February 22: Letter to Father Albini. To console him and our Fathers in Corsica, I give him an account of all the blessings that God has showered on all the work of our missions this year. Letter from Fr. Espanet. He writes in the same style that he has been using with me for some time. Is this flattery, is it because he is moved by remorse and to make reparation for his previous way of acting which he now regrets? I am inclined to the second alternative and I consider sincere the sentiments he now expresses. The parish priest of Istres dined at my place. He is in admiration of all that he witnessed during his mission. [p.4] Diary Oblate Writings XX February 23, 1839 February 23: Letter to Father Honorat to have him appreciate the use I had to make of Frs. Ricard and Magnan, and to reply to his most interesting letters on the missions he is giving. Letter to my mother. Letter to Fr. Guibert. I bring him up to date on the works of the Congregation and I answer several of his letters. [To Father Courtès, superior at Aix]. 685:IX in Oblate Writings Authorizes Father Bise to hear confessions. Courtès [Marseilles,] February 23, 1839. Even though I had wished, my dear Courtès, that Father Bise were more proficient before entrusting him with the ministry of Confession, if you think it is absolutely necessary that I authorize him for this; I shall do it, even though I do it quite reluctantly. I request you to be very careful with him about this kind of work for which he may not be quite ready. Diary Oblate Writings XX February 24, 1839 February 24: Letter from the King to me for all that I did for his daughter the Princess of Wurtemberg. Mr. Lavison came to conclude the Trinquier affair. He paid what he still owed. Fr. Tempier entered it into the account of the Congregation. Letter from Mr. Merindol, an examining magistrate. He writes to inform me that he found a poor housewife in the prison who is held there by Fr. Jonjon. He asks me to mediate in order to reduce the severity of this inhuman creditor. Diary
May 20: Letter to Fr. Féraudy announcing his appointment to the canon’s seat made vacant by the death of Fr. Flayol. Letter from Jauvat announcing the death of Fr. Brunet, curate at Aubagne. My heart is heavy because he was a young and very holy priest. But what deep sorrow to that Fr. Albini is again in danger. I do not know what to think. After the miracle [p. 65] of his first healing, a new imminent danger. What to do? Try a new forceful appeal to the Lord? The soul is oppressed, the heart torn. Dominus exaudiat. Diary Oblate Writings XX May 21, 1839 May 21: Before my Mass in my chapel I gave the religious habit to three Brothers who are destined to serve the prisoners. They are the core of the association that we intend to create. I put them under the direction of Fr. Fissiaux, giving them the name of the Brothers of Saint Peter in Chains. My uncle caused us much concern today. He became extremely weak, his mind was wandering, he had no strength to drink or speak, and he was in a continual state of drowsiness. We were really alarmed, and were so concerned that we could not eat dinner. The doctors that we called did not seem very hopeful. What can you do for a 91-year-old man? Wait. Thank God the wait was not long. The sick man broke out in a good sweat. We no longer see any danger, and after a day of anxiety we all went to bed at peace. Oblate Writings XX May 22, 1839 May 22: My uncle had a very good night. He is back to normal. This is really amazing. I thank God. I needed this relief because yesterday was very painful for me. Letter from Fr. Bermond. He has translated the Life of the Venerable Paul of the he wants permission to have it printed after having some of our Fathers look at it. I doubt there is much interest in this life. I will examine it when I pass through Laus. Letter from Fr. Rouvière. He is overjoyed at all that God has done through his ministry in the holy missions. Diary Oblate Writings XX May 23, 1839 May 23: Letter to Laus and Courtès. Diary
I saw our deputy, Mr. Surian, to recommend the case of the cathedral. Oblate Writings XX December 30, 1839 December 30: Drawing of the fifteen tickets for the loan for St. Lazarus. Diary Oblate Writings XX December 31, 1839 December 31: Big reception for the clergy of the city and many other persons. The prefect wanted to inform me. He came to see me before I went to his place. I went nevertheless after he left me, as well as to the major general’s, the field marshal’s and the mayor’s. This relieves me from running to them on New Year’s Day. What a chore!