From the letter of the preceding 21st September (L. 214), Fr. Gazel concluded that one should not lose any time if one wanted to have brothers! The Founders encouraging reply led him to believe that if he could not have brothers for All Saints 1838, he could certainly have them after that date, without having to wait until the following All Saints.

Despite the promise given, this foundation will not be made at that time, for reasons we do not know for lack of documentation. Bro. Avit did not write the annals of this establishment, which the brothers took over in November 1852, as we know from a letter from Bro. François to the Cardinal-Archbishop of Lyons (Circulaires, II. p. 468).

Father,

I waited a bit before answering your esteemed letter because I thought I could do so in person, but a trip I have to make on important business prevents me from doing so.

We have not forgot the establishment of our brothers in Chambon. Your request is listed as Nº 3 in our register of endowed establishments to which we always give preference. Its turn will come, I hope, this year at All Saints. I do not believe I promised you an earlier date, or if I did so, it was only conditional. I very much want to hold to the time I set for you in my letter; I will check it, if you will tell me the number.

Please accept the assurance of the respectful devotedness with which, 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, p. 122, nº 143