In this diocese live 700,000 negroes. Out of this number 700 are classed
as Catholics. One Catholic in every 1000. This is certainly a good field
for zealous missionaries. One priest only is engaged in the colored
work. Six schools are in operation with an enrollment of about four
hundred pupils. The Sisters of St. Francis and the Sisters of the Holy
Cross have charge of them. Rev. P. J. Oud, a Josephite father, writes to
the Commission as follows: “During the coming year we hope to open new
missions. Several localities are clamoring for schools, but we have not
the means. In the past, as well as now, we are mainly depending upon the
money, kindly granted us by the Commission for the distribution of the
Negro and Indian fund.”