the fathers of Tinagon, who ministered to them so far as they could,
until more suitable provision could be made for them by sending a
father who could more readily assist them; this has not yet been done,
through lack of workers.



Of the island of Bohol, and the entry of the Society therein. Chapter
XXXII.

Bohol is one of the smaller islands of the Filipinas, but is actually
large and populous, inhabited by a people of lighter complexion,
and generally more comely, than are the other Bissayans. They are
a race of such spirit and valor that they have spread through many
neighboring islands, where their descendants still preserve the name
of Boholans of which they are very proud--just as we, when in foreign
kingdoms, are proud of the name of Spaniards. The island is rich in
mines and placers of gold, and abundantly provided with game, fish,
rice, sugar-cane, palms, and other kinds of food. In the year one
thousand five hundred and sixty-four, the adelantado Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi arrived there with his fleet--entering through the channel
which they call El Frayle ["The Friar"]--when, as we have stated, he
set out from Nueva España in quest of those islands. A chief of that
island, named Catunao--whom our fathers have now baptized, as we shall
soon relate--gave information to Miguel Lopez of Sebu (which is six
leguas distant from Bohol), and, accompanying him thither as a guide,
was of great assistance to him in the reduction of the island. It was
the good fortune of Father Juan de Torres and Father Gabriel Sanchez to
instruct this people, for they were the first preachers of Jesus Christ
in Bohol. They entered the island with much confidence and consolation,