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 Panámao (now Biliran), one of the
fathers ministers (1602) to the workmen gathered there--Spaniards,
Indians, and others. A Spanish youth is slain by a negro; this sad
event disposes the minds of all to religion, and the missionary gathers
a rich harvest of souls. He is almost overwhelmed with his labors,
but is consoled by the deep contrition and devotion displayed by his
penitents, and twice defers his departure at their entreaties and
for the sake of their souls' welfare.

At the end of 1601, Father Francisco de Almerique dies at Manila,
worn out with long and incessant toil in his ministry to the
Indians. Chirino relates his virtues, labors, and pious death; he
has rendered especial service by attracting the wild Indians of the