Corn Island Catholic Mission (1963)

 

This is a translation of the original Spanish document written in 1963. It was recovered from the archives of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bluefields (today's Diocese of Bluefields).

In the Caribbean, about 40 miles off the mainland, lies Corn Island, an integral part of the Apostolic Vicariate of Bluefields. Once again the same story is repeated: the lack of personnel has prevented the appointment of a resident priest for the population of the island. The island has been visited periodically by Capuchin Missionaries since 1924.

The natives have repeatedly requested to have a priest of their own. Father Camillo has visited them four to five times a year since 1948. At first, Mass was celebrated in one of the public schools. Mr. Carl Jackson and his family provided lodging and meals for the missionaries when they visited the Island. In January 1957 a beautiful parcel of land was purchased and a building was constructed that served as a chapel, school and rectory. Monsignor Matthew consecrated the building on April 8th, 1958, placing it under the patronage of Our Lady Star of the Sea.

On May 15th of the same year, the school opened with an enrollment of 90 young people filling the classrooms on the second floor. With the school in operation, under the tutelage of Orville and John Monroe, remarkable progress was made. On Sunday catechism was taught in combination with the Rosary in the chapel, in the absence of the priest.

Plans were needed for the construction of a new chapel and a new rectory so that the current building could be converted into classrooms. Under the direction of Professor Efrain Reyes and Marvin Taylor as his assistant, the school's enrollment reached 110 in 1963.

When Father Melchor of Barcelona made his first visit to the island in 1931, he counted 16 Catholics. Today there are 160, about 10% of the population.