With complete confidence in Fr. Champagnats goodness, Bro. Denis asked him to pray for the cure of Fr. Pierre-Louis Roche (cf. biographical sketch), parish priest of Saint-Didier-sur-Rochefort. The Founder promises to ask the community to make a novena for that intention. Despite the prayers, Fr. Roche died that same year. The Founder profits by this letter to ask for some bits of information about the schoolhouse and to greet the other brothers of the community.

J.M.J.

Notre Dame de lHermitage, 5th July

Dear Brother Denis,

You are very correct, my dear friend, in saying that everything that concerns you is of great interest to me. I really like to hear from you. We are going to make a novena to request the cure of Fr. Roche, your esteemed parish priest. I would very much like to see God let him live a while longer to finish his work. Tell him that we are very hopeful of his recovery.

I would very much like to know the dimensions of the classrooms: whether they are according to the rules, large, well-ventilated…. I believe Father saw to all that.

We have not forgot you, nor the other brothers with you. Give them both my best. I love them very much and I am very grateful for all they are doing out of love for our common master.

A Dieu, dear Brother Denis,

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, 111.23