After receiving the Founders letter of 7th January (L. 236), the bishop, according to Bro. Avit (Annales de Vauban, AFM 212.54, p. 1), answered on 12th January 1839, that he could not abandon several young men he already had in hand for the projected novitiate, and he suggested the addition of a third brother in Semur, to whom these young men would be entrusted, and thus the novitiate could be started with minimal expense. The Founder is here answering that letter, willingly accepting the bishops suggestion. Letter 258 will show us what happened afterwards.

My Lord,

I do not know how to tell Your Grandeur how touched I am by your esteemed request and your ardent zeal for the propagation of our society in your fine diocese. I am pleased to accept the fortuitous idea which will make it easy for me to continue to support Your Grandeurs plans, by sending one more brother to our establishment in Semur, if you find the building suitable for the provisional housing of the postulants who will come. The brother will go there as soon as Your Grandeur thinks it convenient.

Please accept, etc…

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, pp. 120-121, nº 140