MB_EN_06_


MB_EN_06_



1 Pages 1-10

▲back to top


1.1 Page 1

▲back to top


VOLUME VI - 1858-1861
of Saint John Bosco

1.2 Page 2

▲back to top


Father Giovanni Battista Lemoyne
FATHER GIOVANNI BATTISTA LEMOYNE
(1839-1916) was the first and great chroni-
cler of the Iife of St. John Bosco and of
the first decades of the Salesian Congre-
gation.
From their first, providential meeting in
1864, Father Lemoyne esteemed Don Bosco
as a person of outstanding character and
holiness. He not only strove to understand
and acquire his spirit, but also took upon
himself the task of committing to writing
anything of significance that Don Bosco
did or said. Information concerning earlier
events he painstakingly gathered from eye-
witnesses and other sources.
In 1883 he came to the Mother House as
editor of the Salesian Bulletin and Secre-
tary of the Superior Chapter. The five
years that followed he spent in cordial
intimacy with Don Bosco and heard from
the Saint himself the story of the arduous
road he had to climb in his youth to ar-
rive at the priesthood, and of the wonder-
ful manner in which Providence guided the
Salesian work.
After Don Bosco's death in 1888, he was
formally charged with the compilation of
available materials for the life of the Saint.
Forty-five large volumes of galley proofs
bear witness to his dedicated research and
provide the material for the nineteen vol -
umes of the Biographical Memoirs of St.
John Bosco, the first nine of which he
authored. Noteworthy among his other
works are the Life of Don Bosco in two vol-
umes and the Life of Mamma Margaret,
Don Bosco's mother. He died in Turin on
September 14, 1916 at the age of 77.

1.3 Page 3

▲back to top


~({!/~({!/~
1987
Membership
17,644
Countries
92
Provinces
77
Houses
1,572
Bishops
63
Archbishops
19
Cardinals
5
DJ;#)~~
dl(~~~r!~
1987
Membership
17,202
Countries
70
Provinces
77
Houses
1,506
Order From :
SALESIANA PUBLISHERS
475 North Ave., Box T • New Rochelle, N.Y. 10802

1.4 Page 4

▲back to top


Don Bosco's Statue In St. Peter's, Rome
A Faithful Translation of the Original Expertly Done
~· . ."~ .: ~ :; :~ :;- :: :: :: ;:. :,:
~:
-:.:
-:~
·-
::
~·
:-.'":
~:: :·.
':."

1.5 Page 5

▲back to top


1.6 Page 6

▲back to top


1.7 Page 7

▲back to top


1.8 Page 8

▲back to top


1.9 Page 9

▲back to top


The
Biographical Memoirs
ef
Saint John Bosco
by
REV. GIOVANNI BATTISTA LEMOYNE, S.D.B.
AN AMERICAN EDITION
TRANSLATED
FROM THE ORIGINAL ITALIAN
REv. DrnGo BoRGATELLo, s.n.B.
Editor-in-chief
Volume VI
1858-1861
SALESIANA PUBLISHERS
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK
1971

1.10 Page 10

▲back to top


lMPRIMI PoTEST: Very Rev. John J. Malloy, S.D.B.
Provincial
New Rochelle, N.Y., October 9, 1970
Copyright© 1971 by the Salesian Society, Inc.
Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 65-3104rev
All Rights Reserved
Manufactured in the United States of America
FIRST EDITION

2 Pages 11-20

▲back to top


2.1 Page 11

▲back to top


iehirateh
WITH PROFOUND GRATITUDE
TO
THE LATE, LAMENTED, AND HIGHLY ESTEEMED
VERY REVEREND FELIX J. PENNA, S.D.B.
(1904-1962)
TO WHOSE
WISDOM, FORESIGHT, AND NOBLE SALESIAN HEART
THE ENGLISH TRANSLATION
OF
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS
OF
SAINT JOHN BOSCO
IS
A LASTING MONUMENT

2.2 Page 12

▲back to top


2.3 Page 13

▲back to top


This Volume
Is Dedicated With Affection
TO
FATHER JOHN CERUTTI, S.D.B.
(1874-1965)
***
A Brief Meeting With Our Founder
Inspired His Exemplary Religious Life
And Zealous Priesthood.
He Loved Children.
He Spent Himself,
Especially In South Africa And Australia,
In Spreading Devotion To Don Bosco
And
In Fostering Salesian Traditions

2.4 Page 14

▲back to top


2.5 Page 15

▲back to top


Editor's Preface to the First Nine Volumes
~AINT John Bosco, the central figure of this vastly ex-
tensive biography, was a towering person in the affairs of both
Church and State during the critical 19th century in Italy. He was
the founder of two very active religious congregations during a
time when other orders were being suppressed; he was a trusted
and key liaison between the Papacy and the emerging Italian nation
of the Risorgimento; above all, in troubled times, he was the saintly
Christian educator who successfully wedded modem pedagogy to
Christ's law and Christ's love for the poor young, and thereby
deserved the proud title of Apostle of youth.
He is known familiarly throughout the world simply as Don
Bosco.1 His now famous system of education, which he called the
Preventive System, was based on reason, religion and kindness, and
indicated by its descriptive name that, also in education, an ounce
of prevention is worth a pound of cure. He always sought to place
pupils in the moral impossibility of committing sin, the moral dis-
order from which all evils flow.
To ensure the continuation of his educational mission in behalf
of youth he founded two worldwide religious congregations, the
Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesian Society) and the Institute
of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters)
which today number more than 40,000 members conducting 2,800
educational institutions throughout the world.
To help in the difficult art of educating the young, Don Bosco
planned to expound his method of education in a book but, ab-
sorbed as he was in the task of firmly establishing his two religious
congregations and in unceasing other labors, he had to content
himself with a simple outline of his ideas in a golden little treatise
entitled The Preventive System in the Education of Youth.
1 Don is an abbreviation of the Latin dominus, master. It is used in Italy as a
title for priests; it stands for Father.
ix

2.6 Page 16

▲back to top


x
EDITOR'S PREFACE
Fortunately, The Biographical Memoirs of St. John Bosco are
ample compensation for a book which, if written, might have given
us only theories. These memoirs, a monumental work in nineteen
volumes, until recently reserved exclusively to Salesians and pub-
lished only in the original Italian, are now available, unabridged,
in this American edition not only to his spiritual children, devotees
and admirers, but also to all who are interested in education.
In these volumes Don Bosco is shown in action: not theorizing
but educating. What he said and did in countless circumstances
was faithfully recorded by several of his spiritual sons, chief among
them Father Giovanni Battista Lemoyne. From the day he first met
Don Bosco in 1864 to his own death in 1916, Father Lemoyne
spent his life recording words and deeds of Don Bosco, gathering
documents, interviewing witnesses, and arranging raw material for
the present nineteen volumes of the life of Don Bosco, eight of
which he himself authored besides readying another volume for
the press before his death.
In the compilation of The Biographical Memoirs of St. John
Bosco, Father Lemoyne's primary sources were the Memorie del-
l'Oratorio dal 1835 al 1855 (Memoirs of the Oratory from 1835 to
1855) written by Don Bosco himself, the diaries and chronicles of
various Salesians who daily recorded what Don Bosco said or did,
numerous letters of the Saint, the Cinque lustri di Storia dell'Ora-
torio di S. Francesco di Sales (The History of the First Twenty-Five
Years of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales) written by Father
John Bonetti, S.D.B., and personally checked by Don Bosco, the
proceedings of the diocesan process of beatification and other un-
impeachable contemporary documents and testimonies. Above all,
Father Lemoyne, intelligent, conscientious and well-informed, not
only used reliable sources, but was himself an eye witness. He
recorded what he personally saw and heard from Don Bosco. This
enabled him to write a true history even though not according to
modern critical methods.2 He concerned himself principally with
2 True history in the sense that what he narrates is substantially true, though
his method of presentation, his chronology, and his treatment of sources stand
improvement. The episodes and incidents he reports did not necessarily take place
exactly as described.

2.7 Page 17

▲back to top


EDITOR'S PREFACE
xi
presenting chronologically his vast selected material and therefore
his narrative is somewhat fragmentary and may lack scientific
method. It is nevertheless true history, even Volume I which deals
mainly with Don Bosco's youth and the training he received from
Mamma Margaret, his mother.3 When gifted writers and scholars
of the future will produce a critical biography of Don Bosco, The
Biographical Memoirs will still not be surpassed because Father
Lemoyne lived at Don Bosco's side, wrote what he saw and heard,
and eminently succeeded in giving us a living portrait of Don
Bosco.
In editing the translation of The Biographical Memoirs accuracy
and readability were the goals we set. This was not easy and occa-
sionally, as regards the latter, we may have fallen short of the mark.
Nineteenth-century Italian does not readily lend itself to an agile
version that strives to be an accurate translation and not a para-
phrase.
We have departed from the original in only one minor point:
the lengthy titles or series of subtitles in each chapter. Father
Lemoyne's method of chronological sequence in his narration nec-
essarily made the content of each chapter fragmentary. As it was
not possible, under these circumstances, to give them a meaningful
title and the volumes were not indexed, Father Lemoyne prefaced
each chapter with many subtitles. In some volumes such subtitles
fill a whole page. Since we have indexed each volume and subtitles
become unnecessary, we selected in each chapter the most out-
standing episode and gave it a title. Finally, although we did not
aim at publishing a critical edition, we researched and - in most
cases - were able to enrich the text by adding in brackets first
names, dates, and scriptural sources, as well as numerous, helpful
footnotes.
May the reading of these Memoirs portraying the life of a man
whom Pope Pius XI called "a giant of sanctity" inspire his spiritual
children, to whom this work is primarily directed, and all men and
3 Cf. Francis Desramaut, S.D.B., Les Memorie I de Giovanni Battista Lemoyne,
Etude d'un ouvrage fondamental sur la jeunesse de saint Jean Bosco, Lyon, 1962,
pp. 411ff.

2.8 Page 18

▲back to top


xii
EDITOR'S PREFACE
women of good will to walk their own path of life in a spirit of
service to God and man.
Fr. Diego Borgatello, S.D.B.
Editor-in-chief
New Rochelle, N.Y.
June 5, 1965
124th Anniversary of Don Bosco's Ordination
NOTE
Starting with this volume - and continuing through Volume X
- we will omit material from the original text that is of little
interest to American readers and of no direct consequence to these
biographical memoirs. Such omissions will always be pointed out in
the footnotes, except when they concern Letture Cattoliche [Cath-
olic Readings] in which case dots will be used.
New Rochelle, N.Y.
June 9, 1970
Fr. Diego Borgatello, S.D.B.
Editor-in-chief

2.9 Page 19

▲back to top


Acknowledgments
For the publication of The Biographical Memoirs of Saint
John Bosco we owe a debt of gratitude to the Reverend August
Bosio, S.D.B., Provincial emeritus of the Salesians in the eastern
United States and sponsor of this project, and to the Very Reverend
John J. Malloy, S.D.B., his successor in office.
As regards this volume, we wish to express special thanks to Rev.
Paul Aronica, S.D.B., Head of the English Department of Don
Bosco College, Newton, New Jersey, for his editorial assistance.
We are also grateful to those who have helped in one way or an-
other: in particular, Rev. Guido Favini, S.D.B., Secretary General
of the Salesian Cooperators, Turin, Italy; Rev. Arnold Buja, S.D.B.,
Librarian of the Don Bosco Technical High School in Rosemead,
California; Mr. Joseph Isola of the Paulist Press in New York City.
We also wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the Ufficio
Stampa of the Salesian Motherhouse in Turin, Italy, for its Dizio-
nario Biografico dei Salesiani, a valuable source of many footnotes
in this volume.
Rev. Diego Borgatello, S.D.B.
Editor-in-chief
EDITORIAL BOARD
Rev. Diego Borgatello, S.D.B., Chairman
Rev. Henry A. Sarnowski, S.D.B., Secretary
Rev. Paul Aronica, S.D.B.
Rev. Joseph Bajorek, S.D.B.
Rev. Emil Fardellone, S.D.B.
Rev. William Kelley, S.D.B.
Rev. Peter Lappin, S.D.B.
Rev. Joseph Perozzi, S.D.B.
Rev. Gustave Sigwart, S.D.B.
Rev. Chester Wisniewski, S.D.B.
xiii

2.10 Page 20

▲back to top


3 Pages 21-30

▲back to top


3.1 Page 21

▲back to top


Contents
DEDICATION
v-vii
EDITOR'S PREFACE
ix
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
xiii
SALESIAN GLOSSARY
xix
1 A Boy's Spiritual Progress
1
2 A Tribute to Pius IX .
10
3 Deathbed Conversions
16
4 A New Recruit
21
5 A Sermon on Purity
26
6 Fatherly Vigilance
35
7 A Fervent Novena
42
8 Forming the Heart
45
9 The End of the Year
54
10 Predictions and Fulfillment
59
11 War Clouds over Piedmont
69
12 A Heartwarming Biography
76
13 The Festive Oratories
82
14 Divine Providence
92
15 A New Sodality at the Oratory
102
16 A Thorough Education
108
17 War Against Austria .
119
18 Assistance to War Prisoners
126
xv

3.2 Page 22

▲back to top


xvi
19 A Lost Sheep
20 A Cherished Yearly Event
21 A Delicate Mission
22 Kind Firmness
23 In Mary's Honor
24 Birth of the Salesian Society
25 Adverse Criticism
26 Fatherly Exhortations
27 Fatherly Exhortations (Continued)
28 Don Bosco's Almanac
29 The Preventive System in Action
30 Holy Expedients .
31 Holy Expedients (Continued)
32 Holy Expedients (Continued)
33 Young Converts
34 Holy Shrewdness
35 Love for the Church
36 A Gift to the Pope
37 An Eventful Trip
38 Church Harassment
39 A House Search at the Oratory
40 A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
41 A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
42 Oratory Family Life
43 New Undertakings
44 A Second House Search at the Oratory
CONTENTS
132
140
155
158
168
176
184
193
201
205
209
223
239
256
269
274
280
287
295
302
306
316
324
335
341
347

3.3 Page 23

▲back to top


CONTENTS
xvii
45 A Plea for Justice
360
46 A Painful Loss
369
47 A Cardinal's Visit to the Oratory .
375
48 A Stand for Survival
379
49 A Stand for Survival (Continued)
384
50 Good out of Evil .
395
51 Plans for Expansion
400
52 A Dream: Fourteen Tables
409
53 A Providential Takeover
418
54 Fostering Vocations
429
55 A Yearly Outing .
436
56 Heavenly Promptings
444
57 Special Charisms .
453
58 Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
459
59 Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
464
60 Don Bosco's Almanac, 1861 .
472
61 A Dream: Consciences Revealed
475
62 A Dream: Consciences Revealed (Continued)
484
63 A Memorable Retreat
492
64 Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
502
65 A Dream: Hiking to Heaven .
508
66 Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
521
67 A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
530
68 A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
545
69 Heavenly Protection
558
70 Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
567
71 A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
574

3.4 Page 24

▲back to top


xviii
72 A Regrettable Rift
73 Noteworthy Incidents
74 The 1861 Yearly Outing .
75 Helping Priestly Vocations
76 Noteworthy Incidents (Continued)
77 Year's End, 1861
APPENDICES
INDEX
CONTENTS
587
597
608
615
620
629
633
667

3.5 Page 25

▲back to top


SALESIAN GLOSSARY
(For the General Reading Public)
ARTISANS: trade school students.
AssISTANCE: Salesian method of supervision of boys and students, friendly
and informal in manner, stressing the prevention of disorders rather than
the punishment of offenders.
Ass1sTANT: a Salesian engaged in supervising boys.
CLERIC: a member of the Salesian Society training for the priesthood.
COADJUTOR: a lay member of the Salesian Society.
COMPANION OF YOUTH, THE: a prayer book composed by St. John Bosco
for the use of boys, originally entitled ll Giovane Provveduto.
COOPERATOR: one who contributes in any manner to the development of
Salesian work.
EXERCISE FOR A HAPPY DEATH: a monthly practice of piety that promotes
spiritual recollection and fervor by meditation on one's eventual death.
It stresses the reception of the sacraments of Confession and Holy Com-
munion as if for the last time.
FESTIVE ORATORY: a Salesian work which offers boys and young men or-
ganized recreational, educational, and religious activities mostly on
Sundays and festive days.
The Festive Oratory was St. John Bosco's first work and, for a good
many years, his only one. He called it "oratory," that is, a place of prayer,
because its primary purpose was to teach boys to go to church and pray.
"Its objectives were the practice of religion and virtue, the boys' moral
education, and, consequently, the salvation of their souls; recreation, enter-
tainment, singing, and schooling, which followed in due time, were only
the means." (The Biographical Memoirs of St. John Bosco, Vol. II, p. 71.
See also Vol. III, pp. 67f)
Goon NIGHT: a short talk immediately after night prayers, given by the
Director or someone in his stead. It consists of advice, exhortations, or
occasional remarks.
ORATORY: see Festive Oratory, Oratory of St. Francis de Sales.
ORATORY, THE: abbreviated form of "The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales."
(See below)
ORATORY OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, THE: the first festive oratory and the
first boarding school for boys founded by St. John Bosco in a district of
Turin known as Valdocco; the motherhouse of the Salesian Congregation.
On a rainy night of May 1847 a hungry youngster, drenched from head to
foot, knocked at Don Bosco's door. Don Bosco's mother fed him and pre-
pared a place for him to sleep. (See The Biographical Memoirs of St. John
Bosco, Vol. III, pp. 141:ff) Thus, side by side with the festive oratory there
began a hospice that eventually grew into a large boarding school and be-
came the motherhouse of the Salesian Congregation.
PREVENTIVE SYSTEM: the Salesian method of education and discipline,
based on reason and religion. It stresses vigilance, guidance, and sym-
pathetic understanding in the training of the young.
VALDOcco: a district of Turin.
The name is probably a contraction of the Latin vallis occisorum, the
valley of the slain - i.e., some soldiers of the Tbeban Legion who were
martyred under Emperor Maximian. The Salesian motherhouse stands on the
site of their martyrdom. (See The Biographical Memoirs of St. John Bosco,
Vol. II, pp. 233ff, 268)

3.6 Page 26

▲back to top


3.7 Page 27

▲back to top


THE
BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS
OF
SAINT JOHN BOSCO

3.8 Page 28

▲back to top


3.9 Page 29

▲back to top


CHAPTER 1
A Boy's Spiritual Progress
IN 1889, an elderly priest, who, first as a boy, then as a
cleric, spent many years at the Oratory zealously shielding many
youngsters from moral pitfalls, gave us his impressions of Don
Bosco in writing:
As a priest, Don Bosco showed by word and example how one might
serve the Lord lovingly and loyally in any state of life. The Gospel tells
us that "whoever carries out and teaches [the least of the command-
ments] shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." [Matt. 5, 19]
On this score Don Bosco can and must be ranked among the greatest of
his century and of all the Christian era.
With no means of his own, he erected a marvelous edifice that as-
tounds our generation and will last for years to come amid universal
admiration. He was but an instrument of God in this great undertaking.
God willed it; God sustains it; God will bring it to completion according
to His unfathomable designs, regardless of its frail, human components
whose deficiencies will be offset by His grace.
Don Bosco was a man of mystery sent by God to prove beyond doubt
the strength of one who fully trusts in Him. An enlightened judge of his
contemporaries and his times, a priest of firm character, unwavering
purpose, unerring farsightedness, incomparable tact, and boundless trust
in Divine Providence, Don Bosco brought to reality - almost magically
- every plan he conceived, despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles,
by believing that God would provide. Apparently, the word "impossible"
was as unknown to him as to Napoleon, though the latter's aims and
means were quite different.
God alone knows what obstacles Don Bosco had to overcome in es-
tablishing his work. In view of this, God fittingly endowed him with a
strong, well-formed body of slightly more than medium height. A mod-
1

3.10 Page 30

▲back to top


2
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
erate pace and a simple bearing bespoke his thoughtful, tranquil mien,
so unassuming as to give no clue to his real worth.
If I may be allowed the comparison, I would say that the slight sway
in his walk suggested that good friend of the farmer - the ox - whose
meekness, strength, and constancy in pulling the plow through rough
and rocky soil he seemed to imitate.
But Don Bosco's most striking trait was his glance - kindly, yet
penetrating the heart's inmost recesses; a glance which charmed, frigh-
tened, or crushed, as the case might be. In my life I never saw the like
of it. Generally his portraits, even his photographs, do not bring this
out; they simply make him a good-natured man.
Amid the hustle and bustle of daily life and its problems, Don Bosco
was ever self-possessed, unalterably jovial and smiling. Though he was
extremely sensitive by nature, rarely, if ever, did I see him lose his per-
fect self-control. His many lovable traits so charmed those who were
lucky to be in close contact with him, that they not only admired him
to the point of veneration but, prompted by love, became his servants,
his very slaves.
The happy family spirit that reigned between him and his boys
smoothed his rough path and comforted him in his toilsome, thorny
undertakings. Occasionally he shook off some burdensome thought by
exclaiming, "Oh, let things go as they will, as long as they go the right
way!" At other times, when hearsay and opposition hurt him deeply,
he would tell the boy nearest him, "Tom (or whatever his name), let's
keep smiling and doing good! Never mind what people say!" Or else he
would say to those around him, "You are my dear little rascals! I'd
rather have you than all the comforts of the rich!"
His boys' heartfelt love was his greatest comfort. Unconsciously their
affection, which dulled life's sharp thorns, sustained and preserved his
precious life which would otherwise have easily come to a premature
end. As for himself, he did all he could not to let them even suspect the
anxieties and sorrows of his arduous mission. To keep them in good
spirits, he composed a funny little ditty dearly remembered at the Ora-
tory to this very day. Andiamo, compagni! [Let's go, fellows!] I can still
see our beloved Don Bosco in our midst and I hear him call: "Is
Chiapale 1 here?"
"Yes, Father."
"Good! Shall we sing our song? Sing out, son!" And he would join
in with his rich silvery voice and sing it to the end, as if enjoying the
refreshing comfort of an oasis in a scorching desert.
1 He later became a diocesan priest. [Editor]

4 Pages 31-40

▲back to top


4.1 Page 31

▲back to top


A Boy's Spiritual Progress
3
His favorite exclamation was: Servite Domino in laetitia! [Serve the
Lord with gladness!] He considered it an indispensable requisite for the
sound education of youth. Strongly opposed to secretiveness and hidden
corners, during playtime he wanted his boys to exercise physically and
to practice vocal and instrumental music. He himself eagerly joined
them to open the eyes of some who, ill-advisedly, shied away from such
activities.
"I want to see my boys running and playing to their hearts' content,"
he would say, "because then I know what they're doing!" Hence, he
had the more skillful ones take in tow the timid and bashful to teach
them games and keep them happy. Also, fond of vocal and instrumental
music, he started classes for both choir and band after supper. In the
first years of the Oratory he himself set several sacred hymns to music
and composed a simple Tantum Ergo for the more important feasts. I
felr privileged to sing it with my schoolmates in 1858. I believe it can
still be found in the Oratory's music files.
The holy, mutual affection steadily flowing between the Oratory
boys and Don Bosco rose not only from his virtuous life and his
boys' gratitude, but from their realization that their spiritual Father,
by choosing to remain poor, in truth identified with them. In imita-
tion of Our Savior, Don Bosco loved the poor above all others and
from among their children selected his followers. Noteworthy is
the reason he gives in a letter to Baron Feliciano Ricci [des Ferres]
for not accepting a boy the nobleman had recommended:
My dear Baron,
Turin, May 4, 1858
I am sorry the boy Rosso came, only to be asked to return home. At
present we have no room. Besides, his mother, who accompanied him,
was so fashionably decked out that I should have sought her help rather
than have offered mine. I cannot take among my poor boys the sons of
those who come to beg dressed in grand style. But this is a secondary
reason. Lack of space is the real reason for not taking the boy.
I hope you will kindly excuse me if I could not cooperate in your
charitable intention this time. Please, say a prayer for me. On my part
I shall invoke God's blessing on you and your family.
Your grateful, devoted servant,
Fr. John Bosco

4.2 Page 32

▲back to top


4
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
The lowliest and neediest boys were Don Bosco's favorites.
Among them were some real gems of virtue. Let us just mention
one.
Michael Magone 2 burst into the Oratory like a spirited, untamed
colt. Gradually, through frequent reception of the sacraments, he
became a model of patience. Before going to Don Bosco for con-
fession, he would carefully prepare himself, kneeling erect and mo-
tionless on the bare floor some four or five hours, letting all the
others go ahead of him.
After church services, he would stop by the altar of the Blessed
Sacrament or of the Blessed Virgin to continue his prayers. Now
and then, his companions, pushing their way out of church, would
accidentally bump into him, trip or step over him, but he took no
notice and tranquilly went on praying. On the other hand, when at
play, he covered every square foot of the playground. There was
no game he did not excel in, but on the first stroke of the bell he
promptly reported to his place of duty. During this school year
[1857-58] he studied so hard as to take two years of Latin and go
on to Latin ill. His rapid progress stemmed from his most ardent
devotion to the Blessed Virgin. Asked how he manag~d with diffi-
cult assignments, he would reply, "I pray to the Blessed Virgin. She
enlightens me and makes me understand things I could never other-
wise figure out." On a little holy picture which he kept as a book-
mark and took out when studying, he had written: Virgo Parens,
studiis semper adesto meis! [Virgin Mother, help me always in my
studies!] His copybooks, papers, textbooks, and even his desk
carried the inscription, Sedes Sapientiae, ora pro me! [Seat of Wis-
dom, pray for me!] He joined the choir to give glory to Her and
Her Divine Son with his silvery, melodious voice at solemn church
services. While Don Bosco was away in Rome,3 Michael had taken
part in the Easter spiritual retreat of the festive oratory boys and
had made his general confession. Then he had written a short letter
to Don Bosco, telling him that the Blessed Virgin had spoken to
him, urging him to become good and assuring him that She Herself
would teach him to fear, love, and serve God. When Don Bosco
returned, Michael asked if he could make a vow never to waste a
moment of time, but was allowed only to make a promise. Indeed,
2 See Vol. V, pp. 487-491. [Editor]
B Jbid., pp. 523-602. [Editor]

4.3 Page 33

▲back to top


A Bois Spiritual Progress
5
God's grace inflamed this young boy with an ardent desire for
perfection.
In May of 1858, he resolved to honor Mary to the utmost. He
mortified his sight, taste, and other senses. He wanted to give up
some of his playtime, to fast, to spend part of each night in prayer,
but these practices were forbidden him as unsuitable to his age.
Toward the end of Mary's month he called on Don Bosco and
said: "Father, if you'll let me, I'd like to do something special for
Our Lady. St. Aloysius pleased Her greatly by consecrating his
purity to Her from his childhood. I want to do the same. I'd like
to make a vow to become a priest and observe perpetual chastity."
Don Bosco replied that he was still too young, but the boy in-
sisted: "Father, I really want to give myself entirely to the Blessed
Virgin. If I consecrate myself to Her, She will certainly help me to
keep my promise."
"Do this," Don Bosco suggested. "Instead of a vow, just promise
to become a priest if at the end of your Latin studies it is clear that
you have a vocation. With regard to chastity, make a simple prom-
ise to be most careful not to offend this virtue even slightly and
daily ask Our Blessed Mother to help you keep your promise."
Michael was satisfied. A few days later Don Bosco handed him
a slip of paper. "Read it and practice it," he said. Its contents were
as follows:
St. Philip Neri's Tips to Boys
To Help Them Keep the Virtue of Purity
1. Shun bad companions.
2. Do not pamper your body with dainty food.
3. Keep busy.
4. Pray often.
5. Go frequently to the sacraments, especially confession.
All this Don Bosco more fully explained to Michael on another
occasion with the following suggestions:
1. Have a filial trust in Our Lady; confide in Her, rely on Her. It
has never been heard that anyone trusted in Mary in vain. She will
shield you against the devil's assaults.

