The Osservatote Roinano of July I reports that more missionaries have fallen victims to the war in the Pacific.
A telegram from the Apostolic Delegate in Australia confirms the news of the tragedy that has overtaken two flouiishing Missions in New Guinea
entiusleti to Ihe Steyl Mission. The telegram was received at the State Secietaliat on June 18, following other information sent to Cardinal FumasoniBiondi.
On February 4 Mgr. Wolf, VicarApostolic of Eastern New Guinea, was made to embark with 36 priests, 45 lay brothers, and 72 sisters—for a place allegedly safer from the turmoils of war.
In a letter dated January 26, the Bishop pointed to the dangers of the voyage aid suggested that he and the missionaries should remain at their post, taking full resprensibility for any consequences of their decision. His suggestion was not accepted. On the voyage the ship was bombed and machine-gunned. When the airmen realised that a large number of missionaries were on board the bombing stopped, but many had already been killed.
Mgr. Wolf was seriously wounded and 70 of his suite killed. They were buried at Wewak. The ship then proceeded to Hollendia, where the Bishop, who had died of his wounds. was buried.