In the Journal, Fr. Champagnat notes:

March 16 Visit to Mr. Baude; he was out.
17 Visit to Mr. Lachaize; I gave him a letter from Mr.
Ardaillon.
19 Visit to Mr. Lanier who asked for a brief memorandum.

The Journal ends there. Father Champagnat is certainly not inclined to dwell on the past, preoccupied as he is with the immediate future. That is also what makes him uneasy about giving Bro. François the directives he had requested, since, not being on the scene, he can not see things in their overall context. But in spite of everything, his interest in what is happening at the Hermitage and throughout the Congregation has not waned.

J.M.J.

Paris, 22nd March 1838, Foreign Missions, Rue du Bac Nº 120.

My very dear brother,

I have just been running around again all morning and after dinner. I have just come back this moment from seeing Mr. Pillet, the head of the office where so many things are piled up. It would appear, from what he told me, that tomorrow he will draw up the ordinance which will go to the Council of State and from there to the king. I think it may take at least another month before everything is finished, judging by what has happened so far. I long, I wish, I ask only for that.

Someone just offered to show me some of the sights of Paris. I cannot get involved in that. The only thing which gives me any pleasure is what might contribute to the success of my business. May God be blessed, may his most holy will be done. If this ordinance would endanger the salvation of our souls, may God keep us from getting it. Let us pray, let us pray, and in all things

let us seek and desire only the holy will of God. Mr. Lachaise told Mr. Ginot, mayor of Lavalla, that he would bet ten to one we will succeed.

I am still feeling well; I hope that you and the whole house are too, from every point of view. I do not really think I can return before Easter. Meanwhile, try to arrange everything the best you possibly can.

I am not going to answer the different questions you asked in your last letter about the farmer. I imagine you have received my previous one. If the farmer is not allowed to sell the hay, still less should he be allowed to sell the manure. Beyond that, see the justice of the peace if Mr. Finaz does not want to take action, or someone else.

As for promises about new establishments, you can see that we have already made too many. See Fr. Terraillon and talk to him about it a bit. When someone is not on the scene, he can see only very poorly by letter. As for Genas and the hospice, if you wait until I visit them, the harm will perhaps be irremediable.

My best wishes to the fathers and brothers, to the whole house. May Jesus and Mary help you, dear brother, I feel sorry for you.

I have received everything you gave Mr. Ginot to give me. He shows me his willingness to act, but he can scarcely go any higher than I can. There are too many people in Paris.

Tell Bro. Stanislas to have Philippe make some chairs for the dormitory and a few small tables for the rooms. As for Lachal, I intend to give him at least as much as his master does. As for Bro. Sisoès, I reserve to myself the decision to give him back his habit. In my last letter I said what I had to say about the farmer. I am very well aware of his feelings towards me.

I embrace you all in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

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 111.39, éditée partiellement dans AAA pp. 239-240