The Terra Australis–A Franciscan Quest (Part II)

E-ISSN： 1533-6247|5|1|68-94

ISSN： 0003-1615

Source： The Americas, Vol.5, Iss.1, 1948-07, pp. : 68-94

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Abstract

It was into the great unknown that the Spanish expedition of Mendaña sailed in search of the Southern Continent, the Terra Australis. Sharing the perils of this remarkable voyage of discovery were four Franciscan friars. They acted in a dual capacity: as chaplains to the Spaniards and as missionaries to the natives in the newly found lands. Although their missionary work was of necessity restricted because of the hostility of the natives, nevertheless they may claim the honor of being the first missionaries in the South Pacific. Fortunately the missionary experiences of these friars have been preserved in records and narratives, the reading of which, centuries after the events have taken place, is not unlike witnessing the unreeling of some religious drama in a modern picture-theatre. In graphic detail, the writers of these narratives draw picturesque and lifelike portraits of the officers, men and friars, sketching in events that run the whole gamut of human interest. As we read their vivid descriptions the centuries seem to roll back so that we are able to lay hold of, as it were, the elusive past with its throbbing Franciscanism; to catch glimpses of the life and work of these missionary friars, and to recapture for a brief moment the heroic spirit that animated them and inspired others whom they sought to influence for good.