4.4 Page 34

▲back to top


6
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
2. As soon as you become aware of temptation, busy yourself with
something. Idleness and modesty can't go together. In overcoming
idleness, you will overcome temptations against purity.
3. Frequently kiss your medal and crucifix; bless yourself with lively
faith and say, "Jesus, Mary, Joseph, help me to save my soul!" More
than anything else, these three names terrify and vanquish the devil.
4. If temptation persists, pray to Mary as the Church teaches us:
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me, a sinner."
5. Do not pamper your body; guard your senses, especially your
eyes. Above all, avoid bad reading. If a book, indifferent in itself,
should upset. you, put it away. Willingly read good books, preferably
those which treat of Mary and of the Blessed Sacrament.
6. Avoid bad companions. Go with good boys, those you know are
praised for their conduct by your superiors. Mingle with them will-
ingly. Play with them and try to imitate their speech, diligence, and
piety.
7. Go to confession and Communion as often as your confessor
allows, and when you can, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
These same suggestions Don Bosco unceasingly gave the Oratory
boys publicly and privately, orally and in writing, adding: "Some-
one may call these practices of piety too commonplace, but I'd like
to remark that, just as the brilliance of purity may be dimmed and
lost even by a slight breath of temptation, anything - be it ever so
small - which may help one keep it should be considered impor-
tant. My advice is to be careful that we suggest easy things, lest we
frighten or tire the faithful - especially the young. Fastings, long
prayers, and like austerities are usually dropped after a while or
carried out grudgingly and with no heart. Stick to easy things, but
be faithful to them."
This was the path that led Michael Magone to lofty spiritual
heights and revealed the splendor of hi~ love of neighbor. Ever
ready to help his schoolmates, he wrote letters, swept floors, made
beds, cleaned clothes, reviewed lessons, cheered the downhearted,
interceded with superiors, taught catechism and singing to the fes-
tive oratory boys, nursed the sick - volunteering even for night
service - and readily forgave offenses. These things won him the
hearts of all. He used his influence for his schoolmates' spiritual
benefit with advice, exhortations, coaxings, promises, little presents,

4.5 Page 35

▲back to top


A Boy's Spiritual Progress
7
playful tricks, and wise corrections. God alone knows all the evil
Michael prevented and the good he effected. Passing over other
instances, we shall just quote from a hitherto unpublished letter
which Matthew Galleano, a classmate of his, wrote to Don Bosco,
describing two episodes involving Magone:
Once, Michael, taking a candle stub some three inches long, asked
me to go to church with him to pray for the conversion of sinners.
He was so nice about it I could not refuse. We knelt at the altar of
Our Lady; he lit the candle, and then we said the rosary. By the time
we were through I felt tired and made as if to stand up and go out,
but he gently asked me to wait. I stayed and prayed until the candle
burned out.
Again, one Saturday after supper, quite a few artisans were in
the reception room playing a guessing game called "mora" when the
bell rang for confessions. They took no heed and went on with the
game. Michael entered the room, said hello to all, and suggested they
go to confession. His efforts were useless. He tried another tack and
joined the game. After some fifteen minutes, he asked, "Hey, fellows,
why don't we go upstairs to the balcony?" Expecting to continue the
game in the fresh air, they scurried after him to the third floor. Don
Bosco's room opened on that balcony. Once there, Michael managed
to talk them into going to confession.
The charming goodness of Magone and several schoolmates of
his flourished and bore plentiful fruit largely because of their
obedience to Don Bosco's orders and suggestions. One evening,
after pacing the porticoes with a large group of boys for some time,
Don Bosco, feeling tired, took them to the playground. He squatted
on the ground and asked them to join him. It was not very comfort-
able but, lest they miss a word, no one stirred. Don Bosco spoke of
the great spiritual good that still had to be done and its urgent need.
Then, after saying that God wished the Oratory boys would help in
doing it, he exclaimed: "How much good could be done if I had
ten or twelve good priests to send into the world! Who will
volunteer?"
"I! I!" all cried together. Don Bosco smiled at their spirited
response and continued, "If you want to join me, you must place
yourselves entirely at my disposal and let me do with each of you

4.6 Page 36

▲back to top


8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
what I am going to do with this handkerchief." Suiting the action
to his words - as was his habit and as we have already described 4
- he folded his handkerchief one way and then another, rubbed it
between his hands, kneaded it into a ball, knotted and unknotted it,
spread it out, and again folded it. The boys looked on in surprise;
many could not grasp his point. Don Bosco then went on, "We can
do everything, if you will let me do with you what you have seen me
do with my handkerchief. If you will obey me, if you will do my will
- God's will - you will see that God will work miracles through
the Oratory boys." As a matter of fact, many of those boys did
place themselves at his disposal to share in his great mission.
Obedience was a virtue that Don Bosco incessantly stressed in
speaking to his boys, as, for example, one Sunday evening when
he substituted for Father [John] Borel. The cleric John Bonetti
took down the substance of his talk.5
At the end of May [1858], Don Bosco - for reasons unknown
to us - hung a picture in his room. The upper half showed the
gunpowder factory as it looked after the explosion of 1852 6 from
Piazza Emanuele Filiberto, with troops and the king rushing to
give aid; the lower half carried a portrait of the hero, Paul Sacchi.7
On each side of the portrait, Don Bosco hung a picture of the
Madonna and Her Child. On one was inscribed: "Souvenir of
Mary's month in the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Turin,
1858." Below was the invocation: "Mother of God, I love Him,
You know. Make me love Him more and more!" On the other
picture was printed: "Souvenir of Mary's month in the Church of
the Nuns of the Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament,
1858," with the invocation, "Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, make
us holy." Attached to the bottom edge of the lithograph was a third
picture portraying the Immaculate Virgin with joined hands, and
the following inscription: "O Immaculate Virgin, You, alone, did
vanquish all heresies! Come now to our aid, who lovingly have
recourse to You. Help of Christians, pray for us!" To this Don
Bosco added in pencil: Terribilis ut castrorum acies ordinata! [Ter-
rible as an army in battle array!]
4 See Vol. Ill, pp. 385f; Vol. IV, p. 294. [Editor]
5 See Appendix 1. [Editor]
6 See Vol. IV, pp. 267ff. [Editor]
7 Ibid., pp. 269f. [Editor]

4.7 Page 37

▲back to top


A Boy's Spiritual Progress
9
Perhaps Don Bosco put this lithograph up to replace the one
his friend, Father [John] Giacomelli, had secretly taken away
[years before] as a souvenir of Don Bosco.8 He took this one too
·for the same reason, but returned it some years after Don Bosco's
death. Father Giacomelli well knew his saintly friend's love for
Our Lady.
Don Bosco meanwhile kept working on Letture Cattoliche [Cath-
olic Readings]~ The June issue was entitled Joseph and Isidore, or
the Danger of Bad Companions, a story by P. Marcello . . . .
While this issue was being mailed out, on June 2, 1858, Don
Bosco wrote these few lines to Father Charles Vaschetti, assistant
pastor at Beinasco: "Pray to the Lord to bless our spiritual and
temporal undertakings, and we shall do great things. Get me a
million new subscribers for Letture Cattoliche."
Spreading this publication was indeed uppermost in Don Bosco's
mind.
s See Vol. III, p. 415. [Editor]

4.8 Page 38

▲back to top


CHAPTER 2
A Tribute to Pius IX
DuRING his recent stay in Rome,1 Don Bosco had
taken notes of incidents which threw light on Pius IX's personality,
especially on his jovial, kindly, generous character. Now and then
he enjoyed telling his boys about the Pope to their great delight.
The cleric Michael Rua faithfully recorded two such incidents,
as described by Don Bosco one night after prayers:
A charming episode occurred while I was in Rome. A Roman noble-
man, Count Spada, called on Pius IX one day on some important
business. At the close of the audience, the nobleman said, "Your
Holiness, may I have a keepsake of you?"
"What would you like? I will do my best to oblige," the Pope
replied very amiably.
"Something unusual, Your Holiness."
"For example?"
"Your snuffbox."
"My snuff is not of the best."
"It does not matter, Your Holiness. I shall treasure it all the same."
"Here you are, then. I give it to you gladly."
The count left more pleased with that than with a treasure. The
plain snuffbox, made of buffalo horn with two brass clasps barely
worth four soldi, was very precious because of the giver. The count,
in fact, shows it to his friends as a most revered keepsake. The snuff
was indeed of poor quality.
Another curious incident took place last year [1857] when the
Holy Father passed by Viterbo on a visit to the Papal States. A poor
1 See Vol. V, pp. 523-602. [Editor]
10

4.9 Page 39

▲back to top


A Tribute to Pius IX
11
little girl had just gathered a small bundle of dry sticks when she
noticed a carriage on the nearby road. Hoping the travelers would buy
her firewood, she ran up to them.
"Father," she said to the Pope, whom she had never seen before,
"do you want some firewood? Ifs very dry."
"No, thanks," the Pope replied.
"It's only three baiocchi," 2 the child insisted.
"There, take this and keep the firewood as well," said the Pope,
giving the little girl three scudi.3
The young girl, however, wanted the Holy Father to keep the bun-
dle at all costs. "Please, Father, do take it. It's really a good one. You
have plenty of room in your carriage."
The Pope and his entourage smiled at the child's simple insistence.
Meanwhile, her mother who was working in a field close by, recogniz-
ing the papal carriage, ran up crying: "Your Holiness! Your Holiness!
Excuse her. My little girl does not know you. Have pity on us! We
are so very poor."
The Pope added another six scudi to his gift and continued his
journey. As the news spread about town, the people vied with each
other in praising God for having given them so kindly and good-
hearted a sovereign.
To increase the boys' love for the Pope, Don Bosco decided to
make June 24 a celebration in honor of Pius IX in the three fes-
tive oratories of St. Francis de Sales, St. Aloysius Gonzaga, ;i.nd the
Guardian Angel. Since that day - feast of St. John the Baptist -
was a diocesan holy day, Don Bosco wanted all his festive oratory
boys to enjoy the spiritual and temporal favors the Pope had granted
them on Don Bosco's recent visit to Rome. As stated before,4 he
had granted them a plenary indulgence to be gained on the day
they would go to confession and Communion; then he had gra-
ciously given Don Bosco a generous donation to treat the boys.
The sum had been increased by the generosity of several laymen
of Turin who, in their eagerness to own one of those golden scudi,
had gladly bought them from Don Bosco at a price equal to their
2 A copper coin worth five centesimi, used in the Papal States until 1866.
[Editor]
3 A papal gold coin worth over five lire. [Editor]
4 See Vol. V, p. 595. [Editor]

4.10 Page 40

▲back to top


12
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
desire to have a keepsake of Pius IX's generosity. As a result, Don
Bosco now had five hundred lire to use.
On [June 20] - the Sunday preceding the feast of St. John the
Baptist - the boys were told of the celebration by their respective
directors. At Valdocco, Don Bosco enthused all by talking of the
Pope's warm affection for them and of his gift so as to encourage
them to persevere in their Christian duties. On [Thursday] June 24,
the boys flocked in numbers to their festive oratories to receive
the sacraments and to enjoy the Pope's treat. The celebration could
not have been more beautiful and joyful, but at the St. Francis de
Sales Festive Oratory it took on special solemnity because Don
Bosco had the Cattaneo Press print five hundred and fifty pictures
of Jesus Crucified to give out to his benefactors, and the playground
was festooned and arched with green boughs, flowers, and bunting.
Festivities opened the evening of the 23rd with the celebration of
Don Bosco's name day.5 There were recitations in prose and poetry
- the boys' own compositions - and a special song, the first
musical composition of the cleric John Cagliero.6 The band con-
cert was directed by [Francis] Massa. At the close of the enter-
tainment Don Bosco thanked everyone, spoke of the Pope, and
directed that the next day's attention be all centered on the Holy
Father.
Accordingly, after next morning's Mass, about a thousand board-
ers and day boys assembled in front of the church to hear a cantata
whose lyrics 7 had been written by the young cleric John Baptist
Francesia. Alternate recitatives and melodies expressed everyone's
joy and gratitude to the Pope for his various demonstrations of
benevolence and his recent blessing and treat. The cantata closed
with a prayer - featuring a soprano solo and choir background -
5 At his Baptism Don Bosco had been named after the Apostle John, but in
1846 the Oratory boys, believing his name to be John the Baptist - a very
popular Saint in Turin- began to celebrate his name day on June 24, the feast
day of this Saint. [Editor]
6 Cagliero had entered the Oratory in 1851. (See Vol. IV, pp. 200ff.) Or-
dained a priest in 1862, he led the first group of Salesian missionaries to Patagonia
and Tierra del Fuego in 1875, became the first Salesian bishop in 1884, and
cardinal in 1915. He died in Rome in 1926. In June 1964 his remains were
transferred and solemnly laid to rest in the Cathedral of Viedma, Argentina.
[Editor]
7 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

5 Pages 41-50

▲back to top


5.1 Page 41

▲back to top


A Tribute to Pius IX
13
that all men would revere and obey God's Vicar, that there would
be but one fold and one Shepherd, and that all the Oratory boys
would one day form a joyful crown for Pius IX in heaven.
Then followed an abundant breakfast marked with vivas, toasts,
and applause for Pius IX. The festivity closed with another song.8
This celebration was followed by the feast of St. Aloysius,
observed customarily with that of SS. Peter and Paul. Don Bosco's
regard for St. Aloysius urged him to spread devotion to the Saint
and set up sodalities in his honor in villages and towns where he
preached or gave missions, as, for example, at Poirino.9 Invited
there in October 1855 by Father Stephen Giorda, pastor of St.
Mary Major, Don Bosco enrolled the young lads of the parish in
an impressive ceremony. To this very day the sodalities Don Bosco
established in several towns and villages are still flourishing; the
one in Poirino observed its golden jubilee in 1905. It is therefore
easily understandable how eager Don Bosco was to keep devotion
to St. Aloysius alive at the Oratory, especially by the solemn
celebration of the Saint's feast.
In preceding volumes, we barely mentioned the celebration un-
less something extraordinary occurred, though - to be realistic -
at the Oratory even the extraordinary was routine. Now, though,
we cannot pass over the feast of 1858 or omit the comments
written by Count Camburzano, a talented nobleman, in the July 4
issue of L'Armonia. Justice can be done the article only by repro-
ducing it in its entirety.10
Count Camburzano, a devoted, generous benefactor of the
Oratory, also known as the Montalembert of Italy, this same year
[1858] witnessed Don Bosco's mysterious power of reading the
secrets of the heart. One day, on vacation at Nice, he had the
occasion to speak of Don Bosco to some members of the upper-
set nobility whose religious background was very poor. His stirring
account of Don Bosco raised more than a skeptical smile among his
listeners. One lady interrupted, "I'd be interested in finding out if
this reverend gentleman can really read my conscience. If he can,
s Omitted in this edition. We are likewise omitting an article about this cele-
bration published in L'Armonia on June 29, 1858. [Editor]
9 A small town near Turin. [Editor]
10 See Appendix 2. [Editor]

5.2 Page 42

▲back to top


14
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
I'll believe all you say about him." The bystanders applauded, and
then and there it was decided to put Don Bosco to the test. The
lady immediately wrote a letter to Don Bosco and sealed it. The
count enclosed it in one of his own, in which he asked Don Bosco
to comfort this lady who often became depressed and worried.
With customary punctuality, Don Bosco replied in these terms:
"Tell the lady that if she wants peace of mind, she must return to
her husband from whom she is separated." To the lady herself, he
wrote: "Your Ladyship can again enjoy tranquillity of conscience
by remedying the confessions of the last twenty years and atoning
for past failings."
The news of this lady's separation from her husband came
as a surprise to the count and to many others who believed her to
be a widow. On relaying the message, Count Camburzano found
that Don Bosco had undeniably been enlightened from on high,
because the lady herself admitted that she had broken away from
her husband. On her part, amazed at Don Bosco's personal note
to her, she promptly acknowledged that what he had written was
true. A few years later, the count assured Chevalier Frederick
Oreglia 11 that Don Bosco had not previously known this lady.
A remarkable trait of Don Bosco was his constant effort to
spread Letture Cattoliche. The July [1858] issue, with a Foreword
by Don Bosco,12 was entitled The Christian's Vademecum. It of-
fered suggestions for Christian living. Some were addressed to the
general faithful, while others were specifically directed to parents,
boys and girls, and domestics. Where morality holds up, faith
cannot languish and heresy cannot prevail.
Meantime Don Bosco thought of returning to Rome in July,
but then gave up the idea. We do not know what had prompted
the change, whether some matter of interest to the Holy See or the
spreading of Letture Cattoliche. Perhaps he was able to entrust
whatever business he had to others. That he had planned to go
to Rome we gather from a letter [of Count Rudolph De Maistre]
to a canon in Rome:
11 A distinguished layman of Turin, Oreglia came to the Oratory in 1860,
became a Salesian in 1862, but left in 1869 to join the Society of Jesus. His
name will frequently occur in these memoirs. [Editor]
12 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

5.3 Page 43

▲back to top


A Tribute to Pius IX
15
Very Reverend and dear Canon,
Turin, July 2, 1858
Father John Bosco - whom you met at my house in Rome - is
planning another trip to Rome to settle unfinished business from his
previous visit.
I thought it might not be indiscreet on my part to call upon your
kindness and ask about the availability of the spare room in your
brother's apartment which was used by the baron of Morgan. If it is
not available, I would be obliged if you would find some other re-
spectable place where Father John Bosco could have room and board
for two or three weeks. He will, of course, pay for it.
Reverend Canon, you know that Don Bosco - a most worthy
friend of ours - is easy to please as a guest and his company is edify-
ing and delightful. I trust that you will welcome this request as our
mutual friend and do us this good tum. I'm about to leave for France.
If you will favor me with a reply, please send it to Franceschina or
to my wife in Chieri.
I hope your mother is well in spite of the excessive heat. Please
give her my regards. My respects to you.
Your humble servant,
Count De Maistre

5.4 Page 44

▲back to top


CHAPTER 3
Deathbed Conversions
THE good that Don Bosco had done and was doing
through Letture Cattoliche had earned him such a reputation for
virtue and learning that people instinctively sought him when-
ever the conversion of an obstinate, dying sinner was at stake. We
shall add two more instances to those already described in preced-
ing volumes.1
A government employee at Turin who had enforced laws detri-
mental to the rights of the Church was grievously ill. He also had
not been to the sacraments for many years because he had lost
his faith through regular reading of irreligious publications. His
druggist, who had been told by the doctor that the patient would
hardly survive another day, promptly informed the pastor. The
latter, knowing the patient would have nothing to do with priests,
asked Don Bosco to try to save his soul.
Don Bosco went immediately. To his surprise, on calling at the
man's house, he was joyfully welcomed by his lively young son who
was a faithful member of the Valdocco festive oratory. His father
loved the boy very deeply as he was everything to him, his only
happiness in life. Sometimes the lad would offer his father the
crucifix to kiss; the man- though not religious -would comply
so as not to hurt his feelings. At other times the boy would say,
"Dad, let me ask Don Bosco to give you his blessing. It will do
you a lot of good. It will make you better." His father would decline
but always so as not to pain him. Later, the father would mutter
1 See Vol. II, pp. 130ff; Vol. IV, pp. 109ff; Vol. V, pp. 435ff. [Editor]
16

5.5 Page 45

▲back to top


Deathbed Conversions
17
to himself, "Such superstitions these priests put into the heads of
the young!"
As soon as he saw Don Bosco, the boy immediately exclaimed,
"Oh, Don Bosco! Come to my dad! He is very sick!"
"Is he? Then please go in and tell him I am here."
"Dad will surely be happy to see you!" he replied, hurrying to
his father's bedroom.
"Dad, Don Bosco is here! I can bring him in, can't I?" Without
waiting for a reply, he ran back, took Don Bosco by the hand, and
led him in, saying: "Come! Dad wants your blessing."
Don Bosco tried to hold back, wanting to know what the father
had said and insisting he be better announced than that. But the
boy did not give him a chance, half leading and half pushing him
into the room'.
The sick man gave Don Bosco an angry look which he ignored.
"How are you, sir?" he asked kindly.
"As you can see," was the dry response.
"Cheer up! Albert will pray for you, and I'll do the same."
"Don't bother. I doh't need that. Forget it."
The youngster, emharrassed by the rude reception, walked out
of the room. Availing himself of the privacy, Don Bosco went on,
"Don't you believe in the power of an innocent child's prayer? Still,
I didn't come here to talk about that. I just wanted to say hello. I
think highly of you."
He then began a friendly conversation that gradually softened
the patient and put him into a better mood. Noticing his favorable
reaction, Don Bosco said at one point, "It's getting late, and I don't
want to impose on you any longer. May I give you a blessing before
I go?"
"As you wish," the patient replied rather coldly but without ill
feeling. Don Bosco then called in the boy.
"Why are you calling my son?" the man asked him.
"I want him to say a Hail Mary with me for you."
"It's not necessary. Don't bother him."
But Don Bosco insisted, and when the boy came in, Don Bosco
said to him: "Albert, let's say a Hail Mary together for your dad.
He is quite sick, and we must ask Our Lord to spare him. Were he

5.6 Page 46

▲back to top


18
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
to die, you would be all alone, you'd lose your best and dearest
friend, and you would be exposed to moral dangers with no one to
guide and help you. Your inexperience could lead you to sad con-
sequences. And then, at the end of your life, how much you would
regret not having had a friend at your side. And what a tragedy
if you should perhaps be parted from your father through eternity!"
Such thoughts Don Bosco briefly, prudently, and strongly ex-
pressed to the boy, while meaning them for the father. Somehow,
he was describing the father's own life who had been an orphan
from his early youth. Albert was crying, while his father tried to
hide his feelings with only too little success.
"Come now, Albert," Don Bosco went on, "let us kneel and say
not one, but three Hail Mary's." After the prayers, he sent the boy
out of the room and said to the father: "Please make the Sign of
the Cross." The man indifferently obliged as Don Bosco blessed
him.
Then Don Bosco blandly inquired of his studies, the positions he
had held, his boyhood, youth, and adult life. The patient gradually
opened up and Don Bosco tactfully extracted from him all that was
essential for sacramental absolution while gently probing his frail-
ties. Finally, seeing that the patient was very tired, he said to him:
"Now, if you wish, I'll give you absolution."
"Absolution? I must first make a confession, and I have no in-
tention of doing that."
"You did already. What you told me is quite sufficient."
"You mean it?"
"I certainly do!"
"I can hardly believe it!"
"Now make an act of contrition and God, most good and merci-
ful to those who are sincerely sorry, will forgive you everything."
At these words the patient broke into tears and sobbed, "God
is good indeed!"
The emotion exhausted him alarmingly. Fearing he might only
last a few more hours as the doctor had warned, Don Bosco has-
tened to ask a few more questions. Then, since the patient was
willing to do all the Church required, he gave him absolution. Fi-
nally, after promising to take care of Albert, he sent word to the
pastor to hurry with Holy Viaticum. He came quickly and brought

5.7 Page 47

▲back to top


Deathbed Conversions
19
the Holy Oil, but had barely time to administer the sacrament with
one anointing.
Another time Don Bosco was asked to visit a critically ill notary
public in the parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Other priests
had tried to reconcile him to God, but in vain. Don Bosco had had
dealings with him in the past. The man received him coldly but
courteously. As usual, Don Bosco solicitously asked about his sick-
ness. His comforting words cheered and strengthened the patient,
but as soon as he began dropping a few cautious hints regarding
his soul, the man quickly interrupted him.
"Let's change the topic," he said. "You know my principles. I'll
never bring myself to a confession."
"Why not?"
"Because I don't believe in it. Look at these books."
Don Bosco picked up one of the volumes. They were the works
of Voltaire.
"What are you trying to prove?" Don Bosco asked him.
"Just one thing. I agree with Voltaire and therefore I will never
degrade myself by going to confession.,,
"You won't degrade yourself! Don't you know that this man
whose ideas you claim you share, whom you think the world of,
wanted to go to confession as he lay on his deathbed?"
"I can't believe that!"
"Yet it is true! And he would have made his confession, had not
his false friends cruelly prevented him."
And then Don Bosco described Voltaire's death. As the patient
listened with growing interest and feeling, Don Bosco concluded,
"Now I will tell you why I'm inclined to believe that Voltaire could
have saved his soul."
"Is it possible?" exclaimed the notary as a shiver shook his frame.
"Quite possible! From Holy Scripture we know only of one who
was certainly damned - Judas! God has kept us iin the dark about
others so that we may hope for their salvation."
"You really believe that Voltaire could be saved after all he said
and did and wrote?"
"God is most good and merciful, my friend. A single act of love
can wipe away any sin."
"Voltaire saved! I can't get over it!"

