the mission, and many are
converted. Chirino laments the idolatries and superstitions which
still linger among even the more civilized natives; and proceeds
to recount their religious and superstitious beliefs. All their
religion is based on tradition and custom, and is handed down in
songs. Their beliefs regarding gods, demons, etc., are mentioned;
Chirino reduces most of these to their adoration of their ancestors,
in whose honor they worship various images. They also worship animals,
birds, and other natural objects; and have many superstitions. Chirino
demolishes the little buildings dedicated to the anitos. Among those
people their priests are also their physicians, or "medicine-men;"
and in both roles they deceive the credulous and ignorant votaries
of superstition. The mode of offering sacrifices is described. In the
mission village at Taytay, certain idolatrous rites have been secretly
practiced, under the influence of the heathen priestesses; but this is
revealed by the faithful among the natives to the missionaries, who
promptly eradicate the evil and demolish the idols. All the heathen
priestesses are converted, and now lead exemplary Christian lives.

Chirino remains alone in Cebu after Sedeno's death (1595). He not only
maintains the usual services in the Jesuit church there, but undertakes
to instruct the Chinese, whose language he soon learns sufficiently
for that purpose. He works in great harmony with the Augustinians
of the city, who aid him in times of need; and with those of other
orders who sometimes come to Cebu. In September, 1596, some of the
recently-arrived Jesuits are assigned to that city, and great activity
ensues in their mission, including a school for children. The Jesuits
extend their labors to Leyte, which island is described by Chirino;
he praises the hospitality and fraternal feeling which prevail among
its people. Five mission stations are established there, and many
conversions are secured. A sketch of the mission labors for 1597 in
each of these posts is given--Dulac, Carigara, Paloc, Alangalang,
and Ogmuc. In Dulac a church is erected, and a school opened, and
many are converted. The station at Caligara is also flourishing, and
especial mention is made of two remarkable conversions there, one of
a boy five years old. At Paloc the fathers encounter some dislike,
apparently inspired by the heathen priests; but this is soon replaced
by affection and religious ardor. Some miraculous