LETTERS OF THE FOUNDER
1821 - 1841

LETTER 1

29 January 1821
To the Reverend Brother Vandenbossche in the Poor Boys' School in Grammont

Beloved Brother,
In Audenaard they are going to set up a school for poor children, a little like yours at Grammont; some children will live there and others will go and work there. I have been asked if it would be possible to put this school under the direction of the Brothers of St Joseph and under what conditions. I do not know what to reply in order to accomplish it according to our intentions. What do you think? Would it be possible to start something with one of your Brothers? It seems to me that this might be according to God's intentions. It would be good if you could come and see me before I reply.
In the meantime, assure our Brothers that I love them all in the Lord and, as you know, I am particularly well disposed towards you.
29/1821 Feast of St Francis de Sales.
C.V.C.
My compliments as always.

28 May 1821
To the Reverend Brother Vandenbossche in the Poor Boys' School in Grammont

Beloved Brother,
We have the right to hold religious services in our Church just as the Fathers formerly did. In my name, therefore, ask the Reverend Parish Priest of Deftinge if he will come on the approaching Feast, to water what he planted before Easter: and then, however he wishes, to celebrate religious services on the days convenient to him. The only thing you must be careful about is to schedule the religious services in our Church at different times to those in the Parish Church.
Please assure the Reverend Parish Priest of Deftinge of my respects for his Excellency (???) and receive my normal good wishes.
Affectionately,
Alost 28 May 1821
C.G. Van Crombrugghe

22 March 1822

Monsieur le Superieur
When I returned this evening I received the news that Mr Veervyn (???) had intended to let me know that he would be away longer than he had told me and that he cannot accompany us on our intended visit to the schools this week. This visit will be postponed until Friday week.
Ghent 22 March 1822.
G.C. Van Crombrugghe

3 September 1823
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Ghent 3 September 1823

Dear Father Superior ,
I believe that I feel that the merciful God is giving you and all your confreres great signs of goodness during these days of happiness. I rejoice with you, and I am taking advantage of this occasion to remind you that certain abuses must be uprooted and that you must address yourself to this task with some force.
Over and above that which we already noted on the occasion of our last journey, it must be further noted that:
1. The lists have not been edited according to the Rules, and that this must be done more speedily than other things which have been done with zeal but without the proper spirit ... List of the Church in which each object is clearly noted ... List of books which should be approved by me (you have some forbidden books in your Convent) ... List of furniture etc.
2. During the holidays the above mentioned lists must be made up and sent to me. After that, when I have made any corrections, they are to be written out in the manner which I will explain to you when you come and see me with Brother Stanislas .
Next I order you, Reverend Father Superior, to do everything with zeal during your retreat, and not to concern yourself too deeply or fearfully with matters. You must put charity above all else.
Receive my blessing and be assured of my sincere affection
C.G.V.C.

28 December 1824

Reverend Superior ,
I am sending you the reports with those feelings of satisfaction that I experience when I have done something which should be useful and pleasant for you.
With renewed zeal you and your confreres are going to help me to make use of these various means which we have found to achieve our goals: to protect our growing young people from so many bad and impious principles which threaten our holy religion in our country with a regrettable destruction, by inspiring in them good principles of Christian sentiment! In effect, my beloved Superior, what use would be my efforts and all the means which divine Providence has given us without a sincere and persevering will on your part to lead them to a good end? Be assured, however great the evil might be, and notwithstanding the fierce resistance it offers to any possible cure, your prudence, your zeal and, above all, your trust in God will bring down the blessings of the Lord on your efforts and at the end your work will be crowned with success ... Assure your disciples that they will gather the first fruits of their good conduct, and that the strict observance of what you tell them before God is the best way of becoming His friends and protecting and continuing the Catholic religion in our town, the most precious of all paths.
Receive my good wishes and my blessing at this time of Festival and remain assured of my sincere affection for you all.
Alost 28 December 1824
C.G. Van Crombrugghe

29 January 1929

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Monsieur le Superieur,
I am pleased to be able to inform you that Mr Ildephonse will continue to work for you until at least Easter.
He arrived at Ghent yesterday evening. He had just come from Brussels where he had gone to talk with his brother.
Along with your other Superiors I find that Mr Ildephonse is responsive to a gentle approach.
May God graciously bless our efforts and may his mercy save us from the evils which both our infidelities and those of our Brothers could bring down upon us!
Your devoted father in Jesus Christ.
C.G. Van Crombrugghe.
Ghent 29 January 1825

30 July 1830

Reverend Father Superior
Having heard you and your confreres, and having asked for inspiration from heaven, it seems to me to be necessary to read the following out in Chapter.
I praise God for all the graces which he so mercifully bestows on your community, and encourage many of your confreres to continue to walk conscientiously in the path of their sublime vocation. Truly, I am greatly consoled that several among you are fighting courageously against the devil, the world and the flesh; and that you are working with zeal at the work of the Lord. Thank God!
Nevertheless my satisfaction is not quite complete; there are still some things to correct: silence is not generally respected; fraternal charity is not what it should be among the Brothers of the quiet and merciful Joseph. Some of your Brothers are too concerned with the well-being of their bodies and the accomplishment of their own will, and far too unconcerned about what the Rule demands of all. Take care that on-one continues to neglect the duties of their vocation, reprimand those who do not follow the Rule with zeal, and make them see the great loss that they suffer in interrupting silence, in neglecting the mortification of the senses, in not practising tolerance, in becoming slack about the Rule. They will weep bitterly when the day of Divine justice appears if, instead of a great reward, they have earned punishment! I hope that this fate will not come to any of your Brothers, and that in the future no-one will neglect the means that God has given us.
In order to unburden you a little, Father Superior, I will dispense you from some of the work you have been doing for me outside the Community.
Brother Assistant will help you conscientiously and will uphold the Rule in your absence.
(Here six rules have been rendered illegible.)
Finally I ask of each Brother that he should, at whatever personal cost, work to make the whole Community pleasing to our Divine Master Jesus Christ and to merit even more the intercession of his foster father, St Joseph.
With respect I name myself your most devoted spiritual Father.
Alost 30 July 1828
C.G.V.C. Priest.

10 December 1828
Mr Vandenbossche, Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Ghent 10 December 1828

Reverend Father Superior
At last I can find a moment to concern myself a little with you. First of all you will have realised, I think, that it has been impossible for me to reply to the letters I have received from you and Brother Vincent . Nevertheless it has been pleasant for me to receive the good wishes of you and all your Community, and I thank the Dispenser of all graces from the bottom of my heart.
Encourage yourself and your confreres in that love which we must all show towards our good Saviour and his holy Mother in this time of the great Feast that we are going to celebrate. Let us all thank God together for the many graces he has given us, and let us all with greater resolution aim to serve our heavenly Father more faithfully every day.
Each of you should reflect on what touched you most during the last retreat, and then place your good resolutions at Jesus' crib, in order to receive from our loveable Saviour His blessings and renewed grace to do everything better than ever.
I especially recommend that you live together in friendship and politeness, and that you should be, without exception, gentle and compassionate towards the children; without these four things you will never have a good community and you will never have good disciples; but with these same four qualities you will become a holy community and you will render great service to our Holy Church, especially if humble obedience is added.
Receive my paternal blessing and be assured of the sincere affection with which I am
Your spiritual Father,
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon.
Member of the Episcopal Council .
Mr Vanderveken, Brother Augustin's brother, is now Curate at Aalter near Ghent and he lives there with his sister, I believe this will be good news for Brother Augustin

Reverend Father Superior
It has not been possible for me to reply to your letter, but you know what I think.
I have not yet taken any decision concerning the sale of the garden to Mr Monier; we will discuss this later.
I congratulate you on the graces which the Lord has given your Community today on the occasion of First Communions.
On the first of next month I will be at Rooborst with His Excellency. If you need to talk to me, you could come there, or, on the following days, to Zegelsem, Schoorisse, etc. (???) On the Sunday His Excellency will officiate at Renaix and administer Confirmation in the surrounding villages
Assure the Brothers of my affection for them, and of my wishes for their happiness.
Your affectionate servant,
Ghent 18 June 1830
C.G.V.C. Canon

LETTER NUMBER 10

23 August 1830
Reverend Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Reverend Father Superior
The postulant from near Courtrai has been to see me and I approve of him; he speaks good French and has good manners. He will come to you next week to start his noviciate and I will speak to him then with you. I think that it would be prudent to treat him gently, not to leave him to his own devices, and not to praise him too much in front of the other masters for fear of making them jealous.
I have received another letter from Rooborst; I think I shall have to send someone there shortly. It would perhaps be good to reflect on this matter and to ask the Lord to give us what we need in order to be able to start there as soon as possible. Nevertheless it should not be talked about too much because news travels very fast in your town. Teach your Brothers to listen and be silent, otherwise they will never be strong instruments of good in these difficult times. Say especially to the two Brothers who are going there tomorrow to say nothing about it except what everyone can be told. Perhaps it would be better for you to go yourself with Brother Augustin.
My cordial greetings to all your Brothers,
Your most affectionate spiritual Father,
Ghent 23 August 1830
C.G.V.C. Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 11

20 September 1830
To the Reverend Brother Vandenbossche, Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Reverend Brother
May the Lord's work be done, that is all I ask! Cutting off a dead branch can only do good to the tree. I dispense Brother Vincent from all his vows; get rid of him!! The Community will go forward much more easily without this obstacle.
You can come here on Friday and return on Saturday. In the circumstances you cannot leave the Convent for long. Trust in God.
Tell Miss Marie that you will speak to her face to face about all she has written to me.
Your affectionate spiritual Father,
Ghent 20 September 1830
C.G.V.C. Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 12

14 October 1830

Reverend Father Superior
I am enclosing the rosaries that you gave me to bless. I am sure you will be very happy to know that His Excellency our beloved Bishop is showing his regard for the Brothers of Joseph and Mary with new favours. Tomorrow, feast-day of the Holy Mother Teresa, the Institute of the Brothers of Joseph and Mary will be approved and honoured with spiritual favours. The same grace has been given to the Daughters of Mary and Joseph. Rejoice in the Lord for such a great joy, and try together to do all that is possible to become instruments worthy of God's mercy. I hope to come and speak to you shortly in Grammont, or even next week in Rooborst, to talk to you further about the Lord's abundant grace. Meanwhile, encourage yourself and your Confreres to gratitude and trust; truly, having received so many proofs of His love it would be astonishing not to feel these sentiments towards the good God.
Receive my paternal blessing and be assured of my sincere affection for all of you who bear with me the yoke of the Lord.
Your affectionate spiritual Father,
Ghent 14 October 1830
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon.
Be careful in these difficult circumstances.

