Denavit, Father, Lyons, France, to Father Claude Lunel, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1844 January 23

They were happy at the seminary to receive news of Lunel but sad to see how his Bishop is treated. All send their respects and share his trials. Lunel is to remember Denavit to Fathers Rousselon and Moulard. All here are well but are uneasy about a law on the subject of freedom of education being considered in the Chamber and which it is feared may be fatal for religion. There are hardly any of Lunel's friends at the seminary; they have finished their theology and left. However Mr. Bouiller who knew Lunel at St. Jodard is here and sends regards. Father Louis Boué has probably written the Bishop that the pastor of Sury has been transferred to Chamond. The Grand Seminary is to become the domain of the pastor of St. Just. Denavit will be at a place called The Roman Baths. Their seminary is not very large but there are always some thinking of the foreign missions although the Marist Fathers usually have the preference. Just now Father Charrier of St. Just in Chevalet is at Lyons. He is a missionary in Tonkin and was condemned to death but was rescued by a French captain. But Charrier is going to go back in March to pursue the martyr's crown which escaped him to his great regret. Denavit is convinced that the devotion to the Immaculate Heart of Mary will be very profitable for the missions. :: V-5-a A.L.S. French 2pp. 4to.