Marches, Apostolic Vicariate of the Islands

MARCHES, Apostolic Vicariate of the Islands. - It comprises the M. islands, discovered in 1595, which form part of the French Establishments in Oceania. It derives from the apostolic vicariate of Polynesia or Eastern Oceania, from which the islands were detached and erected into an apostolic vicariate on May 9, 1848.

Anglican Protestants sought to penetrate the islands as early as 1797, and the attempt was repeated in 1825 and in the following 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 the apostolate; they had to abandon them, however, because of persecution, and only later returned there. Several years afterward 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 by the French authorities, the mission made rapid progress. Unfortunately alcoholism and diseases are decimating the population, which in 1838 was about 16,000 inhabitants and is now reduced to about 3,500, of whom 2,782 are Catholics, assisted by 6 Picpusian missionaries, 6 sisters and 29 catechists. There are 13 primary stations, 19 secondary ones, 4 churches, 17 chapels. The elementary schools educate 130 pupils.

Saverio Paventi