LETTER NUMBER 13

27 October 1830
To Brother Stanislas

Good Brother
I was very pleased with your letter. I have a genuine affection for your community and it makes me happy to hear good reports on it. I thanked God when I learnt that the Superior's change of mind will help the Brothers make progress in the observation of the Rule which will as a result contribute to the good of religion in general.
For your part, do you best to show the Brothers how they should regard each other and especially their superiors. I am not at all surprised to learn that many of the Brothers were saddened by the departure of Fr Superior. They love him as a Father and he is worthy of their affection.
You must put a stop to the reading of the newspaper. Moinsegneur entirely disapproves of such a practice in Convents. I have given permission for the Brother Superior to read the "Vaderlander" from time to time in order to know a little about what is going on. In this way you also will be able to keep yourself up to date a little. But under no circumstances must a newspaper be read in the presence of the Brothers.
Be assured of my perfect devotion
G.C. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 27 October 1830

LETTER NUMBER 14

. 28 October 1830

Reverend Father Superior
Here is your Prospectus; publish it and send it to the Parish Priests. It is not necessary for the Brothers to go out to distribute the Prospectus.
I hope that you are now used to your new residence, as it is easier to have less work. Putting my confidence in the Lord and in your zeal to start everything well in Rooborst, I hope to see a good Community grow there. Supported by that confidence I will come to see you probably during the week after All Saints in order to bless the house.
Give my compliments to your confreres and, if Brother Francois is still with you, keep him there until I arrive.
Receive my paternal blessing and believe that I am truly,
Your affectionate spiritual Father
28 October 1830
C.G.V.C. Canon

LETTER NUMBER 15

22 January 1831
To the Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Brussels 22 January 1831

Reverend Brother Superior,
This morning I received your letter and those of Brothers Bernard and Stanislas , and I hasten to reply immediately.
First of all the regret that you feel in not being able to speak to me makes me feel that you would happily accept my advice on many things. I regret also that I cannot come to see you; as soon as possible I will do as both of us wish and have a long and broad discussion of our affairs. Whilst waiting for that moment, which will not be long in coming, I will give you some replies to your concerns.
1. Go forward carefully without introducing novelties, and try to act in everything and with everyone in a simple and gentle manner.
2. I cannot change the Rule and therefore the Father Superior can and must visit the Communities and control everything.
3. I cannot permit a priest to be placed in your Community to exercise religious authority.
4. Father Superior has never ceased to be kind to me; every month he sends me the Community accounts and also a report on his temporal concerns. I will bring you all his accounts and we can carefully audit them, month by month and year be year since 1817.
As far as Brothers Jacques and Jean are concerned, don't send them to Rooborst without speaking to me first; Father Superior would rightly find that odd. Without my permission a Brother Superior cannot send anyone from his Convent elsewhere; the Father Superior has this power, the Brother Superior not.
I regret to read in your letter that the Curates are coming to your Convent with less sympathy. What can be the cause of that?
I ask you not to get involved with the ecclesiastics in your town, nor to intervene in the Parish Priest's problems. This priest is known about at Bishop's House and I am not getting involved. Be careful. If you remember how far above you these men are elevated you will not dare to get involved in such matters which do not concern you.
In the hope that I shall shortly be with you, I end this letter by giving you my paternal blessing.
C.G.V.C
Keep this letter until I arrive and remind me to explain it to you in more detail.

LETTER NUMBER 16

22 February 1831
For Brother Stanislas

Dear Brother.
Thanks to your excellent attitude and the unity of purpose you have with your Brothers I left the Convent last week in a spirit of the greatest confidence that everything would be all right and that your religious life would be everything the Rule would wish. It is the Rule which should bring about your happiness here on earth and daily add to the merit which will accompany you to heaven. Therefore study this code of happiness and spiritual prosperity and following your duty observe all the rule requires and avoid everything it forbids. An understanding of your Rule will be of more value to you than grammar or any other temporal knowledge: The former is for this life the latter for eternity.
Make sure you get on well with Br Xavier and do what you can to help him espouse the apostolate of your order so that his failings will not result in the loss of his vocation.
Rest assured in my sincere devotion and do what you can to make God loved by everyone in your Convent.
You affectionate spiritual father
Brussels 22 Feb. 1831.
C.G.V.C. Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 17

12 March 1831
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph in Rooborst near Zotteghem.

Reverend Father Superior
I am sending you the first part of your Rule hoping that you will find it acceptable and that through it you will be able better to prepare yourself for the Feast of St Joseph. You should read it first of all alone in order to understand the changes, and then read it to the Brothers. As soon as possible you should read it to the Brother Superior alone and make him see the goodness and favour of God towards you.
I am sorry that the matter of Brother Pierre is so little known about, but let us have trust in God and in the help of our Holy Patron. Write to Grammont in order to Encourage the Brothers in my name to prepare for the Feast of St Joseph.
The day after tomorrow I am leaving for Mouscron and Belleghem in order to set up the Convents there and to preside at the Clothing and Profession. Pray to the Lord and to our Holy Patrons that all will go well.
Receive my paternal blessing and believe me to be
Your affectionate spiritual Father
Ghent 12 March 1831
C.G.V.C. Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 18

24 March 1831
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Rooborst

Reverend Father Superior
It was with great satisfaction that I established the two new Convents at Belleghem and Mouscron. The spirit that I found there gave me much pleasure and I must thank God for it. Help me in this matter.
As I have much to discuss with you, and am passing through Alost on Monday, I would like to see you there. Try to be there on Sunday night or Monday morning.
Waiting for the pleasure of seeing you, I have the pleasure of calling myself
Your very affectionate spiritual Father
C.G.V.C. Canon.
Ghent 24 March 1831

LETTER NUMBER 19

3 May 1831
Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Reverend Father Superior
Our Brother Désiré tells me that the parents of your pupils Florin have no more money and that you will not get paid. As this pupils' behaviour is not all that good I advise you to send him away until he can return with the necessary monies.
I thank god for the good news that you have given me about your Convent. The month of Mary will not go by without you receiving new benefits.
As far as Brother Athanase is concerned, it is not the first time that the demon of pride has made him say that he will leave. In the summer holidays he was angry with you for un-necessary reasons, and he made this anger public in a way which did him no credit and which cannot have given a good impression of his virtue.
He knows full well that I have never mentioned sending him away. He knows also that all I have said is that he was behaving like a heathen. It is true that I told him that he was acting like a tyrant. I have to repeat that, because his conduct with several children has been that of a man who recognises no other will, rights or justification save those of his own whims. That is what I have said to him and I am sad to acknowledge that what I said is only too true.
God give him humility! Mary pray for us! Brother Athanase is in danger of losing all because of his pride. Brother Xavier is also full of vanity and he has little knowledge or judgement. I know him well now.
All the above you should read to the Brother Vicar : they are Institute matters.
Send me again the length and breadth of your parlour table. The cover which I have found will cost less than the one I wrote to you about.
Why is it that Brother Bernard has not sent me the Sacristy list as I asked? Why, at least, has he not replied to me? Does he not know that all letters should be replied to, unless they are dishonest or contrary to virtue or honour?
With great confidence I pray for all of you that we may obtain mercy. Give my greetings to the Brother Vicar and believe me to be
Your most affectionate spiritual Father,
3 of the month of Mary,
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Read this letter to Brother Albert before you give it to him. Brother Vicar will read it for you.

LETTER NUMBER 20

23 May 1831
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Rooborst near Zotteghem

Reverend Father Superior
Your long silence end the fact that you did not come to see me in Ghent make me fear that you are unwell. May God give us strength and light to praise his Holy Name and to prepare ourselves for perfection! If you are ill, take the precautions and the care that you would for a Brother. If you are well, write to me and let me know the state of the Community. I hope that all will be well prepared for the Feast of Pentecost. I hope to have finished here next week.
I am enclosing a letter from the Brother Superior ; please read it and see what needs to be done. When I speak to you we will take the necessary measures. In the meantime, let us act prudently and examine everything carefully. Do not be afraid: your position puts you above others and for you it is a duty to carry the responsibility.
Receive, with my blessing, the assurance of my affection.
Your most affectionate Father,
Brussels 23 May 1831

LETTER NUMBER 21

14 June 1831
Brother Stanislas.

Dear Brother
The letter I have received from you has pleased me greatly. I see you have a better appreciation of things than you have had up to now. Your writing is so well formed to the extent that I doubted it had been written by you. I compliment you on this progress. Try to make yourself more and more useful to your community by your zeal and your charity. Always be prudent when it comes to superiors. It is so easy to give your neighbour a bad impression and the lessen the salutary authority over the ordinary members of the community. Always show your best side to superiors and take no notice of their weaknesses except with me so as to produce some improvement, if that is possible.
I recommend our postulants to you. Take care of the pupils and collaborate with Brother Xavier and all the other Brothers.
I send you my blessing. Believe me I am
your devoted spiritual Father.
C.G.V.C. Canon.
Brussels 14 June 1831

LETTER NUMBER 22

14 June 1831
Monsieur Pierre Faux at the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

My very dear child,
I am pleased to learn that you are settling down in the Convent and that you are striving to receive from God the grace to consecrate yourself in his service. I congratulate you and urge you to be faithful to the Lord's calling. You know that his yoke is light but he wants us to carry it with love. Constantly revitalise your courage by prayer and the reception of the holy . I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon and telling you face to face all that I would like to tell you now.
Your devoted
C.G.V.C. Canon
Brussels 14 June 1831.

LETTER NUMBER 23

6 August 1831
To Brother Stanislas at the Convent of the Brothers of Joseph and Mary. Grammont.

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ,
I have read with pleasure the information you have given me about the Convent at Grammont. As a result I realise that the Lord has given you courage while at the same time allowing you to by afflicted by serious mishaps. I am delighted to see how zealous you are for young people and especially for our two postulants. You must realise that you must not avoid anything that you can do for the greater glory of God. Persevere in this attitude and you will amass treasure in heaven. As for the other crosses, try and carry them with the same courage. Pray and help with your advice .. do your best to cover up the faults of superiors so that their weaknesses won't scandalise anyone.
I think that you could quite well be of service later on at Rooborst. But do not speak of this to anyone.
Encourage our young postulants and try to get them to understand just how sacred is the calling they aspire to and how happy is the good religious who loves and keeps his Rule. You cannot speak too much about this because the greatness and the happiness of a soul in a Convent consecrated to God is a source of admiration even to the angels.
I will do my best to get you the translation of the Rule during the holidays.
I have received a copy of Constant's handwriting; it is rather poor. I don't know if it was any better last year. Be so good as to tell him that I was expecting much better and I cannot applaud something which is so imperfect and so bad.
I urge you to nothing other than the glory of God as your sole aim. God is ever worthy of our best efforts in everything. What is the use of all our work if we haven't done it for God? Quid prodest homini si mundum universum lucretur, anima vero sua detrimentum patiatur? I think you understand this text.
Receive my blessing and believe me I am
Your devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 6 August 1831
G.C.V.C.

