It now becomes clear that Eugene has thought deeply about founding a group of mission preachers in Provence. He understands that the appalling condition of the people calls him to a response, and he begins to look at practical side of this possible project
The second plan, however, seems to me more useful, given the dreadful plight to which the people have been reduced.
The project would entail finances, and the monthly allowance he was receiving from his mother would not be sufficient to look after a group of missionaries. He then speaks of the salary of Brother Maur – Pierre Martin Bardeau, a Trappist brother whose monastery had been destroyed in the Revolution. He needed to gain a living, and so Eugene had employed him. With the end of the Napoleonic era, the monasteries could open again, and so Brother Maur wanted to return to the Trappist monastery where he belonged.
Several considerations have held me back until now, the absolute lack of means being not the least drawback in this affair. Those who might be able to join me have nothing at all and I myself have little because, out of my allowance of a thousand francs, I have to pay my servant who, for that matter, will soon leave me and return to the Trappist monastery. That’s a new inconvenience because I was counting on him for our mission house.
Another practical consideration was where and how this community would live. It is clear that Eugene had begun to give a lot of thought to the question of founding a missionary group
The community, which in any event, only exists in my head, would be set up in my house. Mother, as far as I can see, would not be loath to yield to me, for the time being, the house by the city gate in which I live alone at present. There is enough room to lodge eight missionaries. We would subsequently look for a larger place, etc.
I also have in mind some rules to propose for I insist that we live in a completely regular manner. That’s as far as I have got. As you see, it has not progressed very far.
Letter to Father Forbin Janson, 28 October 1814, O.W. VI n 2