Even though he was already taken up with administrative affairs, Fr. Champagnat had to answer the brothers who shared with him their personal problems. He did so, as one can see, firmly and very specifically, in letters which were fairly brief and devoid of elegance of style.

J.M.J.

Notre Dame de lHermitage, 19th March 1837

My very dear Brother Euthyme,

I am very pleased with your brief letter. Courage, dear brother; Jesus and Mary will be your reward; call on them to help you when you are tempted, they will never let you give in. Try to make your meditation well, it is a major element in the life of a religious. I can tell you that I guarantee your salvation if you are faithful to making your meditation well.

Remember, too, how important your beginners class is; it is up to you to train in their religion all the children you teach; it is up to you to open or close heaven to them. So, dear friend, aim to edify them, pray for them, to imprint the love of God strongly in their young hearts. Say three Ave Marias every day before the beginning of class.

A Dieu, I leave you in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,
Champagnat.

Edition: Translation from: Lettres de Marcellin J. B. Champagnat (1789-1840) Fondateur de l?Institut des Frères Maristes, présentés par Frère Paul Sester,1985.

fonte: Daprès lexpédition autographe AFM, 111.22