Journey to Oceania

Father Chanel had long been called to serve in the missions and on December 24, 1836, his dream of becoming a missionary was realized. He departed France with several other Marists, including his friend, Father Claude Bret. 

The new missionaries were led by Jean Baptiste Pompallier, the first bishop of New Zealand. While Father Bret died at sea, Father Chanel and lay brother, Marie-Nizier Delorme, settled in Futuna. Bishop Pompallier wrote to Colin:

"But the inhabitants of Futuna seemed to me to be so well disposed that I could not help but leave a few men of my company with them.

I chose Father Chanel and Brother Marie-Nizier for this island..."