Poup0009

24 May 1840. — Letter from Victor Poupinel to François Yvert

Translated by ChatGPT, January 2024

According to the autograph minute APM 2277/11691. Edited in CS1 doc. 174.

[p. 1]

For the greater glory of God and the honour of the Mother of God

To Mr. Yvert, Lyon, May 24, 1840

Sir,

[1]

Please excuse the liberty I take in writing to you. Since I had the privilege of meeting you in Caen towards the end of last October to deliver a letter from Reverend Father Colin, our superior, I have harboured a strong desire to see you soon join the efforts of our missionaries in New Zealand. Despite our superior's response to your letter, I have always had confidence that it would happen one day. As you know, sir, it was very painful for Father Colin not to be able to say yes, which he would have ardently desired to pronounce. But after praying, he did not believe it was currently God's will. He has expressed to me several times how greatly satisfied he would have been to receive some of your letters that edified him so much. I thought, sir, that you would be pleased to hear very recent news from our mission; this is what prompted me to write to you...

[2]

As you can see, sir, the harvest is abundant, and how much good you could do in these lands! There would be a beautiful field to exercise your zeal, and I am sure that upon your arrival, Bishop Pompallier would bless the heavens with gratitude. While reading these letters, this thought occurred to me, but when I remembered the obstacle that kept you in France, I adored the designs of the good Lord.

[3]

But yesterday morning, while I was studying, a thought suddenly and strongly impressed itself on my mind; it gave me great pleasure. I dare, sir, to communicate it to you on my own and with all simplicity. If the ties you have formed with a spouse prevent you from binding yourself with vows to a Society, could you not accompany our missionaries to New Zealand as a simple individual? The Society of Mary would consider you as one of its children, and you would at least be a Marist at heart and in affection. Perhaps everything could be arranged in this way. You could study theology, which would be very useful in these lands in any case, and who knows, sir, if God might one day reward your devotion with elevation to the priesthood?

[4]

Perhaps, sir, you will be surprised to see me speak to you with such familiarity? Nevertheless, I reassure myself based on the kindness with which you welcomed me into your home. Forgive me for my purpose; I love the New Zealanders so much that it costs me...

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