The tone of this letter, compared to others of the same type, shows that Father Champagnat was its inspiration, not its author. Expressed in other words, these are the same conditions we know already. The delay was longer than expected, but the parish authorities did not become discouraged. In 1845, Father Saléon Terras went to La Bégude and got three brothers for midsummer, from Bro. Jean-Baptiste (AFM, 211.79, p. 8). The brothers opened their school on 15th June.

Father,

In keeping with your wishes, we are pleased to list your request to us for the city of Vans, but it would not be possible to fill it next year. If you can have your project approved by higher authority, either ecclesiastical or civil, and obtain the cooperation of the town council; if in that way the salary of three brothers could be guaranteed and the other conditions in our prospectus fulfilled, we for our part could aim at giving you brothers in two or three years. The great number of requests we have to fill will not allow us to give you an earlier date with any certainty.

I have the honor, 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. 155, nº 196