Claude Bret - Revision history

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-20T00:01:06Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:01, 20 April 2026
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	:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. In 2025 searches for this daguerrotype in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives and General Archives were not successful.</ref>		:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. In 2025 searches for this daguerrotype in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives and General Archives were not successful.</ref>

			=== Notes ===
			<references/>

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MAW at 00:00, 20 April 2026

2026-04-20T00:00:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 20 April 2026
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			Back to [[Biographical Notes]]

	==Claude Marie Xavier Bret==		==Claude Marie Xavier Bret==

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	:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. In 2025 searches for this daguerrotype in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives and General Archives were not successful.</ref>		:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. In 2025 searches for this daguerrotype in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives and General Archives were not successful.</ref>



			Back to [[Biographical Notes]]

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:31:26Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:31, 17 April 2026
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	:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.		:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.

	:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>		:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref> <ref>Bataillon also writes about Bret’s death to Etienne Séon. LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019 and Chanel to his family Rozier doc. 35 [2] 183705 A sa famille</ref>
	<ref>Bataillon also writes about Bret’s death to Etienne Séon. LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019 and Chanel to his family Rozier doc. 35 [2] 183705 A sa famille</ref>

	:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”		:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”

	:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>		:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:30:49Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:30, 17 April 2026
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	:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.		:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.

	:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>Bataillon also writes about Bret’s death to Etienne Séon. LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019 and Chanel to his family Rozier doc. 35 [2] 183705 A sa famille~~</ref>~~		:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>
			<ref>Bataillon also writes about Bret’s death to Etienne Séon. LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019 and Chanel to his family Rozier doc. 35 [2] 183705 A sa famille</ref>
	:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>

			:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”
	:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>		:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:27:57Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:27, 17 April 2026
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	:In their time of need, the Society of Mary took charge of Bret's parents.<ref>APM 2367-13664. Fonds Lagniet. Notes historiques sur feuilles grand format F56</ref> When his mother needed some rest, she was received for a few days in the Marist Sisters' house, Montée de la Boucle in La Croix-Rousse, now a suburb of Lyons.<ref>Mayet VB1 Notices sur la vie de quelques Maristes, P. Bret, pp. 32-46 </ref> However, she fell sick and despite the care given by the Sisters, she died there on 1 August 1850.<ref>Archives Municipales de Lyon. Cote 2E1625 Death Register La Croix-Rousse 16/06/1851-31/12/1851 Entry no. 268</ref> It would appear that Jacques Bret moved in with the fathers in Puylata after his wife’s death,<ref> Mayet VB1 Notices sur la vie de quelques Maristes, P. Bret, pp. 32-46. APM 1592-23098 18511111 Lagniet-Chavas. Lagniet’s handwriting can be interpreted in both singular and plural, i.e., “the last year/s of his life”; however, Jacques Bret does not appear on the 1846 census list for Puylata, so his entry to the house dates after this. Archives du département du Rhône et de la métropole de Lyon. Cote 6M70 p.5/19 https://archives.rhone.fr/ark:/28729/dfxb780kt36p/f1953c36-1cd2-43a7-bb0d-2bd4d540c285) </ref> where he in turn died on 31 October 1851.<ref>Archives Municipales de Lyon. Cote 2E456 Death Register Lyon Mairie unique 16/06/1851-31/12/1851 Entry no. 4533</ref>		:In their time of need, the Society of Mary took charge of Bret's parents.<ref>APM 2367-13664. Fonds Lagniet. Notes historiques sur feuilles grand format F56</ref> When his mother needed some rest, she was received for a few days in the Marist Sisters' house, Montée de la Boucle in La Croix-Rousse, now a suburb of Lyons.<ref>Mayet VB1 Notices sur la vie de quelques Maristes, P. Bret, pp. 32-46 </ref> However, she fell sick and despite the care given by the Sisters, she died there on 1 August 1850.<ref>Archives Municipales de Lyon. Cote 2E1625 Death Register La Croix-Rousse 16/06/1851-31/12/1851 Entry no. 268</ref> It would appear that Jacques Bret moved in with the fathers in Puylata after his wife’s death,<ref> Mayet VB1 Notices sur la vie de quelques Maristes, P. Bret, pp. 32-46. APM 1592-23098 18511111 Lagniet-Chavas. Lagniet’s handwriting can be interpreted in both singular and plural, i.e., “the last year/s of his life”; however, Jacques Bret does not appear on the 1846 census list for Puylata, so his entry to the house dates after this. Archives du département du Rhône et de la métropole de Lyon. Cote 6M70 p.5/19 https://archives.rhone.fr/ark:/28729/dfxb780kt36p/f1953c36-1cd2-43a7-bb0d-2bd4d540c285) </ref> where he in turn died on 31 October 1851.<ref>Archives Municipales de Lyon. Cote 2E456 Death Register Lyon Mairie unique 16/06/1851-31/12/1851 Entry no. 4533</ref>

	:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. ~~It does not appear that~~ this ~~early photo has survived. It is not~~ in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives or General Archives.</ref>		:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. In 2025 searches for this daguerrotype in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives and General Archives were not successful.</ref>

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:24:46Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:24, 17 April 2026
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	:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>		:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>

	:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>		:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>

	:On learning of Bret’s death, Colin, amidst his tears, uttered several words demonstrating his submission to the will of God.<ref>Mayet, S1, 84s</ref> As for Bret’s parents, Bataillon was sure that Chavas, who had taken over the filial role, “would undoubtedly do everything possible to console them and make the sentiments of religion triumph over those of nature.”<ref>LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019</ref> Chanel had kept some locks of Bret’s hair and noted, “The reaction of his virtuous parents upon learning of his death was very edifying and comforting to me.” <ref>Rozier doc.54 [9] 18391012 Au p. Antoine Séon</ref>		:On learning of Bret’s death, Colin, amidst his tears, uttered several words demonstrating his submission to the will of God.<ref>Mayet, S1, 84s</ref> As for Bret’s parents, Bataillon was sure that Chavas, who had taken over the filial role, “would undoubtedly do everything possible to console them and make the sentiments of religion triumph over those of nature.”<ref>LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019</ref> Chanel had kept some locks of Bret’s hair and noted, “The reaction of his virtuous parents upon learning of his death was very edifying and comforting to me.” <ref>Rozier doc.54 [9] 18391012 Au p. Antoine Séon</ref>

	:When Jean Forest’s band sailed a similar route in 1842, “As well we each said a Mass for the repose of the soul of our beloved confrère, Father Bret, and we said it at the approximate place, at the place where he died.”<ref>LRO doc.140 [6] 18420403 Forest-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0140</ref>		:When Jean Forest’s band sailed a similar route in 1842, “As well we each said a Mass for the repose of the soul of our beloved confrère, Father Bret, and we said it at the approximate place, at the place where he died.”<ref>LRO doc.140 [6] 18420403 Forest-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0140</ref>

