to make him put an end to an irregular situation he has created for the brothers community.

Written by Fr. Champagnat, AFM 132.2, p. 168; published in OM, 1, p. 435.

This text shows that the Founders belief that it was necessary to check carefully on his brothers (cf. preceding letter) was not exaggerated. It also shows how firmly he could intervene, even with a close friend. Nothing could be more dangerous for the fledgling congregation than to let abuses go unchecked.

Dear Father Durand,

If you do not take precautions for your brothers for next year, you will not have them the year after. Their present house is unsuitable for them because of its layout.

It appears that Mr. Tripier does not intend to remove the girls who are living….

I can no longer put up with the fact that they are disturbed by girls, even in their own quarters. Mr. Tripier does not want to keep the promise he made me to give the brothers the part of the house in which the girls are living; he must wall up the doors and windows which open on the brothers garden. I hope to see Fr. Cattet one of these days. I intend to speak to him very forcefully about this matter.

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 lautographe, AFM, 132.2 pp. 168; édité dans OM, I, p. 435