LETTER NUMBER 24

31 January 1832

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ
I herewith send you the Rule of the Brother 1st Assistant and that of the 2nd Assistant. I expect you to read them attentively and to explain the other one to Br John . Your special position which means that during the absence of Fr Superior you are in the position of Brother Superior, hence I am sending you the rule of the Brother Superior. Please copy it and keep it carefully. The text I am sending you has been made from the rule of the Mother Superior of the sisters. You will find that there are faults which need correcting.
When I have the pleasure of seeing you we will settle certain other matters and I will talk to you about studies especially the study of physics which I have already mentioned to you.
Here is a letter I wrote to Des Prets (???) of Lessines in reply to a letter I received from him. Be so good as to tell Fr Superior what I have written so that he will be fully informed in the event of Des Prets (???) coming to Grammont he can talk to him about it.
Courage dear Brother, remember the sublime aim of your holy vocation. You are called to work with Jesus Christ for the sanctification of souls. May this thought ever drive you on; it will give you light and strength in every situation in which you might find yourself. What happiness to realise that you are chosen by God to live as a religious, far from the dangers of the world, always in the presence of God and the company of Brothers united in charity. Realise your situation and you will always be filled with courage.
Take care of the novices, especially Br Ambrose whose soul is so precious to the Lord. Tell him I often pray for him that he might form himself according to the merciful plans the Lord has for him.
Receive my blessing and believe that I am
Your devoted spiritual Father.
Ghent 31 January 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 25

1 March 1832
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph and to the Brother Vicar in Grammont.

Reverend Father Superior
I don't yet know what will come of the request made by the Reverend Father Buysse. According to custom the Parish Priest was asked by His Excellency the Bishop to give his advice on the matter. Perhaps you already know what it was.
I approve of what you have done for the Sisters. I will wait before sending a Mother. Don't forget to examine soon the accounts of the Mother who has been dismissed.
I have got hold of two pieces of cloth, but no (###). I shall pay for them. I have borrowed the money for you from someone without interest for four months.
God be thanked that a Forty Hours Devotion has taken place in your town! Which Church it is in is of no consequence. In my opinion it is better in the Parish Church than in any other.
Your most affectionate spiritual Father
March 1832
C.G.V.C.

LETTER NUMBER 26

17 March 1832
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Reverend Father Superior
It is a great joy for me to join with you and your whole Community in offering ourselves to the great Patron whom God has given us. We praise the Lord and we thank Him for the many graces that He gave to St Joseph. We willingly honour this foster-father of Jesus, our special protector and the guardian of our country. We would be astonished if God were to show us Joseph's greatness and the multiple graces we have received through him. Have courage and trust in the help of our powerful Patron. Let us celebrate his Feast with faith and wait in hope for everything which we need to live out our holy vocation. Let us love him whom Jesus loved, and follow in the steps of him who educated Jesus and who, in everything, sought God in all honesty.
Renew all your good intentions and, with zeal, start now a life which you can continue according to your vows. Let those whose vocation is not yet certain examine themselves, and let the Superior control the conduct of each one so that it can easily be ascertained who is called to the holy state.
I offer my prayers and the Holy Sacrifice so that we might be heard and that we might serve God in a more perfect way, from now until the end of our lives.
I ask all of you to accept my paternal blessing along with my assurance that I love you a great deal and that I wish to see God in heaven along with all of you in order to praise Him to all eternity and to thank Him for his mercies.
Your spiritual Father,
Ghent 17 March 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 27

2 June 1832
To the Reverend Brother Stanislas, Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph in the Convent of St Joseph at Grammont

Reverend Brother Superior,
Having made known to the Father Superior the satisfaction that His Excellency our Bishop gained from everything that His Excellency saw in the Convent, and the joy that I have had in telling you this, I still have one further duty to perform, and this a less agreeable one. Some true friends of Religion and of our Brothers in particular have repeatedly warned me that one of the reasons that so many middle-class children have left your Convent is the persistent filthiness of your Convent; these means that your reputation in this regard remains low. I have been told that the refectories are so dirty, that the small tables in the bedrooms are so filthy that one could not find anything dirtier in a soldiers' barracks etc., etc.
I have to bring your attention to this matter, and ask to look into it yourself without delay, and to take immediate and remorseless steps to remove these shocking faults. You will write to me before Pentecost on this matter, and you will inform me as to the state of your Convent in the area of cleanliness.
You will also let me know if there are any Brothers who are not doing, concerning cleanliness what Mr Walle , or I, or the Rule demand. If there are any such Confreres you must let me know so that I can take action to deal with them. On the first occasion I will inform you as to how long they are to be deprived of their habits. Subsequently, for those who still remain un-corrected, they will have to wear the lay-Brothers' habit.
This matter is important, Reverend Brother Superior; I wish you to examine the Convent immediately and take steps to banish dirt for ever.
Meanwhile I pray the loving Saviour to deign to send you his Holy Spirit so that, with a growing understanding of your sublime vocation, you can live it better and better each day, and that you will receive, in our heavenly home, the reward that has been prepared for you. Let the cleanliness of your Convent and of your Brothers be a model of the purity of your souls and of the home which God has prepared for them.
Receive my paternal blessing and know that I am truly
Your most affectionate spiritual Father
Ghent 2 June 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 28

8 June 1832
To the Reverend Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Reverend Brother Superior ,
The good wishes that you sent me in the name of your Community on the occasion of the Feast of Pentecost were very welcome, especially as you added to them your prayers to God. I thank you and your Community for your affection and your zeal for my happiness. For my part, be assured that I pray particularly for you each day, several time a day even. This seems to me to be a sweet duty, to pray for one's Brothers in Christ.
I am also very satisfied to learn that you found the remarks concerning your Convent agreeable. I have concluded from that that you seek God and not your own satisfaction. Continue in the same way and your efforts will be crowned with success.
It is true to say that the uncleanness of your Convent was described to me rather strongly. Be assured, however, that it was done by someone who did not blow the matter up out of proportion. When His Excellency the Bishop was with you, it was clearly noted that certain rooms were closed to us, and we saw only the (???) the study and the Church. It was in this last place that His Excellency showed his satisfaction.
Mr Bermyn has spoken to me about the Convent, immediately after the holidays, and especially concerning what he had heard being said about it. Everything he told me was true and in the best interest of the Convent. Only Brother Augustin , who is somewhat vindictive, could have stirred up the feelings which you incorrectly ascribed to Mr Bermyn. It was not Mr Bermyn who told me what I wrote to you about. Nothing came from him.
In the meantime improve what is good; things will turn out well in the end.
Your most affectionate spiritual Father
Ghent 8 June 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon

LETTER NUMBER 29

16 June 1832

Reverend Father Superior
It will be necessary to send some money to Brother Joseph immediately. Read what he has written to me. The good man does not understand, it seems to me, what impoliteness is; nevertheless we will have to provide the money otherwise he could do something stupid. I hope, in any case, that you will come to Ghent and we can speak about it further. Burn the letter that I am enclosing immediately so that it does not fall into other hands besides yours and mine.
I am writing also to Miss Huysmans at Rooborst about the Sisters' Convent with which she is still occupied.
Shortly, at the beginning of the next month, it would be a good idea for me to go to Maldeghem with you. We will discuss that when you are here.
I hope that the Holy Spirit has bestowed many gifts on us and on our collaborators. With this help we can expect to do much good in the vineyard of the Lord. The light of heaven shows us what we owe to God; it makes us feel the need for gratitude. If we are grateful we obtain new graces, and thus we grow in perfection before the Lord whom we will praise and thank for all eternity in heaven.
Insist once again with the Brothers on prudence, humble gentleness and cleanliness of both themselves and the Convent. More than every they are being watched and the offence they might give will be greater than before their Profession. They should also be prudent with each other, never forgetting the loftiness of their vocation. They cannot use frivolity, or crude phrases and manners, even amongst themselves. If they say or do anything which would shame them before the world they are to be reprimanded. They are religious, they are the ornaments of the Church, they are something holy, to be esteemed. Respect yourself and others will respect you.
Receive my blessing and be assured of my sincere affection,
Your spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 16 June 1832

LETTER NUMBER 30

. 28 June 1832

Reverend Father Superior
I went immediately to Bishops' House to ask for the documents you need. They had forgotten all about the matter. Here is a simple permission for what Mr Buysse wanted. It will suffice for now. Later on Mr Buysse can send his letter again and copy (of a deed) in due form will be sent.
My greetings to Mr Buysse and to all the Brothers.
Your most affectionate spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 28 June 1832
Some time soon please send on to the Dean, on behalf of the Episcopal Secretariat, these lists of the Competition.

LETTER NUMBER 31

. 5 July 1832
To Brother Ambrose at the Brothers of St Joseph, Grammont.

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ
As I do not have as often as I would like the opportunity of speaking with you face to face, I have decided to do it by letters. You know what a lively interest I take in your perfection and in your spiritual happiness. You will not be surprised to see that I busy myself with you. Tell me then, my dear Ambrose, how you are since you have had the happiness of receiving the holy habit of a religious. How is your meditation going? How are you getting on with your other religious exercises? To what extent do you feel the love of Jesus Christ growing in you as you get further into the noviciate? Above all it is there, my dear Brother, in the love of Jesus Christ that you will find light and force. Love and you will be a good religious.
Kindly give me the answers to these question and get them to me through Father Superior to whom you will give your sealed letter.
You will see from my efforts to give you all the instruction that will be useful to you that I am sincerely
Your devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 5 July 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 32

5 July 1832-07
To Brother Athanase at the Brothers of St Joseph, Rooborst.

My dear son in Jesus Christ
The concern I have for you is the reason why I want to know in your own words if you are continuing to respond faithfully to the graces which God has given you. tell me simply without elaboration how you are since receiving the religious habit.
How are you getting on with your meditation, with prayer and with your desire for perfection? How zealous are you in following the Rule when it comes to mortification and recollection? Do you try to keep Jesus Christ ever in the depth of your heart and consult him in everything you do?
I await your answers to these questions and I will delight in helping you wherever I can with my advice. Give your sealed letter to Brother Xavier who will send it to me when he writes to me himself.
Good bye, my dear Brother, receive my blessing and the assurance of my sincere devotion. I am
Your spiritual Father
Ghent 5 July 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 33

7 July 1832
To the Reverend Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Reverend Brother Superior
As I have do go and Profess one of the Sisters next week, I will arrive in Grammont, God willing, next Tuesday evening.
You will say nothing to the Brothers about my coming. No-one, except those whom I mention in my letter to Sister Constantia, must know I am coming to Grammont. I thought it necessary to warn you so that you could prepare and remarks or questions you would like to discuss. If the Reverend Father Superior is in your Convent, you may inform him also that I am coming. I would be happy if he were not to leave before my arrival. If he is not there, tell him nothing; I will see him before or after my trip to Grammont.
Receive, with my blessing, a renewed assurance that I am sincerely,
Your most affectionate spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon
Ghent 7 July 1832

