The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 13]

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THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

[Vol.,I

next asked if they desired to receive the sacrament
of confirmation; and they answered aloud that they
desired it, in order that our Lord might pardon their
sins and strengthen them in the faith. Then, his
Lordship confirmed them, with a short exhortation
at the end of the ceremony, by which they were all
greatly consoled and fortified in the truth of our holy
faith. This result was greatly aided by the love and
so paternal affection which the lord bishop manifested to them not only in the church but in their
houses- going to visit the sick, and confirming them
in their very cabins; giving alms, ransoming slaves,
and clothing the poor; and performing many other
deeds of mercy. His Lordship was especially delighted at beholding those new flocks of his so well
instructed, when they were answering the questions
on catechism, which was done in the presence of his
Lordship." Such is the brief account given by the
father.
All these are but flames of that celestial fire which
we said had taken hold of this island, and with which
even the little children are ablaze. Thus in each of
those villages nearly two hundred children assemble
every day, uttering praises to the Divine Majesty,
acknowledging His greatness, learning the Christian
doctrine, and imparting it to their parents and elders.
The confessions cannot be enumerated, for they are
as many as there are Christians. No one fails to make.his confession during Lent, even though he may have
confessed many times during the year; and with like
ardor the other exercises of piety and devotion are
performed. This was especially evident on Holy
Friday of that year, one thousand six hundred and
two, during the adoration of the cross, in which they