Letter AnalysisLetter Analysis

PS: 065PS: 065

From Father Champagnat to From Father Champagnat to

Francois Mazelier, St. Paul-Trois-Francois Mazelier, St. Paul-Trois-Chateaux, Drome.Chateaux, Drome.

Date: 1836-05-05.Date: 1836-05-05. Type of letter: Original; AFM, 112.1Type of letter: Original; AFM, 112.1

SituationSituation This letter was written in Notre Dame de l’Hermitage, 1836 This letter was written in Notre Dame de l’Hermitage, 1836

– 05 – 08 by Champagnat to Mazelier. Mazelier was the – 05 – 08 by Champagnat to Mazelier. Mazelier was the Superior of the brothers of Christian Instruction at St. Paul-Superior of the brothers of Christian Instruction at St. Paul-Trois-Chateaux. He had a cordial relationship with Father Trois-Chateaux. He had a cordial relationship with Father Champagnat long before the union of his brothers with the Champagnat long before the union of his brothers with the Marist Brothers in 1842. He wrote about sixteen letters to Marist Brothers in 1842. He wrote about sixteen letters to Mazelier, while Mazelier wrote four to him. c.f ‘Travellers in Mazelier, while Mazelier wrote four to him. c.f ‘Travellers in Hope pp152.Hope pp152.

The political situation in France at the time demanded that The political situation in France at the time demanded that every young man turning twenty (20) should participate in every young man turning twenty (20) should participate in seven (7) years of military service. Alternatively, a large seven (7) years of military service. Alternatively, a large sum of money could be given to anyone who volunteered to sum of money could be given to anyone who volunteered to replace such person who cannot participate in the service.replace such person who cannot participate in the service.

SituationSituation Father Champagnat Father Champagnat did not want to risk the life and future did not want to risk the life and future

of these young brothers,of these young brothers, instead he had an agreement with instead he had an agreement with father Francois Mazelier that these young brothers who father Francois Mazelier that these young brothers who turned twenty should be sent to him, since his turned twenty should be sent to him, since his congregation was recognized and exempted from military congregation was recognized and exempted from military service by the Government. These brothers are to stay and service by the Government. These brothers are to stay and work with Mazelier till they have received their certificate of work with Mazelier till they have received their certificate of competence c.f. R. Vol. 2. p.388competence c.f. R. Vol. 2. p.388

Expansion of mission to areas of invitation: La Expansion of mission to areas of invitation: La Voulte, Mondragon, Meze and Polynesia.Voulte, Mondragon, Meze and Polynesia.

Establishment of Novitiate to cater for the need of Establishment of Novitiate to cater for the need of housing and formationhousing and formation

Trust in God/prayer for the success of the mission Trust in God/prayer for the success of the mission in Northern Part of Polynesiain Northern Part of Polynesia

The poor health of Brother JustineThe poor health of Brother Justine

Supplementary Data Supplementary Data (People(People ) )

Francois MazelierFrancois Mazelier (1795-1856) (1795-1856) Birth: 13th Jan.1795 at Bourg-de-Peage, Drome. Birth: 13th Jan.1795 at Bourg-de-Peage, Drome. 11th May 1817: ordination11th May 1817: ordination 1819-1823: studied in Paris1819-1823: studied in Paris 1824: appointed superior of the congregation of brothers of 1824: appointed superior of the congregation of brothers of

Christian instruction at St. Paul-Trois-Chateaux.Christian instruction at St. Paul-Trois-Chateaux. 26th May 1835: He had his first visit to L’Hermitage26th May 1835: He had his first visit to L’Hermitage 13th June 1835: He received four brothers from Hermitage 13th June 1835: He received four brothers from Hermitage

(Apolinaire, Cyprien, Gregoire, and Justin). It was to pave (Apolinaire, Cyprien, Gregoire, and Justin). It was to pave way for the union of the two congregations.way for the union of the two congregations.

