More sensible ways gradually re-established themselves however, particularly after the sudden death of a close comrade during the 1808 summer holidays. This death is said to have devastated Marcellin and he was never the same afterwards. It is suggested that some sharp words from his dean also played their part. Whatever the sobering agency we soon come to hear of him working enthusiastically and praying fervently and during holidays he is teaching catechism to local children in the Marlhes district. During those holidays he never fails to make a pilgrimage to La Louvesc and he remains steadfast in his devotion to St. John Francis Regis.
Academic reports continue to reflect mediocre progress but conduct reports are more positive.
In 1809 he was made a monitor at Verri res in recognition of his now exemplary behaviour. The death of his mother in 1810 was a particularly sobering and severe blow. We cannot measure how far Marcellin would have got w thout this woman's steadfast fa th and her obstinate belief in her son. Jos Diez Villacorta y Luis Marchesi.