LETTER NUMBER 34

28 July 1832
To the Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ ,
Thank you for your consideration and for the good wishes you sent on the occasion of my Patronal Feast. The purity of the intentions which inspire you make me hope that the good God will hear your prayers and that I will feel the happy results of them. I desire perfection in order to be more useful to the Church of our divine Master and Model, Jesus Christ.
I am also happy with details you described to me. This is what I have written to Brother Augustin . Read my short note and, having sealed it, give it to him.
If there are continued improvements in the matter of cleanliness this will become known quickly and Mr Buysse, who has so much good will towards your Convent, will take pleasure in informing the public whenever the occasion presents itself.
Courage, my dear Brother, and trust in God. Address yourself, without fear of being forward, to your Master in Heaven; from there will come all the help you could possibly need. As for me, I never let a day go by without commending you to the Lord.
Receive my blessing and believe me to be
Your devoted spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 28 July 182

LETTER NUMBER 35

8 August 1832

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ
I have read your Prospectus and I am returning it with some observations.
1. I think you should print the name of the town where the boarding school is. You can print them in French, if you prefer it so; 100 in which you add to "établi" Grammont; 50 on which you put "Rooborst près de Zotteghem"; 50 can remain blank (I know the name of the town for which these will be used); 50 in Flemish for Geraardsbergen; 150 in Flemish for Rooborst bij Zotteghem; 100 will say nothing and the name can be hand-written in for wherever they are needed.
2. In French it would be better, I think, to say deux fois vacance: 1- on Tuesdays and 2- towards the end of the month of August.
Shouldn't there be a "y" in place of a simple "i" in "payer"? I don't have a modern dictionary.
3. In Flemish, p. 2 line 20, shouldn't it be "dan" or "ten zij" in place of "als door de tusschenkomst" etc.
4. Don't put "Boekerij", no-one will understand. Put "Bibliotheek".
You must be careful of punctuation and accents.
You will see that I have hardly touched the Flemish.
"Hunne gebreken afteleeren" sounds funny to me, I don't know why.
I reassure you now of my friendship and ask you to tell Mr Buysse that I am very grateful for all the efforts he makes.
Your devoted spiritual Father
8 August 1832
C.G.V.C

LETTER NUMBER 36

24 August 1832
To Brother Athanase, novice with the Brothers of St Joseph at Rooborst.

Dear Brother
Your letter gave me great pleasure; I see from it that God is testing you and purifying you. Courage my dear child. Redouble your fidelity and make a renewed effort to overcome all the enemies of your soul by humility and the love of God. Call to mind often all that Jesus Christ has done for you and in the light of the infinite gifts you have received from the divine master, inflame your heart with gratitude. You will experience the rebirth of your powers and then nothing will be able to hold back your ardour; you will triumph over the demon and over yourself.
When I see you during the holidays I will explain to you at greater length what you must do to become a true religious, an instrument of mercy in the hands of God. I want you to be happy in the sublime state in which you have been called by the love of Jesus Christ You will be happy when you become holy. Work for your sanctity and you will respond to the expectations of God, of the Church and of your superiors
I will pray especially for you and for the other novices God has destined to become Brothers of St Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother.
Receive my benediction and believe me I am
your devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 24 August 1832.
C.G. Van Crombrugghe. Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 37

24 August 1832
To Brother Ambrose, Novice with the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Dear Brother ,
I see how God is withdrawing from you any feeling of devotion. and that he is even leaving you in a place of spiritual abandonment, which is a horrible trial for a soul which sincerely loves its creator. You need courage, my dear Brother. You must redouble you fidelity even in the most ordinary things. If in spite of your great exactitude in all that the Lord tells you, either through the voice of your Superiors or by that of the Rule or even by means of the law of the Gospel, you remain in darkness and coldness, do not become over concerned. It is God who wishes to lift you up above ordinary needs by feeding you with the bread of the strong and in giving you, individually, the help of faith.
If on the other hand you come to realise that you do not live out at all times that fidelity which God has the right to expect from you in so many ways; if when you listen to the voice of your internal feelings or your prejudices or any other voice other than the one which calls you to be gentle and humble of heart because Jesus Christ is gentle and humble of heart, then take yourself in hand and in order to get out of this painful state rouse up your spirit and your heart, renew your courage and go to God through your august Patron and her Holy Spouse. Mary and Joseph will not refuse you their powerful help; you are called to be their adopted son and to fight for Jesus Christ under their banner.
Therefore in one or the other case, have courage, be zealous and redouble your efforts. I will join my prayers to yours and we will come out of this difficult path victorious.
I thank you, my Child, for the observations you have sent me for the greater glory of God and the salvation of our Children. I have noticed that the poor children are going without; however, they are also souls who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ and we would be lacking in love for our divine master if we were to neglect these children. I will make it my business to put an end to this evil which pains my heart.
I would love to see you during the holidays so that we can continue with your lessons in the spiritual life. You deserve these lessons and I give them to you with a real pleasure.
In the meantime, I give you my blessing and the assurance that you will always find in me
A spiritual Father who is devoted to you.
Ghent 24 August 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 38

26 September 1832
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Since I still have space available, I will say a little more on the matter of cleanliness. It is good that cleaning and washing have been done. Now, of course, it is a matter of keeping everything clean. Every day the Brother Superior must check that the following are cleaned and washed down: the corridors, the parlour, the refectory, the school, the bedrooms; that the chamberpots and the wash-bowls are cleaned and that the tables the bowls stand on are dry. He will send me a report on this matter within the week to tell me how all this is going. It seems to me that (###) has easily understood many things. Tell him that I trust that our discussions will have good results. He must make sure that each one does his job and he must report to me on this as well. I have been told that Brother Bernard is planning to change something on the Choir-Brothers' habits. Check carefully what this change consists of, for fear that it might be some novelty which will set tongues wagging among the public and even among ecclesiastics. Neither Brother Bernard, nor anyone else may, without my permission, make such changes. Let each seek God and not his own will; thus will all go well in the eyes of God and will please the Superior. Give this to Brother Superior.

LETTER NUMBER 39

4 October 1832
To the Brother Superior of the Brother of St Joseph at Grammont.

My dear Brother
I cannot express the pain I feel which has been caused by the conduct of the one you have written to me about. That is where a faith full of pride leads by means of a spirit of pride. Augustine's resentful character, opposed to Christian simplicity, has led me to fear for him on more than one occasion. Humbly hand this affair over to St Joseph and to our Mother and await with confidence whatever result it pleases the Lord to permit. Our life here below must take us through unpleasantness, that is the way to heaven. Let us not trouble ourselves. Take care to ensure that Augustine's wretched behaviour doesn't lead to scandal either in your house or outside.
I am sincerely
your devoted spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe. Canon.
Ghent 4 October 1832.

LETTER NUMBER 40

27 October 1832
To the Reverend Brother Stanislas in the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Rooborst.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ
The zeal which God has given you to work for the education of youth is a source of consolation for me and allows me to believe that you will easily understand the observations I am sending you with the recommendation to make them known to the other Brothers.
Work with ardour to fill yourself with the same sentiments as our divine Master. To the extent that you get to know Jesus Christ you will become more and more aware of the misfortunes of our young people whom you are called to help. Your love for them will grow day by day and you will speak up ceaselessly in their support. Whatever you obtain for your children you will consider a benefaction for yourself. You will patiently put up with their failings so that you will correct them with gentleness. You will share their joy and share in the pain of their suffering. Knowing their weakness you will foresee their needs with that goodness which always finishes by triumphing even with the less fortunate of character.
When you come across these children who have been born of the gospel of Jesus Christ but have fallen into the miserable slavery of the demon, how great will be your compassion? Their state, no matter how deplorable, will not be hopeless if they find in you a prudent and charitable Father. You will bring such a child, just like the father in the Gospel with the son tormented by an evil spirit, to the feet of our divine Saviour. You will show him how wretched he is and lead him to throw himself at the feet of the Saviour in the person of a confessor. You will inspire him with the hope of forgiveness for his sins. This with a clear conscience will make the path to virtue easy as he feels God's love for him..
Go, said Jesus Christ, your son is fully alive. That is the saviour's reply to the father who earnestly begs him to come and cure his child. Let it be by means of the grace of the same Saviour, that you return to their parents full of life the children who have been entrusted to you! You will not have only the children who want for nothing, you will be entrusted with some in a state of grace and others who are spiritually dead. May you make the former stronger in the spiritual life and the latter reborn to the life Jesus came to bring to the world. That will be a sweet recompense for all the efforts that your zeal drives you to do for the young. You will consider all the trials you will be given during your life on earth below as very little in comparison with your reward.
May your faith constantly reinforce your courage and prevent you from falling into the most dangerous trap of the Enemy, sadness and melancholy. This is caused by the wounds to our self pride when we see the failings of these children, and see very little success from our efforts if we do not look upon them with the eye of faith.
I ask the Father of us all to bless these observations and to enable you to find in them light and strength. I ask Him to pass on to you those graces which are so useful to the Church; a lively faith, an unshakeable hope and that love which fills the heart to overflowing and attracts those one has to deal with.
Receive my blessing and the expression of my real devotion
My dear Brother,
Your affectionate spiritual Father
Ghent 27 October 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe. Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 41

16 November 1832
To Brother Ambrose at the Convent at Rooborst.

My dear Brother Ambrose
The lively interest I have in you makes me want to hear your news and to seize this opportunity of writing to you to ask you how you are responding to God's graces. I would love to know the state of your spiritual life and how you are finding the Convent of the Holy Angels. In your reply I want you to enter into some detail in a simple way without affectation.
I am sincerely
Your devoted spiritual Father
C.G.V.C.
Ghent 16 November 1832

LETTER NUMBER 42

26 November 1832
To the Reverend Brother Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ
The desire to speak with you face to face obliges me to beg you to come and see me next Saturday. I have kept available for you Saturday afternoon and Sunday, except for the hours of the Divine office. You will take care to take the necessary steps to ensure that your absence will not cause any inconvenience to your Convent and you will travel as cheaply as possible without however over tiring yourself.
You will read my letter to your council so that your departure will surprise no one.
While awaiting the pleasure of seeing you, I tell you sincerely I am
Your devoted spiritual Father.
C.G. Van Crombrugghe.
Ghent 26 November 1832.
I think there is in my room in your Convent a briefcase containing business papers. Please look for this briefcase and bring it to me if you can do this easily, otherwise send it to me when the occasion arises. It would be a good idea to come via Rooborst and see if the papers I am telling you about are there if you cannot find them at Grammont. You will also be able to find out if Brother Ambrose received the letter I wrote to him when I wrote to Miss d'Annevoix.
Do not look for transport to Ghent from Grammont; it must not be known at Grammont that you are coming to see me, people will attach too much importance to it. Prudence and silence concerning what your superiors say is indispensably necessary at Grammont.

LETTER NUMBER 43

7 December 1832
To the Reverend Brother Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Respected Brother Superior ,
Here is my answer to the proposition made by Mr Deprez of Lessines concerning the purchase of the two plots of land which he occupies. Read my letter so that you know my price, seal the letter and address it. I will see from their reply if I will have to lower the price in order to do business.
I hope that God will bless our efforts so as to bring our house to that state of perfection which will silence malicious gossip and bring the pupils to recognise what happiness it is to be under the direction of Religious whose efforts have only one aim which is the greater glory and the salvation of souls entrusted to their care. I never cease asking for this favour for our Convent of St Joseph; and whilst I realise that my prayers in themselves do not inspire confidence, I cannot stop myself hoping that through the divine mercy and the merits of Jesus Christ our prayers will be finally heard.
Receive my blessing and believe in the devotion of your spiritual Father.
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 7 December 1832.

