Only a few weeks after school reopened, Brother Antoine, having received more students than he had reckoned on, had to ask Fr. Champagnat for reinforcements. The school at that time had two classes, and there were three brothers in the community:
Antoine, Martin, and Louis-Stanislas; the latter was the cook. A small boarding school with about twenty students had been in operation for three years and Bro. Antoine was trying to build it up. As of the date of this letter, he opened a third class and Fr. Champagnat sent him an additional brother. Brother Théodose was probably put in charge of the first class, Brother Antoine of the second, and Brother Louis-Stanislas of the third, while Brother Didier took over the kitchen.

J.M.J.

Notre Dame de lHermitage, 21st October 1836

My very dear Brother Antoine,

As you wished, we are sending you two brothers: one to do the cooking and the other to teach the boarders. As you can see, they are two excellent subjects. You can see how much we have at heart the success of your school in Millery. Brother Théodose can replace you in everything having to do with teaching. He is also a good religious. As for Brother Didier, he has no self-will at all; yours will be his. You will put Brother Louis-Stanislas in charge of the beginners class and send Brother Martin , who is eligible for conscription this year, back here. We need to take all possible precautions to exempt him. He must leave for Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux as soon as possible, and while waiting, he must prepare for the examination.

I hope we will be sending you the printed edition of the Holy Rule as a New Years present.

I am very upset, my very dear Brother Antoine, that I was not at home when you came. Please accept this assurance of my affection.

I leave you in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary our good

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: D?après l?expédition autographe, AFM, 111.19