Chronicles of Notre Dame du Lac
Edward Sorin, CSC -- Translated by John M. Toohey, CSC, 1895

---

1841-1842

pg 23        Brothers.  All the neighbors on whom F. Sorin could call during 
             the first weeks with the pastor of the place received him most 
             cordially.
                  Without delay they all set to work, one on the little farm, 
             another at the garden, a third in the kitchen, and the others to 
             study the language.  They felt the need of this more fully than 
             ever.
                  The conduct of this little community was truly edifying; 
             those good Brothers were often in want of everything except food 
             and clothing; but, according to the precept of the Divine Master, 
             everyone appeared to be content.  At no period of their Society, 
             perhaps, will there be more privations, more wants, and less 
             dissatisfaction, and likely also fewer complaints and murmurs.  
             Long afterwards, when an abuse is to be corrected or a 
             disagreeable duty to be enforced, the fervor of this happy 
             commencement might be called to mind.  During the first two 
             months all had to sleep on the floor and to practise many another 
             act of mortification of a like nature.  Yet all were habitually 
             gay and happy in their lot.  Where fervor and devotion reign, a 
             sacrifice is a joy rather than an affliction.