LETTER NUMBER 44

17 December 1832
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Reverend Father Superior and all the Brothers of St Joseph,
Reading, in these days, the words in which the Apostle Paul exhorts us to be joyful and have good manners, I thought of our Brothers and felt moved to send them a few remarks on the matter. You are called to such an elevated state that interiorly and exteriorly you must be perfectly disposed; without interior disposition you do little for yourselves; without exterior disposition you do little for your neighbour.
Be always of a joyful disposition before the Lord, and may your disposition be known to all, the great Apostle tells us. The joy which God wants you to have is a serenity of soul, with its source in a strong trust in the goodness of the Lord. Through His mercy you can expect forgiveness of your sins, everything you need in order to serve Him, and to be one with Him one day in heaven. Through this attitude of mind your exterior will take on a gentle and friendly mien, which will bring out peace and virtue in the servants of the Lord. It will show everyone that the practice of virtue makes one happy, that it raises religious above all those who seek their happiness on earth; not only in heaven, but also for all the time we spend here on earth.
To obtain this peace and this gentle face, you must necessarily become used to the presence of God: The Lord is very near, the Apostle adds. Yes, the Lord is near us, because it is in Him that we live, in Him that we are. This teaching must serve to remind you that you will do nothing, say nothing and think nothing which is unknown to, or hidden from, God. So take care not to be curt, impolite or garrulous; The Lord is very near. He sees you; he sees what is done in or through you.
You owe friendship to your Confreres; by examples of perfect charity, you owe each other a constant mutual duty of help and solace; you must give everyone examples of perfection. If you are sad, you sadden your Confreres; if you are too garrulous, you distance them from their duties and from God and His sweet dialogue. Through these same faults you give to the world a false idea of Religion and, instead of edifying them you shock them and lead them to evil.
Try, then, always to be genteel, polite and well mannered. Let everyone remark on your good attitude of body and mind: in other words, through everything you do you must help your neighbour, console him and lead him to what is good. Your holy and elevated state demands this of you, always and everywhere.
Prepare with care for the wonderful Feast of the Birth of the good and merciful God. Through the intercession of Mary and Joseph, ask for all you need to give mutual help to each other like holy religious; so that you can be examples of Christian perfection for the children who are entrusted to your care and so that you can encourage all whom you meet. In this way you will be happy here in this world, and you will obtain eternal rest in heaven, where God Himself will be your reward.
I commend myself to your prayers. You know, my dear Brothers, that I need God's help, and that I will willingly pass on to you the gifts I receive from God's goodness. I do not fail in my obligation to pray for you and I ask you never to forget that I am
Your spiritual Father
Ghent 17 December 1832
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon

LETTER NUMBER 45

20 December 1832
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Ghent 20 December 1832
Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Reverend Father Superior
I would be most happy to see you on the 7th. of next month to discuss our Confreres and pupils. Would it not be a good idea to write a brief letter to Mr van den Bossche in Ghent, asking him to prepare everything with the man who is in a position of indebtedness, and that you will go and talk with him on the 7th. or 8th. of next month?
The tenant farmer on my land at Lessines has made me an unacceptable proposition.
Be so good as to ask the Parish Priest of Rooborst to say five Requiem Masses for two francs each. You can get the ten francs back from me.
I do not know if Brother Augustin has done what I told him and whether he has followed my advice in gratitude; he has not replied to what I wrote to him.
Let us pray, in these days of mercy, that all goes well in your two Convents. I hope that the good God will give you the satisfaction of finding in your Brothers humility and gentleness, and, in your children, devotion and an eagerness to learn.
Give my good wishes to your (###) and receive, with my blessing, my assurance that I will pray particularly for you all since I am most certainly your affectionate spiritual Father and friend in the Lord Jesus Christ.

C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon

LETTER NUMBER 47

21 December 1832
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph in the Convent at Rooborst near Zotteghem

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Reverend Father Superior
I have received you letter and see that you are not Grammont. So I am adding, with my new address, a few words to tell you that the letters for Sister Constantia are not urgent and that you can await a suitable occasion.
I take great pleasure in learning from your letter (which came to Ghent via Grammont) that the Brothers are working hard at learning to practice the virtues of their Holy state. As soon as they open their minds to the Holy Spirit and their hearts to Divine Love, nothing which Religion demands of them will be impossible. I thank you as well as the Brothers for all your good wishes.
I have received a second reply from Lessines. They are suggesting fifteen hundred Brabant florins. I shall not bother to reply any more.
Please give my good wishes to our benefactress and assure her that I offer my prayers to the Lord for her.
Your always affectionate spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe, Canon
Ghent 21 December 1832

LETTER NUMBER 47

15 January 1833
To the Reverend Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph in his Convent at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Brother in Jesus Christ
I am taking the first moment of relaxation to reply to you and to urge you to continue to struggle courageously against the jealous enemy as you are called to do. Constantly reinvigorate your courage and that of your Brothers by remembering what God has done for you, by the hope of the future benefits which will be the reward of your zeal and by a proper use of the sacraments. Storm heaven and we will finish by obtaining that mercy which perhaps our infidelities would have lost for us.
It is your concern to frequently meet with the Brothers and the novices; these especially need to be understood and directed with goodness. Make this your special task so as to avoid these young plants contracting vices which will be difficult to heal later. Finally, my dear Brother, be, as your Rule says, the soul of your community; carry everywhere life and happiness. Rely on my efforts; I will redouble my prayers so as to obtain new graces for you everyday and to obtain for the Church, through your ministry, all the good which it has the right to expect from you.
Assure all the Brothers that I carry them in my heart, that I am sincerely devoted to them and that I ask them in their charity to continue to remember me before God, as you mentioned in your letter.
Good bye my dear Brother, let us ever love one another in Jesus our saviour; let us sacrifice our talents and all that we are in the service of this divine Master and let us count on the help of his grace.
I give you my blessing and I assure you sincerely that I am
your devoted Spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe.
Ghent 15 Jan 1833

LETTER NUMBER 48

28 February 1833

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear and respected Brother Superior
I am sending you the enclosed circular for the Brother Prefects oppermeesters; for you to make a copy for Brother Athanase . You will keep the original and send a copy to our dear Brother Xavier .
You have here the continuation of the instruction I gave to Reverend Father Superior . Give him this text so that he can copy it and add it to what he already has.
I love to believe that all goes well with you. Take care to ensure the Rule is followed exactly and explain carefully to the Brothers who are teaching the circular which I have sent you.
Pray to God for me and rely on my affection and on my zeal to help you.
I am sincerely
your devoted spiritual Father
C.G.V.C.
I pray for renewed favours for our Convents on the Feast of our Patron on the 19th. of next month.

LETTER NUMBER 49

23 March 1833
To the Reverend Brother Superior at the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Hal.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Reverend Brother ,
I am certain that you have acted with prudence in the tiresome case of poor Alphonse . Without a doubt is it sad to see a young man endowed with good qualities willingly run the risk of losing a great grace which the Lord offered him, and as a result endanger the salvation of his soul. Nonetheless, what else can we do if our efforts are in vain, if we work without success? We must recommend the unhappy man, who remains unmoved by all we have done for him, to God and protect the others from the effects of such a bad example. It seems to me that this is what you have already done and that from now on Alphonse will only have himself to blame for his misfortune. May God have pity on him and on us all.
I give thanks to the Lord that in the midst of all these trials, he grants you gift of perseverance in your confidence in His goodness and in the protection of our August Patron, the Immaculate Virgin and her chaste Spouse. It seems to me that these sentiments must in the end finally triumph over everything and that a totally consoling success will eventually crown our efforts.
May our misfortune humble us without discouraging us. Let us get down to work seriously eliminating whatever is not pleasing to God and let us daily renew our good intentions. Let us have courage and outwardly show that we are happy in the service of the Master whom we serve and nobody will think that that his yoke is heavy. In this way we preach Jesus Christ by our every word and action.
Pay attention to cleanliness, politeness and in general to whatever is required to enhance the reputation you need to become interments of divine mercy. Let us be careful not put obstacles in God's way of seeing things and preventing his plan of goodness by our negligence.
I have not forgotten you in my prayers on the feast of St Joseph; the Brothers and the sisters are ever in my thoughts, and my heart constantly intercedes for them. May the good God hear my prayers. That is what I ask of him from the bottom of the heart which loves to be sincerely
your devoted spiritual Father
C.G. Van Crombrugghe.
Ghent 23 March 1833.
Greetings from my heart to all your dear Brothers. Tell them how, united in Jesus Christ our good Master, I take a tender interest in them and how I ardently long to see in them the qualities asked of them by their Rule.

LETTER NUMBER 50

22 April 1833
The Superior of the Boarding School of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Dear Brother
It is getting near the time when I will speak face to face with the postulants and novices. I hope I will have the consolation of finding them well disposed towards one another. Tell them that I ask God to grant them a true sorrow for their sins, a great trust in his mercy and in the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again for us, and also a great zeal for the glory of the one whom they will take wholeheartedly for their master and their chief.
It would be useful as well as pleasant to receive a letter from each of your aspirants and novices. This letter, in Flemish or French, must be composed by those who are writing to me without any interference by anybody. If you haven't got the opportunity before I leave for Rooborst, you can give me the letters when I get there. I will use them in the discussions I will have with each of your aspirants and novices when I interview them.
Goodbye, dear Brother, I am sincerely your devoted spiritual Father,
C.G.V.C.

LETTER NUMBER 51

16 May 1833
To the Reverend Superior of the Convent of The Brothers of St Joseph in Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother Superior
This is a good time to write a few words to you and to recommend that you prepare your Brothers and your Children for the great feast of Pentecost. Place yourself in spirit in the midst of that august group where our Holy Mother is to be found with the Apostles and the disciples, far from the tumult of the world, and waiting for the Spirit which the Saviour promised them. Ask often and in a sense ask continually that our good master send us the Holy Spirit, and prepare your hearts so well that you have nothing to fear from inviting this divine guest to live in your hearts. Say then to Jesus Christ: Send us your Spirit and to the Holy Spirit: Come Holy Spirit live in us. This is my prayer for you and for me. I hope that you will also think of me before God and that by helping one another we will arrive at that perfection God expects of us in order to carry out the work of his mercy of which he expects us to be ministers. Have courage and above all have confidence in Jesus Christ and we will see our efforts crowned with happy success.
I am sincerely
Your devoted spiritual father
C.G.Van Crombrugghe.
16 May 1833

P.S. Are you being careful not to leave the blue scapulars in the choir? They should be left where, in winter, the cloaks are left, that is in the small space near the Church door behind the altar, and you should enter the Church wearing the blue scapular rather than putting it on in the Church. Please inform the Reverend Fr Superior of this so that it can be observed without delay in the Convent of the Holy Angels. There this observation is even more important because there the scapulars are in the open air and often in the sun: they lose more of their colour in a day than in a year of proper use.

