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22 May 1848 − Brother Marie-Nizier (Jean-Marie Delorme) to father Jean-Claude Colin, Futuna

Based on the document sent, APM OW 208 Delorme, Marie- Nizier. Folded sheet of paper, forming four pages, three of which are written on, the fourth having only the address and Poupinel’s annotation.

[p.4]

[Address]

To the Reverend / Reverend Father Colin / Superior General of the Society of Mary. / Lyon / Saint Barthélemy Rise no.4 / Rhône / France.

[in Poupinel’s hand writing]

Futuna / 22nd May 1848 / Brother Marie-Nizier.

[p.1]

Jesus, Mary, Joseph. Island of Futuna, 22nd May 1848.

My Very Reverend Father,

[1]

It is with the greatest of satisfaction that I have just received the small box containing the books that I had asked you for. The first thing that I looked for was a letter in your own handwriting; but alas! In vain I shook all the wrappings of the various books one after another. I found nothing. - I do not have the pleasure of knowing the charitable people who have been kind enough to send me this gift; they have earned an everlasting right to my heartfelt gratitude. I do not know where the 50 francs that I found there came from; I am guessing that they were sent to enable me to procure the watch that I had asked my parents for; I commented on this to Bishop Bataillon, who had promised to get me one.

[2]

On Futuna I no longer have to suffer the sorts of trials that we encountered with the martyred Reverend Father; the Good Lord has changed their hearts! Examples of goodness have replaced scandals. For some time the Way of the Cross has been established; what a consolation to see people carrying out this blessed practice almost every day; and often dozens of people follow this salutary route at the same time.

[3]

I would like to have the time to give you more details about Futuna, but as the mission’s schooner is about to leave Futuna, I can only say to you: the inhabitants of this island are children of God and Mary.

[4]

Realising that I am unworthy of daring to hope for a reply from you, I will just take the liberty of commending myself, in a very private way, to your kind prayers and spare me a thought at the Holy Sacrifice.

[5]

Please accept my good wishes and the deep respect with which I have the honour to be My Very Reverend Father,

your very humble

and obedient son in Jesus and Mary

Brother Marie Nizier, catechist.

[6]

Post Script. Perhaps the best way to give thanks for kindness received is to ask for more. Not having received the other books that I had asked for in a letter, except for the one that had the list of my requests, which have been so faithfully executed, I renew this same request with complete submission to the decisions that you will exercise in the matter. - May the pious people who have taken such a particular interest in putting into action the preceding requests of a poor Brother who is unknown to them, perhaps again take responsibility for the following and specify the special little prayers that they would wish for. - Let them provide their names.