Mr. Joseph-Michel Robichon, a glass manufacturer and mayor of Rive-de-Gier, must be included among Fr. Champagnats greatest benefactors (cf. biographical sketch). From the way the Founder writes to him, it is obvious that this was not the first time he had received such a gift.

Sir,

The charity you show us by making us a gift of a crate of glass, as Fr. Terraillon , your esteemed parish priest, has told us, certainly deserves an expression of our gratitude both in writing and in person. We beg the Lord to deign to pour forth his most abundant blessings on your whole household and your business. Since the case has not yet arrived, would you please be so good as to tell us how and to what address you sent it.

I have the honor to be, with respect, your devoted servant

Champagnat
Sup. of the M.B.

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. 25, nº 5