5.8 Page 48

▲back to top


20
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"I am entitled to an opinion on the matter. Therefore I may
believe that Voltaire was saved because he did want to make his
confession and was deeply sorry. He was only unfortunate in not
being able- to get a priest. But, if in his last moments, as he saw
himself on the brink of eternal loss, he made an act of love of God
- and consequently of genuine sorrow - it is certain, it is of faith,
that he saved his soul."
The sick man had listened in silence. He remained pensive a few
moments and then exclaimed resolutely, "I want to make my con-
fession. Get rid of those books!"
He made his confession at once. At eight that evening he received
Holy Viaticum, and at ten the Anointing of the Sick and the papal
blessing. He passed away before midnight with true sentiments of
faith, sorrow, confidence, and love of God, leaving in everyone a
well-founded hope of his eternal salvation.
Don Bosco returned to the Oratory with a load of forbidden
books, which he at once burned, telling his boys: "Let us thank
God for everything!"
We have reason to believe that Don Bosco opened the gates of
heaven also to many others. John Bisio,2 who from 1864 to 1871
acted as receptionist for Don Bosco, declared to us: "I can say that
Don Bosco was many times summoned to hear confessions of ob-
stinate, dying sinners. When on his return I asked whether he had
been successful, he invariably answered, 'Yes, he made his
confession.' "
2 An Oratory pupil and, later, a lifelong Salesian cooperator. [Editor]

5.9 Page 49

▲back to top


CHAPTER 4
A New Recruit
DURING the school year 1857-58 the Oratory enroll-
ment totaled 199 boarders, of whom 121 were students and 78
artisans.1 When school closed, Don Bosco, as in previous years,
went to St. Ignatius' Shrine above Lanzo with Father Cafasso for
his annual spiritual retreat. While there, he answered several of
his pupils' letters. His reply to the cleric Michael Rua was in Latin:
Fili mi,
Sancti lgnatii apud Lanceum, 26 Julii 1858
Gaudium et gratia Domini Nostri Jesu Christi sit semper in cordibus
nostris. Nonnulla monita salutis postulasti; libenter faciam et paucis
verbis.
Scito ergo et animadverte quod non sint condignae passiones huius
temporis ad futuram gloriam quae revelabitur in nobis. Ideoque hanc
gloriam incessanti animo et labore quaeramus.
Vita hominis super terram est vapor ad modicum parens; vestigium
nubis quae fugit; umbra quae apparuit et non est; unda quae fiuit. Bona,
igitur, huius vitae parvi habenda, coelestia studiose optanda.
Laetare in Domino. Sive manduces, sive bibas, sive quid aliud facias,
omnia ad maiorem Dei gloriam fac. Vale, fili mi, et deprecare pro me
ad Dominum Deum nostrum.
Tuus sodalis,
Sac. 1. Bosco
1 Boys taking an academic course were called "students" to distinguish them
from those learning a trade who were known as "artisans." [Editor]
21

5.10 Page 50

▲back to top


22
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
My son,
St. Ignatius' Shrine above Lanzo, July 26, 1858
The joy and grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be ever in our hearts.
You have asked me for spiritual advice; I shall oblige gladly and briefly.
Know, then, and keep in mind that the sufferings of this life are not
worthy to be compared with the glory to come which shall be revealed
in us. Let us therefore unceasingly and earnestly seek this glory.
Man's life on earth is a mist that appears for a little while, the trace
of a fleeting cloud, a shadow that was and is no more, water that keeps
flowing away. Hence, goods of this life should be held of little account
and heavenly goods ardently desired.
Rejoice in the Lord. Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else
you do, do all for the greater glory of God.
Good-bye, my son, and pray to the Lord Our God for me.
Your friend,
Fr. John Bosco
After his return to the Oratory, one day, as a crowd of boys
pressed around him, one of them - Joseph Reano - told him of
having seen an extraordinarily large comet. At this Don Bosco
remarked, "It may or may not be an evil omen, but unavoidably a
devastating scourge will smite Italy."
Meanwhile, the August issue of Letture Cattoliche, entitled
Anthony, Little Orphan of Florence, was out....
At this time, too, a new dining room for the boys was being con-
structed under the whole length of the 'Church of St. Francis de
Sales; an arched ceiling in the new basement supported the church
floor. The old dining room was to be converted into a kitchen.
Repairs and alterations were also going on at the Guardian Angel
Festive Oratory in Borgo Vanchiglia, as we gather from a letter
of Don Bosco to Mr. Alexander Bronzini Zapelloni, one of the
landlords.2
Though busy at these and other tasks, Don Bosco kept accepting
preaching engagements outside the Oratory. A letter of his to Count
Pio Galleani of Agliano tells us of one such engagement:
2 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

6 Pages 51-60

▲back to top


6.1 Page 51

▲back to top


A New Recruit
23
My dear Count,
Turin, September 1, 1858
I'd like you to know that I will soon be with you to keep my promise
of preaching on the feast of St. Philomena. I shall leave with the first
afternoon train on Sunday. At Cuneo I shall call at the bishop's residence
and then will proceed to Palasazzo.
I must tell you, however, that I cannot fully oblige and preach also
on the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady because on Tuesday afternoon
I must catch a train around two o'clock and return to Turin. A shortage
of priests and other duties deprive me of the pleasure of spending the
whole week with you, as I had planned.
God bless you, the countess, and your whole family.
Your humble servant,
Fr. John Bosco
Perhaps Don Bosco was in a hurry to ready the September issue
of Letture Cattoliche entitled The Youth's Guide to Salvation by
Claude Arvisenet, a translation from the French. . . .
A very important document clearly attesting the Holy Father's
benevolence and high regard for Letture Cattoliche introduced this
particular issue. [A few months before] Don Bosco had obtained
a singular favor from Pius IX - an order to the Pope's vicar,
Constantine Cardinal Patrizi, to send a circular to all bishops and
archbishops of the Papal States urging them to introduce Letture
Cattoliche in their respective dioceses.3
The circular had its desired effect. Letture Cattoliche now spread
not only through the Papal States but through nearly all of Italy.
Following the Pope's example, many bishops recommended it to
their pastors and the latter to their flocks. The increased circulation
brought great spiritual benefit to a larger number of people and
financial help to the Oratory. More people were reached and en-
couraged to lead a Christian life, work was provided for more young
artisans, and the modest profit enabled Don Bosco to look after
a larger number of poor boys.
3 See Vol. V, p. 579. In this edition we are omitting the reprint of this
circular, dated May 22, 1858, and the Preface Don Bosco wrote for it. [Editor]

6.2 Page 52

▲back to top


24
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
These and many other favors that Our Lady had granted Don
Bosco in inspiring him to go to Rome called for some special act
of gratitude. Another pilgrimage to the shrine of the Madonna di
Campagna [Our Lady of the Countryside] seemed the most natural
thing, for it was there that in 1846 the Oratory had obtained the
grace of a permanent abode in the Pinardi house.4 There was also
the added reason that this year, with the Holy Father's approval of
Don Bosco's plans [for a religious congregation 5], the latter felt
assured of his work's stability. At the pastor's suggestion the pil-
grimage took place on September 12. L'Armonia briefly described
it in its issue of September 21, 1858.6
One of the young pilgrims was a boy to whom Don Bosco had
predicted his future. Among the several Latin students of Our Lady
of Mount Carmel school who one day went to confession to Don
Bosco at the Oratory, there was one named Coccone. To him Don
Bosco said: "One day you will be a priest." The boy did not like
this at all, for he felt rather disinclined to the priesthood and made
this clear to his friends who now and then teased him about it. To
win him over Don Bosco asked him and his friends to join the
Oratory pilgrimage to Our Lady of the Countryside. About a year
later, though, the youth stopped frequenting the Oratory. Then, in
1861, Paul Albera 7 again came across him and attended classes
with him in the seminary. Fifteen years since his first talk with Don
Bosco, the same young man, now a priest, caught up with Don
TBuorsicno].aHs ehestewpapse1donuphistowhaiym
on foot to
and joined
San
him
Vito [in
without
the hills of
introducing
himself. As they walked and conversed freely, Don Bosco suddenly
stopped and, looking at him, said: "You are the young man I told
fifteen years ago that he would become a priest! Right?"
"Yes," Coccone replied, astonished. In God's plans this priest
was destined to do much good in the prison apostolate.
In September of this same year 1858, Divine Providence quite
4 See Vol. II, pp. 327ff. [Editor]
5 See Vol. V, pp. 561, 575f. [Editor]
6 See Appendix 3. [Editor]
7 Paul Albera (1845-1921) entered the Oratory in the fall of 1858, donned
the clerical habit in 1861, and made bis religious vows in 1862. Ordained a
priest in 1868, he filled important positions, became Don Bosco's second successor
in 1910, and remained in office until his death in 1921. [Editor]

6.3 Page 53

▲back to top


A New Recruit
25
unexpectedly sent Don Bosco another young man who was to be
a great help to him. We learned of this through Mr. Angelo Gam-
bara of Mirabello who wrote to us as follows:
Francis Provera, a fellow townsman of mine from Mirabello, had
excellent Christian parents. They owned a shop and wanted their son to
carry on the business for which he showed remarkable aptitude. The boy,
however, wanted to become a priest. His confessor, Father Joseph
Ricaldone, counseled him not to oppose his father but to bide his time,
see if he would be called to military service, and keep praying. When
luck favored him and he was not drafted, Father Ricaldone, who had
heard of the Cottolengo Institute and knew that it was seeking candi-
dates for the priesthood, sent Provera there with an excellent letter of
recommendation. He did not, however, broach the subject of fees, as he
expected the young man himself to see to that, with perhaps better
results. It should be noted that at this time Don Bosco was hardly known
at Mirabella. Francis Provera set off for Turin. A few days later, he re-
turned to Mirabello and reported to Father Ricaldone, who, from the
boy's beaming joy, took it for granted that he had been accepted at
Cottolengo.
"Oh, no," he replied. "They didn't take me. They said they had no
room."
"No room? Didn't you tell them that you could pay part of the fees?"
"No. They didn't ask me."
"Then go back at once. I will give you another letter explaining things
better. I'm sure they will take you."
"That won't be necessary," he replied. "I have found another place."
"You have?"
"Yes! As I left Cottolengo and was walking toward the railroad sta-
tion I saw a priest playing with some boys and lingered to watch. The
priest then called me and asked me a few questions. I told him why I
had come to Turin and he asked me to return and stay with him. I
promised I would."
Indeed, a few days later Francis Provera returned to Turin and be-
came the great Salesian we all know.8 This I came to know because
Father Ricaldone, the Provera family, and Francis himself told me about
it several times.
s Provera made his first vows in the Salesian Society in 1862 and was or-
dained a priest in 1864. More will be said about him in this volume and other
volumes as well. [Editor]

6.4 Page 54

▲back to top


CHAPTER 5
A Sermon on Purity
Hs the autumn excursion to Becchi was drawing near,
the October and November issues of Letture Cattoliche were being
readied. The first one - The Lamp at the Shrine - was a very
simple, moving story translated from English . . . while the second
- The Life of St. Callistus I, Pope and Martyr - was another of
Don Bosco's biographies in the series of the lives of the popes of
the first three centuries 1 ••••
These short lives Don Bosco used to narrate to his boys in the
Sunday sermons, inspiring in them respect and submission not only
to the Pope but also to bishops, especially their own exiled Arch-
bishop Louis Fransoni. A segment of the clergy had criticized this
prelate's line of conduct, but Don Bosco's boys and clerics firmly
and loyally stood by him. For example, this year [1858] on the
occasion of a religious celebration at Airasca, one of Don Bosco's
clerics was in the rectory with several priests. One of them - a
teacher in Turin - started to run down the archbishop, saying
his exile served him right because he had unreasonably denied Holy
Viaticum to Minister De Rossi di Santarosa. The latter had in-
curred ecclesiastical censures and had refused to make retractions.2
Seeing that no one was taking a stand in support of the archbishop,
the cleric stood up and vigorously upheld the prelate's action which
had been in conformity with Canon Law. Astonished, the offending
priest inquired who his youthful opponent was and, hearing that he
1 See Vol. V, p. 383. [Editor]
2 Pietro De Rossi di Santarosa (1805-1850), Minister of Public Works, Agri-
culture, and Commerce, died assisted by his confessor, and his exequies were
allowed by the archbishop. See Vol. IV, pp. 65f. [Editor]
26

6.5 Page 55

▲back to top


A Sermon on Purity
27
was one of Don Bosco's clerics, remarked: "We had better steer
clear of certain topics when Don Bosco's boys are around." The
cleric was John Cagliero.
Meantime, the novena for the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
had just started. At Easter Michael Magone had gone home for
the holidays to please his mother, but - also at Don Bosco's sug-
gestion - he determined not to go for the fall recess. His friends
often asked why, but he always managed to put them off with a
smile. One day, though, he gave one of them the real answer.
"I did go home once for a few days, but from now on I won't
go unless I am forced to."
"Why?"
"Because, once I'm home, the old hangouts, games, and pals
drag me back to my old ways. I am through with that."
"Why not go home with a little good will to follow our superiors'
suggestions for the holidays?"
"Good will is like a fog. It hangs around a while, and then melts
into thin air. Good advice helps for a few days, but then the old
gang makes me forget everything."
"So you think nobody should go home anymore!"
"I didn't say that. If others can keep from sin, let them go. I'm
too weak, so I'd rather stay here. I am convinced that if we could
see our spiritual condition, we would see many going home with
angels' wings and returning with devils' horns."
Don Bosco, however, did not want Magone to be cheated of a
few days' vacation and took him along with the first group of boys
going to Becchi.3 Among them was John Garino,4 who witnessed
what we are about to narrate.
The group left on September 30, feast of St. Jerome. As they
trooped along, Don Bosco had a chance to talk with Magone at
some length and to realize that this young boy was far more virtu-
ous than he thought. A storm overtook them on the way, and they
reached Chieri drenched to the skin. Don Bosco's great friend,
Chevalier Mark Gonella, who always welcomed the boys on their
s See Vol. V, pp. 223:ff. [Editor]
4 Garino, born in 1845, entered the Oratory in 1857. A few years later, in
1862, he took triennial vows in the Salesian Society. Ordained a priest in 1869,
he distinguished himself as a Latin and Greek scholar and a fervent religious.
He died in 1908. [Editor]

6.6 Page 56

▲back to top


28
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
trek to and from Castelnuovo, gave them dry clothing and served
them a lavish meal. After a few hours' rest, they again took to the
road, but Magone soon trailed behind. One of the boys, thinking
he was tired, slowed down, and as Magone got closer, he heard
Michael whispering to himself.
"Tired, Mickey?" he inquired.
"Not at all," he replied. "I can walk all the way to Milan."
"What were you whispering a few moments ago?"
"I was just saying the rosary for the good gentleman who treated
us so well. I can only repay him by praying to Our Lord and the
Blessed Virgin to bless his family and reward him a hundredfold."
We cannot overemphasize Magone's gratitude for any favors he
received. Often he would affectionately take Don Bosco's hand
and, tearfully looking up, say: "I can't tell you how grateful I am
to you for letting me come to the Oratory. I'll try to repay you by
my good conduct and by asking Our Lord to bless you and your
work."
After another stop at Buttigliera and a snack provided by Count-
ess Miglino, the boys reached Becchi toward nightfall. The novena
in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary was being preached by Father
[Michelangelo] Chiatellino.5
Sometime that week, Don Bosco called on a neighboring pastor.
His housekeeper, an elderly woman, was so thrift-conscious that
she had practically driven all the priest's friends away by her curt,
dry manners and ill-served skimpy dishes. She also kept the pastor
on a very lean fare; the latter, knowing her for a trusty old soul
who was guarded in speech, and truly pious, very patiently put up
with her when he realized he could never change her ways.
Don Bosco was well aware of the situation. In response to his
knock, the housekeeper came to the rectory door and coldly asked,
"What do you want?"
"May I speak to the pastor?"
"He is out."
"When will he be back?"
"I don't know. He may be out for hours."
"If you don't mind, I'd like to wait. Meanwhile, I am delighted
to meet you. I have heard so many nice things about you."
5 One of Don Bosco's first co-workers. See Vol. II, p. 437. [Editor]

6.7 Page 57

▲back to top


A Sermon on Purity
29
"Really?" the housekeeper replied, mellowing a bit.
"Certainly! You're Domenica, aren't you?"
"Yes, I am. But how do you know my name? Who told you?"
"Who told me? Those who praised you as an excellent cook and
a good-hearted woman."
"And who are you?"
"Don Bosco."
"Don Bosco? From Becchi?"
"Right!"
"Oh, Don Bosco! Please, come in."
"I wouldn't want to impose on you."
"Not at all! It's a pleasure. Come in, make yourself comfort-
able...." And she ushered him in while he continued to praise her.
"Surely you will stay with us for dinner?"
"I'd be content with a little soup!"
"That would never do!"
As soon as the pastor got home, she tersely informed him that
Don Bosco had arrived and dash..=!d back into the kitchen. The good
priest welcomed Don Bosco most cordially but felt quite uncom-
fortable at the thought of the meager meal to come. His worries
increased when the clock struck twelve and no word came from the
kitchen.
Presently, though, the housekeeper, beaming all over, announced
that dinner was ready. When the pastor saw the lavish spread, he
was astonished. Don Bosco tactfully kept complimenting her as
she served dish after dish. On her part, Domenica apologized for
not having done more due to lack of time, and kept suggesting to
the pastor the choicer wines of his cellar.
"How did you manage to win her over?" the priest whispered to
Don Bosco when she was out of hearing. "What's the secret?"
"I'll tell you later. Now enjoy your meal."
"Most willingly! Am I happy you came! Come back every week."
"Why?"
"It's the only way I'll have a break in my perpetual Lenten fast."
A generous dose of praise and the magic of addressing her as
"Signora Domenica" had truly worked a miracle, and Don Bosco
managed to win over the housekeeper's good will in anticipation of

6.8 Page 58

▲back to top


30
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
the time when he would take his boys there on an outing. He did
not fail, though, to give her a handsome tip.
In the evening Don Bosco returned to his boys. That day, they
had had a chance to admire Michael Magone again. They had all
gone in the woods nearby looking for mushrooms and nuts, or just
playing. At the height of the fun, Magone quietly slipped away.
One boy noticed it and, thinking he might be sick, went after him.
Michael, unaware of being followed, returned to the house and,
without a word to anyone, went straight to the little chapel, where
his friend found him kneeling by the Blessed Sacrament rapt in
prayer. Questioned afterward why he had left the group, he frankly
replied: "I'm very afraid I'll slip back into my sinful habits. That's
why I go to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and pray for help and
strength to persevere in His grace."
Another singular episode occurred in these days. One night, while
all were in bed, Don Bosco heard someone crying outside. Quietly
he went to the window. Magone was standing in a comer of the
little yard, looking up into the sky and crying. HWhat's wrong,
Michael?" he whispered.
Realizing he had been overheard, Magone was distressed. "Noth-
ing, Father; I'm all right." But when Don Bosco insisted, he told
him: "I was looking at the moon and the stars, Father. For cen-
turies they've been coming up every night to brighten the night and
they never even once disobeyed their Creator. And I instead, only
a few years old, have often broken His law and offended Him in a
thousand ways. How bad I am to have been so unfaithful to Him."
And he broke into sobs. Don Bosco cheered him and, somewhat
comforted, Michael went back to bed.
The feast of the Holy Rosary was nigh. On its eve, about sixty
more boys, including the choir, arrived from the Oratory along the
same route as the first group. The celebration was most edifying -
boys and villagers devoutly received Holy Communion, the choir
sang fervently and beautifully at Mass and Benediction, and Don
Bosco himself gave the homily.
Although even during the novena the boys had hiked to neigh-
boring villages, the real outings were always scheduled after the
feast itself. As in the past, so also this year, they lasted one full

6.9 Page 59

▲back to top


A Sermon on Purity
31
day or just half a day, the boys always starting from and returning
to Becchi - their headquarters - by nightfall. The number of
outings depended on how much time Don Bosco could spare for
that. Led by him, the boys received a warm welcome in Montiglio,
Passerano, Primeglio, Marmorito, Piea, Moncucco, Albugnano,
Montafia, Cortazzone, and Pino d'Asti. They also hiked several
times to the abbey of Vezzolano 6 whose history Don Bosco nar-
rated to them. Their last hike was to Mondonio to Dominic Savio's
grave. Some of his schoolmates had received signal favors from
him in answer to their prayers. Finally on their way to Turin, they
stopped at Castelnuovo where the pastor, Father Anthony Cinzano,
treated them to dinner. On reaching the Oratory that evening,
Michael Magone said to Don Bosco: "If it's all right with you,
Father, tomorrow I'd like to offer up my Holy Communion for the
pastor who was so good to us today." Of course, Don Bosco not
only approved, but, as he would on such occasions, exhorted all
the boys to do the same.
As winter was not far off, Don Bosco hastily took steps to get
suitable clothing for his boys by writing to Marquis [Alfonso] La
Marmora, Minister of War, for surplus army clothes and blankets.7
He also needed money for the new dining room which, from Decem-
ber on, began to double as an auditorium. To this effect he sent an
appeal to the president of the Society of St. Paul.8
Notwithstanding these and other material concerns, Don Bosco,
remarkably, never relaxed his union with God, as is evidenced by
his active priestly ministry. We are indebted to Father John Bonetti 9
for a detailed outline of a sermon on purity given by Don Bosco this
year. An attentive reading makes one sense its power, though his
voice, gaze, and warmth are missing. [On Sunday, October 17,
1858] Don Bosco spoke [substantially] as follows:
6 About three miles from Castelnuovo. [Editor]
7 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
s Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
9 Bonetti was enrolled at the Oratory as a student in 1855 at the age of
seventeen. He soon became a capable assistant to Don Bosco and filled important
positions in the Salesian Society. He was also a pro1ific writer. His best-known
work is the history of the first twenty-five years of the Oratory - Cinque lustri
di storia dell'Oratorio San Francesco di Sales - a valuable source for The Bio-
graphical Memoirs of St. John Bosco. [Editor]

6.10 Page 60

▲back to top


32
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
The Church consecrates October almost totally to Mary Most Holy.
The first Sunday is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary in memory of
countless favors and stupendous prodigies wrought through Her inter-
cession. The second Sunday honors Her maternity and reminds us that
She is our Mother and we Her children. Today - the third Sunday -
the Church exalts Her purity, that virtue which made Her the most
beautiful of creatures, the most pleasing to God. The past two Sundays
I spoke of Mary's glories; this evening I will tell you about this beautiful
virtue and show you how highly God values it. Oh, how happy I would
be if I could fill your tender hearts with love for this angelic virtue!
Listen carefully!
What is the virtue of purity? Theologians say it is a hatred and a
loathing of anything contrary to the Sixth Commandment. By this stan-
dard, any person in any state of life can keep this virtue. Purity is so
pleasing to God that in every age He rewarded most wondrously those
who preserved it and most severely punished those who gave themselves
up to the opposite vice. At the very beginning of mankind when people
- few as they were - abandoned themselves to a sinful life, Enoch
kept his heart pure. For this reason, God did not want him to live with
the wicked, and had His angels carry him off to a mysterious place
whence, after his death, he would be taken into heaven.
Later, men multiplied and, unmindful of their Creator, again steeped
themselves into the most shameful vices. As Holy Scripture says, "God
saw that the earth was corrupt." [Gen. 6, 11] Angered by such iniquity,
God decided to wipe the human race out with a universal deluge except
for Noah and his family. Why? Because they had kept the priceless,
beautiful virtue of purity.
Again, after the deluge, the people of Sodom and Gomorrah fell into
every kind of vice, and again God decided to destroy them - not with
water, but with fire. Yet what did He do first? He looked at those un-
fortunate cities and, seeing that Lot and his family had observed His
laws, immediately sent an angel to warn Lot to leave with his family.
No sooner had they done so than, amid frightful lightning and thunder,
a rain of fire fell on those doomed cities, burying them and all their
inhabitants. Lot's household was saved, but his wife incurred God's
wrath through a sin of curiosity. The angel had explicitly told the fugi-
tives not to look back when they would hear the roar of God's punish-
ment. Unfortunately, Lot's wife, hearing such blasts as if all hell were
breaking loose, could not resist a quick glance; instantly she was turned
into a statue of salt. Though saved from fire because of her purity, she
was punished for failing to guard her eyes. Thus God wants to teach us

