are now more than three thousand
Christians. The island is again menaced by the Moro pirates of
Mindanao; in 1600 they ravaged other islands, but did little damage
in Bohol. Various citations from missionary reports show the docility
and eagerness of the natives in embracing the Christian faith.

At the request of the secular priest in charge there, the district
of Tanai (in Negros Island) is placed in the mission-field of the
Jesuits, and Gabriel Sanchez is transferred thither from Bohol; he
is welcomed by the people. His report contains accounts of numerous
conversions and miraculous cures, as well as of a heavenly vision
beheld by some converts. Returning to Tanai later, Sanchez finds his
converts steadfast, and most exemplary in their lives.

In Ibabao (Samar), are conducted flying missions, from the central
residence at Tinagon, the indefatigable missionaries coasting along
the shores of that and other adjacent islands "casting their nets
for souls." During the year they have baptized nearly four thousand
persons, most of them adults. Six missions are formed, reports from
which present many interesting accounts of the labors, methods,
and achievements of the fathers.

In the Dulac mission (in Leyte), the fathers are also gaining many
souls; at the Christmas feast alone, six hundred former infidels were
baptized at Paloc. Various incidents are related of pious deaths,
and of deliverance of those in danger.

Good progress is being made in the missions of Leyte--Alangalang,
Carigara and others; nearly three thousand persons were baptized
therein during the years 1600-1602. At Alangalang there are in
the Jesuit church three choirs of Indians, who "surpass many
Spaniards." The Christians at Ogmuc are exceedingly fervent; and
the children instructed in the Jesuit school become, in their turn,
teachers of their parents. The Indians of the Alangalang mission
practice flagellation during Holy Week, "shedding their blood with such
fervor that it became necessary to restrain them. Nor was there less
fervor among the children;" and these, when too young to be allowed
to scourge themselves, invent another penance of their own. In Leyte
a notable disturbance among the natives, arising from the murder
of a prominent chief, is quelled by the influence of the Jesuits,
who reconcile the different factions and restore harmony, besides
reclaiming certain outlaws.

While a ship is being built at Panamao (now Biliran), one of the