On his way to Paris, Fr. Champagnat stops in Lyons for a few days in order to gather more documentation. Brother Marie-Jubin, who was to make the trip with him, will join him there before Monday, 15th January, the date set for their departure. The Founder takes advantage of the latters coming to have him bring a few small items he had forgot. This could easily be done, since the letter reached the Hermitage on the morning of the 12th at the latest.

J.M.J.

Lyons, 10th January 1838

My very dear Brother François,

Whenever you have a problem, after consulting God and our common Mother, consult Fr. Matricon. Tell him that I told you to consult him. Work things out with him and Fr. Terraillon, when you can. On Sundays, at the usual time, meet in the secretariat with Fr. Matricon and the usual brothers. Be sure to write out your deliberations so that you can show them to me when I get back.

Send the stockings to Bro. Adrian, a habit to Bro. Felix via Bro. Marie-Jubin. Bro. Louis-Marie forgot the drawing sheet in the railroad station in St-Chamond, and I forgot my umbrella at the parish priests at Notre-Dame in St-Chamond.

We should be leaving for Paris at 9 a.m. Monday. Everything seems to be going well. I always say, Nisi Dominus, etc. I am even a bit afraid that all this help may interfere a little with the designs of Providence, and far from speeding up our request, it may create problems. So pray hard to God and have others pray.

I forgot my rosary, dont fail to send it to me. I forgot a large notebook full of remarks on my desk; burn it or lock it up so that no one can get at it.

As for the novice who was supposed to leave with me, you should not keep him unless he has changed his attitude. Send Brother Cassien to Millery , and depending on his report, you can send a fifth.

Be sure the brother does not forget my passport or the letter to the parish priest of Saint-Pierre.

Fr. Chanut asks me to send you his regards.

A Dieu, dear brother, I leave you all in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Champagnat
sup.

Let us all say Nisi Dominus.

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 111.30, éditée partiellement en CSG 1, p. 245