7 Pages 61-70

▲back to top


7.1 Page 61

▲back to top


A Sermon on Purity
33
that we must control our gaze, that we must not always yield to curiosity
lest we become its victims, not just physically - as Lot's wife - but,
worse still, spiritually. Our eyes are the doors through which the devil
nearly always steals into our souls.
But let us continue. Let us imagine that we are in Egypt. There you
see a young man - Joseph - slandered and imprisoned for refusing
to commit a shameful deed. Does God abandon him? Not at all! Wait
a while, and you will see him as ruler and savior, not only of Egypt, but
of Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia, and neighboring lands during a terrible
famine. Who made him so glorious? God did. And why? To reward his
heroic purity.
I could go on and on, telling you how glorious is the lot of pure
souls. I shall just mention Judith, savior of the city of Bethulia; Susanna,
whose unshakable virtue was praised to the sky; Esther, who saved her
people from extermination; the three youths in the fiery furnace; Daniel
in the lions' den. Why did God work such astounding prodigies in their
favor? Because they were pure. Yes, purity is so beautiful, so pleasing to
God that at all times and in all circumstances, God never abandons
those who possess it.
But there is still more to be said. When the long-desired Messiah was
about to come, who among the daughters of Sion would have the honor
of being His Mother? One alone did God find worthy of that dignity -
the Virgin Mary. Of Her was Jesus born by the Holy Spirit. Why was
She so wondrously privileged? Again, because of Her spotless purity.
Mary was the purest, the most chaste of all.
Why did Jesus love to be with children, to talk to them, and to caress
them? Because they were pure! The Apostles, annoyed by their noise
and chatter, wanted to shoo them off, but Our Lord reprimanded them.
"Let the little ones come unto Me," He said, "for of such is the kingdom
of heaven." He then added that the Apostles themselves would not enter
heaven unless they first became simple, pure, and chaste as those little
ones. The Savior raised a boy and a girl to life. Why? Because - accord-
ing to the Church Fathers - they were still innocent.
Jesus showed a special predilection for John the Evangelist. When
He went up to Mount Tabor He took John along; when one day He
went fishing with the Apostles, He chose John's boat; at the Last Supper,
He allowed John to lean on His breast; He also wanted him as a com-
panion in the garden of Gethsemani and a witness on Mount Calvary.
Finally, hanging on the Cross, He turned to John. "Son," He said,
"behold your mother." And to Mary, "Woman, behold Your son." To
John He entrusted His Mother, the loftiest of God's creatures, peerless

7.2 Page 62

▲back to top


34
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
among women. Why this singular preference, boys? Again, because his
virginal purity above all endeared him to Jesus. Such was the favor
shown him by Jesus that the other Apostles felt a tinge of jealousy.
They even believed that he would not die because Our Lord had said to
Peter: "And if I want him to live until I come, what is that to you?" As
a matter of fact, St. John survived the other Apostles by many years,
and he had a vision of the glory enjoyed in heaven by those who have
preserved baptismal innocence. He himself wrote in the Apocalypse
that, borne to the highest heaven, he saw a vast multitude of people,
white-robed and girded with golden sashes, holding palms in their hands,
constantly following the Lamb wherever He went. They were singing a
song so sweet and beautiful that, under its spell, John asked his guide,
"Who are these that follow the Lamb and sing so beautiful a song which
others cannot sing?" And the angel replied: "They are those who have
preserved the virtue of purity. They are virgins."
Oh, how lucky are you who still possess this beautiful virtue! I beg
you, redouble your efforts to keep it unsullied. Guard your senses, fre-
quently invoke Jesus and Mary, visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,
often and worthily receive Him in Holy Communion. Be obedient and
pray. You possess a treasure so beautiful, so great, that the very angels
envy you. You are, as Our Lord Himself says, "like angels."
And those who unfortunately have lost this priceless treasure, don't
lose heart. Prayer, frequent good confessions, the avoidance of danger-
ous occasions, and visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament will help you
to regain it. Do your utmost and do not fear. Victory will be yours
because God's grace will never fail you. True, you will no longer be
among the privileged ones, you will not be able to sing the song of the
virgins, but that will not affect your perfect happiness. You too will
have a heavenly throne, so beautiful and majestic that the thrones of
mighty kings are as dust in comparison. And your glory will be such
that neither man nor angel can ever describe it. Finally, you will enjoy
the presence of Jesus and Mary, our most loving Mother, and of the
angels and saints who anxiously await us. Now and always they are
ready to assist us, provided we are determined to preserve the beautiful
virtue of purity.

7.3 Page 63

▲back to top


CHAPTER 6
Fatherly Vigilance
a:MONG the new students entering the Oratory at the
start of the school year 1858-59 was Paul Albera, who one day was
to fill the highest positions in the Salesian Society. As in the past
few years, Don Bosco continued directing boys to the Cottolengo
seminary,1 furnishing them with a short note of recommendation.
We shall quote one such note addressed to the cleric Frattini
who was in charge of the young seminarians, commonly called
"Tommasini." 2
My dear Frattini,
Valdocco, October 22, 1858
Anthony Melotti called on me to inquire about openings in your
seminary. Please see him and introduce him to your reverend superior.
It will be up to both of you to do what seems best in the Lord. The
boy's father is ready to pay ten lire per month.
God bless you and your labors. Pray also for me.
Yours affectionately,
Fr. John Bosco
First, Second, and Third Year Latin were taught respectively at
the Oratory by the clerics Secundus Pettiva, John Turchi, and John
Baptist Francesia, while the students of humanities and rhetoric
continued to attend Father Matthew Picco's private school.
At the beginning of the school year - and several other times as
1 See Vol. V, pp. 254f. [Editor]
2 Ibid., p. 254. [Editor]
35

7.4 Page 64

▲back to top


36
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
well - Don Bosco used to give conferences to the teachers, crafts-
masters, and assistants, stressing the importance of the spiritual
welfare of their charges. He would say: "Boys come to the Oratory.
Their parents and benefactors entrust them to us for either an aca-
demic, technical, or vocational education, but Our Lord sends th~m
to us that we may look after their souls and that they may find here
the path of their eternal salvation. Our uppermost aim is to make
them good and to save their souls for eternity. We must, therefore,
regard everything else as just a means."
We have a written record of one such conference given to all the
Oratory clerics toward the end of 1858:
On occasions I have the pleasure of speaking to all my children as-
sembled together; at other times, only to those living in the house; often
to only the students or artisans; now and then to the clerics alone.
The school year is well on its way, and that is why I am very anxious
to resume, as in the past, our get-togethers at least once a week after
night prayers because this seems to be the most opportune time. I am
not going to give you a sermon. I only want to tell you that what I most
earnestly wish and insist upon is that you practice what St. Paul so often
insisted upon and what God Himself recommended to Moses as the
latter was about to descend from the holy mountain - be exemplars,
genuine exemplars to all your students. You must be the path which all
the Oratory boys may safely follow. You must so behave as to edify all
who see you; you must try to help others not only by advice but mostly
by example. How can you exhort others to receive the sacraments if
you do not set the example yourselves? How you would spur them on if
you would edify them with fervent reception of the sacraments and
modest, devout deportment in church! On the contrary, what harm,
what scandal would result if the boys should unfortunately hear a cleric
speak less becomingly or let a word slip that is even slightly offensive to
the beautiful virtue of purity! St. John Chrysostom compares God's
ministers to fruit trees set in a fine, fenced orchard. How delightful to
behold their leafy, fruit-laden branches! On the other hand, what a dis-
appointment they would be if - being fruit trees - they were barren.
They would arouse anger and malediction because they encumber the
soil. We are like fruit trees. People come to us in search of good fruit.
What a shock if they find none!
St. Ambrose says that we should be like so many moons. Just as the

7.5 Page 65

▲back to top


Fatherly Vigilance
37
moon does not shine of its own light but receives it from the sun and,
being lighted itself, reflects it to the earth, so we too, since we have
nothing of our own, must take from God the Most High - Sun of
Justice - that divine word which enlightens men's minds. After using
it for our own sanctification, we must pass it on to enlighten those who
wait for us to light them the way to heaven.
St. Augustine used to say: "Do you want to know the meaning of the
toga which young Romans were dressed in at the age of seventeen? It
meant more than the age; it was a symbol of the knowledge, virtue, and
other qualities expected of one who wears that garment." So with us.
Under our clerical habit, we must wear the moral qualities demanded by
so holy a garment.
When Joshua had to cross the Jordan, God told him: "Let the priests
lead the way with the ark; the waters of the Jordan will be divided, and
the people will cross over dry-shod." And so it happened. The waters
parted: those above rose as a wall; those below flowed away and left a
dry bed. Thus, the Israelites were able to cross into the promised land.
We must do the same. With the ark of our faith, with our holy religion,
with our good advice and example, we must safely lead men from this
world into a happy eternity. Let us therefore do all we can to save souls.
You are surrounded by many boys who constantly watch you. Do your
utmost to set them on the right path by good example, advice, and
exhortation. Do this, and I shall be quite satisfied even though your
number is not greater than last year. I am sure the Lord will bless us all
and will continue, as in the past, to help us with His mighty hand, to
make all our labors bear fruit. Amen.
In his conferences, Don Bosco never tired of urging his young
clerics to be painstaking in their supervision of the boys, for it
would have been naive to assume that the Oratory could be immune
from human weakness. He himself set the example by his steady,
prudent supervision to prevent evil or uproot it, if it had found its
way into the house. During the Oratory's first twenty years he
showed up everywhere and - occasionally - when least expected:
in the dormitories, the workshops, the classrooms, the dining rooms,
and the most unlikely places. He took notice of the smallest things.
He wanted to know and see all. For example, two boys might be
loitering in the dining room leafing through the book which was
being read aloud during meals. They were considered as good, yet

7.6 Page 66

▲back to top


38
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco would kindly call them out. Others might be grouped
apart, discussing some project, planning a little party, or gambling
a few coins; Don Bosco would suddenly show up and send them to
play with the others. A boy might be walking hand in hand with a
pal or with an arm around his shoulder. Don Bosco would come
along and playfully remove the boy's hand or arm. "Have you for-
gotten the rule not to lay hands on one another?" he would ask.
"Well-mannered people do not do that."
One day in the playground he saw a boy arm in arm with a
cleric and the latter offered no objection. He did not intervene, but
later he remarked to the cleric, "I was sorely tempted today to slap
you publicly! Do you know why?"
"Yes, Father."
"Enough. Be careful."
Don Bosco was highly sensitive in this matter. On many occa-
sions his vigilance was baffling. He seemed to have a mysterious
sixth sense, which we shall further illustrate in due time. Often,
while at work, prayer, meals, or recreation with his boys, he would
suddenly call one of his co-workers and whisper, "Go to such and
such a dormitory; there are three boys locked in there (and he
would name them) reading an objectionable newspaper. Tell them
to get out at once." Another time he would say to a trustworthy
boy, "Go and tell the assistant 8 that in such a place behind the
porticoes boys are hiding. Tell him to chase them out." Or he
would say to a cleric: "Go to the top of the stairs and tell so and
so that Don Bosco knows what's going on."
These occurrences were quite frequent. In all cases, facts proved
that Don Bosco was right in every detail of place, persons, and
circumstances. But, while playing guardian angel, he also imitated
the angel's discretion and patience. The plausible motives of his
abrupt appearances, his goodness and simplicity, his constant show
of affection and esteem for all without exception, and his forgive-
and-forget policy were such that the boys felt no mistrust in his
regard. In fact, no sooner did they spot him than they all flocked
to him.
s Usually a young Salesian brother entrusted with the supervision of the boys
in practically every activity. [Editor]

7.7 Page 67

▲back to top


Fatherly Vigilance
39
From the time Don Bosco began to accept boarders [1847] 4
until about 1870, a touching scene would take place daily - after
dinner or, more often, after supper if there were no important guests
in the faculty dining room.
When their meal was over, the boys would crowd into the hall-
ways of the faculty dining room - a long and low-ceilinged base-
ment room with a single row of tables in the middle - waiting for
them to finish saying grace. At the prayer's end they burst into the
room causing a friendly crush as the clerics tried to get out against
the tide that forced them to squeeze against the wall lest they be
swept along. The boys unfailingly won, vying with each other to
be the first to get to Don Bosco at the far end of the room. What
took place next defies description. The more fortunate ones would
close around Don Bosco, the nearest resting their heads on his
shoulders, other merry faces forming a hedge behind him. Mean-
time the hastily cleared tables were being stormed: rows of boys
squatted cross-legged on the one closest to Don Bosco, others knelt
behind them, and further back more boys stood on them. Other
boys moved the benches close to the wall and quickly stepped on
them while late-comers filled every space between the benches and
the tables. The room was so packed that it was seemingly impossible
to squeeze one more boy in. And yet, some enterprising little fellows
would crawl under the tables and finally pop up near Don Bosco
for a fatherly pat.
It also happened often that Don Bosco, detained by work, would
just be starting dinner or supper. Still, he always joyfully welcomed
them. Almost deafened by their singing and shouting, indifferent
to the air made so heavy by the crowding that oil lamps flickered,
he finished his frugal meal while dispensing an affectionate smile,
look, or word to this or that boy. This daily, filial importunity never
annoyed him; in fact, he missed it when some casual visitor deprived
him of this family intimacy.
Sometimes he would signal that he wanted to speak. Instant si-
lence followed, and he would tell a little story, propose a little
problem, or ask questions until the bell would call the boys to choir
practice or night prayers. Clearly the boys' confidence in Don Bosco
4 See Vol. III, pp. 141f. [Editor]

7.8 Page 68

▲back to top


40
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
did not suffer one bit from his incessant vigilance, more acceptable
to them than the supervision of other superiors.
Like everyone else, at this time the clerics too had begun their
philosophy classes. Since the seminary was still occupied by the
army,5 and the theology students used the small unoccupied section,
the philosophy professors lectured in their own private homes early
in the morning, to the great inconvenience of the Oratory students.
Hoping to remedy the situation, Don Bosco respectfully wrote to
Canon [Alexander] Vogliotti, diocesan provicar and seminary
rector, as follows:
Very Reverend and dear Canon,
Valdocco, November 16, 1858
May I request a favor on behalf of our philosophy students? Their
class schedule conflicts with our own, especially for Mass. If the reverend
professors, Father [Joseph] Mottura and Father [Lawrence] Farina,
would kindly reschedule their classes for nine o'clock, the problem would
be solved.
However, if this is too inconvenient for them, I shall look for another
solution.
Respectfully yours,
Fr. John Bosco
These and other handicaps to the proper supervision of the boys
were amply offset by the efficacy of Don Bosco's words. Unfailingly,
at the start of the school year, his first talks to the boys would be
about eternal truths. One November evening in 1858, Joseph
Reano 6 took down one such talk at the Good Night:
Two things alone I fear: mortal sin which kills the soul, and dying in
mortal sin. (Deeply moved, he paused a moment and then went on.) I
fear that some of you may fall victims of your own negligence of your
spiritual welfare. Death skips no one. Ever since the world began, pa-
triarchs, princes, kings, conquerors (and Don Bosco named some of
them) made an appearance on this earth and then vanished into their
graves with the rest of their countless contemporaries. Billions of men
are now dust! Let us be convinced, dear boys, that our turn will come
5 Ibid., pp. 428f. [Editor]
6 Reano had entered the Oratory a few years previously. [Editor]

7.9 Page 69

▲back to top


Fatherly Vigilance
41
too. Death will come like a thief. When we least expect it, death will
enter our house and sever the thread of our lives with its scythe. Let us
therefore put our accounts in order with a good confession. Death waits
for no one - neither pope, nor king, nor beggar ... Be vigilant! Mors
non tardat! [Death tarries not!] What follows but eternity?
This holy fear of God, inspired by Don Bosco's words, was both
a guide and a brake for the boys' conduct; it trained them to manly
virtue and made them worthy of Our Lady's protection.
Don Bosco also kept alive in their hearts their love of the Church
and of the papacy by narrating the lives of the popes in his Sunday
morning sermons. This year [1858], when he came to Pope St.
Urban I, he took three consecutive Sundays to describe the hero-
ism of St. Cecilia. Knowing, as he did, most minutely the topog-
raphy of imperial Rome, the layout of patrician palaces with their
atria, porticoes, halls, and fountains, and the customs of the ancient
Romans, he described them in a lively fashion and vividly appealed
to the boys' imagination. The cleric John Bonetti attempted to re-
c0nstruct one such sermon from memory. Thirty years later he gave
it to us. Of course he could only put down what he could recall, but
it is enough to show us how Don Bosco in his homilies made use
of the smallest details in order to enhance his descriptions and dia-
logues and make them more impressive.7
On November 24 [1858], the choirboys and those belonging to
the band celebrated the feast of St. Cecilia. A deacon, Joseph Re
- now [1907] a canon of the cathedral- gave the homily.
A few days later, on November 29, a stroke carried away Father
Ferrante Aporti, who - as we have already said 8 - had intro-
duced new teaching methods in the "normal" schools in Piedmont.
He had been made a senator, had been unsuccessfully proposed to
Pius IX for the archbishopric of Genoa, and had also been president
of the Royal University of Turin until the promulgation of the law
of June 22, 1857. It is to his credit, however, that despite certain
opinions of his and his secular garb, he never took part in anti-
clerical legislation. For this he was several times frowned upon by
the liberal press.
7 See Appendix 4. [Editor]
s See Vol. II, pp. 148f, 165ff, 311f. [Editor]

7.10 Page 70

▲back to top


CHAPTER 7
A Fervent Novena
T.HE December [1858] issue of Letture Cattoliche, en-
titled A Christmas Novena by Blessed Sebastian Valfre, was mailed
out early in the month with the almanac Il Galantuomo.1 The no-
vena - enriched with daily meditations - was quite inspiring and
spiritually comforting; it also contained the [messianic] prophecies
and the major antiphons and psalms now found in The Companion
of Y outh,2 with the addition of a few hymns to the Divine Infant.
The Introduction 8 carried exhortations and suggestions for a de-
vout, fruitful use of the novena, while the Appendix contained two
circulars 4 commendatory of Letture Cattoliche, issued in October
by Bishop John Anthony Gianotti of Saluzzo and Archbishop
Alexander d'Angennes of Vercelli. Don Bosco was quite pleased.
Shortly afterward, he celebrated the feast of the Immaculate
Conception which was all the more joyful this year because of a
prodigious event that had made the world resound with the glory
and goodness of Our Immaculate Heavenly Mother. Don Bosco
narrated it to his boys several times, and later dedicated an entire
issue of Letture Cattoliche to it.
On February 11, 1858, Bernadette Soubirous, a simple fourteen-year-
old shepherdess in the little town of Lourdes at the foot of the Pyrenees,
went into the woods to gather firewood. She could neither read nor
1 See Vol. IV, p. 449. [Editor]
2 See Vol. III, pp. 6-18. [Editor]
s Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
4 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
42

8 Pages 71-80

▲back to top


8.1 Page 71

▲back to top


A Fervent Novena
43
write; all she knew was the Pater, Ave, Gloria, and the Apostles' Creed,
and she had not yet made her First Holy Communion. On reaching a
cave known as "Massabielle," she was about to cross a brook when she
heard the harsh rustle of a strong wind, though not a leaf was stirring
on bush or tree. Taken aback, she looked toward the cave and immedi-
ately fell on her knees, trembling with awe and fear. Above the cave,
in a niche of sorts, just over wild rosebush branches, stood in the air the
glowing figure of an unbelievably beautiful Lady. She was of medium
height; Her oval face had most delicately exquisite features, and Her
blue eyes were unspeakably pretty and attractive. She seemed about
twenty years old. Beauty, grace, majesty and gravity, wisdom and virtue
above human power of imagination shone from Her countenance. Her
snow-white robes were gathered about Her waist with a sky-blue knotted
sash reaching to Her feet. A white veil covered Her head and shoulders
and touched the ground. Her feet rested lightly on the rosebush branches
without bending them, and a full-blown rose sparkled on each foot.
Her hands, devoutly joined, clasped a rosary whose white beads, seem-
ingly linked by a golden cord, were gliding through 1Her fingers as if
She were praying, though Her lips were motionless. Her eyes rested
upon Bernadette.
Frightened at first, the girl took out her rosary but had no strength
to make the Sign of the Cross. Presently the Lady crossed Herself as if
to encourage Bernadette to do the same. Immediately all fear left her,
and joyfully she began to say her beads. When she finished, the vision
vanished. From February 11 through July 16 there were eighteen appari-
tions, always in the same place, and visible only to Bernadette. On
February 18, the Lady made Her voice heard for the first time. "Do me
a favor," She said. "Come here for fifteen days in succession." Among
the few other words She spoke either smilingly or with a touch of sad-
ness were these: "I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in
the next." "It is My wish that people come here." "Pray for sinners!"
"Penance! Penance! Penance!" "My child, tell the priests in My name
that I want a chapel to be erected on this spot."
On February 25, when Bernadette, at the Lady's command, began
to scoop with her bare hands a little hole in a dry, dark corner of the
cave, there suddenly gushed forth a fountain that to this very day still
yields over a thousand gallons of water per hour. On March 25, after a
third request to reveal Her name, the Lady replied with infinite sweet-
ness: "I am the Immaculate Conception."
No sooner had the news of these wonderful apparitions been noised

8.2 Page 72

▲back to top


44
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
about, than people began to flock to the grotto in tens of thousands,
astounded by countless prodigious cures worked by the miraculous water.
So many wanted to confess their sins and make their peace with God
that priests were insufficient to the task. This marked the beginning of
miracles which turned Lourdes into an everlasting testimonial to Mary's
power.
Moved by the narration of these apparitions, the Oratory boys
celebrated the novena and feast of the Immaculate Conception
with greater fervor and love than usual. At Don Bosco's suggestion,
many wrote out the various acts of devotion they intended to make
during those days. Michael Magone was one of them. His resolu-
tions follow:
I, Michael Magone, want to make this novena well. I promise:
1. To tear my heart from all earthly things and give it all to Mary.
2. To make a general confession in order to be tranquil at the hour
of death.
3. To skip breakfast every day in penance for my sins or to recite the
Seven Joys of Mary to merit Her assistance at my last hour.
4. To receive Holy Communion daily with my confessor's permission.
5. To tell my companions a story about Our Lady every day.
6. To place these resolutions at Mary's feet I intend now to con-
secrate myself entirely to Her. From now on I want to be completely
Hers to my very last breath.
Don Bosco approved these resolutions with the exception of the
general confession which Michael had just made and that of skip-
ping breakfast, for which Don Bosco substituted the recitation of
the De Profundis for the souls in purgatory.

