Here, in the presence of God, under the protection of the most holy Virgin Mary and of St Joseph, wishing to make known to all the Brothers of Mary my last and dearest wishes, I collect all my strength to dictate my spiritual testament...

In the first place, I most humbly beg all those whom I may have offended or scandalized in any way - though I am not aware of having wilfully given pain to anyone - to be good enough to forgive me, in consideration of the infinite charity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and to unite their prayers with mine to obtain of God that in his infinite mercy he would deign to forget the sins of my past life, and to receive my soul.

I die full of respect, of gratitude, and of submission towards the Very Reverend Father Superior General of the Society of Mary, and in sentiments of the most perfect union with all the members who compose it, especially with all the Brothers whom Almighty God has confided to my care, and who have always been so dear to my heart...

I beg you, my dear Brothers, with all the affection of my soul, to act in such a way that holy charity may always abide among you. Love one another as Jesus Christ has loved you. Be of one heart and one mind. May it be said of the Little Brothers of Mary as it was said of the first Christians: "See how they love one another!" This is the most ardent desire of my heart at this last moment of my life. My dear Brothers, listen to the words of your Father - they are the words of our beloved Saviour: Love one another!

I desire that the same charity which ought to bind you together as members of the same body may also extend to all other Congregations. I beg you, by the boundless charity of Christ, to beware of ever envying anyone, and especially those whom God has called to the religious life to work like you for the education of the young. Be the first to rejoice at their success and to grieve at their misfortune. Recommend them often to God and his holy Mother.... Never listen to any talk that might tend to injure them. Let the glory of God and the honour of Mary be your sole aim and ambition.

I beg and desire of God.... that humility and simplicity always be the characteristics of the Little Brothers of Mary; that a tender and filial devotion to our good Mother may animate you at all times and in all circumstances. Do you utmost to make her loved in every place.

Be faithful to your vocation, love it, and faithfully persevere in it...There are difficulties in leading the life of a Religious, but grace makes all things easy. Jesus and Mary will help you. Besides, life is short and eternity will never end.

How consoling it is, when about to appear before God, to remember that one has lived under the protection of Mary, and in her Society. May this good Mother ever preserve, increase, and sanctify you. May the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be always with you.

I leave you with confidence in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, until we are all united in a happy eternity.

Such is my last and express will, for the glory of Jesus and Mary.

Signed at Our Lady of the Hermitage, on the 18th day of May, 1840

Joseph Benedict Marcellin Champagnat, Priest of the Society of Mary, Founder and Superior of the Little Brothers of Mary.