Encouraged by the last reply received (L. 308), Fr. Gire informs the Founder of the approval of the town council. But since the young man whose arrival has been announced has never appeared, he cannot expect special treatment, and the delay will be a long one. He is therefore encouraged not to miss the chance to find brothers elsewhere, but his next letter (L. 315) will show us that he is holding to his first idea.

Father,

We rejoice in the good dispositions of your town council. We strongly hope it will follow up effectively on the project of a religious and Christian school for the dear children among your large population. We are upset that we find it impossible at this moment to accept your proposals, because of the requests we are obliged to fill. We do not see how it will be possible for us to give you brothers for another three or four years.

We very much hope that the Brothers of Viviers can come to your help. Besides, so as not to impede the progress of that community, we would not be able to answer your request until you had had it approved by higher ecclesiastical authority. Consequently, we will not enter it in our register until we hear from you again.

Accept….

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. 164, nº 209