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:24:19Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:23:16Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:23, 17 April 2026
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	:According to Chavas, from June, he prepared himself in retreat at Belley;<ref>OM2 doc.732 [17] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> while Maîtrepierre included him in the list of [spiritual] directors at the minor seminary.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [40] 1853 Récit du p. Maîtrepierre</ref> At the general retreat, for the election of the Superior General and the first vows, he was one of the two secretaries.<ref>OM1 doc.403, [5, 19, 25] 18360920-24 Procès-verbal de la retraite générale des prêtres maristes</ref>		:According to Chavas, from June, he prepared himself in retreat at Belley;<ref>OM2 doc.732 [17] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> while Maîtrepierre included him in the list of [spiritual] directors at the minor seminary.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [40] 1853 Récit du p. Maîtrepierre</ref> At the general retreat, for the election of the Superior General and the first vows, he was one of the two secretaries.<ref>OM1 doc.403, [5, 19, 25] 18360920-24 Procès-verbal de la retraite générale des prêtres maristes</ref>
	:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.		:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.
	:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] ~~18370717 Pompallier~~-~~Colin~~; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/~~Girard0015~~</ref>		:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>Bataillon also writes about Bret’s death to Etienne Séon. LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019 and Chanel to his family Rozier doc. 35 [2] 183705 A sa famille</ref>
	“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”		:“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>
	Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”		:Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”<ref>Rozier doc. 24 [1] 18370723 Au T.R.P. Colin et aux élèves du petit séminaire de Belley</ref>
	On learning of Bret’s death, Colin, amidst his tears, uttered several words demonstrating his submission to the will of God. As for Bret’s parents, Bataillon was sure that Chavas, who had taken over the filial role, “would undoubtedly do everything possible to console them and make the sentiments of religion triumph over those of nature.” Chanel had kept some locks of Bret’s hair and noted, “The reaction of his virtuous parents upon learning of his death was very edifying and comforting to me.”		:On learning of Bret’s death, Colin, amidst his tears, uttered several words demonstrating his submission to the will of God.<ref>Mayet, S1, 84s</ref> As for Bret’s parents, Bataillon was sure that Chavas, who had taken over the filial role, “would undoubtedly do everything possible to console them and make the sentiments of religion triumph over those of nature.”<ref>LRO doc.19 [1] 18370730 Bataillon-Séon E; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0019</ref> Chanel had kept some locks of Bret’s hair and noted, “The reaction of his virtuous parents upon learning of his death was very edifying and comforting to me.” <ref>Rozier doc.54 [9] 18391012 Au p. Antoine Séon</ref>
	When Jean Forest’s band sailed a similar route in 1842, “As well we each said a Mass for the repose of the soul of our beloved confrère, Father Bret, and we said it at the approximate place, at the place where he died.”		:When Jean Forest’s band sailed a similar route in 1842, “As well we each said a Mass for the repose of the soul of our beloved confrère, Father Bret, and we said it at the approximate place, at the place where he died.”<ref>LRO doc.140 [6] 18420403 Forest-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0140</ref>
	Bret’s father had the foot measurements of the departing missionaries, yet Chanel did not call for him to make further pairs at that time , perhaps being sensitive to his bereavement. Jacques Bret did continue to be of service to the missionaries, even if sickness precluded him from making shoes for one shipment.		:Bret’s father had the foot measurements of the departing missionaries, yet Chanel did not call for him to make further pairs at that time,<ref>Rozier doc.36 [5] 18370723 Chanel-Françoise Chanel</ref> perhaps being sensitive to his bereavement. Jacques Bret did continue to be of service to the missionaries,<ref>LRO doc.739 18480802 [10] Brother Sauveur Conil-Colin</ref> even if sickness precluded him from making shoes for one shipment.<ref>Poupinel doc.204 [7] 18501221 Poupinel-Rocher </ref>
	In their time of need, the Society of Mary took charge of Bret's parents. When his mother needed some rest, she was received for a few days in the Marist Sisters' house, Montée de la Boucle in La Croix-Rousse, now a suburb of Lyons. However, she fell sick and despite the care given by the Sisters, she died there on 1 August 1850. It would appear that Jacques Bret moved in with the fathers in Puylata after his wife’s death, where he in turn died on 31 October 1851.		:In their time of need, the Society of Mary took charge of Bret's parents.<ref>APM 2367-13664. Fonds Lagniet. Notes historiques sur feuilles grand format F56</ref> When his mother needed some rest, she was received for a few days in the Marist Sisters' house, Montée de la Boucle in La Croix-Rousse, now a suburb of Lyons.<ref>Mayet VB1 Notices sur la vie de quelques Maristes, P. Bret, pp. 32-46 </ref> However, she fell sick and despite the care given by the Sisters, she died there on 1 August 1850.<ref>Archives Municipales de Lyon. Cote 2E1625 Death Register La Croix-Rousse 16/06/1851-31/12/1851 Entry no. 268</ref> It would appear that Jacques Bret moved in with the fathers in Puylata after his wife’s death,<ref> Mayet VB1 Notices sur la vie de quelques Maristes, P. Bret, pp. 32-46. APM 1592-23098 18511111 Lagniet-Chavas. Lagniet’s handwriting can be interpreted in both singular and plural, i.e., “the last year/s of his life”; however, Jacques Bret does not appear on the 1846 census list for Puylata, so his entry to the house dates after this. Archives du département du Rhône et de la métropole de Lyon. Cote 6M70 p.5/19 https://archives.rhone.fr/ark:/28729/dfxb780kt36p/f1953c36-1cd2-43a7-bb0d-2bd4d540c285) </ref> where he in turn died on 31 October 1851.<ref>Archives Municipales de Lyon. Cote 2E456 Death Register Lyon Mairie unique 16/06/1851-31/12/1851 Entry no. 4533</ref>
	In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.		:In 1844, a confrere had started taking successful daguerreotypes; Colin had Bret’s funeral scene recreated.<ref>Mayet S2, 154s. It does not appear that this early photo has survived. It is not in the collections of La Neylière, SM France Archives or General Archives.</ref>