1847: vicar general of Valence 1847: vicar general of Valence Death: 26th June 1856 c.f R. 382-394Death: 26th June 1856 c.f R. 382-394

PeoplePeople

Brother JustinBrother Justin (1814-1838) (1814-1838)– Birth: 1814Birth: 1814– Civil Name: Champellier PierreCivil Name: Champellier Pierre– Town of origin: La Valla, LoireTown of origin: La Valla, Loire– 18th Oct. 1832: admitted to the Hermitage18th Oct. 1832: admitted to the Hermitage– 1835: one of the first Marist brothers to go 1835: one of the first Marist brothers to go

under cover to St. Paul-Trois –Chateaux to under cover to St. Paul-Trois –Chateaux to avoid military service c.f. L. 60avoid military service c.f. L. 60

– Fell ill and was cared for in the infirmary of Fell ill and was cared for in the infirmary of L’Hermitage c.f. L.65 & 95L’Hermitage c.f. L.65 & 95

– March 1838: died in L’HermitageMarch 1838: died in L’Hermitage

PeoplePeople Brother ApollinaireBrother Apollinaire (1814-1880) (1814-1880) Birth: 11th Jan.1814Birth: 11th Jan.1814 Civil Name: Ginet FrancoisCivil Name: Ginet Francois Town of Origin: IsereTown of Origin: Isere 21st Jan. 1832: admitted into L’Hermitage21st Jan. 1832: admitted into L’Hermitage 1835: among the first group of Marist Brothers to go to St. 1835: among the first group of Marist Brothers to go to St.

Paul-Trois-ChateauxPaul-Trois-Chateaux Nov. & Dec. 1839: Suffered recurrent gastritis dysenteryNov. & Dec. 1839: Suffered recurrent gastritis dysentery 1846: he had accident on his way to Vauban as bursar to 1846: he had accident on his way to Vauban as bursar to

replace Father Rigotier.replace Father Rigotier. 1849: director for four years at Neuville-sur-Saone.1849: director for four years at Neuville-sur-Saone. 1859: director of Saint Didier-sur-Ternoise (AFM, 213.43 1859: director of Saint Didier-sur-Ternoise (AFM, 213.43

p.13)p.13) Died in 17th Sept. 1880. c.f Vol 2. R. pg.47. Died in 17th Sept. 1880. c.f Vol 2. R. pg.47.

PlacePlace

St. Paul-Trois-Chateaux, Drome:St. Paul-Trois-Chateaux, Drome: – :: Seat of a district in the depart ment of the Drôme Seat of a district in the depart ment of the Drôme– St-Paul quickly became the center of a large St-Paul quickly became the center of a large

Marist province, which had 555 brothers in 1900. Marist province, which had 555 brothers in 1900. On 21st January 1902, there were 331 persons in On 21st January 1902, there were 331 persons in the house in St-Paul including the scholastics, the house in St-Paul including the scholastics, novices, postulants and juniors. novices, postulants and juniors.

– In 1903, the brothers of that province ran 120 In 1903, the brothers of that province ran 120 schools in France, in Spain, 21 in Mexico, 2 in Italy schools in France, in Spain, 21 in Mexico, 2 in Italy and 1 in the Seychelles, not counting the and 1 in the Seychelles, not counting the

formation centers in those various countries.formation centers in those various countries.

Place: St. PaulPlace: St. Paul– But on 16th July that year, the inhabitants of the house were But on 16th July that year, the inhabitants of the house were

given orders to evacuate within two weeks. They naturally given orders to evacuate within two weeks. They naturally chose Italy as their place of refuge: the juniors went to chose Italy as their place of refuge: the juniors went to Mondovi, the provincial administration stayed near the border Mondovi, the provincial administration stayed near the border in Ventimiglia, and all the furnishings which could be saved in Ventimiglia, and all the furnishings which could be saved were put into safe keeping. The authorities seized the house were put into safe keeping. The authorities seized the house which they intended to sell at auction. Mr. Vincent, a friend of which they intended to sell at auction. Mr. Vincent, a friend of the brothers, bought it four years later, in 1907, he resold it to the brothers, bought it four years later, in 1907, he resold it to the diocese as a residence for its seminarians, since all the the diocese as a residence for its seminarians, since all the seminaries had been confiscate. The brothers who were still seminaries had been confiscate. The brothers who were still there moved out and found lodging in our other houses. During there moved out and found lodging in our other houses. During the summer of 1934, the brothers bought back the house, to the summer of 1934, the brothers bought back the house, to set it up again as the provincial headquarters. A few months set it up again as the provincial headquarters. A few months later, the old brothers arrived to take over the section later, the old brothers arrived to take over the section prepared for them. Since the reorganization of the provinces of prepared for them. Since the reorganization of the provinces of France in 1982 St-Paul-Trois-Châteaux has been only a France in 1982 St-Paul-Trois-Châteaux has been only a residence for retired brothers on whose behalf extensive residence for retired brothers on whose behalf extensive renovations were carried out in 1986. renovations were carried out in 1986.

