Fr. Ballet was at that time parish priest and dean of Grand-Lemps. He collaborated with the Marchioness de Virieu to establish our brothers in his parish. This lady lived in her château in the town of Virieu. She owned several properties and a residence here (Grand-Lemps), and others near Bordeaux, where she often enough resided. She was a very pious person and a great benefactress. Our brothers were requested in 1840. It seems that the first negotiations were with Fr. Cholleton, Vicar General of Lyons, and the venerated Fr. Champagnat.... Even though the founders had said nothing about their plans to the mayor, whose name we do not know, this magistrate showed himself to be favorable, and refused to hire a layteacher who was recommended to him. The brothers had been promised for the opening of the 1841 school year.... (Bro. Avit, Annales de Grand-Lemps, AFM, 214.36, pp. 2-3). That promise would in fact be kept.

Miss,

Fr. Cholleton, Vicar General of Lyons, has just written us about the establishment you want to found in Grand-Lemps for the religious instruction of children. Our Father Superior would have very much liked to accept Fr. Cholletons invitation to visit you on the 12th of this month, but an unavoidable trip he is obliged to make at that time will not allow him that privilege.

It would be a very special pleasure for us to send brothers to begin the excellent work in which you are so strongly interested, but the establishments we are able to make this year have already been promised, so that it would not be possible for us, at this moment, to fulfill your pious desires. We hope that the Father of the family will increase the number of His workers, and that soon we will have the satisfaction of sending some to work under your protection.

Accept our expression of gratitude for the confidence with which you wish you honor our society and the sincere devotedness with which I have the honor to be, with respect…

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. 128-129, nº 156