Having no subject readily in my mind and none having sent any piece to be uploaded, I was at a loss for a long time wondering what I should write this Saturday. Also the Technical Editor, BRITTO complained to me that the number of articles we upload are on the downslide though our readership is on the increase.
The youngster Britto insisted that we must have more articles in the website. I replied to him that we should have more writers.
The battle within my head for a subject to write upon was finally resolved when I decided that I would write two topics one on *The Battle of Vedhalai*, and the other on *The Pearl Fishing in the Gulf of Mannar*.
Both subjects I thought needed a deep study, and I listed out the books and articles to be gone through before penning the pieces. And the first book that I read was *The History of Tinnevelly, by Bishop R. Caldwell*.
Though the book details facts from the earliest times to 1801, I paid undivided attention to facts pertaining to us, our places, like Kail, Korkai, Tuticorin, our conversion, our tussle with moors and the badagas etc.
When I was going through the pages I was fascinated by one letter *St.Francis Xavier* wrote to his assistant Fr. Mancias at Punnaicail from AALENDALE ( ALANDALAI) on 5th September 1544. directing him to be of assistance when the Governor of Tuticorin was attacked by the dreaded badagas.
This letter so fascinated me that I thought I should share it with our readers. What attracted me in the letter is
1. The clarity of thought;
2. And the military precision with which Fr. Xavier issues commands to Fr. Mancias.
*He writes*
“I have just received the most terrible news respecting the Portuguese Governor (of Tuticorin)
1. That his ship had been burnt
2. That his house on shore also destroyed by fire;
3. That he has himself been robbed of everything
4. And has retired to the island in broken spirits and utter destitution.”
*He adds*
1. “*Fly* to his relief, I conjure you in the name of charity;
2. Carry with you as many as you can get together of your people at Punicale, and ALL the boats which are there, filled with provisions and especially with supply of fresh water.
3. Use the *utmost* dispatch, for the extremity of the man’s distress *brooks no delay*.”
*He further adds*
“I am writing to the headman of COMBUTURE and BEMBARE (Combuturai and Vembar) in the most *urgent* terms
1.to render you every possible assistance in discharge of their bounden duty to their Governor.
2. to load as many boats as are fit for the service with provisions and fresh water for it is well known that they are deficient in that necessity.
3.I wish many boats to be sent, that these may be the means of carrying over to the mainland the crowd of all ages, who were driven to take refuge in these inhospitable rocks by the same incursions as drove the Governor thither,.”
*In November he again writes to Fr. Mancias*
“”Tell BARBOS (the Governor) from me NOT to employ any person in the pearl fisheries at Tuticorin, who have taken possession of the house of the Christian exiles; as the king and the viceroy have given me the authority in this matter . I positively FORBID it.”
Commenting on this letter Bishop Caldwell says
“To understand the style of language employed by Xavier, it is necessary to remember that he had been made A ROYAL COMMISSIONER with EXTRAORDINARY POWERS.
About the same time he obtained an order from the King of Portugal that the Pearl Fishery should be in the hands of Christians.’
Kindly note: how he describes the situation. His report is graphic.
Kindly also note:
1. That St. Xavier is conscious of urgency of relief. Note his words “FLY TO HIS RELIEF. UTMOST DESPATCH. BROOKS NO DELAY. MOST URGENT TERMS. “
2. That St. Xavier wants a heavy strength of people and stock of materials to be despatched. Mark his instructions- “CARRY WITH YOU AS MANY AS YOU CAN. ALL THE BOATS. AS MANY BOATS AS ARE FIT FOR SERVICE. MANY BOATS TO BE SENT. “
3. The clarity of the saint’s military mind :
WHAT SHOULD BE TAKEN IN THE BOAT –PROVISIONS AND WATER
WHAT SHOULD BE THE ROLE OF THE BOATS—TO BRING BACK THE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WHO HAD FLED.
4. That he also felt the need for a support force to render relief, seeking support from Combuturai and Vembar.
5. That his orders are peremptory.
Kindly note his instructions “not to employ” “I forbid it”
Such detailed operational and peremptory instructions can be given only by a well trained General. Francis Xavier is not only a SAINT IN A HURRY as he is popularly known but also a ROYAL COMMISSIONER.
On PEARL FISHING in Gulf of Mannar and THE BATTLE OF VEDHALAI, I will soon come back.
by A. X. Alexander
What a dynamic person is this patron saint of our people, the Paravas! Thanks for highlighting this aspect of his personality.
I have always been fascinated by St. Francis Xavier’s life and mission. I wrote a play on him some years ago, entitled “The Voyager”, published by St. Paul Publications, Bombay, in my book “Six Stage Plays.” I also presented a Paper on the play and the Saint at the Xavier Institute, Goa.
Subsequently this play was staged by Sathya Nilayam Seminary, Chennai, under the guidance of Fr. Leo Tagore, S.J., I have some of the photos of the Stage performance.
Since you had commented on the reduction in the number of articles, I wondered if you and the readers would be interested in uploading the 3Act play in 3 parts, with the photos. There are a couple of scenes set in Manapad. I did a bit of historical research before doing the play, though not extensive as yours, in writing this article.
Do let me know if you would like me to mail the play script to you.
Thanks & Regards.
Christine Gomez
dear madam,Voyager is welcomed