From his first entrance into the seminary, John wished to be a Vincentian and also go to China to preach the Gospel. He started praying more and fasting. He loved to read the Scriptures, lives of the saints and the writings of St. Vincent de Paul. In 1818 he began his two years' Novitiate, at the same time continuing his studies and teaching of the younger students. St. Vincent de Paul in writing never reached China but had died aboard ship and was buried in the sea between Java and Australia. On his deathbed, Louis had told his fellow missionaries that
he didn't mind dying, because he had a brother who would take his place in China. This death and that of his sis¬ter Mariette, who died just before entering the convent, grieved him greatly. He visited his parents and uncle to console them. At the same time, he announced again his
firm desire to go to China and take Louis' place.
he didn't mind dying, because he had a brother who would take his place in China. This death and that of his sis¬ter Mariette, who died just before entering the convent, grieved him greatly. He visited his parents and uncle to console them. At the same time, he announced again his
firm desire to go to China and take Louis' place.