LETTER NUMBER 52

30 May 1833
To the Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother in Jesus Christ
I accept with gratitude the good wishes which you have made in your name and in that of your community, and I thank from the bottom of my heart,our divine Master for the graces which he has bestowed on the Concent of St Joseph. I hope you will arrange it so that nothing will impede the course of divine favours, and that you will become the ever more perfect intruments of divine mercy. May the beautiful festivals which have taken place over the last few weeks be for us all a source of light and force where we will find that which the merits of J.C. have put there with such generosity.
Mr Desprets (???) is mistaken if he believes that simple contracts are subject to a higher registration fee than notarised contracts. The fee is the same in both cases, as is the binding nature of the contracts. The principal difference is the higher costs of a notarised contract over a private one. Tell him that the simplest thing is to make out an act of purchase and to send it to me for my signature. After that he will have it registered and the matter is closed. As Mr Desprets would thus enter into possession of both parcels of land, we would not have the right to demand the rent from him beyond the expiration of the lease. It would only be a pro rata sum of rent for the expired part of the year that we could claim.
If however Mr Desprets would prefer a notarised contract, ask the Superior to send me all the relevant forms so that all I have to do is to sign them. It is the same procedure as when he represented me in the sale of the house on the mountain a few years ago in Grammont.
As Mr Desprets has always been punctilious in his payments, if he has problems in paying the rent for the year to date you can excuse him payment as a sign of my great satisfaction at the way in which he has acted with me over the years.
There is the child of a widow whom I have been asked to accept into the Boarding school of the Brothers at a reduced fee. This widow would keep her position with a merchant to whom her husband gave many years of service and the child would go there as soon as he was capable to do so. I thought it best to fix his fees at only 150 francs. Write to me without to delay to let me know where the child should be taken, Grammont or Rooborst. Then,say what he should bring with him and whether it will cost more to have his laundry done at the Brothers (I mean where it is the custom of the Brothers to do this) rather than send it back to Ghent.
I am always sincerely
Your devoted spiritual Father
C.G.V.C.
I am happy to tell you that I will be at home all next week and even the following week.

LETTER NUMBER 53

4 June 1833
To the Reverend Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother Superior
Here is the child I wrote to you about. He will be at the 2nd table. It is essential that he learns quickly so that he can help his mother. 120 francs will be paid plus other small expenses which you wrote to me about. In a few days you will be sent his luggage.
I am sending you a Prospectus from the Sister of Notre Dame in Ghent, which outlines for parents all they should know about day pupils. Wouldn't it be sensible to send a copy to Grammont? It is doubtful as to whether it is known in the town that we have so many resources for the instruction of children. Take your time to examine it and send me your observations on a different sheet of paper to the Prospectus which you will return to me.
I am enclosing a book which I find excellent. Take a good look at it and if you find that it is better than the ones you have, keep it, I will get another for myself. If on the other hand you have something better return the book to me at an opportune moment but do not delay too long.
As ever,
Your devoted Spiritual Father
C.G.V.C.
Ghent 4 June 1833.
I will write to you later as to whether this child is for the 1st table; it appears that I have agreed to this favour for 35 francs a term which will make it 140 francs.

LETTER NUMBER 54

7 June 1833
To the Brother Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother Superior ,
I am returning to you, with my signature, the power of attorney that you sent to me, but too late to complete the business at the time you indicated.
I believe that your Reverend Father Superior will be in Grammont around now; if that is the case, please ask him to bring the money to Melle. From there he should come to see me so that we can discuss various points concerning the history of the Institute. He should bring the diaries he has and which we spoke about during my last trip to Rooborst. It is probable that I will have the pleasure of going to Rooborst myself next Sunday.
The child I sent you can be at the second table, if you agree, and as long as the poor children don't eat at that table. I don't know if your poor children are at the second table, but if that is the case you should put the child at your first table.
Miss La Beguine (???) of Antwerp is very happy with the children she has with you. Try and make sure that the reasons for her happiness remain in force. One should be careful not to be lulled into a false sense of security by praise; the enemy is watching for an opportunity to take you unawares. Good things are said of Brother Antoine; is he careful to teach the youngest pupils their prayers?
Here is the address of the mother of the child I sent you: The Widow Van Vrenhove, 9 Rue de Kommer (???), Ghent.
Tell the Reverend Father Superior to talk to Miss De Clippele about the Sisters' house, but without saying that he is talking on my instructions. They will need either to spend some money or move; where they are is hardly a Convent and one cannot establish there the middle class day school that Grammont needs.
Your most devoted,
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 7 June 1833
Tell Mr Buysse that I still do not have the necessary pieces to send him for the adoration.

LETTER NUMBER 55

7 June 1833
To the Superior at of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Brother.
The book I told you about and which you haven't received has remained in my library; I forgot to send it to you. Here is the title of this work, if you do not know it, tell me when you write to me. In the mean time I will try to obtain a second copy; I enjoy having a little browse in it from time to time.
I have forgotten several times now to say to the Reverend Father Superior, that "Regina Carmelitarum" should not be added to the litany of the Virgin Mary and that the "i" in Regina is long. Will you make this point known in your Convents.
Send on the enclosed letters to their adressees.
I hope that all the Brothers will receive great spiritual benefits from the favour you have been granted to hold a day of adoration in your Church. It is certain that it not up to them alone.
Goodbye, my dear Superior, pray for me and rest assured that I love you too much not to do the same for you.
I am sincerely
your devoted Spiritual Father.
C.G.V.C.
Ghent 23 June 1833.
Here is the name of the book I refered to above: "Manual of Purity of Language, etc." By J.N. Blondin, Paris, 1823.

LETTER NUMBER 56

28 June 1833

Reverend Father Superior ,
We are of the same opinion concerning Mr Vandamme : as long as you have to deal with this man you will be happy. But death causes such strange changes in the world that one often has regrets when it is too late that one did not act more prudently and tie matters up properly whilst there was still time.
Mr Vandamme can do and arrange things during his life just as he does now and will cause us no upset; but I would be happier if he were to find some way of putting our minds completely at rest in the matter of the Convent and its goods after his death.
Would it not be possible for him to give us the right to buy after his death if we pay him now? He could tell us the price or whatever he wants for this payment. In this way he would continue to deal with us during his life as he does now, and, after his death, we will have nothing to fear, knowing already that we can occupy our property without worries.
It would be difficult to separate those things we hold in common; that is why I am suggesting this method of purchase as a means of having all Mr Vandamme's rights.
Talk about it, and try to come to an agreement, or come here un day to deal with the matter as soon as possible after Mr Vandamme's return to Ghent.
Your very affectionate,
C.G. Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 28 June 1833

LETTER NUMBER 57

2 July 1833
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Reverend Father Superior
It seems to me that this young man is fine and will be of value to our Institute. But do you not think he would be better off at Rooborst than at Grammont? It seems that the two novices there are not proving satisfactory to the Superior . Isn't there a danger that the postulant will be shocked by them? Give it some thought.
I hope to be at Leeuwerghem on Saturday with Janssens in order to leave for Rooborst in Miss Huysman's carriage. I have written about it to Miss Huysman.
Instead of the book which I wrote to the Brother Superior about, I am sending him another book in the same genre, but easier to find.
Receive my blessing.
Your very affectionate Spiritual Father
C. G. V. C.
Ghent 2 July 1833

LETTER NUMBER 58

26 July 1833
To the Reverend Father Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph in the Convent at Rooborst.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Ghent 26 July 1833

Reverend Father Superior
I have received your letter and it was with satisfaction that I learned that you had remembered me on the day of my Patron Saint. I also do not allow any opportunity to pass by in order to obtain the Lord's blessing on you and on all your Brothers: this mutual way of showing our affection is the most profitable and it will last the longest.
You must take note of the faults you have written to me about and you must take measures to reduce them. You will give me further explanations about it when you come to see me. I will certainly be at home during the first days of the month of the harvest.
Tell the Brother Superiors that I find it necessary to point out to them that it is not necessary for them to give a speech at prize giving; I think it is enough to have a few orations made by the pupils. However, if they think they must say something to the public, make them send it to me in advance so that I might approve it myself. I hope to be present for the prizegiving at Rooborst but not at Grammont.
During the holidays you will be having a retreat. I don't know yet the exact date. Only that it will be during the month of September.
During the holidays you must spend several days at Ghent with the Brother Superior from St Joseph's so that we can settle several matters; look through the documents concerning the Convents, classify them and put them in good order.
Before coming to Ghent you will offer your good services to Miss Huysman and you will tell her that we will start a novena for her with Prince Vanhohenlohe beginning the 6th of August.
If Miss Huysman's health has deteriorated, write to me before you arrive; I will write a short note to her and let her know about the novena I have just spoken to you about.
Pass on my best wishes to the Brother Superior of the Holy Angels and be assured of my sincere affection.
C. G. V. C.

LETTER NUMBER 59

12 August 1833
To Brother Athanase at the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Very Dear Brother ,
I was very touched by the signs of your devotion and confidence expressed in your last letter. Thank-you for your good wishes for my happiness. May we both be granted our wish for mutual happiness. We both wish each other all the best in the order of Providence especially in the order of grace.
As for the temptaion you mention; it worries me. This is a formidable demon. You must flee him. It is in flight that we can be certain of victory. Flee from the very thought and go to Mary,your divine Mother with total confidence. Don't give way to self examination,it is too dangerous. Don't look back whenever these temptations make themselves known in whatever form it may be. Be humble. Get up at once and run. That is to say,think,speak or act as if nothing had happened and busy yourself with something else.
My mind is a little more at rest knowing that your moments of petulance are less frequent and that you understand better, in a practical way, that Jesus, your divine Master urges you to follow his example and be gentle and humble not just through your intellect,but in practice and in your heart. You must strive tirelessly to imitate your only Model. Take every opportunity to practice his lovable gentleness and his adorable humility. If you are constantly gentle and humble,the enemy who torments you will have very little strength and his attacks will be in vain. The resemblance you will have to Jesus Christ will terrify the demons you come across.
The Reverend Father Superior will have told you on my behalf to comment during the meeting of Teachers on all the matters which concern the classes or rather on the children and the rapport they have with their Teachers. If the Teachers study their rule properly they will avoid the very things you so rightly complain of. They will seek God and find him both for themselves and their children.
You must put an end to these faults you have written to me about. To do that you will use the conferences and if necessary my authority by refering to me once more.
Count on my affection.
Farewell, my dear child in Jesus Christ: love your holy state and make it enjoyable.
Your devoted spiritual father.
C.G.Van Crombrugghe, Canon
Ghent 12 August 1833

LETTER NUMBER 60

19 October 1833
To the Brother Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother
Here at last is the young Frenchman, Mr Macoux . Let us pray to God that you are right to rejoice at his entry into the Convent! It seems to me that we are right to hope.
Take care to make the detailed report I asked you for and that the other reports of the Master of Novices and the Prefect of Studies etc. arrive at the Convent of the Holy Angels at the appointed time.
Please remind Father Superior that, God willing, I shall arrive on Tuesday 3rd November at Leeuwerghem on the coach from Mons.
I ask God in my prayers to give you energy, foresight and the strength you need to properly carry out your task. Receive my blessing and the assurance of my sincere devotion.
Your spiritual Father
C.G.Van Crombrugghe
Ghent 19 October 1833.

