From the holograph diary of Monsignor de Mazenod, founder of the Congregation of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, from 18 April to 2 September 1844:
July 11: I wanted to go to Aygalades to see the bishop;181 I was detained. And behold today it was too late. Just when I was leaving to go to be beside the good bishop, Fr Sibour182 arrived to tell me that he just had taken a turn which had alarmed him and that he felt duty-bound to alert me of it. I left immediately, but, in the interval, the bishop had rendered his soul to God. I found him dead. He had gone out in his carriage, as was his custom, for a short drive; while returning, he was very short of breath and undoubtedly remembering what I had told him that in this type of illness a person lingered in a state of suffocation, he immediately called Fr. Boussinet183 so as to go to confession; very soon after, he again passed out; someone revived him with ether, he then said to his brother: “I have seen the shadows of death.” Not being able to breathe anymore, he wanted someone to help him to get up on his armchair and, in this movement, he expired. I arrived at this juncture and I found no more than his corpse stretched out on his bed, where it had been placed as though he were sleeping. [p. 47]184 What more could I have done? I had made a start with a great blow of the hammer I was carrying yesterday. I was counting on pressing home my point by going there yesterday and today. God has arranged it differently, but I believe myself free from reproach. If I had done otherwise, I would not forgive myself for it. It must be said that the poor bishop took in very good part what I said to him the day before yesterday and that he truly made the resolution to put order into his affairs, he very warmly even showed me his affection, when I was leaving him, in taking my hand and pressing it over his heart, which comes back to the expression which he used the day before while dictating to Fr Jansen these words which he addressed to me: “My best and old friend, I embrace you with all my heart, in which is concentrated the little strength that remains in me. Your old friend, Charles, bishop of Nancy.” (This was very likely his last signature, which I will keep in memory of our old friendship, which indeed goes back some forty years.)
July 12: I offered the Holy Sacrifice for my poor friend. Last evening already I had applied the indulgences of the rosary which we say as a family185 for him and all the other indulgences which I may be able to earn during the rest of the month. The Marquis de Janson did not want me to have the body of his brother carried to my cathedral, he prefers that we pay him the last respects at Aygalades. I accordingly gave the orders. I will officiate myself pontifically. Letter to the bishop of Joppé, now of Nancy,186 to inform him of the death of his predecessor. I would have liked the Marquis de Janson to have the heart of the bishop his brother taken and given it to the diocese of Nancy. I suggested it to him, but he was not of the same opinion giving the reason that he did not want the body of his brother to be mutilated, but more likely in order to free himself from the trouble this operation entails and perhaps from the expense which it occasions.
July 16: This morning I went to say my last farewells to my old friend Charles, bishop of Nancy. Accordingly, having departed at five o’clock in the morning on foot from my country residence,192 I directed my steps towards the church of Aygalades where the venerated remains of the holy prelate reposed. I offered the holy sacrifice in the presence of the coffin holding his body. The Marquis de Janson and his son, alerted of my arrival, came to join with me in this last religious duty which I came to render to their brother and uncle.
