Letters of Marcellin – 332

Marcellin Champagnat

1840-04-15

Sometimes when an establishment is just starting to operate, a number of small unforeseen problems arise. This is the case in Craponne. The matter has been submitted to Fr. Champagnat, by either the parish priest, the Brother Director, or even the Brother Visitor. The Founder states his position clearly, while leaving it up to the parish priest to settle everything.

Father,

We willingly approve the towns becoming the owner of the brothers furniture, but in that case, it must maintain it according to the terms of our prospectus. To forestall too frequent discussions about the matter, the town must, in case it does accept the donation of the furniture, allot an annual sum of one hundred francs for its maintenance.

I would ask you, Father, to take into consideration the remarks which the Brother Visitor made to you concerning the class of Bro. RĂ©gis. Since the town is doing nothing for the fifth brother, it does not seem just for it to collect a fee from the students who are in that particular class. Besides, it is in the interests of the establishment, since the parents are extremely annoyed at having to pay in two places, and therefore less well disposed toward entrusting their children to the brothers. However, this upper class which can give the school a certain importance and keep it in the good graces of the authorities. (sic) I hope that while you are making arrangements with the town, you will try to settle this matter.

I thank you very sincerely for all your goodness towards our brothers and I ask you to accept the respectful devotedness with which I am, Father,…

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. 183, nº 228

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