LETTER NUMBER 61

22 October 1833
To Brother Athanase at the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Brother
I am making use of this timely opportunity to ask you to include in your report on teaching in your Convent an outline of what ought to be taught in every class during this academic year.
I will go through it carefully and if I have any comments I will send them to you.
I hope God will give you an ever growing attraction to his divine love and that your are forming yourself according to the merciful plan God has for you.
I am sincerely
Your devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 22 October 1833
C.G.Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 62

5 November 1833
To the Brother Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Superior
I have received with gratitude the positive information which you have sent to me. I always give the honour entirely to God. We are only his instruments, overwhelmed with happiness to be called to such a glorious destiny. Let us be careful, dear Brother, so that our early success in no way leads us to a dangerous sense of security. Let us march forward, following the voice which guides us wherever the Rule wants us to go and in the way in which he wishes.
I strongly recommend to you orderliness, good form, silence and holy poverty. You know what abundant graces are attached to these religious virtues amongst the Brothers of St Joseph. Remember all you have heard and read about them and you will have all you need to say to encourage your Brothers to acquire these four objectives.
Thank for the gift of pears you sent me. More and more I am aware of your heartfelt goodness and your charity.
For the rest, my dear Brother, keep up your efforts against your own weaknesses as well as those of your Brothers and rely on the powerful help of your divine Master, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Receive my blessing and believe in my devotion with which I will be forever
Your affectionate Spiritual Father
Ghent 5th Nov 1833
C.G.Van Crombrugghe.
P.S. Work with your Reverend Father Superior to find a way of avoiding scandalising the novices by the small faults that the Brothers make and which remain unpunished and over frequent. Next, work with the Superior to find ways of putting into practice acts of humility and gentleness between Brothers. A knowledge of the virtues is not enough: they must be put into practice with religious feeling.

LETTER NUMBER 63

13 November 1833
To Brother Athanase of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My very dear Brother
The report you sent me has been very useful. It has enabled me to evaluate the Teachers and pupils of our Convent of St Joseph. Thanks to your information I am able to conclude that we are making progress, that God is blessing our efforts and that new graces will follow this first success. I will let you have my comments on your plan of studies or on your division of classes and subjects but I seems to me that our previous experience should give us a little help and a little light. For the moment I will limit myself to writing to each Teacher in order to help him overcome the difficulties you have spoken to me about.
First of all, my dear Brother, I will honour my duty towards you and point out that it is important to sanctify your studies and all the duties you are charged with. My sincere affection for you obliges me to enter into some detail and to speak to you about the disposition you ought to try to be in when carrying out your task in order to respond to your Holy vocation.
The principal disposition is the love of God; not a sentimental feeling of love. You cannot make a gift of this love to yourself. It is a gift God gives more often to the weak, rather than to the strong souls he wishes to lead by a purer faith. The love I am talking to you about consists above all in a firm resolve to sacrifice everything to God, and to do everything you do for God. Have no other desire, no other support than that which is given by obedience. Jesus Christ our divine model was sad unto death in the garden and he experienced a total repugnance for the chalice which his Father offered him; so he was far removed from any sentimental feelings. Nonetheless, he said 'may your will be done and not mine". There, my dear Athanase, there you have a splendid example! In our moments of dryness let us say like Jesus Christ and let us rest in peace in the will of the Lord. Furthermore, are we in a position to speak up for ourselves and testify that we have the right to the same joy as those souls who have never abandoned the Bridegroom? Perhaps you have even refused him entry when he knocked at the door of your heart.
Do not let your distractions put you off in any way. God hides himself from you, but this is on account of his love for you. You will realise this later. Let your prayer be simple and more from the heart than from the spirit. Let it be the naive expression of your needs and the feelings you have for God: a poor man always finds a way to make his destitution known.
May your very faults be of value to you: may they teach you to distrust yourself, may they make you humble and compassionate towards the faults of others. Do not let your distrust of yourself diminish your confidence in God, but make let it make you careful and make you flee those occasions where you might fall and to which your duty does not lead you. Often reflect on that fact that if God is jealous for his glory and he 'puts down the proud, he also gives his grace" to the humble. Strive to become humble and then your ministry will be a ministry of mercy and a blessing.
Before leaving you I will not forgo the pleasure of placing before you a passage from St Paul which has struck me every time I have meditated on it: "Thanking the Father who has made it possible for you to join the saints and with them to inherit the light. Because that is what he has done: he has taken us out of the power of darkness and created a place for us in the kingdom of the Son that he loves, and in him we gain our freedom, he forgiveness of our sins." Col 1.12-14.
Read these sacred words again and again and you will find in them a force, a light and a love which human words cannot give. We will understand the cost of souls when we realise what they cost Jesus Christ our divine Saviour.
Goodbye my dear child. I pray to God that he will form you by his hand; that he will be your light, your courage, your prudence, your all, and that you may be his submissive servant ever at the mercy of his holy will.
You know that I am tenderly and sincerely
Your ever devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 13 November 1833
C.G.Van Crombrugghe.
Re-read this letter from time to time. Keep a separate portfolio for the letters which are about your work. Ask for the letter I sent to the Prefect of studies on the spirit which must inspire our teachers; read it to the teachers from time to time. When you write to me put down on a separate sheet what concerns the interior life of Brother Athanase.

LETTER NUMBER 64

27 November 1833

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Superior
Here are my observations which I had promised you on the very difficult question of fraternal correction. Read it carefully and try to live it. It seems to me that you can have confidence in what I say and be inspired by it on account of the experience I have acquired and the real devotion you know that I have for you.
Yes, my dear Brother, fraternal correction is something which is very difficult. It is as difficult for the one who gives it as it is for the one who receives. The latter will receive it badly. It will seem to him that it is a sort of insult and he will often get no benefit at all from it unless the necessary care is taken. I would even go further and say that fraternal correction can arouse passions and will be destructive if the unction of gentleness does not remove this sort of acrimony, this unknown force which is always in fraternal correction and which wounds self love. Therefore it is important to have recourse to God before undertaking something as dangerous as this and except for the case which will brook no delay, it should never be undertaken unless one is completely in control of ones self. The surgeon who does not have a steady hand will inflame the wounds and cause the sick man even more suffering, so that in curing one evil he has caused others . In the same way, if you have a troubled spirit, if your heart is not calm, you may find that in correcting someone's small fault you run the risk of exposing him to committing serious and scandalous sins. When we are emotional, a bitter word can escape and this serves only to increase deep felt emotions and a troubled spirit. We then pass from bitterness to anger and from anger to rage. Then even the best of causes is lost.
Here is what St Paul tells us about correction and first of all that correction which is aimed at faults of human weakness, which can even occur unexpectedly people who earnestly desire their perfection.
The Apostle writes to the Galatians c.6. v.1 in these terms: Brothers, if one of you misbehaves, the more spiritual of you who set him right should do so in a spirit of gentleness, not forgetting that you may be tempted yourselves."
So you see, my dear Superior, St Paul assumes that he who does the correcting is a spiritual man, that is to say, a man who follows the path of virtue; a man who does not allow himself to be guided by the impulses of his passions but rather tries to always follow the rules of discretion and wisdom.
Fraternal correction must be done in a "spirit of gentleness and humility", so as to remove from it anything which is unpleasant and open up a pathway to the heart of the one you want to correct.
In fact, you treat sickness of soul differently to the way you treat sickness of the body. In the later you can be violent with sick people but in the former you need their consent to heal . You certainly won't obtain their consent by rudeness. You attract them and win their hearts by using methods of gentleness and goodness.
The wise Fénélon writes: "Every behaviour in which you reprimand with impatience because you are upset by their faults, is a human criticism and not a channel of grace. The love of God is full of attentiveness, support, accommodation and allowance: it is patient and never takes two steps at once."
As for those who are malicious in their sinfulness, St Paul tells us to correct them with severity (Titus 1.13). However he doesn't want us to forget that a servant of God should be gentle, patient and a good teacher. (2 Timothy 2.24).
Never forget, my dear Superior, that the spirit of Jesus we love is represented for us by a the figure of a dove so that we might learn not to have any bitterness and that is by sighs not by shouts that we are to correct our Brothers. "Remind them," says St Augustine, "not by arguing with them but by letting them hear the sighs of your love and by your prayers and your fasts for them."
It would be a terrible mistake to use the same formula for everyone and not take into account different times, places and people: St Paul teaches, "Do not speak harshly to a man older than yourself, but advise him as you would your own father, treat the younger men as Brothers." (1 Timothy 5.1)
If you are severe in your correction, then try to end on a note of goodness, estime or affection. In such a case gentleness will finish what severity will have begun.
As far as possible let your correction be in secret. In general public reprimands have little chance of success. If such a reprimand cannot be avoided then do you best to get the person you are telling to help you in such a way that the reprimand will produce the required edification.
Under no circumstances forget that the aim of correction is not to insult someone, on the contrary it is to make them happy. You will, therefore, avoid at all cost any haughtiness, disdain or rejection. Only use methods motivated by the compassion of a christian heart, a heart which would want the same care, indulgence and charity if ever it were to find itself in the same situation as the person who is the subject of your correction.
No matter who you might have to reprimand, always look into your own heart. This is the advice of the Holy Spirit. "Learn from yourself how to treat others".
Finally, my dear Brother, let the example of our divine Master teach us. Remember how Jesus put up with the faults of his disciples, the crowd and the Pharisees and how he corrected them. It was with goodness that he dealt with indiscreet outbursts of zeal. He gently reproved Thomas's lack of faith. He reacted with severity against those who profaned his Father's house etc. etc. etc.
There you have a few rules which my longing to be of help both you as well as to those divine Providence has entrusted to your care, urges me to share with you. May the Lord bless our efforts and produce the fruit of salvation to the seeds he has made us sow in the fields and which to my great consolation you cultivate with zeal and success.
Your devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 27 November 1833
C.G.Van Crombrugghe Canon.

