This is one more diocese asking for Little Brothers of Mary. Since every diocese fits into our plans (c. L.93), Fr. Champagnat shows his interest in this outreach, but for the moment his personnel resources will not permit it. It is possible that in his letter, the vicar general has not specified the names of the places he intends to endow with a brothers school. The answer to his second letter (L.296) will show us that there is also question of establishing a novitiate in the diocese.

Father Vicar General,

I received your letter with gratitude for the confidence with which you honor our society. I very much want to further, as far as I possibly can, the ardent zeal you show for the education of youth and for the spread of our Institute into your attractive diocese. However, it would be two or three years before I could supply you with brothers, because of the importance of such an establishment and the requests which I have promised to fill in the meantime.

I am happy that this circumstance offers me an occasion to present you my respects and assure you of the perfect devotedness with which I have the honor to be, etc….

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 la minute, AFM, RCLA 1, p. 135, nº 168