Here again we have the usual response to the many requests of this type: grounds for hope are given, but the petitioner must be patient until there are enough subjects available to satisfy needs as they arise.

Father,

We are very grateful for the confidence with which you wish to honor our society by requesting several of its members for the religious instruction of the children of the town of Lancié. We would very much like to specify the time when we will be fortunate enough to send you brothers, but the many promises we have made will not allow us to specify any time soon. However, your request has been taken into consideration and if you wish we will enter it in the register of establishments to make. However, we will not hide from you the fact that we preferably accept establishments which are endowed and those where the school is free. I consider myself fortunate that this circumstance gives me an occasion to offer you 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. 130, nº 159