards. A yellow calico dress formed a change in the wardrobe of the Virgin. Father Ralle had trained forty young Indians to assist at the Mass, in chants, and processions.
In a letter to his nephew[1] he writes: —
“I have built a church which is well arranged and richly
adorned. I have believed that I ought to grudge nothing, either
in its decoration, or in the beauty of its ornaments which adapt it
for our holy ceremonies; trimmings, chasubles, copes, sacred
vessels, everything is becoming there, and would so be regarded in our
European churches. I have provided a little clergy of about forty
young savages, who assist in divine service in cassocks and
surplices; they have their several functions, as well for serving at the
holy sacrifice of the Mass as for chanting the divine office, for the
benediction of the Holy Sacrament, and for the processions which
are made before a grand concourse of savages, who often come from
a great distance to see them. You would be edified with the perfect
order which they keep, and by the piety which they manifest.”
- ↑ Lettres Edifiantes et Curieuses.