– Father Francois Mazelier worked here as the superior of a Father Francois Mazelier worked here as the superior of a congregation of the brothers of Christian Instruction. congregation of the brothers of Christian Instruction.

– (C LL. 60, 66, 75, 76, 95, 106, 122, 126, 128, 141, 198, 260, (C LL. 60, 66, 75, 76, 95, 106, 122, 126, 128, 141, 198, 260, 275, 282). (REFERENCES, pp. 584-585).275, 282). (REFERENCES, pp. 584-585).

LyonsLyons – :: Second largest city in France, capital of the Second largest city in France, capital of the

department of the Rhône, had in 1836, “197,748 department of the Rhône, had in 1836, “197,748 inhabitants, divided thus: Lyons, 150,814; La Croix-inhabitants, divided thus: Lyons, 150,814; La Croix-Rousse, 17,934; La Guillotière, 22,890; Vaise, 6,110” Rousse, 17,934; La Guillotière, 22,890; Vaise, 6,110” (DGGU, vol. 3, p. 365). Lyons is the seat of an (DGGU, vol. 3, p. 365). Lyons is the seat of an archdiocese which after the Concordat of 1802 took in archdiocese which after the Concordat of 1802 took in the three departments of the Rhône, the Loire and the the three departments of the Rhône, the Loire and the Am.Am.

– Champagnat’s ecclesiastical superiors were hereChampagnat’s ecclesiastical superiors were here– It was in Lyons that the Founder had his prospectus It was in Lyons that the Founder had his prospectus

printed, as well as the first Rule in 1837. He himself printed, as well as the first Rule in 1837. He himself founded two “Providences” (or phanages) in the city of founded two “Providences” (or phanages) in the city of Lyons: Denuzière and Saint-Nizier. (REFERENCES, p. Lyons: Denuzière and Saint-Nizier. (REFERENCES, p. 554).554).

– He promised to settle the debts owed by father He promised to settle the debts owed by father Francois Mazelier to a bookstore in LyonsFrancois Mazelier to a bookstore in Lyons

La Voute or VoulteLa Voute or Voulte

– Seat of a district of the department of the Seat of a district of the department of the Ardèche and the arrondissement of PrivasArdèche and the arrondissement of Privas

– Bishop Bonnel de la Brageresse requested for the Bishop Bonnel de la Brageresse requested for the brothers to work in this area.brothers to work in this area.

– Nov. 1837: four brothers were sent there c.f. R. Nov. 1837: four brothers were sent there c.f. R. p.543-544.p.543-544.

– The brothers stayed there until the events of The brothers stayed there until the events of 1903. 1903.

– The 1902 assignment list shows four brothers The 1902 assignment list shows four brothers there, but only two appear on the list for 1903, there, but only two appear on the list for 1903, and La Voulte is not mentioned again on those for and La Voulte is not mentioned again on those for subsequent years. So we may conclude that the subsequent years. So we may conclude that the brothers left there during the 1904 vacation at brothers left there during the 1904 vacation at the latest. (REFERENCES, pp. 543-544).the latest. (REFERENCES, pp. 543-544).

MondragonMondragon

– One of the areas for mission mentioned in the One of the areas for mission mentioned in the letter. A request was also made for the brothers letter. A request was also made for the brothers to work there.to work there.

– A town in the department of the VaucluseA town in the department of the Vaucluse– ““small city is situated to the west of a little hill, small city is situated to the west of a little hill,

near the Rhônenear the Rhône– The brothers opened their classes on 2nd The brothers opened their classes on 2nd

November 1846. November 1846.

