The history of the Catholic Church in Moruca.

The history of the Catholic mission to the Amerindian of Guyana actually begins in Venezuela. Throughout the 18^th century Spanish Franciscans ministered to the indigenous people of territories around theOrinoco. Their mission however came to an abrupt and tragic end when on 3 May 1817 Simon Bolivar’s forces put to death 26 priests and two lay brothers. The Amerindians fled from the destroyed mission, some seeking refuge in the British held territory around the Moruca River.  Years later, when these Arawaks heard that a Catholic priest had arrived in Georgetown they sent word to him asking for someone to come to minister to them. On 24 June 1830, John Hynes, OP arrived in Moruca to spend three days during which he baptized 75 children and married two couples.  

From this beginning a mission was developed to other Amerindian communities in the North West. A principal mission was established at Moruca which was dedicated to St Rose of Lima. This mission was quickly to become known by its Spanish name, Santa Rosa. Later a second mission centre was opened up at Morawhanna, closer to the Venezuelan boarder thus expanding the range of communites served by the priests of the North West District.

taken from the history of the Catholic Church in Guyana.