Brother Dominique, who was still going through a crisis (cf. L. 36), after returning to his class in Charlieu, wrote again to Fr. Champagnat before a month had passed, asking for his transfer. The Founder, without losing his calm, tried to make him listen to reason, meeting him on his own ground.

23rd November 1834

Dear Brother Dominique,

I do not believe you are capable of doing something headstrong again. You know what can happen when one is unfortunate enough to do something like that. A little more humility and obedience would not hurt your situation any. If Brother Ligouri had told you that all the brothers had congratulated him for having you as his co-worker, would you have been so naive as to believe him? Dear Dominique, it is impossible for us to please everyone, no matter how we act.

You tell me that if your replacement doesnt arrive soon you will come to get him. Thats easy to say, but we have no one at the motherhouse at the moment. If you come, you will have to go home just as you came. Shouldnt you have to pay back a little this year what you made those who were with you suffer? You are too honest to think you havent contracted any obligations towards them. Patience, dear friend, patience; I will see you in a few days, and I will arrange everything for the best, with the help of God.

I would have answered you sooner, except for a trip I just made. While you are waiting, put yourself in Marys arms; she will give you plenty of help to carry your cross.

Dear Dominique, I really do feel for you in your difficulties. God has sufficient revenue to repay you; you will lose nothing with him, not even the interest; I guarantee it.

Meanwhile, tell Brother Liguori that I hold you all affectionately in my heart, and that I love you all; you, dear Dominique, because I know the difficulties you are facing in your position, the struggles you are going through, and the attachment you have shown me on so many occasions.

I leave you all in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary; they are such wonderful places, and we are so well off there!

A Dieu,
Champagnat, superior

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, 111.13