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:14:27Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:14, 17 April 2026
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	:According to Chavas, from June, he prepared himself in retreat at Belley;<ref>OM2 doc.732 [17] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> while Maîtrepierre included him in the list of [spiritual] directors at the minor seminary.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [40] 1853 Récit du p. Maîtrepierre</ref> At the general retreat, for the election of the Superior General and the first vows, he was one of the two secretaries.<ref>OM1 doc.403, [5, 19, 25] 18360920-24 Procès-verbal de la retraite générale des prêtres maristes</ref>		:According to Chavas, from June, he prepared himself in retreat at Belley;<ref>OM2 doc.732 [17] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> while Maîtrepierre included him in the list of [spiritual] directors at the minor seminary.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [40] 1853 Récit du p. Maîtrepierre</ref> At the general retreat, for the election of the Superior General and the first vows, he was one of the two secretaries.<ref>OM1 doc.403, [5, 19, 25] 18360920-24 Procès-verbal de la retraite générale des prêtres maristes</ref>
	:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.		:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.
	Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate. On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted, among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible. Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness. News of ~~this~~ death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.		:Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate.<ref>Mayet III, 407; OM3 doc. 819 [96] 1869-1870 Mémoire sur l’origine et la fondation de la Société de Marie</ref> On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted,<ref>LRO doc.1 18361012-18370118 Journal du p. Bret. English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0001</ref> among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible.<ref>Rozier doc.35 [2] 18370723 A sa famille</ref> Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness.<ref>Rozier, p.162, note 4</ref> <ref>Day-by-day details in LRO doc.12 18361224-18370718 Journal de voyage de Jean-Baptiste-François Pompallier et de ses missionnaires, rédigé par Pierre Bataillon ; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0012 </ref> News of his death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.<ref>LRO doc.15 [2] 18370717 Pompallier-Colin; English translation https://mariststudies.org/docs/Girard0015</ref>
	“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”		“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”
	Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”		Chanel added in his letter, “But he will always remain our friend, our confrere; he has only changed his title, from missionary to protector of our mission.”

