J.M.J. [Jesus-Mary-Joseph]

Carcassonne, 24 January 1908
The Feast of the Holy Family!

My Dear Friend,

For several days now I have had the intention of writing to you to tell you that I have now withdrawn to 15 Maison d'Espierres in Carcassonne on the Place des Herbes [now Place Carnot], since I found my stay at Couffelens too monotonous.

Anyway, I found myself reading in the Gazette du Midi about your appointment to Coustouges. I really am lost in conjecture since I cannot make head or tail of this assault on your position in Rennes. This is really quite a grave decision and one which to me is quite puzzling.

Without doubt I have given you the benefit of some friendly reflections on the subject of your grand designs and the gigantic building works that you have undertaken. Without doubt also a priest might have used the incalculable sums that have been expended for other purposes, but in this situation I saw only a building mania [literally ‘manie de truelle’ = ‘trowel mania’] and a mania for doing things on a huge scale. I have always excused you by giving you due credit for the fact that you began your building works with the House of God, which you have certainly turned into a gem. Other people would have been less charitable in their assessment.

Whatever the case may be my dear friend, I retain the happiest possible memories of your generous hospitality and of the care that you brought to your services. Also I do sympathise with you, and in my prayers I shall not forget to ask that you always remain worthy of your vocation. ‘Sursum corda’ [Lift up your heart]. I hope that you will understand what I mean and that you will reply to me with the words ‘Habeo ad Dominum’ [I am lifting up my heart to God]. That is certainly my sincerest wish and my friendliest intention for you in Jesus, Mary and Joseph,

Yours, as teacher and friend,

[Signature]

PS My best regards to Marie and her parents.