8.3 Page 73

▲back to top


CHAPTER 8
Forming the Heart
THE Oratory steadily kept the excellence of its moral
and spiritual fabric. The secret? Don Bosco's daily short talk after
night prayers.1 He looked upon this task as a personal one and
would delegate it only when unavoidably forced to do so. In such
cases, he directed his substitute to limit himself to three or at the
most five minutes depending on circumstances. His advice was:
"Just a few words around one striking thought to impress the boys
and send them to bed fully taken up by the truth presented to them."
Needless to say, sensing his love for them, the boys would rather
listen to Don Bosco than to anybody else. Father [Hyacinth]
Ballesio - [an Oratory alumnus] - thus expressed himself in his
book, Vita intima di Don Bosco:
When evening classes of music and singing, grammar and arithmetic
were over, at the tinkling of a handbell, we gathered for night prayers.
I still thrill with joy as I recall that dear, sacred moment. A hymn was
started and three hundred voices took up the strain in an imposing
chorus heard far beyond the Oratory. Then, kneeling on bare stone
slabs in the parlor or on the porticoes, we all said our prayers aloud
with Don Bosco. How edifying was his posture! When prayers were over,
we would respectfully help him up a little pulpit. Just seeing him there
as he smiled and looked over us sent a shiver of joy and expectation
through us. In reverent silence, all eyes were riveted on him as we
eagerly awaited his words.
1 Since these short talks always ended with the words, "Good night," they
came to be known as "Good Nights." They have been a custom in Salesian
Houses since 1847. For their origin see Vol. m, p. 142. [Editor]
4S

8.4 Page 74

▲back to top


46
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
At this moment, lost-and-found articles were handed up to him
to be immediately retrieved by their owners. Then he would start
to speak. His whole manner told us: "Whatever I do, all fatigue and
hardship I endure is all for you - for your eternal salvation. 'Chil-
dren, hear the precepts of your father and obey them, that you may
be saved.' " [Sir. 3, 1]
He would give directions for the morrow, recommend a devo-
tional practice, mention some deceased benefactor, or briefly
explain a point of the catechism. On every possible occasion he
would exhort the boys to receive the sacraments frequently, without
however making it sound like an obligation. He coaxed them so
engagingly and inflamed them so ardently as to obtain what he
desired. He excelled in promoting visits to the Blessed Sacrament
and spoke in such terms of God's goodness, providence, and mercy
that he gave his listeners a foretaste of heavenly bliss. Whenever he
mentioned Our Lord's passion, his love would bum its way through
his words, or tears would well in his eyes and his voice would
quiver with emotion.
A surprising variety of topics kept everyone from tiring of listen-
ing to him. At his fingertips he had an inexhaustible store of anec-
dotes and sayings from bible and church history, from ancient and
modem history, from the lives of saints, philosophers, and artists,
from the works of John Gerson, famous chancellor of the University
of Paris, from the Bollandists 2 and many other authors. He spoke
too of contemporary events, drawing from them moral lessons
suitable to boys.
The moral and spiritual formation of his young hearers was not
Don Bosco's only immediate aim of these short talks after night
prayers; he strove, too, in appropriate ways, to capture their minds
and give them something to think about.
An example will serve as an illustration for many others which
we shall narrate in due time. If he wanted to treat his boys to a
picnic or some other diversion, he would instruct one of the priests
beforehand to interrupt him in the middle of the "Good Night" and
2 A small group of Jesuits in Antwerp, Belgium, organized into a society
in the 17th century by Jean Boland ( 1596-1665) for the critical study and pub-
lication of the lives of the saints. Jean Boland edited the first volume. His col-
laborators and successors were named after him. {Editor]

8.5 Page 75

▲back to top


Farming the Heart
47
ask whether he thought the boys deserved a treat. In reply Don
Bosco would raise objections of sorts and hem and haw. The priest
would press the point. Naturally, the boys followed the dialogue
with utmost interest. Finally, Don Bosco would yield.
These dialogues helped obtain promises of better conduct and
bring out breaches of discipline which he could adroitly and suc-
cessfully correct without hurting feelings. The boys' minds, too,
were kept busy for weeks. They talked about the treat, wrote home
about it, looked forward to it, and made plans for it. No room was
left for unwholesome thoughts. With this reason in mind, Don
Bosco promoted and excitingly announced forthcoming religious
celebrations, concerts, stage plays, and lotteries. Occasionally he nar-
rated extraordinary events, fascinated them with fantastic dreams,
or shared with them ambitious undertakings he was planning.
These "Good Nights" made so deep an impression on boys and
clerics alike that some jotted them down the next day to treasure
them and later again benefit by them. Revered Salesian and dio-
cesan priests and distinguished laymen have handed over to us many
such previous recollections of their boyhood in order that we might
make a copy of them. They are simple outlines, at times quite
lengthy. Unavoidably, one misses in them - though not entirely
- Don Bosco's holy unction and the impact of his spoken word.
Nevertheless, they have preserved much of his spirit and bring us
back to those happy days when the writers had the priceless privi-
lege of living with him. Now and then we shall report these precious
summaries of Don Bosco's "Good Nights." As a start, we shall begin
with six of them, given in December [1858]. Since their exact date
is not known, we shall simply number them consecutively:
1
Napoleon had faith, despite his hostility to the Pope, his pride, and
his boundless ambition. During his exile in St. Helena, he often spoke
amazingly of God. Once a general of his remarked: "You speak of God
as if you actually saw Him, whereas I cannot even convince myself that
He exists."
"Take a compass and measure the sky," Napoleon replied.
"Impossible," the general retorted.
"Well then, deny that the sky exists."

8.6 Page 76

▲back to top


48
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
On another occasion, Napoleon, noticing another general's obvious
ignorance of religion, took it on himself to teach him. At the end of the
lesson, he asked him if he had understood.
"Hardly," the other replied.
"Too bad," Napoleon continued. "I thought you were more intelligent.
I should never have made you a general."
Napoleon was a great mind; some of his writings could well rank with
those of the Church Fathers. At the end of his life he repented and died
a good death. But do you know why, my sons? Because as a boy he had
learned his catechism and had made his First Communion well.
2
At the university of ancient Athens, two students - Gregory Na-
zianzen and Basil - were great friends. They were very close, but
theirs was a holy friendship, aiming at mutual edification and spiritual
progress. Their devout behavior in church, their hymns and prayers
were matched by their progress in knowledge. There was another student
at that university, and his name was Julian. His features reflected an
evil disposition; his eyes betrayed precocious malice, his lips curved
into a haughty smile of contempt. The two good friends were quick to
1
recognize Julian for what he was and steered clear of him, though he
often sought their company. Julian ridiculed them for receiving the
sacraments or performing other religious duties. One day Gregory said
to Basil, "God help the Church if Julian becomes emperor. He will be
her cruelest persecutor." Julian was the youngest son of Julius Con-
stantius, half brother to Constantine the Great.
The foreboding came true. Julian became emperor, better known as
"Julian the Apostate," because he proved a most ruthless enemy of Jesus
Christ. But he did not escape God's wrath. After a few years of power,
he died in battle, blaspheming Him whom he had refused to acknowl-
edge as God. Gregory and Basil, on the contrary, growing in virtue as
well as in age, became two great beacons of faith and Doctors of the
Church. Both are canonized saints.
See then, my dear boys, whoever wishes to become truly great must
begin by practicing virtue fearlessly from his youth. A brave start in
youth gives one good reason to hope for the Lord's help in every need.
But if a youngster pays little or no heed to religion or, worse, mocks
those who care, he must fear, and fear greatly, that sooner or later God's
wrath will fall upon him.

8.7 Page 77

▲back to top


Forming the Heart
49
3
As a youngster in Florence, Philip Neri often visited the city's Domin-
ican monastery. More than once, he heard this story from one of the
monks: "There were two good religious who used to make their con-
fessions to each other before reciting Matins in the choir. One night the
devil decided to trick them. At the usual hour he went and knocked at
one of their cells and said it was time for church. Unsuspectingly, the
friar went down and, on entering the choir, saw his companion - or so
he thought - seat himself in the confessional. As usual, he knelt at the
little grate and began to tell his sins. To his surprise the confessor told
him not to worry about them. The friar went on to graver faults but the
response was still, 'Oh, give it no thought.' Acting on a suspicion, he
made the Sign of the Cross. At once there was silence. The friar asked
a question but received no answer. He looked into the confessional and
found it empty. The devil had vanished."
Dear boys, remember that the devil's favorite bait for leading one
into sin is, "Oh, that's nothing to worry about." Some friendships are
too sentimental and looked on askance by superiors, but the devil
whispers, "Oh, that's nothing!" It's the same refrain when one steals
from his schoolmates or disobeys superiors or breaks house rules. At
times, when one has grave doubts about actions or thoughts, or is
ashamed to confess them, the old deceiver keeps saying, "Oh, that's
nothing!" My children, I don't want you to see evil where there is none,
but I warn you not to listen to the devil when he whispers, "That's
nothing!" A fault is always a fault, and one must try to correct it. Be-
sides, let's not forget that "he who neglects little things shall fall little
by little." [Sir. 19, 1]
4
Once a young man called on St. Macarius in order to become a
disciple of his. The Saint welcomed him kindly and said, "Do you see
yonder cemetery?"
"Yes," the young man replied.
"Well, then," the Saint went on, "go over and shriek the worst insults
you know to the people buried there!"
"That's easy!" replied the youth, and off he went, to return an hour
later.
"Did you carry out my orders?" the Saint asked.
"Yes."
"Good! Now go back again and praise them to the sky."

8.8 Page 78

▲back to top


50
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Once more the young man obeyed. On his return, St. Macarius again
asked, "Did you carry out my orders?"
"Yes, Father!"
"What did the dead reply to your insults and praises?"
"Nothing."
"Good! Now keep this in mind. If you wish to be my disciple, you
must be dead to insult or praise."
My dear boys, being indifferent, for God's love, to whatever may
befall us, good or bad, requires great virtue, but I would like you not to
be oversensitive to praise or criticism, whether public or private. Some-
times a boy with special talents from God successfully performs a task
or excels among his classmates. Then he goes strutting about, giving
himself airs, showing off, drumming up praises. He may even look down
on others and feel hurt if he is not treated as he thinks he should be.
This is nothing but pride, and it can be very harmful. Such conduct
makes one ridiculous, hurts people's feelings, and sooner or later draws
God's humiliation upon him.
Likewise some boys cannot stand being criticized; much less can they
take a joke, a pointed remark, or an insult. They flare up, fret, answer tit
for tat, and look for a fight. God help anyone who just happens to be
present. This too is pride. It hurts charity, makes us forget the Lord's
commandment to forgive, turns our friends away, and makes us hateful
to all. Eventually, we may even meet someone stronger than ourselves
who will pay us back in our own coin. Then there is resentment, dis-
content, anger, regrets.
So, if we are praised, if we have no troubles, let us thank the Lord,
but let us remain humble, reminding ourselves that all good things come
from God and that God can take them back in a moment. If we are
blamed justly, let us correct ourselves; if undeservedly, let us bear it
patiently and calmly for love of Jesus, who humbled Himself for us.
Learn to control yourselves, for this is the way to make friends and have
no enemies. If someone delights in annoying you, your superiors will
stand by you. In conclusion, though, remember that he who is meek and
humble will always be loved by all - by God and by man. "Blessed are
the meek, for they shall possess the earth." [Matt. 5, 4]
5
A devout Catholic soldier kept fulfilling his religious duties in the
army post regardless of his fellow servicemen's unfavorable reactions.
The first night that he knelt by his bed, they booed and hissed, jeered,
mocked, and called him names. But, as he took no notice and calmly

8.9 Page 79

▲back to top


Forming the Heart
51
went on with his prayers, the rowdies gradually quieted down. The
following night they teased him again, but not so rabidly. Little by little,
before the month was over, they left him alone to do as he pleased.
Meanwhile, as the young man showed himself always ready to oblige his
army buddies by writing letters, looking after the sick, or substituting,
there came a change of feelings. He soon became popular and all vied
for his friendship. Our Lord never leaves unrewarded His faithful ones
who are not ashamed to go to the sacraments and to Holy Mass. It was
only fair therefore that He should give the soldier a sign of His protec-
tion. War broke out, and Belsoggiorno (for that was our young man's
name) marched to the front with his regiment. In the distance, enemy
troops looked like so many dark patches over which bayonets glinted
in the sun. When Belsoggiorno's unit reached a certain position, the
order was given to halt. The enemy had started to advance, but was still
far off. Remembering that he had not yet said his daily chaplet in honor
of Mary's Seven Sorrows, Belsoggiomo knelt, drawing a torrent of abuse
on himself. "It is time to fight now, not to pray, you coward!" some
shouted. But he paid no attention. Suddenly there was a scream and a
deafening explosion. Enemy batteries had opened fire. The agonizing
cries of the wounded and the rattle of dying throats filled the air. Dazed
by the shock, Belsoggiomo got up and found himself the only one left
unscathed among the dead and the dying.
See, my dear boys, how the Lord protects those who are not afraid
of the world's jeers and unashamedly show themselves as true Christians.
6
The last time I spoke to you, my dear boys, I told you how Our Lord
protected a soldier who was not ashamed to pray in public. This evening
I will say something more on human respect. How many people are
afraid to show publicly their loyalty to God! At times they bravely face
guns, swords, wild beasts, stormy seas, long and perilous explorations
through vast forests and limitless deserts, and yet they quail before a
sneer or a derisive smile! At stake is their obedience to God and the
Church in most serious matters, such as hearing Mass on Sundays and
holy days, abstaining from meat on Fridays and Saturdays, fulfilling their
Easter duty, refraining from foul talk, and so forth. Since doing otherwise
would compromise one's eternal salvation, isn't it sheer insanity to risk
the loss of one's soul because of what some fool might say - a fool
who later will laugh at your cowardice? Let us remember what Our
Lord said: "\\Vhosoever disowns Me before men, I in tum will disown
him before My Father in heaven." [Matt. 10, 33]

8.10 Page 80

▲back to top


52
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Look at St. Paul and imitate him. When he went to Damascus and
entered the synagogue, he fearlessly declared his conversion, frankly
admitting, "It was I who persecuted the Christians, but now I am a
Christian myself. Jesus is the promised Messiah. He is the true Son of
God." All were taken aback by his profession of faith, and even more
by his miracles. The sick were cured at the touch of his hand, or by
kissing his garments or anything that belonged to him. Thus God re-
warded his generosity in obeying His command. From a tentmaker, he
became the great Apostle of the Gentiles. In him were fulfilled Our
Savior's words: "Everyone who acknowledges Me before men, I also
will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven." [Matt. 10, 32]
These talks of Don Bosco were given in the first half of December
[1858]. Each talk ended as usual with a fatherly "Good night," to
which the boys heartily replied, "Thank you!"
When he came down from the little pulpit, the boys would press
around him, each still anxious to hear a personal, confidential word.
Calmly and amiably he would oblige.
"Time and again, when I was a boy," writes Canon [John Baptist]
Anfossi, "I could sense a gentle reproof or advice in a mere look
or handclasp from Don Bosco after the 'Good Night.' If I were
sad, he would cheer me with a spiritual thought without my
having to say a word about my problem. To all of us he acted with
equal kindness. Then, silently and thoughtfully, all would retire to
their dormitories happy and content, his last words, 'Good night,'
lingering in their hearts. His fatherly good wish and exhortations
had indeed prepared them for a good night."
Once the boys were in the dormitory, one of them read aloud
from a spiritual book as they prepared for bed. The reading ended
with the invocation, Tu autem, Domine, miserere nobis [And You,
O Lord, have mercy on us], to which not all responded with a Deo
gratias [Thanks be to God] because some had already fallen asleep.
Then the lights were dimmed. In the morning at the sound of the
bell, the assistant got the boys up by clapping his hands and saying
aloud, Benedicamus Domino [Let us bless the Lord], to which they
responded with a Deo gratias for having preserved them during
the night.
Let us now continue with our narrative. The new dining room

9 Pages 81-90

▲back to top


9.1 Page 81

▲back to top


Forming the Heart
53
in the church basement was ready for use. Since it was quite large,
it was decided to make it serve as an auditorium as well by setting
up a makeshift stage whenever the need arose. On this stage our
amateur actors, Dominic Bongiovanni, [Charles] Gastini, [Charles]
Tomatis, Cora, and many others, played their best parts. Dramas,
comedies, farces, pantomimes, mimicries, concerts, both vocal and
instrumental, well-known compositions of our own John Cagliero,
and humorous Piedmontese poems of Joseph Bongiovanni drew,
by invitation, the noblest families of Turin.
This basement dining room doubled as an auditorium until 1866.
Afterward the study hall itself was used for that purpose. Before
long Don Bosco drew up a set of regulations for dramatics.3
s See Appendix S. [Editor]

9.2 Page 82

▲back to top


CHAPTER 9
The End of the Year
DoN Bosco's zeal in fostering priestly vocations used up
nearly all his energies; his thoughts, words, and actions incessantly
aimed at this goal. It would be difficult for anyone to envisage the
extent of his veneration for the priesthood if a striking incident that
occurred during one of these years [1855-1858?] had not brought
it fully to light, proving beyond doubt, too, that Don Bosco could
see the future of many who came to seek his blessing.
One day Countess D. . . L. . . visited Don Bosco with her four
little sons. She begged him to bless them, and then she added,
"Please, Father, tell me what their future will be."
"That's a very unusual request," Don Bosco replied. "Only God
knows the future."
"Yes, of course," the countess continued. "Still, give me an ink-
ling at least by making a wish."
Playfully then, Don Bosco pointed to each boy in succession,
saying, "You will be a great general; you a great statesman; and
you, Henry, a famous doctor."
Overjoyed by these happy predictions, the mother heartened her
children to look forward to their bright futures, commenting that
they would not be the first members of her family to rise to eminent
social positions. It was now the fourth boy's tum to hear his future.
The mother anxiously waited as Don Bosco placed his right hand
on the little boy's head and gazed affectionately upon him.
"And this, my last one?" the countess inquired.
"I wonder if this one's destiny will please you."
"Oh, tell me, Father. After all, this is just in fun."
54

9.3 Page 83

▲back to top


The End of the Year
55
"Well, this little one will be an excellent priest."
The lady blanched. She was a practicing Catholic, yet - over-
powered by worldly consideration - she pressed her child pro-
tectively to her heart as if to protect him from some terrible
misfortune and exclaimed, "My son a priest? I'd rather have God
take his life!" Grieved and shocked, Don Bosco rose to bring the
visit to an end. So beside herself as to be totally unaware of her
insult to the priesthood and Don Bosco, the countess muttered,
perplexed, "What's wrong, Father?"
"My lady," Don Bosco dryly replied, "I'll have nothing to do
with a person who so demeans the most noble and exalted state on
earth. And I am certain God will hear your insolent prayer."
Dismayed by such a firm threat, the countess mumbled an apol-
ogy, but the visit was quickly ended. The next day, realizing the
full impact of her blunder, she returned to the Oratory.
"Please forgive my thoughtlessness," she apologized. "Try to
understand that, should my son become a priest, my family and I
will suffer. But I will not oppose God's will. I bow to it!"
"Countess," Don Bosco replied, "the trouble is that you despise
the greatest gift God could ever grant you and your family. Is it
a disgrace to be chosen to His service?"
"I am terribly sorry, Father. Please pray for me."
"I will, but God took you at your word the moment you spoke."
The poor woman left more distressed than ever. A few months
later, a relative of hers called on Don Bosco to beg him to visit and
bless the countess' child who had taken ill. Don Bosco excused
himself. The following day several relatives and friends and then
the mother herself came to beseech him because the boy was sink-
ing fast and doctors were still unable to diagnose his illness.
Don Bosco finally yielded. The young boy seized Don Bosco's
hand and kissed it. Then sadly and silently he kept looking from
Don Bosco to his mother. It was indeed a heartrending scene. After
a heavy silence, the boy gathered his strength and, stretching his
wasted hand to his mother, said: "Mamma ... do you remember ...
there ... in Don Bosco's room? ... It's you, Mamma ... The Lord
is taking me away . . . "
With a gasp the unhappy mother broke into uncontrolled sobs,
exclaiming, "My child, it was only because I love you so much.

9.4 Page 84

▲back to top


56
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Please don't leave me. I need you. Beg Don Bosco to cure you!"
Don Bosco was too moved to speak. Finally, after a few comfort-
ing words to the countess, he blessed the boy and left. But God's
decree was not revoked.
The Lord's precious gift forfeited by the noble lady's son fell to
a poor child of the Oratory. On Ember Saturday, December 18,
1858, the cleric Joseph Rocchietti was ordained a priest, to Don
Bosco's great joy. He was the second Oratory boy to be called to
God's service.1
Father Rocchietti, like all his classmates, had often experienced
Don Bosco's boundless generosity. He was a destitute orphan. One
day, while still a cleric, he asked Don Bosco for a much needed
cassock. That very morning Don Bosco himself had received a new
cassock; he too needed one. Smilingly, he said to Rocchietti, "Look,
here is a brand new cassock just for you. Try it on."
Jubilantly, the cleric took it. On his way to the dormitory, he
met John Baptist Anfossi, a fellow student, and told him of Don
Bosco's generous gift.
Father Rocchietti was all for Don Bosco and, though in frail
health, wanted to remain with him for life. He had a striking re-
semblance to St. Alphonsus Liguori; he was deeply pious, zealous
in preaching, and exemplary in all he did. He said his first Mass on
[Sunday] December 19 [1858], and this joyful celebration helped
the boys get ready for the Christmas Midnight Mass, which they
attended more fervently and devoutly than usual also because they
had been deeply impressed by some of Don Bosco's recent words.
He had told them that he could not expect to live beyond fifty, but
that their prayers could obtain an extension for him.2
From then on, Father Rocchietti celebrated the ten o'clock Sun-
day Mass, replacing Don Bosco, who now said Mass at five except
when Father Rocchietti was not available. The Community Mass
was celebrated at seven by Father [Victor] Alasonatti for the
boarders and day boys; a great number of them received Holy
Communion. The day boys were not allowed to play before this
Mass.
Christmas always meant much extra work for Don Bosco in
1 The first one had been Father Felix Reviglio. See Vol. V, pp. 429f. [Editor]
2 At this time, Don Bosco was forty-three. [Editor]

9.5 Page 85

▲back to top


The End of the Year
57
sending greetings to his many benefactors and acknowledging a
voluminous mail. He did not forget his past pupils, as we can see
from a letter of his to the cleric [Dominic] Ruffino, a seminarian
at Bra:
My dear Ruffino,
Turin, December 28, 1858
Thank you for your good wishes, and may God reward you a hundred-
fold! As you grow in age, endeavor to grow also in the holy fear of God.
Be equally solicitous about your study of theology and this holy fear of
God.
Viriliter age: non coronabitur nisi qui legitime certaverit, sed singula
huius vitae certamina sunt totidem coronae quae nobis a Domino pa-
rantur in coelo. Ora pro me.. [Be brave and steadfast. One will not be
crowned unless he has competed according to the rules; but for each
struggle of this life there is a crown prepared in heaven. Pray for me.]
Fr. John Bosco
On the last day of the year, Don Bosco gave the following keep-
sakes to the Oratory boys gathered in the new dining room for
night prayers:
Centuries upon centuries will pass before the end of the world;
peoples and nations will succeed one another, but the year 1858 will
never return. Time and mankind forever sink into eternity. This is the
first thought I want to leave you tonight.
The second concerns the year about to begin. As usual, I wish you a
long life, but really I have something better in mind. On such occasions
as this, the saints, too, used to exchange best wishes, but theirs were
quite different from the world's. They would say: "The grace of God be
with you always this year." "May you always do God;s will." "The
Most Holy Virgin keep you ever under Her protection." "May you
increase your merits by good deeds."
Tonight, I too wish to leave you some spiritual keepsakes. To the
clerics I say: "Give good example, as befits those who are the light of
Christ." To the students: "Receive Holy Communion as often as pos-
sible." To the artisans: "Go to the sacraments on Sundays and holy
days, since you cannot easily go on weekdays." To all in general: "Make
good confessions. Candidly open your heart to your confessor, because,

9.6 Page 86

▲back to top


58
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
should the devil get you to conceal a sin, you would indeed be caught in
a net of sacrileges, and would be hanging on the brink of eternal damna-
tion. So always make good confessions. Tell all your sins, but be truly
sorry and determined to sin no more; otherwise, your confession will be
useless and, worse yet, harmful. Rather than blessings, it would draw
curses."
A great advantage of ours that we do not sufficiently appreciate is the
Virgin Mary's protection and the effectiveness of praying to Her. I
exhort you to repeat often the beautiful words of the angel, "Hail, Mary,
full of grace," and those composed by the Church, "Holy Mary, Mother
of God, pray for us." On going to bed at night, always say: "Holy Mary,
Mother of God, pray for us." In the morning, let your first words be,
"Hail, Mary!" You will see how wonderfully effective this invocation is.
Let each one do what I suggest, and may the Lord grant you all happi-
ness during this coming year. And now, do not forget to thank God for
His many blessings during this past year.
After these words, Don Bosco kept silent for a moment. Then,
gazing affectionately on the crowd of boys, he went on: "Let each
of you earnestly endeavor to spend the new year in God's grace,
because for one of you this may be the last year of his life. More
precisely, one of you boys will go into eternity before the end of
the carnival season." 8
As he spoke Don Bosco rested his hand on Michael Magone's
head, since he happened to be nearest to him. Turning his eyes
sparkling with angelic purity to Don Bosco, Michael asked, "Is it
I, Father?" Don Bosco made no answer.
"Then it's so," Magone went on. "I am the one who has to pack
up and go. I'll get ready."
The boys chuckled, but they did not forget these words. Neither
did Magone. Yet he did not lose his usual cheerfulness and carefree
ways as he most diligently went about his tasks.
Thus did Don Bosco bring the year 1858 to a close. During this
year no one had died at the Oratory. A seventeen-year-old boy -
Joseph Morgando of Turin - had indeed passed away on Novem-
ber 24, but at the Cottolengo Hospital.
8 The period of merrymaking, extending from the feast of the Epiphany to
Ash Wednesday, reached its peak on the last three days before Lent. [Editor]

9.7 Page 87

▲back to top


CHAPTER 10
Predictions and Fulfillment
THE effect of Don Bosco's words on the Oratory boys
that last day of the year was equaled by their esteem for him. Canon
[Hyacinth] Ballesio, then a student, heard his words and witnessed
their fulfillment. His is the following written testimony:
We thought very highly of Don Bosco. For us he was a priest blessed
with excellent physical and spiritual talents. We admired his keen in-
telligence, his quick, retentive memory, his goodness, his physical dex-
terity and stamina. We knew he was a very learned man, too, but what
endeared him most to us was our firm conviction that God had given
him many extraordinary gifts and charisms. It is common knowledge -
and we have firm reason to believe it - that often indeed Don Bosco
,had the gift of prophecy.
More than once, at a time when the Oratory's enrollment was con-
siderably large, he publicly told us that within a fixed short period of
time - say a month - one of us then in excellent health would die.
He announced this in so fatherly, grave, and prudent a manner and with
such timely suggestions that the overall effect was wholesome, and each
one of us would set about clearing his conscience. Not a bit dimming our
noisy cheerfulness, we improved our conduct, studies, and work. The
only one to suffer from the prophecy was the prophet himself; he had
to sit longer hours hearing confessions made with greater diligence and
answering questions.
I have heard that in good time Don Bosco took care to prepare the
boy concerned, at first in a roundabout way, then more directly but al-
ways very prudently. His predictions invariably came true, strengthen-
ing our faith in him.
S9

