The first impediment is always the same when it comes to meeting the numerous requests: lack of available personnel. To this there is added another condition on which the Founder, who has no doubt learned from experience, is more and more insistent: having the agreement, which meant the good will and support, of both civil and ecclesiastical authorities. This condition assumes greater importance here than elsewhere, after the abortive alarm raised by Fr. Vernet (cf. LL. 148, 149, 150). But that is certainly not the reason why our brothers never went to Lamastre, any more than did the Brothers of Viviers.

Father,

The request you sent us seems very interesting and very advantageous, but we cannot accept it, for two reasons. The first is that all our available brothers have already been assigned, and we still have many promises to fulfill. The second is that, since it is our custom not to found establishments except with the prior and very formal consent of the higher authorities, both ecclesiastical and civil, your request must first of all meet that condition.

Besides, I hope that the excellent Brothers of Viviers will finally be able to accede to your wishes. However, I am very touched by the confidence you show us and I ask you to accept my gratitude as well as the profound respect 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. 142, nº 180