His errands back and forth across the capital, and especially the exasperating slowness with which his business was being handled, finally wore down the Founder. The unexpected visit of his two confrères, Frs. Bati and Petit, barely brought a ray of sunshine into the air of exhaustion which pervades this letter, in which the affair is of minor importance compared to his concern for the life of the brothers and the progress of the Institute.

J.M.J.

Paris, 20th June 1838, Foreign Missions, Rue du Bac, Nº. 120.

My very dear brothers,

I have just requested an audience with the Minister of Public Instruction. As soon as I have had it, I will leave for Saint- Pol to visit the house and reach an agreement with the authorities there. Mr. Delebecque insists that we open this establishment. It offers very great advantages and success is assured since the salary is guaranteed. When I return from St-Pol I will start for the Hermitage, where it looks like I will arrive around 2nd July. Let us always put great trust in Mary, she has given us too much to refuse what we are asking of her now.

Fathers Bati and Petit arrived in Paris on the evening of Friday the 15th. They walked into my room, covered with mud and carrying their valises. Imagine how surprised I was, since I had no idea they were coming! I took them to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, where we hope to receive a thousand écus, and to the Admiralty where we will receive at least some sort of recommendation. Their business is of a different order than mine. It will be finished more rapidly.

I received a thousand francs from Mr. Jean-Marie Ginot to complete the payment for the items you have received. Please credit it to his brother Michel if he is still there.

As soon as you receive this, send Brother François-Régis to Lyons to learn printing. I think Mr. Guyot will be happy to have someone show him how to do it.

Not a day goes by without rain. Today it is going to rain all day.

I went to see the superior of the Brothers of the Christian Schools again. They give only a small discount, and that affects only the binding, which will be less expensive.

I just presented a request to the establishment for the deaf and dumb for free admission for two brothers who, if I can obtain it, will receive their lodging, heat, food, laundry, lighting, etc., etc., as long as their training lasts.

Brother Stanislas has not written me about his cope. I think he forgot about it. I will buy him something else which will please him very much.

Tell all the brothers how much I think about them and how strongly I desire their happiness. Have them pray for me. Not one of you is forgotten in my novena before the statue in front of which St. Francis de Sales prayed with such good results.

I hope all your sick, all of whom I love with all my heart, are being well cared for and well fed. Let them often look toward her who calls herself the comforter of the afflicted.

Finally, Frs. Matricon and Besson should be thanked for all they have done for you. I would like to know what they would like, so I can buy it for them.

I embrace all of you: Bro. Louis, Bro. Jean-Baptiste, Bro. JeanMarie, Stanislas, Bro. Hippolyte, Jérôme, Jean-Joseph, Théophile, Bro. Pierre, Pierre-Joseph, Bro. Etienne, Bonaventure and all his novices. My regards to Philippe and his wife, to old Mr. Boiron, to everybody.

I have the honor to be entirely yours in Jesus and Mary,

Champagnat

P.S. Fr. Bati asks that you not forget the errands he gave you.

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 111.44, éditée partiellement dans AAA pp. 249