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Joseph GabetFrench traveler and Tibetologist
Date of Birth: 04.12.1808
Country:  France |
Content:
- Hilare Begue: Early Life and Education
- Missionary Work in Mongolia
- Exploration of Tibet
- Return to Europe and Controversy
- Departure from the Lazarist Order and Later Life
Hilare Begue: Early Life and Education
Hilare Begue was born in 1800 in France. He was ordained as a Catholic priest in 1833 and joined the Lazarist order the following year. In 1835, he embarked on a journey to China, embarking from Le Havre and traveling via Batavia and Surabaya.
Missionary Work in Mongolia
In 1836, Begue traveled to the Heishui region of Mongolia, where he engaged in secret missionary work with his companion, Evariste Regis Huc. Disguised as Buddhist lamas, they disguised themselves as Buddhist lamas and spread their faith among the local population.
Exploration of Tibet
In 1844, Begue and Huc embarked on a groundbreaking expedition to Tibet, becoming the first Europeans to reach Lhasa since Manning. Their exploration of the region was met with great interest and acclaim.
Return to Europe and Controversy
Returning to Macao in 1846 and subsequently to Europe, Begue and Huc published their account of their travels which became a bestseller translated into several languages. However, Begue's memorandum to the Vatican advocating the ordination of Chinese and other native priests caused a conflict with the Catholic hierarchy.
Departure from the Lazarist Order and Later Life
In 1849, Begue traveled to Brazil, where he severed his ties with the Lazarist order and passed away in 1853 in Rio de Janeiro. Despite the controversies surrounding his work, Begue remains an important figure in the history of Catholicism and exploration in Asia.