MAW: /* Claude Marie Xavier Bret */

2026-04-16T19:08:17Z

Claude Marie Xavier Bret

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:08, 17 April 2026
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	:On this latter date, the Society of Mary was already approved by the Holy See. Bret had made himself appreciated in the parish,<ref>Mayet II 19-29, reproduced OM2 doc.732 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> and was one of the first to respond to the call of Pompallier seeking subjects for the mission of Western Oceania.<ref>OM1 doc.370 [2] 18360217 Pompallier-Champagnat</ref> Claude Chavas (who was vicar with him at Valbenoîte) recollected, “He was very generous, generous to the point of heroism, when he believed that God was calling him to the missions in Oceania. Firstly, I was the confidant of his plans and feelings when the decisive moment arrived. He astonished me beyond words with his courage, his greatness of soul, his absolute detachment, and his ardent desire to faithfully fulfil his sublime vocation.”<ref>OM2 doc.732 [14] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> Worried about the effect of his decision to go to Oceania would have on his mother, he consulted Bishop Devie, and persevered in his decision.<ref>OM2 doc.732 [14] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref>		:On this latter date, the Society of Mary was already approved by the Holy See. Bret had made himself appreciated in the parish,<ref>Mayet II 19-29, reproduced OM2 doc.732 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> and was one of the first to respond to the call of Pompallier seeking subjects for the mission of Western Oceania.<ref>OM1 doc.370 [2] 18360217 Pompallier-Champagnat</ref> Claude Chavas (who was vicar with him at Valbenoîte) recollected, “He was very generous, generous to the point of heroism, when he believed that God was calling him to the missions in Oceania. Firstly, I was the confidant of his plans and feelings when the decisive moment arrived. He astonished me beyond words with his courage, his greatness of soul, his absolute detachment, and his ardent desire to faithfully fulfil his sublime vocation.”<ref>OM2 doc.732 [14] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> Worried about the effect of his decision to go to Oceania would have on his mother, he consulted Bishop Devie, and persevered in his decision.<ref>OM2 doc.732 [14] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref>
	:According to Chavas, from June, he prepared himself in retreat at Belley;<ref>OM2 doc.732 [17] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> while Maîtrepierre included him in the list of [spiritual] directors at the minor seminary.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [40] 1853 Récit du p. Maîtrepierre</ref> At the general retreat, for the election of the Superior General and the first vows, he was one of the two secretaries.<ref>OM1 doc.403, [5, 19, 25] 18360920-24 Procès-verbal de la retraite générale des prêtres maristes</ref>		:According to Chavas, from June, he prepared himself in retreat at Belley;<ref>OM2 doc.732 [17] 1849? Notice sur le p. Bret, Chavas-Mayet</ref> while Maîtrepierre included him in the list of [spiritual] directors at the minor seminary.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [40] 1853 Récit du p. Maîtrepierre</ref> At the general retreat, for the election of the Superior General and the first vows, he was one of the two secretaries.<ref>OM1 doc.403, [5, 19, 25] 18360920-24 Procès-verbal de la retraite générale des prêtres maristes</ref>
	When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project. Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s Discours sur l'acte d'abandon. On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.		:When at the minor seminary in Belley 1831-34, with the help of Colin, Bret overcame doubts when he saw others leave the project.<ref>OM2 doc.752 [22] 1852 Récit du M. Maîtrepierre</ref> Colin recommended at the 1836 retreat that Bret read Bossuet’s ''Discours sur l'acte d'abandon''.<ref>OM2 doc.727 1843-1845? Hésitation de M. Bret avant sa profession religieuse</ref> On 24 September 1836, he made his religious profession with the other nineteen priests, who had attended the retreat, the first Marists to do so.
	Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate. On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted, among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible. Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness. News of this death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.		Shortly after the end of the retreat, Colin sent him and Pierre Convers to Lyons to rent a house, which was to be the administrative headquarters and novitiate. On 12 October, he was in Paris and began a journal in which he noted, among other things, the dates of his departure from Paris (11 November), his arrival in Le Havre (13 November), his embarkation (24 December), and others up to 18 January 1837. When the vessel stopped at Tenerife, the majority of those aboard became unwell and Bret looked after them. At their departure, Bret had a headache, which did not ease, followed by a fever. Chanel, his cabin mate, remained with him as much as possible. Two months later, on 20 March 1837, at seven o'clock in the evening, he died at sea at 0° 40' north latitude and 24° 30' west longitude, after nineteen days of illness. News of this death reached Lyons on 13 November 1837, in a letter from Pompallier to Colin dated 17 July 1837, sent from Valparaiso.
	“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”		“I only want to inform you of a piece of news which will not fail to console you, while putting to the test your feelings for one of your spiritual sons, whom the Lord no doubt crowned in heaven when we were in the midst of the ocean. Dear Father Bret died from an illness of about 19 days in length, from two days after his embarkation at Santa Cruz, to the equatorial line. At first there were only vague and passing headaches; then the fever took hold of him; it was reduced; he seemed to be recovering, then he relapsed and did not further recover. Up to the last day he was conscious; he himself told us of his approaching death; we could not accept it. All sorts of care were given him, but God had decided to take him from us and to crown him in advance in heaven. Alas! May his plans be adored and his holy name be blessed. Let us hope that this dear collaborator will be henceforth a most devoted intercessor with God and Mary on behalf of the mission to which he had consecrated himself in this life. Be consoled, venerable Father, and may the peace of Jesus Christ be with you.”