Like Bro. Basin (cf. L. 244), Bro. Avit had just made his first profession five months previously. As he himself says (Annales de Pélussin, AFM 213.36, p. 6), Pélussin was our first assignment and ex-brother Pie our first director. As he has not received an immediate reply to his first letter of Rule (cf. Règle, chap. VII, 2), he writes a second. As usual, the Founder answers briefly, dealing first with the requested permissions, then giving a few clear and practical principles.

J.M.J.

Notre Dame de lHermitage, 10th March 1839

My very dear Brother Avit,

I received your two letters in good time and I have not forgot them. This is the answer I intended to give you. I give you permission to receive Holy Communion according to your request. Thinking of the death and passion of Jesus Christ is an excellent way to repel any thoughts foreign to and against the very lovable virtue. Another very good way to acquire the religious virtues is, as you know, dear friend, the practice of the holy presence of God, recommended by all the masters of the spiritual life. If it is only recommended for people in the world, it is obligatory for religious. So try it out for the rest of this Lent.

I leave you, dear brother, in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and I am your most devoted servant,

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 111.8, éditée dans CGS 1, p. 173