Brother Alphonse had just been sent to Mornant, which was his first assignment, since he had received the habit on 2nd February and made profession on 15th August that same year. As soon as he arrived, and without waiting for the opening of school, he wrote to tell Fr. Champagnat how he was doing. The latter answered him briefly but specifically, as usual, speaking to him only about his apostolate, without a word about himself or his religious life. It is all the more surprising that this brother left the congregation two or three years later.

J.M.J.

Notre Dame de lHermitage, 3rd November 1833

My very dear brother,

I was delighted to receive your brief letter, and to learn that you are well and trying to maintain the good order you found already established in your new assignment. Put everything you have, my very dear friend, into making it prosper. Give all the children who will be entrusted to you a good formation in all the Christian virtues. Pray for them, for with Gods help they will be able to overcome all the difficulties they may encounter during life. Obedience above all is the virtue they should practice.

A Dieu, my dear Alphonse, à Dieu; I am all yours,

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, 111.9