Girard0238

14 February 1843 - Brother Pierre-Marie (Pierre Perenon) to Father Colin, Kororareka

Summary

He begins by showing his high regard for Colin, and goes on to describe his current situation. He is involved with many tasks, which leave him little time to study theology, as he was asked to do. He is sometimes tempted to throw it in, but fears going against the will of God. He experiences temptations, especially against purity, but finds help in appealing to “Mary conceived without sin, give me purity of soul and body”.

Translated by Merv Duffy, January 2025

Text of the Letter

[Page 4 Address]

Father¤ Father Colin ¤ Superior of the Marists ¤ (Lyon) Montée Saint Barthélemy ¤ France

[In Poupinel's handwriting]

New Zealand ¤ Kororareka February 14, 1843 ¤ Brother Pierre-Marie

[Page 1]

Jesus, Mary, Joseph

My Most Reverend Father,

[1]

I take this opportunity to express how deeply I appreciate the paternal solicitude you show for all your children, even to the ends of the earth. I cannot thank Divine Providence enough for giving me such a father. I know, my Reverend Father, that you wish me to share my current situation with you. I will tell you that I am still at the procurator's house, occupied with various tasks that do not leave me as much time as I would like for the study of theology. This sometimes leaves me a little dissatisfied. My greatest desire is to advance quickly so that I might sooner be able to work directly for the salvation of these poor peoples.

I should not be troubled by the slow pace of my studies, as nothing happens without God's permission; but I do not always have enough virtue to resign myself joyfully to everything. I do not disobey my superiors, but I do not always carry out their commands with a cheerful heart. At times, when unable to dedicate myself to study as I would like, I have been tempted to ask for a dispensation, but I have feared going against God’s will. Whatever the outcome, I will never be of great assistance to the mission, but since I cannot undertake manual labour like the other brothers, I think that if I could attain the priesthood—unworthy as I am—I might be able to serve a little more. In the end, may God's will be done and not mine.

Although human miseries follow us everywhere, I prefer being here to being in France because even the half-naked savages do not stir in me the passions of the flesh strongly. The demon of impurity still often attacks me, but the good Lord grants me the grace to repel it through the invocation of Mary: O Mary conceived without sin, obtain for me purity of soul and body, or Jesus, Mary, grant me purity.

[2]

I greatly value my vocation, but I still tremble greatly for my salvation. I am often ashamed of myself, seeing how imperfect I remain after so many years of walking the path of perfection. I strive daily to carry out my spiritual exercises, but unfortunately, I do not always perform them with the attention I would like. I do not find that I am making much progress in meditation. I have not always taken care to follow your salutary advice, but I promise, with God’s grace, to make new efforts to put them into practice.

[3]

My Most Reverend Father, I throw myself at your feet to ask for your blessing on the most unworthy of your children,

Brother Pierre-Marie

Kororareka, Bay of Islands — February 14, 1843

[In the margin and sideways]

[4]

Study does not tire me at all. It is a relief for me. I have only seen six treatises so far, and even then, my duties have not allowed me to study them as thoroughly as I would have liked.

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