The Aravidu Dynasty of Vijayanagara, Vol. I v1.c24.121.1

v1.c24.121.1

The number of conversions cannot be ascertained with precision. Fr. Besse, after an examination of de Nobili's letters, records their number at 71 for this first period of his work, from 1607 to 1614¹. The letters of de Nobili and his companions often commemorate the virtues practised by these Christians, that recall to our mind those of the first Christians of Rome. Alexis Nayak is mentioned as an example of humility and Christian perfection ². His brother Vihuuada (Vihuvada) Nayaka preferred to be dismissed from the retinue of Kasturi Nayaka, a cousin of Muttu Virappa Nayaka, rather than mark his forehead with the sacred ashes as in former days ³. Another called Calistri (?) is shown as busy spreading the Christian faith among his old friends and always desirous of the palm of martyrdom ⁴. The craftsman we have mentioned above was offered great quantities of money to induce him to make several statues of idols; but he always refused them, preferring a life of poverty to contributing any more to the splendour of that cult ⁵. Fr. Buccerio, a companion of Fr. Fernandez, by whom he was later on influenced against Fr. de Nobili, wrote a brilliant apology for the converts of de Nobili. "I observed in that Christian community", says he, "two other things well worthy of the highest praise, and exceedingly rare in India, among those who wish to become Christians. I may speak from experience, for during my long apostolate the Lord sent me many to be instructed and baptised.