MERAUKE, APOSTOLIC VICARIATE of. - Situated in the southern part of Dutch New Guinea; erected on 25 June 1950 by separation from the apostolic vicariate of Amboina, formerly the apostolic vicariate of Dutch New Guinea, and entrusted to the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Its area extends over approximately 130,000 sq. km., with a population of approximately 100,000 inhabitants, mostly Melanesians. The mission began as early as 1905. After many difficulties caused by the nefarious customs of the region, including head-hunting, it was only in 1921 that adult Baptism could be administered. After 1930 the Catholic religion succeeded in penetrating among the tribes as far as the foothills of the mountains. In this region there has been a Protestant mission established since 1930.
There are approximately 20 Catholic schools. Islâm has gained no foothold in the country; evangelization therefore appears to be rather easy. The number of Catholics reaches 23,382. There are 18 missionaries; 118 catechists; 14 residential stations; 65 sacred buildings; 3 boys’ boarding schools and 3 girls’ boarding schools. The only city of some importance is M. on the coast, the seat of the Ordinary. Mons. Ermanno Tillemans, Dutchman, first apostolic vicar of M., took part in several expeditions for the discovery of unknown tribes, a true pioneer of charity and humanity.
BIBL. MC, 1950, p. 439; Archivio della S. Congregazione de Propaganda Fide, pos. prot. n. 2218/50. Edoardo Pecoraio