It may seem surprising that Fr. Dumas, while recommending a young man for the novitiate, does not request in return some brothers for his parish. It would be more understandable if the young man in question were not one of his parishioners but a member of his family. In our registers for this period there is no mention of any novice from St-Martin-la-Sauveté. On the other hand, on 8th December 1839, young Jean-Louis Dumas entered from Saint-Sauveur, which was Fr. Joseph-Marie Dumas hometown. His name appears in the register with that of his uncle Barthélemy Grangier, 26. The latter had lost both parents, and paid the novitiate fees for both of them. The two became Marist Brothers, Dumas under the name of Bro. Evroul and Grangier under that of Br. Evode. Grangier had actually been at the Hermitage for some time before his nephews arrival. Fr. Champagnat often did not enter candidates names in the register until the day they were officially admitted to the novitiate.

Dear Father,

We will be pleased to receive the young man you speak of, if he has, as you say, the qualities you set forth. I thank you at the same time for your interest in Marys work. May that good Mother repay you a hundredfold, even in this life.

There is a small amount which we require unconditionally from those who enter our house, to pay for an endless list of little things which are absolutely necessary. Therefore, fifty francs must definitely be paid; please inform the young postulant of this, and accept the assurance of the devotedness with which I have the honor to be, Father, your most humble servant,

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 la minute, AFM, RCLA 1, p. 61, nº 64