On another mission performed by the rector of the college and another priest, there was a mighty fruit of their labors reaped in hearing confessions, in reconciling enemies, and in recalling the perverse to a better life.  Twenty adults were initiated by the sacrament of baptism, having been imbued with the Christian faith by a certain blind man.  He, though deprived of the use of his eyes, yet took such care of his catechumens that if a single one out of any number, however great, was missing, he regularly informed the father.  We think the more of this from the fact that he who formerly was numbered among the catalons—­that is, petty priests of idols—­now since his conversion has become a teacher of Christian doctrine.

Residence of Antipolo [36]

In this residence are ordinarily maintained three priests, to care for the harvest of three thousand Christians.  More than five hundred have been baptized this year.  We have tested the great devotion of this people, and their rare sense of piety in frequenting the sacraments, in offering prayers, and in undergoing discipline and performing other good and edifying works; and, finally, there has been wrought in them all a great change in conduct.

The father-visitor has laid the foundation of a hospital, which is of great importance.  On the day when the roof was finished the father-visitor led them in serving the poor who were gathered there, by pouring water on their hands, and then kissing their hands on his bended knees, which example was followed by all the chief men there present.  And thus the custom has been established that four members of the confraternity established for this purpose bring them their food every day.  The same thing is done by the women for the sick of their sex.

A beginning has been made of a school for boys, in which they may be educated from their earliest years in all virtue and good morals, according to the laws of Christ, so far as these are open to their capacity.  This is a thing not merely necessary for their receiving the true doctrine, but also easy and delightful.  They are all fed with rice sent by their parents, and by other contributions.  Their occupations are learning to read and to form their letters, and to do such other things as are appropriate to childish years.

The custom has everywhere been introduced of singing throughout the year, in honor of the Virgin Mother of God, the anthem Salve Regina; and on Saturdays in Lent of performing the discipline in church.  So when some Indians were bathing in the river, as is the custom in hot countries, and heard the bell give the call for Salve and the discipline, they put on their clothes and set out.  Only one remained, and laughing at his companions said in their language:  “Acoi ouian!”—­that is, “Bring back something for me,” which is their expression of ridicule.  When the others had gone away, he who was alone was attacked and killed