Since we do not have the requests of either the archbishop or the mayor or the parish priest, we can only conjecture about the circumstances which prompted this letter, but they do not seem to be any different from those we have been meeting all along. All we know is that there was no follow-up on this matter, but we do not know the reasons for that, either.

My Lord,

Your Grandeurs truly apostolic concern for your entire flock, the ardent zeal of the worthy pastor of Pélissanne, the religious and kindly attitude of the mayor of that town, and most of all the needs of the children, arouse in my heart regrets which are all the greater and more intense because I find it impossible to respond at this moment to Your Grandeurs urgent reqeust.

I am strongly aware, My Lord, how advantageous it would be for the Little Brothers of Mary to found an establishment in your fine diocese, under Your Grandeurs auspices and under the shadow of your protection. But for the coming year I have promised brothers to several towns which asked for them a long time ago and which have gone to great expense to receive them. I gave my word, and I must be faithful to it, especially since those requests were seconded by the authority of the bishops. Therefore, allow me to throw myself at Your Grandeurs feet to request you very humbly to kindly be patient for a while longer. I quickly listed your request, determined to fill it as soon as possible.

Very shortly, we are going to lay the foundations of a novitiate in the small city of Lorgues (Var). Then it will be easier for us to send you brothers, to visit them and to assist them quickly in their various needs. At present, two brothers would be too isolated and left too much to themselves in an establishment so far away from the main house.

I think myself very fortunate that this circumstance gives me the opportunity to express the profound veneration and total devotedness with which I have the honor, 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