MondragonMondragon

– On 9th November that year, Bro. Prudentius, On 9th November that year, Bro. Prudentius, director of the school, was dismissed for having director of the school, was dismissed for having organized “in this town, on Sunday, 3rd October organized “in this town, on Sunday, 3rd October 1880, a distribution of prizes, un beknownst to the 1880, a distribution of prizes, un beknownst to the academic authorities and (without having academic authorities and (without having submitted) for the approval of the primary-submitted) for the approval of the primary-schools inspector, the books he in tended to schools inspector, the books he in tended to distribute.” This was a pretext to speed up the distribute.” This was a pretext to speed up the laicization of the school which was to take effect laicization of the school which was to take effect on 1st January 1881. on 1st January 1881.

– The school continued to function normally until The school continued to function normally until 1903, after which date Mondragon no longer 1903, after which date Mondragon no longer appears on our lists.appears on our lists.

C.f. R. pp558-560; L. 65.C.f. R. pp558-560; L. 65.

LarisLaris

No historical documentation for now No historical documentation for now is known about this place mentioned is known about this place mentioned in the letter.in the letter.

MezeMeze

– Seat of a district in Montpellier in the department Seat of a district in Montpellier in the department of the Hérault.of the Hérault.

– 1834: father Barthelemy Caumette wrote a letter 1834: father Barthelemy Caumette wrote a letter to father Champagnat for information about to father Champagnat for information about founding a brothers’ school.founding a brothers’ school.

– No reply was given to the letter from father No reply was given to the letter from father Champagnat. Champagnat.

c.f. R. Vol.2. p556c.f. R. Vol.2. p556

PolynesiaPolynesia

– An area of mission where father champagnat was An area of mission where father champagnat was making arrangement to send his brothers. c.f LL. making arrangement to send his brothers. c.f LL. 79,95,109,164, 168, 188, 248, 318.79,95,109,164, 168, 188, 248, 318.

– One of the three major sectors of OceaniaOne of the three major sectors of Oceania– Oceania is divided into Malaysia or Western Oceania is divided into Malaysia or Western

Oceania., Australia or Central Oceania, and Oceania., Australia or Central Oceania, and Polynesia or Eastern Oceania. (The latter) takes in Polynesia or Eastern Oceania. (The latter) takes in an immense expanse of ocean sprin kled with an an immense expanse of ocean sprin kled with an innumerable multitude of island groups. of which innumerable multitude of island groups. of which the lar gest known is Hawaii (REFERENCES, p. the lar gest known is Hawaii (REFERENCES, p. 570).570).

Attitude of MarcellinAttitude of Marcellin Appreciative/cordialAppreciative/cordial: ‘…with the help you give us, : ‘…with the help you give us,

these subjects will be in great danger’these subjects will be in great danger’ ‘… ‘…you are certainly doing you are certainly doing

us a great favour’us a great favour’ Sense of diplomacySense of diplomacy: ‘… I hope we will be in a : ‘… I hope we will be in a

position one day to repay you’position one day to repay you’ ‘…‘…if you have any accounts to if you have any accounts to

settle in the bookstores in Lyons, I will take care settle in the bookstores in Lyons, I will take care of them’of them’

‘…‘…I feel we are obliged to stand I feel we are obliged to stand by the condition which we accepted’by the condition which we accepted’

‘…‘…I am sending you three I am sending you three hundred francs’ hundred francs’

AttitudeAttitude Sense of missionary spiritSense of missionary spirit: ‘…we are taking over the mission in the : ‘…we are taking over the mission in the

Northern part of Polynesia, where we are sending five of our priest Northern part of Polynesia, where we are sending five of our priest and two of our brothers’and two of our brothers’

Total Trust/dependence on GodTotal Trust/dependence on God: ‘…may God’s holy will be done in : ‘…may God’s holy will be done in all of this’all of this’

‘… ‘…all of that is in the hands of all of that is in the hands of God’God’

Optimistic about the growth and mission of the two Optimistic about the growth and mission of the two establishmentsestablishments: ‘…we would establish a novitiate under your : ‘…we would establish a novitiate under your authority…’authority…’

‘… ‘…the request we receive from the request we receive from your region would be more rapidly answered’your region would be more rapidly answered’

‘… ‘…in union which seems feasible in union which seems feasible to me, we want only to procure God’s glory and spread good to me, we want only to procure God’s glory and spread good education’education’

Faith in PrayerFaith in Prayer: ‘…we certainly recommend this mission to your : ‘…we certainly recommend this mission to your prayers’prayers’

