After the refusal he received last year (cf. L. 188), the parish priest of Morestel repeats his request, with no more success. Perseveringly, he will try again next year (cf. L. 337). Since we know that the Founder had opened nine new establishments in 1839, we can easily understand why he could not take on any more. We note that this letter contains no reference to that of the preceding year. Since he received such a large number of letters of this type, he probably did not remember. Also, he had most likely not added Morestel to the list of establishments to be made.

Father,

We are very upset that we find it impossible to give a favorable answer to your attractive letter. Illness and the departure of several of our brothers for the mission in Oceania prevent us from opening other establishments next All Saints, besides those which we had already promised last year.

We hope that in his goodness, the Lord who arranges everything for his greater glory will remove the obstacles you foresee, or will turn them to the advantage of your establishment.

Accept the sincere and respectful devotedness with which I am….

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: Daprés la minute, AFM, RCLA 1, p.125, nº 149