LETTER NUMBER 65

14 December 1833
To Brother Athanase of the Convent of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Athanase , I willingly use this opportunity provided by Brother Ambrose to write a few words about the division of various subjects to be taught in each class which I gave to the Reverend Father Superior.
First of all, I would like you to check with the Brother Superior that my division is the same as the one you sent me. Then let me know whether or not the two and a half months of experience have backed up your original opinion or whether you now think your plan will need to be modified. What are you doing to verify this?
I would also like to know if the Rule concerning the general order and conduct of pupils is the same in your school as it is in Rooborst.
Finally, I want to be kept up to date with any recent measure which have been taken to improve the instruction and the education of the pupils Providence has entrusted to your care. Tell me about the teachers, their methods and the topics you discuss with them. I only want a few lines on this and only about whatever has been started since the holidays.
My dear Brother, I pray that God will be your light, your force and your reward.
As for you, be a faithful servant and count on the affection of
Your devoted spiritual Father
14 December 1833
C.G. Van Crombrugghe.
In your reply, let me know a little about your knowledge of mathematics, book-keeping, geography, history and Flemish. After you have gained sufficient knowledge of these primary matters, my wish would be for you to devote yourself to the study of physics, astronomy, chemistry and botany. If the good Lord grants you health and leisure, I will at some future date indicate some others sciences to study.

LETTER NUMBER 66

13 January 1834

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Superior
Although your letter is somewhat sombre in tone and I detect in it a spirit which interprets everything too rigorously, I can assure you that I have read it with pleasure and found useful things in it.
First of all I want to thank you for the good wishes you sent me for the new year in your own name and in the name of your Brothers. I also ask God to pour out more and more his blessings on you so that you might become an ever more effective instrument of his merciful plan for you. Form yourself in all the virtues and also in the understanding which is proper to that Holy state to which divine Providence has called you. In this way you will fulfil my hopes and those of the cause of Religion. It is in this way that you will find peace and happiness and store up for yourself treasure in heaven.
The best advice I can give you at this moment to perform with calm and courage whatever each moment asks of you by stirring up in yourself considerations of faith. God rewards all our efforts. If your courage starts to wane say to yourself: 'vidimus stellam", You must keep going; it would be unworthy of your vocation to pull back or to hesitate on the pathway of perfection or duty.
As for anything else, Father Superior has been informed of everything I wish to tell the Brothers of the Convent of St Joseph. He will pass on my views exactly.
Receive once again my dear Brother the assurance of my sincere devotion
Your spiritual Father
Ghent 13 January 1834
C.G. Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 67

13 January 1834
Brother Athanase.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My dear Brother
I would like to believe that the letter Brother Ambrose passed on to you a short while ago has been of some use to you. Since then I have learned that you are having the greatest difficulty in overcoming your temper which belittles a man because it makes him say things which reason would make us blush at. It is my duty to urge you to examine your conscience especially about your intolerance and your temper and to use the small book mentioned in the Rule and to carefully note down your sins against 'gentleness" and 'humility". This will enable your to see if the number of occasions on which you fall is diminishing.
Look up what I have written in my Manual of Christian Youth on anger and its remedies.
Be on your guard, my dear Brother, against pride, that enemy of our hearts, which God abhors and punishes with humiliations.
I pray with all my heart to the Infant Jesus to give you humility of heart and gentleness so that you will not distance yourself from his mercy and make yourself incapable of carrying out God's plans for you.
Receive the assurance of the devotion of
Your spiritual Father
13 January 1834
C.G.Van Crombrugghe.

LETTER NUMBER 68

24 January 1834
To the worthy Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at No. 244, Porte de Mons, Hal

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My very dear Brother ,
I begin by thanking you for your good wishes for the new year and I tell you frankly that you have been frequently in the prayers which I have made to our Mother Mary, to St Joseph and to our good Master. Your youth and the importance of the establishment your are responsible for building up, obliges me to make a special mention of you before God and especially at the Holy sacrifice of the Mass. Admit your powerlessness often before the Lord. Ask with faith and confidence in the one who makes even the speech of children eloquent when it pleases Him, the help you need so as to be able to properly fulfil the duties imposed on you by obedience. So much, my dear Brother, for what concerns you personally.
Take care that those who work with you are diligent in carry out their allotted tasks and be meticulous in insisting that the Rule is carried out to the letter. Let each one rival the others in a desire to win the affection of the pupils by gentleness in the way in which they deal with them. Make sure that your exalted sentiments and manner gain for you the esteem of parents. These, my dear Brother are the wishes of one who cherishes you tenderly and who understands the full weight of the responsibility which rests on you.
I will take care to think about your remarks concerning Brother Alphonse and we will discuss it another time.
I think the number of pupils is satisfactory for the poor pupils who are far too numerous. My concern is that this excess becomes the straw which breaks the authority of the teachers. As a general rule on should start a school, especially a school for the poor, with a small number of pupils. Without this precaution success is rare. Receive, my dear Brother, the assurance of the tender and sincere devotion of
Your devoted spiritual Father
Ghent 24 January 1834.
C.G. Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 69

13 February 1834
To the Reverend Brother Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother
The details which our Reverend Father Superior gave me in a recent conversation are a source of real joy to me and I have not forgotten to thank God for the graces which he has deigned to pour out on our houses. You will have learned more and more, my dear Brother that good does not come without effort: 'regnum caelorum vim patitur,et violenti rapiunt illud".
Once the Reverend Father Superior gets back home he will explain to you the reasons for the change over between Mr Macoux and a Brother at Rooborst which we believed necessary to make. In the meantime encourage your Postulant and do what you can to make him cheerful and confident. Keep an eye on Brother Athanase , he needs the help of a friend and a Father: give him this help.
If you have the hand-written explanation of the Gospels for Sundays which I lent to one of the Superiors of our Brothers, send it back to me when you have an opportunity. Send the French copy of the 'Rule" and the 'Ceremonial" in the same language to Alost, to our Sisters of Mary. Sister Adelaide is there and needs them to make some changes in style and general lay out.
You will find enclosed some papers. You will give one lot to Mr Godefroy and the others to Reverend Father Superior when he gets back.
I thought it would be best to print your bulletins here. I can supervise the printing and before deciding on the final edition, I will write to you and send you a copy so that you can let me know what you think of it.
Be careful about allowing the Brother scholastics to fast and perform other austerities. Their studies combined with the tiredness that comes from their work does not go well with fasting.
Receive my blessing and believe in the devotion of
Ghent 13 Feb 1834
Your affectionate Spiritual Father
P.S. I had planned to send you at the end of last year some instructions which would have been useful. I don't know what made me forget this plan. I have come across the instructions just as they are, and I believe it could give you some good ideas on the matter. Copy it and get Brother Athanase to read it. Send the original to Rooborst. Brother Athanase should make a copy for his own use. He needs it more than you. Write to the Brother Superior at Rooborst and tell him to make a copy of the text and then send the original back to me.

LETTER NUMBER 70

14 February 1834
To Brother Athanase.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

My very dear Brother
I have delayed answering your last letter because I wrote to you at the same time as you sent me your letter and it seemed to me that I had made a sort of reply to the things you asked me on several points. I have just learned with real satisfaction that for some little time now you have successfully overcome the serious weaknesses in your character. Father Superior has been no less happy in making this report than I have in receiving it. We thank the Lord for the graces he has poured out in such abundance on our dear Brothers. I am more and more certain that you are destined to be an instrument of mercy in the church of Jesus Christ. Work more and more to respond to God's plan for you by developing humility and gentleness. You know that our divine Master says to you: 'discite a me quia mitis sum et humilis corde".
I approve your programme of studies but I want to see some elements of physics in it. I sent you a small treatise on it consisting of twenty lessons. Brother Superior will remember this work.
As for the other sciences you will study them one by one depending on the progress you have made with what occupies you at the present.
We have taken several opinions concerning Mr Macoux who, it seems, is not getting on well at our Convent in Grammont.
Take care to keep me up to date with the efforts the Teachers are making to carry out the rules laid down for them both in their methods and in the subject matter to be taught. You can also tell me at the same time if the progress of the pupils is what we expected.
I also want you to practice your handwriting, you and all the Brother scholastics.
I finish by renewing, my dear Brother, the good wishes I have sent you in my earlier letters, that I want to see you faithful in your vocation and busy training yourself in the virtues and the understanding which you need to do God's work.
Receive my blessing and rely on the sincere and tender devotion of
Your spiritual Father
Ghent 14 February 1834
C.G.Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 71

18 February 1834
To the worthy Superior of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Superior
I sympathise strongly with the dreadful situation of Mr Diericx ; nonetheless, he is a fruit which is ripe for heaven and I pray to God to purify him to such an extent that when his fine soul will have left his body God can admit him at once to the dwelling of the elect.
Thank for the information you have given me and for the evidence of submission and confidence that you give me. I hope our divine master will aid us powerfully and that the Holy time of penance will obtain favours for us and for our dear Brothers and pupils.
Here is a proof of the Report. You will see that I have made some changes. First of all we will use a half sheet. This will greatly reduce the expense for us and the parcel will be lighter when we have to send it through the post. Each pupil will write a letter into which you will insert the bulletin, then you will post the whole packet.
You will notice amongst the corrections to the Report that I have crossed out Declamation; it seems to me to be open to criticism; we have no intention of producing actors for the theatre. You will also notice that I have had the Reports signed by the Prefect of Studies who will sign himself Brother Athanase. On the other hand the bill will be signed by the Superior who will put Brother Stanislas. A certain number will have the printed heading Grammont, a certain number Rooborst and a third lot Hal.
I have included the advance payments for the Boarding section on the bill in a more general way which is less liable to criticism.
Take care to consider attentively the work I have done. Send it back to me by the carriage of......(???) on Thursday morning. It is in order to proceed quickly that I................(???), by post instead of waiting for tomorrow's train. Add to your letter any comments you think you have for me.
When I send you the final copy I will make a few further comments about how to fill in the Reports and how to write the bills.
Before I finish, I have dear to my heart the matter of cleanliness which I want you to inspect and see if you find everything everywhere as I would want it in the Convent amongst the pupils as well as the Brothers. Don't forget that the holidays are approaching and that the reputation of your Convent is not yet entirely repaired in the matter of cleanliness. I want the Brothers to make an effort to be charitable and polite in front of the pupils so that they will have nothing disparaging to say about the Brothers during the holidays.
I am always your devoted Spiritual Father in Our Lord.
Ghent 18 February 1834
C.G.V.C.

LETTER NUMBER 72

21 February 1834
To the Reverend Superior of the Convent of the Brothers of St Joseph at Grammont.

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother
Several of the comments you have made about the Report have been very useful. When I send you the final copy I will send you my reply to the comments you have made.
The printer here in Ghent does not know about the Report for the day pupils and when you and I are in agreement over the final copy, I will send it back to you so that you can have it printed at Grammont. Before the final printing you will would be well advised to send a proof back to me so that I can be certain there are no more mistakes.
When he gets back to your Convent the Father Superior will tell you about the decisions we have thought it best to take about Mr Macoux ! In the mean time treat the young man with charity and politeness. Ask your Brothers to do the same in the interests of the reputation of those who have the honour to bear the name of Brothers of St Joseph and to be Religious from whom people expect perfection.
I am sincerely
Your devoted Spiritual Father
Ghent 21 February 1834.
C.G.Van Crombrugghe

LETTER NUMBER 73

3 March 1843

Praised be Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Dear Brother
In sending you the reports I am also sending you the comments which I promised you.
First of all I have chosen a half-sized sheet in order to cut down on your