8 The first professions -- and Pacific missions
The first professions of the priests and brothers of the Society of Mary took place in the chapel of La Capucinière, by now the residence of the Belley Marists. In this ceremony the group formally joined the Society by taking the three vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Reluctantly Fr Colin agreed to become the first superior-general of the new Marist institute.
Immediately after the first Marist profession Fr Colin set about preparing the pioneer mission band for Oceania. It would be led by Bishop Pompallier, newly-consecrated vicar apostolic of Western Oceania. Amongst the small but enthusiastic band of missionaries was the gentle Fr Peter Chanel, soon to become the first martyr of the Pacific.
After months of waiting for favourable winds the group left the French port of Le Havre on Christmas Eve of 1836. Most would never see their homeland again.
First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, facade
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First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, facade
First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, facade
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First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, chapel steps
First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, chapel steps
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First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, facade
First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, facade
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First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, chapel today
First Marist professions - La Capuciniere, chapel today
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Mission to Oceania, the journey - early 19th century sailing ship
Mission to Oceania, the journey - early 19th century sailing ship
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Mission to Oceania, the journey - Canary Islands
Mission to Oceania, the journey - Canary Islands
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Mission to Oceania, the journey - Valparaiso
Mission to Oceania, the journey - Valparaiso
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Mission to Oceania, the journey - Cape Horn
Mission to Oceania, the journey - Cape Horn
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Mission to Oceania, the journey - Cape Horn
Mission to Oceania, the journey - Cape Horn
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Mission to Oceania - Bougainville coastline, Tsiroge
Mission to Oceania - Bougainville coastline, Tsiroge
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Mission to Oceania - Buka Island, Bougainville
Mission to Oceania - Buka Island, Bougainville
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Mission to Oceania - Buka passage, Bougainville
Mission to Oceania - Buka passage, Bougainville
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Mission to Oceania - Buka passage, Bougainville
Mission to Oceania - Buka passage, Bougainville
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands
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Mission to Oceania - Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands
Mission to Oceania - Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands
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Mission to Oceania - Naililili, Fiji Islands
Mission to Oceania - Naililili, Fiji Islands
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - chapel
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - chapel
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - tabernacle
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - tabernacle
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - Tutu beach
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - Tutu beach
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - Tutu grotto
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands - Tutu grotto
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands- Tutu sunset
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands- Tutu sunset
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Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands- Tutu sunset
Mission to Oceania - Taveuni, Fiji Islands- Tutu sunset
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