We know (cf. LL. 118 and 168) that during the preceding school year, Bro. Denis had been director of the establishment in Saint-Didier-sur-Rochefort. A lady of the area who owed some money and wanted to settle her account asked for her bill. Why this matter passed through Fr. Champagnats hands we do not know.

Regarding Bro. Denis certificate of competence, Bro. Avits statement in the Annales de Boulieu (AFM, 213.6, p. 13) does not agree with this letter: Since he did not have his brevet, Bro. Denis took the examination in March 1839. Since he did not know the precise date, Bro. Avit must have relied on the brothers usual custom of taking the examination in March; however, there were more than a few exceptions, since the board of examiners could meet at any time. Bro. Denis may have taken advantage of one of those occasions. Since we do not know in what city he passed his test, we have no way of checking.

Notre Dame de lHermitage, 10th December 1838

My very dear brother,

The lady in St-Didier who owes us money has asked for her bill; she wants to pay it. Please send it to Brother Stanislas.

I am very glad you have obtained your brevet. Thank God for it; it is to him that you are indebted for it.

Nothing new at the motherhouse. We are still getting many novices, and everything is going along as usual. Let us add, may Jesus and Mary be eternally blessed for that.

A Dieu, dear brother.

I have the honor to be most affectionately yours in 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, 111.50