Mentality of MarcellinMentality of Marcellin That the will of God may be done in allThat the will of God may be done in all He was concern with the expansion of the He was concern with the expansion of the

mission/ propagation of faithmission/ propagation of faith The authorization of the institute was essentialThe authorization of the institute was essential The political situation in France at the time was a The political situation in France at the time was a

concern (military service for young men at 20)concern (military service for young men at 20) He did not want to risk the lives of the young He did not want to risk the lives of the young

brothers by allowing them to serve in the military brothers by allowing them to serve in the military for seven yearsfor seven years

He considered the Establishment of formation He considered the Establishment of formation house (Novitiate) a priorityhouse (Novitiate) a priority

Biblical AllusionsBiblical Allusions

Missionary spirit Missionary spirit Mtt.28:19ff ‘…go to the whole world Mtt.28:19ff ‘…go to the whole world

proclaim the good news’.proclaim the good news’. Manifestation of God’s willManifestation of God’s will (God’s will (God’s will

to be done)to be done) c.f. Mt. 6:10 ‘…may your kingdom c.f. Mt. 6:10 ‘…may your kingdom

come; may your will be done on come; may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’.earth as it is in heaven’.

Statements found in our present Statements found in our present Marist DocumentsMarist Documents

Commitment to the expansion of mission Commitment to the expansion of mission ‘ ‘God wishes that all people be saved by the God wishes that all people be saved by the

church, his sacrament of salvation for all. Our church, his sacrament of salvation for all. Our institute, like the church, is missionary and we institute, like the church, is missionary and we must have the heart of a missionary, as did father must have the heart of a missionary, as did father Champagnat who exclaimed: ‘our plans include Champagnat who exclaimed: ‘our plans include all diocese of the world’ c.f Const. Art. 90all diocese of the world’ c.f Const. Art. 90

The necessity of prayer The necessity of prayer ‘ ‘By living in the presence of God, Father By living in the presence of God, Father

Champagnat became a man of constant prayer, Champagnat became a man of constant prayer, even when engaged in the most absorbing work. even when engaged in the most absorbing work. He was forever in contact with God. ‘I could never He was forever in contact with God. ‘I could never undertake anything without having long undertake anything without having long recommended it to God...’c.f. Const. art.68recommended it to God...’c.f. Const. art.68

Statement found in Marist Doc.Statement found in Marist Doc.

Care for the sick brotherCare for the sick brother ‘‘Following the founder’s example, Following the founder’s example,

the members of the community see the members of the community see the sick or suffering Brother as a the sick or suffering Brother as a source of blessings…’ Const. Art.54source of blessings…’ Const. Art.54

Phrases that strike me in the Phrases that strike me in the letterletter

You are certainly doing us a great You are certainly doing us a great favourfavour

Without the help you give us, these Without the help you give us, these subjects will be in real dangersubjects will be in real danger

May God’s holy will be done in all of May God’s holy will be done in all of thisthis

Personal ReflectionPersonal Reflection The stark reality of our human nature which some people often do The stark reality of our human nature which some people often do

not accept is that we are limited human beings. We are not not accept is that we are limited human beings. We are not Supernatural beings. Hence, weSupernatural beings. Hence, we need other people’s support and need other people’s support and assistance in our pilgrimage of faith. assistance in our pilgrimage of faith.

There is need to live, and be brothers to one another, to live and There is need to live, and be brothers to one another, to live and radiate the brotherhood of Christ, so that we become living water radiate the brotherhood of Christ, so that we become living water for others, bread to be broken and shared (our vocation as Brother for others, bread to be broken and shared (our vocation as Brother is a special call to live the brotherhood of Christ with everyone, is a special call to live the brotherhood of Christ with everyone, especially with the young people, loving them with selfless love - especially with the young people, loving them with selfless love - const. Art. 3). const. Art. 3).

We need to be awaken with passion for mission. We need to be awaken with passion for mission. We need to pray for the our mission – home and abroad; We need to pray for the our mission – home and abroad;

especially especially mission ad gentesmission ad gentes There is need to There is need to consolidate our mission with the lay Maristconsolidate our mission with the lay Marist i.e. i.e.

the joint missionthe joint mission Presenter: Br. Umoh Benedict Presenter: Br. Umoh Benedict