9.8 Page 88

▲back to top


60
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Let us now come to the memorable prophecy [of Friday, Decem-
ber 31, 1858]. That night, one of the boys - Constantius Berardi,
sixteen, from Chiusa of Cuneo - was standing by Don Bosco and
heard Magone's question. Somehow he felt he was the one fated
to die and began to say so. Quite seriously he went to confession
and then wrote to his parents. After asking their pardon for his
conduct at home, he bade them farewell because, he said, he was
soon to die. Later, he asked and obtained permission to go to the
nearby Cottolengo Institute, where he had been a pupil for two
years, to say good-bye to Canon [Louis] Anglesio, the rector,
and to his friends. He told them frankly of his impending death,
fully convinced. that he had come to the end of his days. Because
of this, all who knew him, both in and out of the Oratory, thought
he had become a mental case. Some boys told Don Bosco of
Berardi's obsession, but he showed no surprise. He simply mur-
mured, "Hmm," and said no more. Therefore, the suspicion arose
that Berardi was indeed the one destined to die. On his part, he
kept saying, "I am the one!"
"About a week later," Father John Garino relates, "one morning
some of us were crowding around Don Bosco as usual in the dining
room while he was sipping his coffee. We were laughing and joking,
and eagerly waiting for Don Bosco to speak. I don't know what
prompted it, but several boys began asking him how long they
would live. I asked him too. Don Bosco took my hand and - at-
tentively studying my palm, as he always did when asked that
question - laughingly mentioned a certain number of years. He
did the same for all present except my classmate, Michael Magone.
Michael did not know what to make of this exception. The other
boys too - keen observers of Don Bosco's every word and action
- noticed that he had ignored Magone's outstretched hand, and
they too formed their own conjectures.
On Sunday, January 16 [1859], the Blessed Sacrament Sodality,
to which Magone belonged, held its regular weekly meeting. After
the opening prayer, reading, and a short talk with timely sugges-
tions, one of the members went around with a small box containing
folded slips of paper on which was written a maxim to be practiced
during the week. Everyone drew a slip. On opening his, Magone

9.9 Page 89

▲back to top


Predictions and Fulfillment
61
surprisingly read: "At the judgment seat, I will be alone with God."
Showing it to his companions, he remarked, "Hey, look at this. Our
Lord is warning me to get ready!" Then as soon as the meeting was
over, he excitedly ran to Don Bosco to show him the slip and tell
him that Our Lord was summoning him. Don Bosco told him not
to worry and suggested that he be ready, not because of that slip
of paper, but because of Our Lord's insistent warnings in the
Gospel.
"Yes, but how much time have I left?"
"As long as God wants, Michael."
"But will I live till the end of this year?" he begged, almost in
tears.
"Don't worry, Michael. We are in God's hands, and He is a loving
Father. He knows how long it is good for us to live. Besides, we
need not know the time of our death in order to go to heaven. All
we need do is lead a good life."
"Then I am to die very soon," he sadly replied. "That's why you
won't tell me."
"I don't think it will be so soon," Don Bosco replied, "but even
if it were, would you be afraid to join the Blessed Virgin in heaven?"
"Oh, no!" exclaimed Magone. He pulled himself together and,
once more his cheerful self, went out to play.
This was the only time Don Bosco, in view of this lad's spiritual
maturity, gave any youngster a hint of his near death, but the terror
it caused the boy - though momentary - was such that Don
Bosco resolved never again to give the slightest hint to any boy God
considered ripe for eternity.
Don Bosco's words to Magone soon became common knowledge,
and Berardi began saying, "It is not my tum to die!" On Monday,
Tuesday, and the morning of Wednesday [January 17, 18, and 19,
1859], Magone went about his duties as usual, constantly cheerful
and well. On Wednesday afternoon, however, Don Bosco saw him
on the balcony, watching the other boys at play instead of joining
them - a clear sign that something was wrong. In the evening,
Don Bosco asked him what was the matter and Michael told him
that it was his old trouble - worms. The doctor found no serious
symptom and prescribed the usual remedies. On Friday, Michael

9.10 Page 90

▲back to top


62
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
got worse and stayed in bed. When Don Bosco visited him at two
in the afternoon, he noticed that the boy's condition had worsened;
a wheezing cough aggravated his difficulty in bre~thing and his
spittle was tinged with blood. Don Bosco immediately sent for the
doctor. At that moment, Michael's mother arrived.
"Michael," she said, "don't you think you should make your
confession while we are waiting for the doctor?"
"Yes, Mom," the boy replied. "I went to confession and Com-
munion yesterday morning, but now I'm getting worse. I'd better
make my confession again."
He prepared himself for a few moments, then motioned to Don
Bosco that he was ready. When he was through, he said serenely
and laughingly to both Don Bosco and his own mother, "I wonder
if this confession is like the one I make for the Exercise for a Happy
Death or for real!"
"Would you rather get better or go to heaven?" Don Bosco asked
him.
"The Lord knows what's best. I'd rather do what He wants!"
"Suppose He left the choice to you?"
"Oh, who would be foolish enough not to take heaven?"
"Would you really like to go to heaven?"
"Sure! With all my heart! I've always prayed so hard for it."
"When do you want to go?"
"Right now, if it is God's will."
"All right, Michael! Let's pray together that God's holy will be
ever done in life and death!"
At this moment, the doctor arrived. After examining the patient,
he whispered, "It's bad, Father. It's an internal hemorrhage. I doubt
that we can stop it."
All standard remedies were tried but in vain. Michael now could
hardly breathe. At nine that evening, he asked for Holy Viaticum.
Before receiving, he told Don Bosco, "Please, Father, ask my com-
panions to pray for me."
After a quarter of an hour's thanksgiving, his strength seemed
suddenly to ebb away. He rallied in a matter of minutes and cheer-
fully -almost jokingly - said, "You know, that slip of paper last

10 Pages 91-100

▲back to top


10.1 Page 91

▲back to top


Predictions and Fulfillment
63
Sunday was wrong. It said, 'At the judgment seat, I will be alone
with God!' It's not so. The Blessed Virgin will be there too. She
will help me. I'm not afraid anymore. I'm ready to go. She will take
me there Herself!"
At ten o'clock, Michael started sinking. Fearing he might die
during the night, Don Bosco appointed Father Augustine Zattini 1
(he had joined the Oratory staff the previous year), a cleric, and a
young infirmarian to watch at Michael's bedside the first half of the
night; the second shift was to be taken over by Father [Victor]
Alasonatti, prefect of the house, and by anothet cleric and infirmar-
ian. Meantime, as there was no sign of imminent danger, Don
Bosco said to the boy: "Michael, try to rest a little. I am just going
to my room for a while. I'll be right back!"
"Please, Father, don't go away!"
"I'll be right back, Michael. I'm only going to my room to say a
bit of my breviary."
"But come back soon."
Don Bosco had hardly reached his room when he was quickly
summoned; Michael seemed to ·be slipping fast and entering his
agony. Father Zattini was already administering the Anointing of the
Sick while the dying boy accompanied the rite, whispering a short
invocation after each anointing. He received also the papal blessing
and a plenary indulgence. Then he seemed to fall into a light sleep,
but soon opened his eyes again. His pulse was very weak, and the
hemorrhage was doubtlessly causing him acute pain. Yet he was
serene, cheerful. and alert as if in good health. Now and then he
devoutly whispered short invocations.
As the clock struck a quarter to eleven, he exclaimed, "Don Bosco,
it's now! Help me!"
"Don't worry," Don Bosco replied. "I'll stay with you until you
have left for heaven. Now, don't you want to say good-bye to your
mother?" (After watching at his bedside, she had retired for a little
rest to an adjoining room.)
"No," Michael replied. "It would hurt her too much. Dear Mom,
she loves me so!"
1 See Vol. IV, p. 291. [Editor]

10.2 Page 92

▲back to top


64
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Don't you at least want to leave her a message?"
"Yes, tell her to forgive all the trouble I gave her. I am truly
sorry. Tell her I love her and not to cry but to keep doing good.
Let her know that I'm willing to die, that I'm leaving this world
with Jesus and Mary. I'll wait for her in heaven."
The bystanders were deeply touched. Overcoming his emotion,
Don Bosco tried to fill Michael's last moments with spiritual
thoughts.
"Have you any word for your schoolmates?"
"Yes, tell them always to make good confessions!"
"Michael, of all the things you have done in life, what comforts
you most now?"
"The little I've done in Mary's honor! Yes, this is my greatest
joy now! 0 Mary! 0 Mary! How happy in their last moments are
they who have honored You!" After a short pause, he added,
"Something bothers me. What shall I do when my soul leaves my
body and I am about to enter heaven? What shall I say? Whom
should I ask for?"
"If the Blessed Virgin Herself wants to take you to the judgment
seat, leave all care to Her. But, before you go, I want to give you
a message."
"Gladly, Father!"
"When you are in heaven, please offer the Blessed Virgin humble
and respectful greetings from me and from all of us in this house.
Ask Her to bless us, to keep us under Her powerful protection, and
to see to it that all who are here now or will be sent by Divine
Providence will save their souls."
"Yes, Father, I'll give Her your message. What else?"
"That is all for now. Rest a while."
He seemed quite sleepy. He was still serene and his speech was
clear, but as the signs of imminent death became unmistakably
evident, the prayers for the dying were started. About halfway, he
suddenly opened his eyes as if waking from a deep sleep, and with
his usual, peaceful smile said to Don Bosco, "In a moment I shall
deliver your message. Tell my companions I'll be waiting for them
in heaven." He then clasped the crucifix with both hands, kissed it
three times, and whispering, "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, into your

10.3 Page 93

▲back to top


Predictions and Fulfillment
65
hands I commend my soul," his lips parted as in a smile, he calmly
expired. It was eleven o'clock, Friday evening, January 21, 1859.
He was just fourteen.
When the news was broken the next morning, the boys burst
into tears. They found comfort in saying to one another, "Michael
is already with Dominic Savio in heaven." Many rosaries and the
Office for the Dead were said for him, and very many boys went
to confession and Communion. All anxiously sought a memento or
some object that had belonged to him. Finally, in a public dem-
onstration of everyone's deep love for him, he was given as solemn
a funeral as the humble condition of the house would allow. With
lighted candles, mournful chants, and vocal and instrumental music,
all the boys escorted their favorite friend's body to its final resting
place. There, praying for his soul's eternal rest, they bade him a
last farewell in the sweet hope of joining him one day in a far
better life. He was buried in Row 70, Grave 22, in the northern
section of the Turin cemetery, as recorded by the vice-chaplain,
Father Fissore. A month later, in recognition of Magone's out-
standing virtues, a solemn requiem Mass was celebrated at the
Oratory and Father Augustine Zattini delivered a moving, brilliant
eulogy. But, lest Michael's funeral set a precedent in contrast with
the poverty of the house, Don Bosco and the local pastor agreed
that future funerals from the Oratory would be conducted as char-
ity cases.2 Some time later, the Oratory received permission to con-
duct its own funeral services and to take its dead directly to the
cemetery; but there was to be no clerical escort.
After these days of sorrow, joy returned to the Oratory with the
feast of its patron, St. Francis de Sales, solemnly kept on Sunday,
January 30. Mr. Juvenal Delponte agreed to do the honors as
"prior" 3 of the feast. To him was dedicated a little poem which
had been written and printed for the occasion in honor of the
Oratory's sainted patron. A copy of the program gives us the
festivity's details.4 It may seem redundant to record this program
2 We are omitting the details. [Editor]
a An honorary title bestowed on prominent benefactors of the Oratory. They
usually responded by treating the boys. [Editor]
4 See Appendix 6. [Editor]

10.4 Page 94

▲back to top


66
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
among so many others quite similar, but there is a good reason. On
this day, the Salesian Society was gathered together under the name
of St. Francis de Sales for the first time.5 It is our cherished hope
that his name will live as our standard and program of action for
centuries to come, God and His Holy Mother willing.
Let us now return to Don Bosco's prediction. After Magone's
death, Constantius Berardi no longer thought he was the doomed
one, but strangely, among the boys there lingered a feeling that
before long another lad would die. Four days after Michael's death
- on January 25 [1859] - at the "Good Night" Don Bosco
told them that Magone was not the boy he had meant in his
warning of the last day of the year, and that therefore all should
be ready, lest the one concerned be unprepared for death. And he
added, "Death will come within a month from now. Shall it be
myself or one of you? Let's all be prepared."
Now Berardi's former conviction returned, and again, with an
astounding air of certainty, he resumed his refrain, "I'm the one.
It's my tum to get ready." He went to Don Bosco and asked him,
"Is it I?" Don Bosco did not reply.
The boy felt perfectly well, joined all games, and went about
his chores like everybody else. Never before had the health situa-
tion been so good at the Oratory. As January ended and nobody
got sick, several remarked that Don Bosco would be wrong for
once. Still, as the days went by, expectation mounted. On Feb-
ruary 7, Berardi played as usual in the after-lunch recreation and
then returned to class with the others. A classmate of his - John
Garino - who, like everyone else, was anxiously on the alert to
see Don Bosco's prediction come true, told us what happened next.
"Berardi - somewhat taller than I - sat next to me at my
right. We were busy doing a test, a translation, when about halfway
through the period, Berardi turned to me and whispered, 'Look,
what's this?' He was pointing to his upper lip where a pimple had
formed. 'Do you think it's anything serious?' he went on. 'Don
Bosco said one of us is to die this month. After Magone, no one
Ci A reference to the fact that less than a year before-in March of 1858 -
Don Bosco had presented to Pius IX the Constitutions of the Society of St. Fran-
cis de Sales. See Vol. V, pp. 576, 594, 635:ff. [Editor]

10.5 Page 95

▲back to top


Predictions and Fulfillment
67
has died. Suppose I'm the one?' Tears welled in his eyes as he
said this. Meanwhile, by scratching the pimple, he made it bleed."
Thus ends John Garino's description. After class, Berardi still
joined in the games and then went to the study hall as usual. There,
sitting next to Paul Albera, he kept complaining that his lip was
swelling more and hurting him a lot. During the night he developed
a fever that kept him in bed the next morning. Peter Enria 6 brought
him some consomme, but did not realize the gravity of the case.
Don Bosco did and immediately sent for the doctor. A carbuncle
had developed in the boy's mouth. He was rushed to St. Maurice
Hospital but, in spite of treatments, he died the next day, horribly
disfigured. It was February 9 [1859]. As Don Bosco had predicted
on January 25, not a month had passed since Magone's death, and,
as he had foretold on the last day of the year, this death had
occurred before the end of the carnival season. Father Michael
Rua is one of two hundred people who witnessed the fulfillment
of Don Bosco's two predictions.
During these days, a third death - Father Chiatellino's father
- claimed Don Bosco's attention. He had visited the little town
of Carignano 7 several times, together with a group of his choirboys,
and had won the affection of the pastor, Father Joseph Capriolo,
and of the other priests and townsfolk. He was well liked too by
the family of Senator Count Mola of Larisse. The latter still
regretted the fact that in 1844 Don Bosco had been unable to
accept tutoring his children 8 because Father Cafasso had already
appointed him chaplain to Marchioness Barolo's St. Philomena
Hospital.9 What really endeared Carignano to Don Bosco was his
friendship with Father Michelangelo Chiatellino, one of his first
co-workers at the Oratory.
When the aged father of this pious priest died on January 23,
his son and friends asked Don Bosco to write his epitaph. Don
6 Enria, born in 1841, had entered the Oratory in 1854. Later, he became
a Salesian coadjutor brother and nursed Don Bosco during several illnesses,
including the last one. He died in 1898. [Editor]
7 About 13 miles from Turin. [Editor]
s The author's footnote reporting a letter by a fellow priest of Don Bosco
recommending him as a tutor has been omitted in this edition. [Editor]
9 See Vol. II, p. 182. [Editor]

10.6 Page 96

▲back to top


68
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Bosco, wishing to perpetuate the memory of this good man and
of his attachment to the Church, readily consented and dictated
this epitaph:
Domirdc Chiatellino
Model of Christian Virtue
Most Exemplary Father
Eager Patron of Sacred Music
Zealous Upholder of the Splendor of the Liturgy
Generous Toward the Poor Though Not Rich Himself
Unswerving in His Loyalty to the Holy See
Loved by All, Mourned by Relatives and Friends
Died at the Ripe Age of Eighty on January 23, 1859
Let Us Pray for the Repose of His Soul
Let Us Follow His Holy Example

10.7 Page 97

▲back to top


CHAPTER 11
War Clouds over Piedmont
THE last few months of 1858 and the first of 1859 set
the stage [in Piedmont] for events that were to deeply affect the
Italian people and offer Don Bosco new outlets for his prudent,
charitable zeal.
It was persistently rumored that the war, long in preparation,
was about to break out. And telltale signs were there. The govern-
ment had mobilized the troops, replenished the treasury, concluded
powerful alliances, and built railroads and highways. Definitely,
another attempt was in the offing for driving the Austrians from
Lombardy and Veneto.1
On January 18, [Camillo] Cavour and Alfonso La Marmara 2
on behalf of Piedmont, and Prince [Eugene] Napoleon and Gen-
eral [Adolphe] Niel on behalf of France, signed a defensive alliance
between the two countries. On February 17, 1859, the Piedmontese
Senate and the Chamber of Deputies authorized a loan of fifty
million lire for national defense.
Meanwhile, thousands of new recruits were being drafted. This
would have also been the lot of the clerics Cagliero and Francesia
if Don Bosco had not found a way to rescue them. The law of
1854 granted bishops the right to claim exemption from military
service for one cleric in every twenty thousand diocesan subjects
by presenting a list of such clerics to the government. Cagliero had
called in good time at the Turin chancery to remind the officials
1 We are omitting some details of Italian history that are of minimal interest
to our readers. [Editor]
2 General Alfonso La Marmora (1804-1878) was Minister of War from 1848
to 1859 with few interruptions. [Editor]
69

10.8 Page 98

▲back to top


70
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAlNT JOHN BOSCO
that both Francesia and himself were eligible for exemption, and
Canon [Alexander] Vogliotti had assured him that they would be
included in the list. However, overburdened with work, Cagliero
had neglected to send a written reminder before the deadline for
the presentation of such a list. Worse still, both clerics, through
forgetfulness and ignorance, had failed to register as clerics of the
archdiocese. As a result, their names were not entered into the
diocesan directory from which a chancery clerk drew up the list
of exemptees.
A month later, orders arrived at the Oratory for Cagliero and
Francesia to report for military service within ten days. Don Bosco
passed the orders on to the two clerics. Cagliero, greatly astonished,
hurried to the chancery, only to be rebuffed for his and Francesia's
failure to register as clerics.
"And now," the clerk added, "it's too late to send your names
in."
"Why?"
"We have already mailed the exemption list."
"Couldn't you send a supplementary list?"
"No, the quota is complete."
"Couldn't you inquire if other dioceses like Alba, Susa, and
Asti have filled their quotas? If they didn't they could add our
names."
"It would take too long."
"There's no way out then?"
"Sorry, but that's the way things are."
"Look," Cagliero concluded, "you knew we were clerics. You
have our birth and baptismal .records; you allowed us to don the
clerical habit; you also have our school records of the past five
years. If we didn't send you a written memo on our exemption, it
was because we didn't think it necessary after we received Canon
Vogliotti's formal assurance. It is really strange that you of all
people should have forgotten us, when we are listed in all the
seminary registers with the other clerics. . . . But it doesn't matter!
We shall tum to Don Bosco and he will do something for us."
"Then you won't need us at all. Good luck!"
There was right and wrong on both sides, but God had per-
mitted this to show that His help would not be wanting in any

10.9 Page 99

▲back to top


War Clouds over Piedmont
71
difficulty. On returning to the Oratory, Cagliero told Don Bosco
everything. Seeing him concerned, he added: "Father, if I must,
I'll go. Victor Emmanuel will have one more soldier. I will either
leave my carcass on the battlefield or come back with shining
epaulets, but I do not want you to bother about it."
"But I want to, and just for you!" Don Bosco replied.
He then suggested that Francesia call on Canon Vogliotti and
seek his advice. The canon received him very courteously but
made it clear that the chancery could do nothing since the exemp-
tion list had already been mailed and the deadline had passed that
very day. He concluded by saying that although he regretted the
unintentional omission of their names, it was now up to them
to seek a way out of the situation.
On returning to the Oratory, Francesia met Don Bosco just
as he was going out.
"Well?" Don Bosco inquired.
"I got nowhere," replied the cleric.
"Then I'll have to see the Minister of War myself," Don Bosco
added.
But before doing so, he turned to God in prayer. From past
experience he knew its power in bending the will of the powerful
to his wishes. This he continued to do for the rest of his life in
similar circumstances.
"If what we seek is good," he used to say, "prayer will obtain
it for us even from unsympathetic or hostile persons, because at
the proper time God will soften their hearts and dispose them
favorably toward us." We have an illustration of this in Holy
Scripture. Nehemiah, speaking of the time he had to present a
very important petition to Artaxerxes I, wrote, "And I prayed to
the God of heaven, and I said to the king. . . . And the king gave
me according to the good hand of my God with me." [Esd. 2, 4-8]
Major General of Artillery Leopold Valfre of Bonzo, one of the
highest officials at the War Ministry, received Don Bosco very
graciously. The latter explained his case and begged him to see
if there was any way to exempt his two clerics or at least have
them assigned to duty in Turin.
"If we were not in danger of war," the general benignly replied,
"I could exempt them with a stroke of the pen, but not now. Any-

10.10 Page 100

▲back to top


72
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
way, I promise you that instead of sending your clerics to the front,
we shall assign them to office work in the Turin arsenal. I would
suggest, though, that you see the Minister of Grace and Justice.
He can better advise you, since this is entirely within his province."
Without delay Don Bosco called on the minister, Count John
De Foresta, who had often been a thorn in the side of bishops
and the Pope. He too received Don Bosco very warmly, said he
was pleased to meet him personally, and expressed his admiration
and approval of the good he was doing for so many needy youths.
"And now," he added, "what can I do for you?"
Don Bosco, who had expected a very different reception, was
agreeably surprised and felt quite at ease.
"Your Excellency," he replied, "I have a serious problem and
need your help. Through an oversight, the chancery omitted from
its exemption list two clerics whom I have trained as my assistants
and who indeed have worked with me the past six or seven years.
The list has already been sent to the competent authorities. If these
clerics are drafted, I will lose their help in caring for several hun-
dred poor boys. I have been told that it is very difficult at this
stage to have them released, but I earnestly beg Your Excellency
to help me in this difficult situation."
"Gladly. Well, let's see what can be done." He rang for his
aide. "Please ask Count Michael of Castellamonte to come here
for a moment," he said.
The count came, and in answer to the minister's inquiries, he
replied that the diocesan lists had arrived, and that the one from
Turin had entirely filled its quota. The minister reflected a while,
then said to Don Bosco, "You have been told that it is impossible
to exempt your clerics from military service, but there is a very
easy and very legal way out. Just ask the chancery to drop from its
list those who could be exempted for reasons other than being
seminarians - such as family conditions, poor health, or physical
defects. This will work!"
Don Bosco thanked him and went immediately to the chancery.
The chancellor, though, on the plea of much urgent work, excused
himself from writing to the families of the clerics concerned, and
Don Bosco volunteered to do it himself. He got a copy of the
list and wrote twenty-one letters - one to each cleric on the list.

11 Pages 101-110

▲back to top


11.1 Page 101

▲back to top


War Clouds over Piedmont
73
It turned out that two could claim exemption as only sons of
widowed mothers. He then hastened back to Minister De Foresta
and the two clerics were swiftly exempted. It had taken Don Bosco
three days to solve this problem - anxious days because Cagliero
and Francesia were his two best clerics. Meanwhile Cagliero had
to call once more at the chancery to notarize some documents.
Having seen thousands of recruits marching to camp, he could
not help telling the clerk, "I'm glad things happened as they did.
Now I owe thanks to no one but Don Bosco." Cagliero was always
keenly sensitive to the repulses and humiliations Don Bosco had to
suffer, but the good Father, seeing him sometimes sad or moody
on that account, would smilingly cheer him, saying, "Don't take
it so hard! A little rough going is good for us. It makes us tougher."
Meanwhile recruiters were being sent to all the Italian States
to get volunteers for the Piedmontese army. Many thousands re-
sponded - mostly from Lombardy - and were assembled at Cu-
neo to form a division under the command of General Giuseppe
Garibaldi. Other recruiters tried to entice Piedmontese youths not
yet subject to the draft with promises of quick promotions, honors,
and glory. This too gave Don Bosco problems.
An easy mannered, handsome young man came into the Oratory
under the pretext of visiting some pupils from his own town. Call-
ing himself a draft official, he managed to speak secretly and at
length with a certain number of older youths and got them to
volunteer. A few did, but then Don Bosco became aware of what
was going on. With his usual tranquillity, he first carefully weighed
his course of action in order to safeguard himself, the Oratory,
and the boys; then he sent for the young man. The latter, realiz-
ing that Don Bosco was aware of his activities, did not try to hide
his intentions but freely and frankly spoke of patriotism, of the
war, and of the need for brave and determined young men. He said
that the Oratory had many such able-bodied, willing young men
and that five had already signed up. He added that he spoke
frankly because he knew of Don Bosco's ardent patriotism. Don
Bosco let him continue for a good half-hour in order to become
thoroughly acquainted with his plans. Emboldened, the young
man finally blurted out, "There is no obligation, of course, but if
you permit me, I will speak to all the boys assembled together so

11.2 Page 102

▲back to top


74
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
as to make it easier for those who wish to join the colors." Herc
Don Bosco interrupted him: "I sincerely love my country and do
not wish to oppose any project for its welfare. But there is one
problem. My authority over these boys is limited. I am only their
educator. Their parents or guardians entrusted them to me. I must
return them to their parents. As regards those five volunteers there
is no real problem. I will send them home; they can easily contact
you from there and march off to war, if their parents consent."
"That won't do," the young man interjected. "Their parents will
refuse or raise difficulties. I have already sent in the boys' names
and their serial numbers have been assigned. All I have to do now
is to speak to them once more, give them their serial numbers, and
everything is settled."
"Let's rather do this," Don Bosco said. "Give me your name
and address. I'll send these boys home at once with instructions
for their parents to get in touch with you. Thus there will be no
need for you to stay here."
"But can't I speak to these boys just once more?"
"Under no conditions! I will immediately have all the boys go
to their classrooms and shops. Once they are in, you may leave."
"But you must know that your boys like Garibaldi and are
anxious to follow him."
"I too am a friend of Garibaldi. I hope and pray that he will
be in God's holy grace at the moment of death."
The bell rang, the boys left the playground, and Don Bosco
escorted the intruder to the door, courteously bidding him good-
bye. He then gave strict orders that he should not be allowed
to enter the house or speak with anyone.
Since this had caused some ferment in the house and much
talk about patriotism, war, and volunteering for the army, Don
Bosco sent for the five boys. He did not rebuke them but calmly
said, "Since you want to join the army, it's clear that you no longer
wish to stay here. Your parents entrusted you to me. I'm sending
you back to them. I am not opposing your desire. Tell your par-
ents what you intend to do, and then do what they tell you."
"Then we are expelled from the Oratory?" the boys questioned.
"I am not expelling you," Don Bosco replied. "I only want you
to go home and talk it over with your parents. Then, if you wish

11.3 Page 103

▲back to top


War Clouds over Piedmont
75
to return, write to me and I will see what can be done. But don't
come back unless you are first notified that you have been accepted.
This is absolutely necessary."
If Don Bosco had not been courteous with that official or had
he failed to explain that the boys were still subject to parental
authority, he could have had serious trouble. That very day the
Oratory gate could have been the scene of hostile demonstrations.
Instead, once the five boys were gone, the others lost interest and
the excitement gradually died out.

