Marches, Apostolic Vicariate of the Islands

MARCHESI, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of the ISLANDS. - It comprises the M. Islands, discovered in 1595, which form part of the French Establishments of Oceania. It was derived from the apostolic vicariate of Polynesia or Eastern Oceania, from which the islands were detached and erected into an apostolic vicariate on 9 May 1848.

Anglican Protestants had sought to penetrate the islands as early as 1797, and the attempt was repeated in 1825 and in subsequent years with greater success. The first missionaries of the Society of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus)

reached them only in 1838 and began the difficult work of apostolate; they were, however, obliged to abandon them because of persecution and returned only later. Several years afterwards they were able to begin fruitful work, especially when the French government secured dominion over the islands. Despite the difficulties arising from the customs of the population and the persecutions of the French authorities, the mission made rapid progress. Unfortunately, alcoholism and disease are decimating the population, which in 1838 numbered about 16,000 inhabitants and is now reduced to about 3,500, of whom 2,782 are Catholics, assisted by 6 Picpus missionaries, 6 nuns, and 29 catechists. There are 13 principal stations, 19 secondary ones, 4 churches, and 17 chapels. The elementary schools educate 130 pupils.