In 1839 there were two Piccolets at the collège or secondary school in Evian; they were brothers and both were priests. One, Marie-Jacques, was principal of the school, and the other, Marie-François, was the spiritual director. The copy of this letter specifies that it was sent to the Fr. Piccolet who was spiritual director. More than likely, it was easier for him than for his brother, who was taken up by his duties in the school, to do some pastoral work in the parish of Cluses. When he asked our Founder for brothers, he must have made some allusion to the possibility of getting Brothers of the Cross. Father Champagnat, seizing that out so as not to have to refuse him, encourages him immediately to follow that route. His correspondent, however, as we shall see from his second letter (L. 255) does not seem to have been very convinced.

Father,

We bless the Lord for making it easy for the inhabitants of the town of Cluses soon to have the means of obtaining zealous teachers in the persons of the Brothers of the Congregation of the Holy Cross. We should be totally indifferent whether God makes use of that society rather than ours, since in all things we should seek His greater glory.

Accept the respect and the sincere devotedness with which I have the honor to be….

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. 124, nº 147