11.4 Page 104

▲back to top


CHAPTER 12
A Heartwarming Biography
a T the beginning of 1859, as the Oratory still mourned
the edifying death of Michael Magone, the January issue of Let-
ture Cattoliche honored the memory of another saintly boy. It was
written by Don Bosco and entitled Life of Dominic Savio, Pupil
of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales. In its Preface Don Bosco
addressed the Oratory boys as follows:
My dear boys,
You have often asked me to write something about your schoolmate,
Dominic Savio, and I have done my best to oblige. This is his biography
- brief and simple, just as you like it.
I have had to contend with two difficulties in writing it. The first was
the criticism which a writer must face when narrating incidents witnessed
by very many people still living. I believe I got around this by carefully
limiting myself to what you or I have witnessed and to the statements
you have written and signed, most of which I still have in my possession.
The second difficulty was the necessity of mentioning myself. Savio lived
with us for three years, and unavoidably I shall often have to speak of
incidents in which I took part. But I believe I have also overcome this
difficulty by acting merely as an historian, whose concern is facts, re-
gardless of personalities. If you should still notice some self-complacency,
attribute it to my great affection for our dear Savio and for you all -
an affection which leads me to open my heart to you as a father to his
beloved sons.
Some may wonder why I have chosen to write of Dominic Savio
rather than of other pupils who also have enjoyed a great reputation for
virtue. In truth, my dear boys, Divine Providence has sent us genuine
76

11.5 Page 105

▲back to top


A Heartwarming Biography
77
models of virtue - Gabriel Fassio,1 Louis Rua,2 Camillo Gavio,3 John
Massaglia,4 and others. But none of them is as well known as Savio,
whose life was notably a thing of wonder. Besides, if God spares me, I
intend to collect material for biographies of these other schoolmates of
yours so as to satisfy your desires and mine, and so that you may imitate
whatever is suitable to your state of life.
Meanwhile, my dear boys, take advantage of what I shall narrate, and
say in your hearts with St. Augustine: Si ille, cur non ego? If one of my
schoolmates, of my own age, in this very same school, exposed to the
same or perhaps greater temptations, could be a true follower of Jesus
Christ, why can't I? Remember also that being a true Christian is not
just a matter of words. There must be deeds too! So when you come
across something to admire, do not be satisfied to say, "Oh, how wonder-
ful!" Say, rather, "I'll try hard to do the same."
May God give you and all the readers of this booklet good health and
the grace to profit by it. May the Blessed Virgin, to whom Savio was so
devoted, make us all one heart and one soul in loving God, our Creator,
who alone deserves to be loved above ·all things and faithfully served
all the days of our life.
Fr. John Bosco
There is no need here to praise this little book, countless
copies of which are being read in various languages all over the
world with incalculable benefit to youth. One thing we cannot
pass up, however, is Don Bosco's view of frequent Communion,
as exemplified in his spiritual direction of Dominic Savio. In
Chapter 14 we read:
Experience has shown that a youngster's strongest [moral] supports
are confession and Communion. By receiving these sacraments fre-
quently, a lad will grow into manhood, and, God willing, into old age,
giving all the while an edifying example to all. Let youngsters grasp this,
that they may do likewise; let educators remember it, that they may
inculcate it in others.
Before coming to the Oratory, Dominic Savio used to go to the sacra-
ments once a month, as is the practice in schools. Then he started going
much more often. One day he heard this in a sermon: "Boys, if yon
1 See Vol. IV, p. 276. [Editor]
2 /bid., p. 210. [Editor]
3 See Vol. V, pp. 228f. [Editor)
4 Jbid., pp. 137, 180, 378f. [Editor]

11.6 Page 106

▲back to top


78
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
want to keep on the path to heaven, do three things: Go to confession
often; receive Communion frequently; choose a confessor you can talk
to, whom you will not change without necessity."
Dominic understood the value of this advice. He chose a confessor
and went regularly to him for as long as he stayed at the Oratory.
Furthermore, in order that the priest might know him thoroughly, he
made a general confession. At first, he went to the sacraments twice a
month, then weekly. Later, his confessor, seeing Dominic's great spiritual
progress, advised him to receive Communion three times a week, and,
within a year, daily.
This biography - its frontispiece a portrait of the saintly youth
painted by Charles Tomatis 5 and lithographed by Hummel- dem-
onstrated a heartening fact: Dominic Savio was a milestone in the
Oratory's history. As a flower's beauty and fragrance show the
richness of soil that nurtured it, as a fruit's goodness and taste
evince the wholesomeness of the tree that bore it, so the holiness of
Dominic Savio proves beyond doubt the excellence of the school
that helped him reach such lofty perfection. For these reasons the
evil spirit attempted to discredit this charming biography.
The Oratory boarders had eagerly gotten a copy. It was to be
expected that there would be no dearth of critics in such a large
institution, particularly since Don Bosco gave his boys reasonable
freedom of expression. While respectful, the Oratory boys were
frankly outspoken because Don Bosco's training left no room for
timidity, hypocrisy, or flattery. Let this be well noted, because it
bears out the important fact that the Oratory boys were not infatu-
ated with Don Bosco, nor did they gullibly believe anything he said.
They loved him because he was genuinely good, as they daily ob-
served and verified.
No one doubted that his prediction had been fulfilled in those
very days,6 and it was equally evident that Don Bosco could not
possibly have had such foreknowledge through natural means. Still,
at this very time, some did challenge the truth of certain incidents
in Don Bosco's biography of Dominic Savio. Everybody admitted
Dominic's extraordinary virtues, but some had refused to see any-
thing supernatural in certain actions of his because they were
o Ibid., p. 484. [Editor]
6 See Chapter 10. [Editor]

11.7 Page 107

▲back to top


A Heartwarming Biography
79
ignorant of circumstances which until then had been discreetly and
prudently kept secret. Some boys even intimated that Don Bosco
had made up certain incidents so as to present a model boy. Since
at least a third of the boarders had not known Dominic Savio, there
was danger that opinions of some who had lived with him might
bias their minds. Among those who talked rather too freely and
irreverently of the biography was a young cleric. The pupils were
divided in their opinions, but many of them shunned the critics, not
wishing to be involved in arguments.
Just then an incident came to light which seemed to support the
faultfinders. In describing how Dominic had been invited to go
swimming,7 Don Bosco had omitted the fact that the first time Savio
had yielded, it was to the pressing insistence of a companion. Now
this very same boy, whose last name began with a "Z," was a board-
ing student at the Oratory. He openly denied that Dominic had
refused to go swimming, for he himself had invited him and had
gone with him. The fool nearly bragged about it. His assertion came
as a shock. The genuine structure of Dominic's virtues erected by
Don Bosco seemed to be in danger of collapse. If one episode
proved false, others might be too. For a few days Don Bosco said
nothing in his own defense, not even privately, though he was quite
aware of the talk going on. Finally, one evening after night prayers
- which were then said in the dining room - he stood on a chair
with a grave look that was seldom seen on his face. Truth was at
stake. Calmly, without introduction, he spoke:
When Savio died, I invited his schoolmates to tell me whether, during
his three years' stay with us, they had noticed any fault in him or the
lack of some virtue. All unanimously agreed that they could find no
fault in him, nor could they think of a virtue he did not possess. As for
me, all I have written about him I have either seen myself or have heard
from persons in this house, now present, and from other reliable sources.
At the start of Don Bosco's talk, some made an attempt to smile,
but their grins soon vanished when they saw how gravely the others
were listening. Don Bosco went on:
7 It must be noted that local circumstances made swimming hazardous and
morally objectionable, since it was done in mudholes and creeks and often in
the nude. [Editor]

11.8 Page 108

▲back to top


80
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Yet during these days you have heard comments on certain incidents
of Dominic's life; among other things I have been accused of telling you
a lie. Someone has denied that Savio refused to go swimming. Yes, it's
true, he did go swimming. But one thing you must know: Savio was
invited on two occasions. He did go the first time, but when he told his
mother about it, he was forbidden to do so in the future. Savio wept
bitterly at having done wrong and flatly rejected the second invitation.
I decided to write only of this second occasion because the boy who
took Savio along the first time and tried to do so again is here among
you. I was hoping I had safeguarded his reputation and that he would
understand his wrongdoing and be grateful for my silence. Instead he
chose to contradict me, to belie my words, and to cast an undeserved
slur on Dominic. I want all of you to know, then, that if I narrated only
the second episode, it was because I wanted to spare this lad embarrass-
ment and pass over what he should forever feel remorse for - the
danger in which he placed himself of betraying a friend. This boy, how-
ever, saw fit to reveal himself. If he has to hang his head in shame, it is
all his fault. After betraying his friend in life, he resolved to betray him
also in death. Once he risked robbing him of his innocence, now of his
honor.
The boy thus upbraided was present. His embarrassment was
extreme, as all eyes were riveted on him. Seldom did Don Bosco
speak in this fashion; the impression it made is indescribable. When
he finished, there was a general murmur of approval. From then on,
all gossip ceased. In due time, when a reprint was made, Don Bosco
added the missing episode with suitable comments.
The February issue of Letture Cattoliche - Life of Pope St.
Urban I - was also authored by Don Bosco.... L'Armonia re-
viewed it in a brief article dated February 26 [1859].8
With this issue, Letture Cattoliche completed its sixth year of
publication. The booklet also carried an excerpt from the Lenten
circular of the vicar general of Turin, Canon Celestine Fissore,
warmly recommending Letture Cattoliche to all pastors and curates.9
Meanwhile, Don Bosco was busy at work on a new edition of his
Storia d'ltalia [History of Italy] 10 to which he was adding the bi-
ographies of several illustrious men, as we gather from the following
s Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
9 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
IO See Vol. V, pp. 322-331. [Editor]

11.9 Page 109

▲back to top


A Heartwarming Biography
81
letter he received. from [Octavius] Cardinal Viale, archbishop of
Bologna:
Very Reverend and dear Father,
Bologna, February 12, 1859
I gladly oblige by sending you a biography of Cardinal Mezzofanti 11
which will supply all the information you need. I take this opportunity
to call your attention to the contents of a forthcoming book on the life
and attainments of this eminent prince of the Church. It is a work done
by experts and should deeply interest scholars. I rely on the promise of
your prayers. With the greatest esteem, I remain,
Yours devotedly,
Octavius Card. Viale
What Don Bosco had always and really at heart was the publica-
tion of the lives of the popes which he regularly narrated so vividly
to his boys as to excite their keenest curiosity and interest. As soon
as he :finished recounting one such life, he would hasten to publish
it. Then for a month or so, he would speak on other topics -
mostly the Gospels. This lull built up the boys' desire for new epi-
sodes of the glorious history of the Church. For example, when he
:finished narrating the life of Pope St. Urban I, he gave a homily on
the Gospel of that Sunday. The cleric John Bonetti took it down
[and we shall report it in the Appendix].12
11 Giuseppe Cardinal Mezzofanti ( 1774-1849) was a distinguished linguist.
He became chief keeper of the Vatican library in 1833 and cardinal in 1838.
[Editor]
12 See Appendix 7. [Editor]

11.10 Page 110

▲back to top


CHAPTER 13
The Festive Oratories
]GENT of 1859 began on March 2 1 and ended on April
24. The flourishing St. Aloysius Festive Oratory was directed by
Father Leonard Murialdo 2 who was using his own money to im-
prove the inadequate, uncomfortable premises and enhance the poor
chapel's altar with marble steps and a tabernacle. Frequent recep-
tion of the sacraments had brought about a wholesome spiritual
climate in which some excellent priestly vocations soon blossomed
among the boys. The catechists and assistants, regularly provided
by Don Bosco, fully cooperated with Father Murialdo, acknowl-
edging his authority with exemplary submission. Among them -
either together or successively - were the clerics Michael Rua,
Celestine Durando, Joseph Lazzero, Francis Cerruti, Francis Dal-
mazzo, Paul Albera, and Angelo Savio. Some laymen too were
admirably zealous. We have already mentioned Attorney Cajetan
Bellingeri.3 We must now add Count Francis Viancino - later
justly honored as the outstanding Catholic layman of Piedmont;
Mr. Ernest Murialdo, brother of Father Leonard Murialdo; Marquis
[Ludwig] Scarampi of Pruney; Count Pensa; and, for some time,
Mr. John Baptist Ferrante. All gave of themselves selflessly for the
spiritual and moral welfare of needy boys.
1 An oversight! Lent began on March 9. [Editor]
2 Now St. Leonard Murialdo. Born in Turin in 1828 from wealthy parents, he
became the priest of the poor, like Don Bosco. In 1873 he founded the Pious
Society of St. Joseph to look after poor youths. He was also quite active in
awakening Catholics to their rights and duties as citizens. His last efforts were
given to further the movement for a Christian democracy in Italy. He was pro-
claimed a saint by Pope Paul VI on May 3, 1970. [Editor]
1l See Vol. V, p. 424. [Editor]
82

12 Pages 111-120

▲back to top


12.1 Page 111

▲back to top


The Festive Oratories
83
Their zealous efforts proved all the more fruitful after the open-
ing of the day school 4 attended by over a hundred boys - mostly
rejects from the public schools - who needed instruction as badly
as bread and clothes. The school's beneficial influence did not wane
when Father Murialdo left to direct the Artigianelli Institute, but
during his tenure at the St. Aloysius Oratory, he not only kept the
school flourishing, but also managed to give financial assistance to
the pupils' families to keep them from being bribed into attending
the [neighboring] Waldensian school. His charity proved marvel-
ously effective. Like Don Bosco and other priests who were afire for
the salvation of souls, he carried out St. Paul's suggestion: "It is not
the spiritual that comes first, but the physical. ..." [1 Cor. 15, 46]
The school had excellent teachers. We wish to single out Mr.
Formica. Not content with teaching, he helped most successfully in
catechizing and supervising the boys on Sundays and holy days.
Anxious for their spiritual welfare, he one day sought Don Bosco's
advice on the most effective way of inducing boys to go to confes-
sion and of convincing them that a good confession was not hard to
make. After a few practical suggestions, Don Bosco added, "As for
the bigger boys, bring them to me at Valdocco. They may say that
they don't go to confession because they don't know how. Just tell
them it's the easiest thing and all they need say is 'Yes, no, I don't
know!' Don Bosco will say the rest."
Thanks to such zealous teachers, the day school of the St.
Aloysius Festive Oratory flourished some twenty years, successfully
neutralizing the neighboring Waldensian school in Via dell'Arco,
and keeping hundreds - perhaps thousands - of poor lads from
being robbed of their faith.
Meantime, so as to keep older lads ever closer to their festive
oratory, Father Murialdo started a choir. Rehearsals took place on
weekday evenings, directed by Elzario Scala. Soon the boys were
proficient enough to sing solemn high Masses. Father Murialdo also
decided to start a brass band and, after talking to Don Bosco, gra-
ciously submitted some regulations which the latter approved.5 Then
he bought the instruments, sharing the fairly heavy expense with
Attorney [Cajetan] Bellingeri. Furthermore, to guarantee that all
4 Jbid., pp. 513ff. [Editor]
O Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

12.2 Page 112

▲back to top


84
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
would be orderly, both he and the attorney personally supervised
the rehearsals, helped the teacher, and encouraged the pupils. Un-
fortunately, the band did not measure up to its aim, became more
of a nuisance than a help, and had to be dissolved. From then on,
Don Bosco would not let his other festive oratories in Turin organ-
ize a band, maintaining that the one of the Oratory of St. Francis
de Sales could very well be available on special occasions. It was
only toward the end of his life, that he, weighed down by poor
health and constant pressure, reluctantly rescinded his order.
The Guardian Angel Festive Oratory in Bargo Vanchiglia did
as well as the St. Aloysius Oratory. Extensive improvements had
turned broken-down sheds into spacious, pleasant rooms, one of
which served as an auditorium. The plays attracted large crowds of
boys to the sacred functions and to catechism. Here, too, all of the
personnel came from the Valdocco Oratory; the cleric John Cagliero
was one of them.
But the Festive Oratory of St. Francis de Sales always kept the
lead in attendance and piety. Its support from the nobility of Turin
was gratefully acknowledged by Don Bosco with little gifts or per-
sonal, warm thank-you notes much appreciated by the recipients.
One such note, sent by Don Bosco to Count Xavier Provana of
Collegno, reads: ". . . Here is a blessed crucifix. If God hears my
prayer, it will draw abundant blessings and the holy fear of God
on its wearer. I wish you, papa, and all the family good health and
God's grace."
At Valdocco, too, the day grade school conducted by Father
Augustine Zattini of Brescia was doing very well. For some two
years now, this good priest, a philosophy professor, had adapted
himself with admirable patience and humility to the hard task of
teaching reading and writing to an oversized class of uncouth, jeer-
ing lads who played on his ignorance of the Piedmontese dialect, as
he often confidentially admitted to the young Oratory clerics.
Don Bosco still offered his festive oratory boys various entice-
ments, but the outings of former times 6 - especially all-day outings
- kept becoming very rare and were soon to cease altogether.
From the time the Oratory had a regular chapel, he required all to
attend the sacred functions, lest the reception of the sacraments
6 See Vol. II, pp. 302:ff. [Editor]

12.3 Page 113

▲back to top


The Festive Oratories
85
and the regular catechetical instruction be jeopardized. This is why
the boys at the Guardian Angel and St. Aloysius oratories never
went out on outings in a group.
Valdocco, though, had a custom which had to be respected - a
half-day outing to some church just outside the city limits - a
reward which Don Bosco unfailingly gave these boys every year. If
it was a morning outing, the boys set off in groups, praying or
singing sacred hymns. At the chosen church they had Mass and
Communion. and were treated to breakfast by Don Bosco. A few
donkeys carried the supplies. Afterward, they went home on their
own. On afternoon outings, the boys usually took to the hills with
a few musical instruments and were treated to a snack on reaching
their destination. Sermon and Benediction followed at a nearby
church. Later in the evening, they happily returned to the city in
high spirits, singing and shouting. On reaching the city limits,
though, they would quiet down and, breaking into small groups by
neighborhoods, they went back home.
Don Bosco gave the Valdocco Festive Oratory boys this treat
two or three times a year, as we were told by boys who went on the
walks from 1855 through 1861. The lucky ones were always more
than three hundred. He generously supplied all the food, but if
boys came from rather well-to-do families, he would ask them to
bring their own refreshments or to contribute about twenty soldi
each to help out the poorer ones. They responded most willingly,
feeling they were amply rewarded by the good deed they were per-
forming and the fun they would have with Don Bosco.
Don Bosco used those outings to attract boys to the Valdocco
Festive Oratory because he noticed that its attendance - though
still large - was steadily declining between the years 1859 and
1870. The reasons were beyond his control. One was that the
Oratory boarders kept increasing and practically took up the
Church of St. Francis de Sales and most of the available play area;
another reason was that irreligious employers forced their young
apprentices to work also on Sundays.
Yet, on the whole, youth work went on undiminished. In 1859
a new festive oratory, dedicated to St. Joseph, was opened in Borgo
San Salvario through the generosity of Chevalier Charles Occelletti,
who donated a piece of land for a large playground and fitted up

12.4 Page 114

▲back to top


86
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
a lovely, spacious chapel. At first the priests of SS. Peter and Paul
Church were chaplains, but, starting in 1863, Don Bosco - at the
request of that charitable gentleman, an intimate friend of his -
solicitously sent first Father [John Baptist] Francesia, then Father
John Tamietti and other priests every Sunday morning for confes-
sions, Mass and sermon, while the priests from SS. Peter and Paul
handled the afternoon services. Chevalier Occelletti continued to
finance this oratory and untiringly kept on teaching catechism and
supervising the boys, while Don Bosco's sons always took charge of
the spiritual direction.
We have mentioned that Sunday attendance at the Valdocco
Festive Oratory was dwindling, but we must add that it rose again
during Lent. Then, the day boys had the whole church for them-
selves for daily catechism. On Sundays, as many as could find a
place would crowd in. It was a wonderful sight, as many prelates
declared. One day, Bishop [John Peter] Sola of Nice walked into
a catechism class. The sight of such a crowd of boys so moved him
that he took over the class himself. Other bishops did the same on
similar occasions to the boys' great delight.
As in former times, Don Bosco still kept looking for boys and
rarely came home alone, especially on Saturday evenings. He de-
liberately wended his way where he could more easily find them.
In the neighborhood of the Oratory where he was well known, he
would walk right into backyards and homes, gently asking mothers,
"Any boys for sale?" and requesting them to let their sons go with
him. This way he usually managed to gather a good group of boys
whom he would take in tow to the Oratory and, after a short pre-
paration, hear their confessions. After sounding out their spiritual
needs, he would take care of their spiritual welfare in word and
deed.
Don Bosco continued these spiritual sallies of his up to 1864,
when the boarders became so many that he had no more time for
this apostolate. Yet he never forgot some young apprentices who
no longer came to the festive oratory or only put in an occasional
appearance. For them, and especially for those who he knew had
to live in an unwholesome environment and definitely neglected
their spiritual needs, he had an admirable, if not inimitable, ap-
proach. On seeing them, he would greet them warmly and spend

12.5 Page 115

▲back to top


The Festive Oratories
87
some time in friendly conversation. Then, before leaving, he would
appeal to their hearts with the plea, "Please don't forget to come
and see me. I'll be waiting for you." The young men understood
what he was driving at and kept the appointment. Don Bosco was
ever ready to hear their confessions, and if they came into the
sacristy when a crowd of boarders was waiting for confession, he
would take them first.
Don Bosco's spiritual influence over his festive oratory boys also
had a beneficial effect on their parents, as we have already de-
scribed.7 He himself narrated the following episode on September
14, 1862 while speaking informally with his pupils after dinner:
About two years ago I went to hear the confession of an ailing young
festive oratory boy. He lived with an uncle and aunt who owned and
operated a cafe. They loved him most dearly. After his confession, the
young lad, seeing them so sad and worried at the bad turn his sickness
had taken, said to them: "I love you so, dear aunt and uncle. Won't
you do something for me? You'd make me very happy if you went to
confession! Won't you do it for me?"
They so loved their little nephew that his words moved them to tears.
"Child," the uncle said, "if this is what you want, I'll do it right away."
Then and there, he and his wife, and even the waiters, knelt, pre-
pared themselves, and made their confessions. We must remark that
these people were not overly devout but rather negligent in this regard,
as could be expected. After the men were through, it was the woman's
turn. I was somewhat perplexed, since I could not hear her confession
without some sort of screen between her and myself, as is prescribed.
To tell her to come and see me later in our church would never do,
because she might change her mind. So I removed the bed curtain and
made it into a makeshift screen, while the good lady looked at me
questioningly.
"What are you trying to do, Father?"
"I'm trying to put up some sort of screen."
"Don't bother, Father! I can make my confession like everybody
else."
"No, you can't."
"Why not?"
"Because a screen of some kind is prescribed for the confessions of
women. That's what I'm ,trying to set up now."
7 See Vol. IV, pp. 41f. [Editor]

