This is a very animated letter which leads us to suspect that Fr. Gire was a rather clever man. However, our research has not turned up in our archives any mention of a postulant or novice from Saint-Privat. Perhaps these hopes were dashed, or the young man was in fact from another parish, although the latter seems unlikely. In any case, as we will see, the tone of the second letter (L. 310) is somewhat different.

Father,

We are taking under serious consideration the request you sent us for the town of St-Privat. You have found the way to succeed in getting brothers, that of sending us subjects. As soon as the young man you are offering us is ready to direct an establishment like the one you are requesting, I will try to give you brothers to replace him in your town. Besides, it seems to us that with the legacy you have received, plus the salary from the town and the monthly fees, you can put your establishment on a solid footing and insure its success. I will therefore be happy to see you next spring. I cannot make you an absolute promise because of the great number of requests we have to fill, but I will list you nevertheless among those whom we aim to serve as soon as possible.

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. 161, nº 206