Letter: 055 Father Champagnat’s letter to Fr. Jean-Claude Colin, superior of the Society of Mary, in Belley, Ain A.Introduction  The correspondence between Fr. Champagnat and Fr. Colin is relatively abundant. The addressing itself show the great respect, confidence and honour Marcellin had to his superior of the Society of Mary. Confidently, he gives all detailed admission requirements for someone to join the Little Brothers of Mary.  However, from the very start, Fr. Champagnat does not miswords how he wishes those to join that should be of good character/reputation in the society and shows interest in Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ.  Fr. Champagnat also points out some of the concerns he had that were to be settled.

B.1. SITUATION PRESENTED BY THE LETTER 2. MENTALITY OF CHAMPAGNAT – Condition of the candidate’ family – Maturity of the candidate than months of stay. – Not completely marginalized candidates but those who can contribute something either by themselves or through others. – Not bread winners to their families (caring their parents/responsible) – No lazy candidates – Those who practice their Christian values (sacraments).  Champagnat wrote this letter while at l’Hermitage.

B.2 SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Fr. Jean-Claude Colin  He was born on 7th August  He lost both parents at the age of 4.  He studied at a minor seminary from  In 1809, he fell very ill which nearly took his life.  He was ordained a priest on 22nd July  He was the Founder of the Society of Mary and on 24th September 1836 was elected as Superior General. (with Jeanne- Marie Chavoin, foundress of Marist Sisters)  In 1839, he suggested to Fr. Champagnat that they elect a Brother Director General.  Fr. Colin resigned as Superior General of the Society of Mary and his Confrere accepted on 9th May 1854 and the following day they elected Fr. Julien Favre to succeed him.  On 15th November 1875 he died at La Neyliere.

Bishop Davie Alexandre Raymond  He was born on 23rd January1767 from a family of modest means in Montelimar, Drome.  Studied philosophy at a seminary in Viviers in 1783 followed by theology at Bourg-Saint-Andeol which was affiliated to the university of Valence.  He was ordained priest in October 1791 but he could not exercise his duties openly up to This year after Napoleon’s coup d’état.  On 31st May 1813 was appointed 1st Vicar General and rector of the major Seminary in Valence.  On 13th January 1823, the king appointed him bishop of Belley. He became in contact with Fr. Champagnat from1830 –  On 16th July 1932 he met Fr. Champagnat to discuss on agricultural school which he wanted to open in Bresse.  He showed great kindness to the Society of Marist Fathers and Brothers.  He visited the Hermitage in  He died on 25th July 1852

Brother Anthelme Theodore-Marie Millot –He was born on 9th September –He was a nephew to Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, foundress of the Marist Sisters. –In 1832 he joined his brother Jean-Marie in Belley who followed Fr. Colin. –He was not sufficiently gifted to study for the priesthood hence Fr. Colin took him to Fr. Champagnat for brotherhood. –He entered the Hermitage on 17th November –He received the habit on 11th January 1835 under the name of Brother Anthelme. –He did not die as a brother on 29th March 1840.

Brother Joseph Eugène  He was born on 10th June 1799 from unknown parents.  In 1825 he followed Fr.Colin at Belley where he worked as a waiter at a secondary school.  On 7th October 1832 he witnessed the blessing of the chapel of the former Capuchin friary, first time to be called brother.  Fr.Jean-Claude Colin brought him to the Hermitage on 17th November 1834  He received the habit on 6th June  On 17th January Fr. Colin asked for him but things did not work out.  He made public perpetual profession on 10th October  He returned to Belley and worked there until  He left St.Maurice in 1874 as an invalid and died on 8th October 1880.

B.3. ATTITUDES OF FR. CHAMPAGNAT  Prudent- requirements for the admission of candidates to the Little Brothers of Mary.  Responsible – use of candidate’s contributions.  Prayerful – put trust in God and Mary  Sincere/open – admission requirements and sacristy business.  Simple – the addressing to his Superior. Flexible – ready to send Br. Joseph Eugene.

B.4. PLACES WHERE THE INTUITION OF HIS LETTER ARE REFLECTED IN OUR PRESENT DOCUMENTS a. Constitutions Articles: 29– no keeping of money or watch 61– importance of the habit/soutane 100 – period of postulancy and Novitiate 111 – requirements for the candidate to join the Little Bros. of Mary 113 – period of temporal vows and so on B. Canon Law nos. 641 – 645 (from footnote of the constitution art. 111)

B.5. PHRASES THAT HAVE IMPACT ME. The candidate must give good reason. Able to acquire virtues for the religious state, the talents needed for the type of work for which each one is destined.. Show preference for the society of Mary, Little Brothers of Mary.

B.6. PERSONAL REFLECTION  The seriousness to admit candidates from the very beginning is of vital importance.  One has to be very careful in choosing the candidates in order to avoid human likings instead of doing God’s will.  I feel working more with the youth to help them make better choices in their life (Vocations).