We learn from this circular that the secretariat was being organized, and the documents which ought to be preserved in our archives were being collected. In the register kept since then, the only date indicated is 1836-37, which is understandable, since the specific date would be added when the letter was sent to each person.

Dear Sir,

We would like to have an historical record of the foundation of your establishment of our brothers in your (parish, town), its growth, and the names of its benefactors.

We would be delighted to receive this information from you, so we can keep it in the archives of our principal house and those of the respective establishment, where it will stimulate the gratitude of future generations which will reap its fruits.

Yours, etc….

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 la minute AFM, RCLA, 1, p. 8