12.6 Page 116

▲back to top


88
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"All right, then," she said. "I'll wait." When the curtain was up,
she knelt at a little distance from it, I sat on the other side, and she
too made her confession.
My dear boys, let us thank the Lord. Sometimes it is quite evident
that the grace of God works wonders. Happy those who respond to it!
How unfortunate, instead, those who shut their hearts to it, thus risk-
ing their only ·chance. They may die in their sins, as Holy Scripture
warns: "You will seek Me and will not find Me . . . and in your
sin you will die." [John 7, 34; 8, 21] Thereafter both cafe owner and
employees went to confession regularly, usually coming to the Oratory,
otherwise sending word for me to go to them.
Another Oratory boy was instrumental in saving his father's soul.
In Piedmont, Protestant propaganda continued its attacks against
the Catholic Church, especially through the Italian Religious Tract
Society, whose library in Turin circulated 27,124 Italian books and
pamphlets and 4,248 in French. The literature came from Paris,
Dublin, and London, and from these cities too came large sums of
money. The society had also set up a printshop in Turin for their
periodical La Buona Novella [The Good Tidings] which in two
months printed no less than two and a half million calumnious,
blasphemous pages. A network of agents spread them far and wide
through Piedmont's marketplaces and Waldensian bookstores.
The father of one of the boys attending the festive oratory at
Valdocco was one of these agents, selling the publications as a
side business. It was not long before the boy's friends came to know
of this. Since Don Bosco had clearly explained in his Sunday in-
structions that such people directly cooperated in evildoing, they
reported the matter to him.
He talked to the boy who, after filling in more details, begged
him to try to get his father to give up that business. Don Bosco
went to the man's shop. He spoke so amiably and persuasively that
the man agreed to get rid of all those publications and sent them to
Don Bosco to dispose of them as he saw fit - which he did in a
huge bonfire in the middle of the playground amid the boys' cheers.
Then in compensation Don Bosco sent the man a corresponding
amount of good books - among them, The Companion of Youth,

12.7 Page 117

▲back to top


The Festive Oratories
89
The Well-Instructed Catholic, and many issues of Letture Cattoliche.
The need for this type of literature was quite apparent to Don
Bosco as he zealously kept up this apostolate. The anonymous
March issue - well received by the Oratory boys and subscribers
- was entitled The Cross by the Wayside, a wanderlust tale of a
young Tyrolese boy [with moral reflections]. . . . This issue also
carried a short notice 8 announcing the start of the seventh year of
publication and urging support.
While Don Bosco, in his efforts to defend the Church, managed
to bring many souls back into her fold, Divine Providence gave his
Oratory firmer financial security through Father Joseph Cafasso.
Father John Baptist Pagani, superior general of the Institute of
Charity, had asked Don Bosco to repay the twenty thousand lire
which Father Anthony Rosmini had lent him and part of the over-
due interest. Don Bosco stated he was ready to refund the loan; as
for the interest, however, he maintained that Father Rosmini, shortly
before his death, had given him to understand that the matter was
to be dropped. He added, moreover, that the late Father [Charles]
Gilardi had not insisted on interest payment because he was aware
of the motive his superior had in waiving it. In reply, Father Pagani
pointed out his Institute's needs, and Don Bosco agreed to a settle-
ment. On March 11, 1859, through a deed drawn up by th~ notary
Turvano, Don Bosco and Father Cafasso jointly refunded fifteen
thousand lire to Father [Peter] Bertetti to repay Father Anthony
Rosmini's loan 9 to Don Bosco for the purchase of the Pinardi
property. The deed stated that the debt was being settled with
money owned jointly by Don Bosco and Father Cafasso. A partial
payment of five thousand lire had been made a short time previ-
ously. The field of the dreams 10 still remained the property of the
Rosminians.
Even after this settlement, there arose some trivial contestation
with the business manager of the Institute of Charity, as evidenced
by this letter of Don Bosco which also reveals his utter dislike for
litigation:
s Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
9 See Vol. IV, pp. 87, 95. [Editor]
10 See Vol. II, pp. 190f, 232f, 268; Vol. IV, p. 87; Vol. V, p. 30. [Editor]

12.8 Page 118

▲back to top


90
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
To Mr. Joseph Zaiotti
c/o The Institute of Charity
Stresa
Turin, April 4, 1859
Dear Sir:
May the Lord give us the holy virtue of patience! Your letter has
troubled me considerably, especially since you threaten legal action to
recover a hundred lire, about which an error seems to have been made.
I have had to interrupt my work and give this matter a great deal
of time. First I must tell you that I have done business with the Insti-
tute of Charity for the past eighteen years with never a trace of suspi-
cion or coldness on either side, so much so that Father Charles Gilardi,
of cherished memory, kept books for both the Institute and me, and I
always unquestioningly accepted the accounts he submitted. These ac-
counts were definitely closed on July 10, 1857.
You have taken the trouble to dig up a letter of mine (dated Feb-
ruary 10, 1855) according to which an error was made. Since Father
Gilardi and I used to go over the figures together to avoid causing the
least loss to either party, your allegation amounts to saying that both
of us acted with our heads in the clouds. Note, too, that though I always
notified Father Charles by letter on making payments, these letters
were just memos, nothing more. Debits and credits were entered
elsewhere.
Now, it seems to me that to search for previous errors after a settle-
ment was fully agreed upon by both parties is to look for trouble with
no justification at all. However, though I am fully and firmly con-
vinced that these hundred lire have been included in the final settlement
of 1856-57, I beg you to notify the superior in charge of these affairs
that I absolutely do not want any litigation. At a mere hint that your
superior expects payment, I shall immediately forward the money.
As for the trivial debt of one lira and sixty centesimi for which I
had no small change in Turvano's office, I thought I had paid it when
I changed a fourteen-and-a-half lire coin. If memory serves me well,
I gave you three forty-cent coins, one twenty-cent coin, and two five-
cent coins. However, as I did not make a memo of it at the time, and
I may be in error, I enclose a money order for this amount.
Now, to make things easier, I beg you not to be concerned about
whether I am right or wrong. Just tell me quite plainly if I am to
send the hundred lire. If not, do not bother with a reply.

12.9 Page 119

▲back to top


The Festive Oratories
91
May the Lord give you health and His holy grace and bless your
Institute.
Your devotee! servant,
Fr. John Bosco
P.S. I beg you to send me the original IOU signed by Frs. Murialdo,
Borel, Cafasso, and Bosco. I have looked for it in vain at Turvano's.

12.10 Page 120

▲back to top


CHAPTER 14
Divine Providence
FATHER Cafasso's lavish generosity to the Oratory was
inspired not only by his love of God and fellow man, but also by
his firm belief that he was cooperating in an enterprise destined to
last through the centuries. This is why he wanted to be fully re-
sponsible for buying the Pinardi property and thus having the merit
of laying the foundations of a work that would one day be world-
wide. He not only knew the upright intentions of his disciple and
his faithful adherence to the plans of Divine Providence, but he
was also certain that Don Bosco would be true to his lofty vocation.
Above all, he admired Don Bosco's unwavering belief that God
would provide whatever was needed to carry out his vast religious,
charitable undertakings.
Lack of funds, difficulties of all sorts, adverse opinions, ill will,
vexations, mishaps, impasses - nothing deterred Don Bosco from
seeing a project through once he had initiated it. Though pressed
by most urgent needs, he never doubted that God would come to
his aid. Cheerfully he would say, "God is a good Father. He pro-
vides for the birds of the air; most surely He will provide for us too."
He thus explained his trust: "God started these projects; I am but
His instrument. As such I do not have to worry about supplying the
means to further and bring them to a successful end. God will take
care of that when and as He shall see fit. My task is just to be docile
and pliable in His hands."
Hence, he never worried about the future. Unhesitatingly he
would sell any real estate that benefactors might bequeath him,
thus enabling him to meet urgent needs or start new undertakings.
92

13 Pages 121-130

▲back to top


13.1 Page 121

▲back to top


Divine Providence
93
Money came in and went out the same day. There was never a sur-
plus because he was continually besieged by creditors. Advisors
guided by human prudence alone would often tell him not to jeop-
ardize the Oratory's existence by running into heavy debt, but he
would reply unhesitantly, "This work will not only continue after
my death, but it will prosper ever more and spread to every part of
the world." 1
"His trust in God and in the Blessed Virgin," Bishop John Cagli-
ero declared, "was incredible. During the thirty-five years I lived
by his side, I don't remember having seen him even momentarily
worried, downhearted, or uneasy about the debts he had contracted
for the daily feeding of his boys."
Don Bosco possessed nothing, absolutely nothing. His treasurer
was God, whose agents are good, generous people who look upon
money not as an end but as a means of benefiting themselves and
their fellow man. Hence Don Bosco prayed that God would send
these good angels of the earth to his aid. In his "Good Nights," he
would often tell his boys, "Pray, my children, and possibly receive
Holy Communion for my intention. I, too, am praying - I assure
you - even harder in the face of problems. I need a big favor.
Later I will tell you what it is."
A few evenings later, he would say for instance that a rich gentle-
man had brought him a large sum of money - just what he needed
- adding: "The Blessed Virgin did us a very great favor today.
Let us thank Her with all our hearts. Continue to pray to Her that
the Lord may never abandon us. But woe to us if sin were to come
into this house! Then the Lord would no longer help us. So be alert,
avoid the devil's snares, and receive the sacraments often."
He had it very much at heart that his boys should pray well.
Whenever he could, he said night prayers with the students. At
times, when he had reason to delay his supper or stay in the dining
room during night prayers,2 he would tell some superior to watch
or warn certain boys who habitually dozed or chatted instead of
praying. At other times he would rush his meal and supervise the
1 Presently the Salesians of St. John Bosco operate 1,446 institutions in 65
countries. Their membership (21,126) according to the 1970 statistics makes
them the third largest order of men in the Catholic Church. [Editor]
2 Supper was at eight and night prayers at nine. [Editor]

13.2 Page 122

▲back to top


94
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
prayers himself, so much was he concerned for their devout recita-
tion. During prayers he would not allow boys to lean against the
wall or try squatting on their heels instead of kneeling. Someone
once remarked, "Wouldn't it be better to let the boys say their
prayers privately and thus get them used to mental prayer?" His
reply was, "Boys are so made that unless they pray together aloud
they don't pray at all! Though they may be distracted while pray-
ing aloud, the mere fact that they are busy pronouncing the words
keeps them from chatting with their companions; moreover, even
their mechanical recitation of words serves to keep the devil away."
He also insisted that during night prayers no one should talk or
pace the playground and porticoes. He wanted all clerics and priests
either to join in the boys' prayers or to go to the church or to their
rooms. Any other behavior he considered a scandal to be avoided
at all cost.
He demanded strict silence from night prayers till next morning
after Mass. He considered this silence absolutely necessary in order
that their minds, undistracted, could derive the full benefit of prayer.
Once, going from his room to the church for confessions, he came
across a group of students on their way to Mass. Noticing that some
were talking quite freely and loudly, he called them to order, but
one of the lads took no notice, whereupon Don Bosco went up to
him and personally punished him. Later he let it be known that he
was quite displeased with the assistants for not exacting that silence
which he had so often recommended.
This solicitude of his bore abundant fruits. The prayers of the
Oratory boys rose in pleasing homage to God's throne and entirely
fulfilled Isaiah's words, "My elect shall not labor in vain nor bring
forth in trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord....
Before they call, I will hear; as they are yet speaking, I will hear."
[Isa. 65, 23-24]
On January 20, 1858, Don Bosco was faced with a large debt,
but he had no money at all. His creditor had already waited a con-
siderable time and would now brook no further delay. By the twelfth
of the month nothing had turned up to give Don Bosco a glimmer
of hope. In these straits he called a few boys and told them, "Today
I need a special favor from Our Lord. While I'm in town, I want

13.3 Page 123

▲back to top


Divine Providence
95
you to take turns before the Blessed Sacrament and pray for my
intention until my return." The boys complied.
As Don Bosco was walking near the Vincentians' church, a
stranger greeted him and asked, "Don Bosco, do you happen to
need money?"
"Do I! I am in dire necessity."
"Then take this!" And he handed him an envelope containing
several one-thousand-lire bills.
Don Bosco hesitated in astonishment, doubting the man's sanity
or seriousness.
"Why do you give me this money?"
"Just take it and use it for your boys."
"Very well, many thanks! May Our Lord reward you! Do you
want a receipt?"
"No."
Don Bosco took the money. "At least tell me your name," he
begged.
"It's not necessary," the stranger concluded. "The donor wants
to remain anonymous. He asks only for prayers. The money is yours
to do with as you please." And he quickly walked away. Obviously,
this was an intervention of Divine Providence. Don Bosco immedi-
ately paid his creditor.
Bishop John Cagliero related the following incident:
One day in 1859, Don Bosco came into the dining room at noon
wearing hat and cloak.
"Well, Don Bosco," we said, "aren't you going to eat with us today?"
"Today I can't," he replied. Then, turning to Father Alasonatti, the
prefect, to the cleric Rua, to myself and others, he added, "From after
dinner 8 to three o'clock, take turns with some of the most devout and
fervent boys and spend some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacra-
ment. If I get the favor we need, I'll tell you about it tonight." We
carried out his instructions.
Toward evening, Don Bosco returned, as undisturbed and calm as
when he had gone out. He answered our importune questions, saying,
"Today was the deadline to pay ten thousand lire to the Paravia Press.
If I failed to do so, both the printer and the Oratory would have suf-
s In Italy, the main meal was - and in most cases still is- at noon. [Editor]

13.4 Page 124

▲back to top


96
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
fered serious consequences. There were also other urgent debts long
overdue whose payment could no longer be delayed. These too totaled
another ten thousand lire. I went downtown with trust in Divine Provi-
dence but with no place to go. When I reached Our Lady of Consola-
tion Church, I walked in and begged the Most Blessed Virgin to come
to my aid. Then I left and walked the streets till two o'clock when I
found myself near St. Thomas Church in an alley leading into Via del-
1'Arsenale. Here, a well-dressed gentleman came up to me and asked,
"You are Don Bosco, aren't you?"
"Yes."
"What a coincidence," he went on. "I was just on my way to Val-
docco to bring you this little package from my master."
"What's in it?"
"I don't know!" he replied. I opened it and found it full of govern-
ment bonds.
"Who is your master?"
"I am not at liberty to tell. Please excuse me." So saying, he left. I
immediately went to Paravia's. There I made an accurate count of the
bonds; they totaled ten thousand lire - just what I needed to print
Letture Cattoliche and to meet other very pressing debts. "Oh, my
children," Don Bosco continued, "how great is Divine Providence!
How generous God is to us. How much He loves us! Let us always be
grateful and good. Let us love Him and never offend Him. In tum
He will always provide for our needs."
As he spoke, his face beamed with unusual radiance; his voice
sounded richer, more affectionate, not so much for joy and wonder
at what had taken place, as for gratitude and love of God. We, too,
were filled with his sentiments and admired him ever more.
Other similarly marvelous interventions of Divine Providence hap-
pened many times to benefit the Oratory and other houses of our
congregation. [Such is the witness of Bishop Cagliero.]
In 1860, on a Saturday morning or perhaps a feast day eve, the
baker came to Don Bosco at about eleven and told him that he
would stop all deliveries unless he was immediately paid for long-
overdue arrears. As it happened, there was just enough bread on
hand for dinner. Soothing words and promises proved totally in-
effective. After dinner, Don Bosco asked for his hat and overcoat.
At half past one, the clerics [John] Turchi, [John Baptist] Anfossi,
John Garino, and others were chatting in the porticoes near the

13.5 Page 125

▲back to top


Divine Providence
97
stairs leading to the basement dining room. Don Bosco approached
them. "Please do me a favor," he said. "Go to church at once and
pray before the Blessed Sacrament for my intention for some twenty
minutes. Take turns, two at a time, till you must go to your classes.
I am desperately in need of help today."
Unquestioningly, the clerics obliged. On Don Bosco's return,
they were teaching. As John Turchi told us, "That evening I was
anxious to know how things had turned out but - as usual on Sat-
urdays and the eve of feasts - Don Bosco was busy hearing con-
fessions and had not even come to supper. So I asked Father
Alasonatti if he knew anything. 'Yes,' he replied. 'Everything turned
out well. Don Bosco will tell you all.' "
The next day, at the "Good Night," Don Bosco spoke as follows:
I want to thank you for your prayers for me yesterday. I owed a
large sum to Mr. Magra, our baker, who had made it very clear to
me that he wasn't going to deliver any more bread unless we paid him
immediately. I had no money and did not know where to find it. While
you were praying in church, I roamed the town wondering where to
turn for help. Then I heard somebody calling. I turned. A man was
hurrying up to me.
"Oh, Don Bosco" he said. "Imagine meeting you here! You saved
me a walk. I was just going to the Oratory to look for you. My master
is sick and wants to see you."
I went with him. His master had been bedridden for some time. He
received me warmly, inquired of the Oratory, and after further con-
versation handed me an envelope. There was enough money in it to
pay the baker, and I did so the same day.
On another evening, Don Bosco told the boys who had been
praying for him:
I was in town again looking for money. I knew of a rich spinster
who lived beyond the Holy Martyrs Church and was totally opposed
to charity. Since I was in dire need, I called on Father Bruno, her
pastor, to ask if he had any objection to my visiting his parishioner
for help.
"Not at all!" he replied. "I doubt you will get anything out of her.
I have tried several times myself but never got even a centesimo."
I called on her, and-would you believe it?- she felt pity for us

13.6 Page 126

▲back to top


98
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
and gave me ten thousand lire. When I later told the pastor of it, he
almost collapsed! He just couldn't believe it!
About the year 1862, Don Bosco owed partial payments to a
contractor and various suppliers of his workshops. Since the boys
were in class, he asked the cook - [Joseph] Gaia - and other
devout persons in the house to go to church and say the rosary
for his intention. Then he went out in search of help. A short
distance from the Oratory, as he was walking down the boulevard
bordering the asylum, a man approached him and handed him a
sealed envelope, saying, "This is for your work!" Without another
word, he walked away. Don Bosco opened it and found seven
thousand lire. With a hearty "thank you" to Divine Providence, he
joyfully returned to the Oratory.
But as often as Don Bosco went out in quest of Providence -
and sometimes oftener - that same Providence came to him un-
solicited. What follows we ourselves heard from Bishop [John]
Cagliero, Father [Angelo] Savio, [Peter] Enria, and Don Bosco
himself:
In 1861, the same baker-Mr. Magra- again threatened to stop
deliveries unless Don Bosco paid him an overdue twelve thousand lire.
As usual in dealing with creditors, Don Bosco sent him word to con-
tinue deliveries and not to worry because Divine Providence would
not go bankrupt. The baker relented, but then called on Don Bosco
for at least a partial payment. There was no money at all in the house.
It was the morning of a feast day, and Don Bosco was in the sacristy
hearing the confessions of a large crowd of boys. The baker stalked
in and told the sacristan he just had to speak to Don Bosco. The
sacristan tried to stall him, but the man pushed through the crowd of
boys and began telling Don Bosco he wanted to be paid because he
needed money urgently. Don Bosco calmly looked at him and said:
"Kindly wait a few minutes till I'm through with confessions."
"I can't wait," the baker replied. "I want my money now!"
Don Bosco ignored him and went on with the boys' confessions. At
a loss for what to do, the baker stepped aside and then went out to
pace the porticoes. On finishing his confessions, Don Bosco uttered a
prayer for this emergency. At that very moment, a stranger walked in,
handed him a sealed envelope, and courteously bowed and left. Don

13.7 Page 127

▲back to top


Divine Providence
99
Bosco stuck the envelope into his breviary, said Mass, and then went
to the dining room for breakfast, accompanied by Father Angelo Savio
and some visitors. Father Savio reminded him that the baker was still
waiting, but Don Bosco calmly replied that there was nothing he
could do because he had no money. Just then the morning mail came
in. Immediately Don Bosco remembered the envelope he had received
in the sacristy and had stuck into his breviary. He opened it and
found a substantial sum of money, which he immediately gave to
Father Savio for the baker. On meeting him shortly afterward, Don
Bosco remarked, "Do you see, sir? Providence is generous and came
to our help. You have a partial payment and will soon receive the
balance. Thanks be to the Madonna!"
Father Angelo Savio, who managed the Oratory :finances, nar-
rated these two other instances:
Once, a creditor, after an angry outburst for not having been paid,
was about to storm out of Don Bosco's room threatening legal pro-
ceedings, when a benefactor walked in and handed Don Bosco three
thousand lire - the exact amount he owed.
On another occasion, I needed money to pay the building con-
tractor. I went to Don Bosco, but he had none either. As he was telling
me to return later, Count [Frederick] Callari, if I am not mistaken,
arrived and gave Don Bosco a large sum of money that marvelously
met the emergency.
These episodes demonstrate both the efficacy of prayer and the
admirable charity of generous people. They reveal, too, untold
efforts, hardships, and preoccupations which Don Bosco bore al-
most jokingly. One day he wrote to his old pupil, Canon [John
Baptist] Anfossi: "My dear Canon, I am crushed by debts. Please
take up a collection for me or I'll go bankrupt." Toward the end
of Don Bosco's life, the same canon brought him a small donation.
On that occasion, Don Bosco remarked: "So far, this year's ex-
penses amount to four million lire, but - thanks be to God - they
are all paid. Small offerings combine to make large sums. I need
people to help me as you are doing- even with small donations."
The small donations that did come to him were from the poor
and the lowly, but they were so numerous as to surpass by far the

13.8 Page 128

▲back to top


100
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
large donations of the wealthy. Holy Scripture says, "A needy man
is merciful." Truthfully, the small but heroic acts of charity of
these humble messengers of Divine Providence ran into the mil-
lions. We shall mention but two instances.
One day Don Bosco had to meet a deadline of three hundred
lire, but he had no idea where to get the money. That very day, an
elderly man came into the Oratory playground and, spotting Don
Bosco, went up to him. "I am a retired government employee,"
he said. "I have some savings and I want to use them for my soul's
good." He handed Don Bosco a purse.
"But what about yourself in case you get sick?" Don Bosco
inquired.
"Divine Providence will care for me too," he replied. "I want
to send good deeds ahead of me before I leave this world. If I
get sick, some hospital will take care of me. Good-bye, Father;
pray for me.'' And he left. The purse contained three hundred lire.
Another time, a lady of some seventy-five years came to the
Oratory, asking to speak to Don Bosco. He thought she had come
for a recommendation to city authorities or to some wealthy person.
"No!" she replied to his inquiry. "I came for something else."
"All right!" Don Bosco replied. And taking her aside, he in-
vited her to sit. She went on: "I am a poor old woman. I have
worked all my life. I had an only son but now he is dead. There
is nothing for me to look forward to in this life. I have no other
heirs. Before dying, my son told me to give my savings to charity!
Here they are - one hundred lire - all my wealth after fifty years
of work. I want you to have them. I still have a small sum for
medical expenses and fifteen lire for my funeral. I'll take to bed
tonight and all will be over in a few days."
"I accept your offering most gratefully," Don Bosco replied, "but
I will not use this money till after your death. If you need it, come
anytime. It is still yours."
"No!" the good woman said. "I have gained some merit with
this alms. Use the money. If I should be in need, I'll ask you for
alms, and by giving it to me, you too will gain merit. Will you
come to see me when I'm sick?"
"Certainly!" Don Bosco replied.

13.9 Page 129

▲back to top


Divine Providence
101
Next day, Don Bosco, still deeply touched by her genuine, simple
charity, meant to visit her, but could not remember her address.
Two days later, though, another woman came to call him. Don
Bosco went with her immediately. On entering the room he in-
stantly recognized the old woman. Smilingly she gestured that
she needed nothing.
"It can't be!" Don Bosco exclaimed. "You must need something,
or you would not have sent for me."
"Well, yes," she replied. "I need the Last Sacraments." She
received them most devoutly and then peacefully passed away.
How truly wonderful is charity. Every day of his life Don Bosco
had reason to exclaim, "How good is the Lord! He knew our need
and inspired good-hearted people to come to our aid!" It truly
was a fulfillment of the promise contained in Psalm 33: "Fear
the Lord, you His holy ones, for naught is lacking to those who
fear Him. The great grow poor and hungry; but those who seek
the Lord want for no good thing." [Ps. 33, 10-11]

13.10 Page 130

▲back to top


CHAPTER 15
A New Sodality at the Oratory
~OST powerful incentives at the Oratory were the St.
Aloysius, Immaculate Conception, and Blessed Sacrament sodal-
ities. Don Bosco often attended their meetings to let the members
hear his persuasive, most welcome words. In turn, the sodality
secretaries did their best to jot them down as faithfully as possible.
Their minutes gradually became a treasury of maxims, examples,
counsels, and exhortations for future members. Unfortunately these
minutes have not reached us, notwithstanding diligent search. Var-
ious factors account for their loss: lack of a permanent meeting
room due to building alterations; the habit of passing the minutes
from hand to hand; the death of some secretaries who kept them
in their possession and whose books or manuscripts were either
discarded or lost; the understandable eagerness of some who, leav-
ing the Oratory, took them along as souvenirs of their boyhood
and of Don Bosco; and, finally, the change of occupation or house
on the part of those who kept these records. We have found only
the guidelines of two of Don Bosco's copferences to the Blessed
Sacrament Sodality in 1859. As always, his main purpose was his
boys' religious instruction as he sought to strengthen the founda-
tion of their faith. Our readers will appreciate our endeavor to
safeguard for posterity the thoughts Don Bosco expressed in these
talks. 1
But while stirring up the fervor of the Blessed Sacrament So-
dality members, he was also aware that the existing sodalities did
not sufficiently meet the needs of all the Oratory boys. For the
1 See Appendix 8. [Editor]
102

14 Pages 131-140

▲back to top


14.1 Page 131

▲back to top


A New Sodality at the Oratory
103
more fervent boarders, there was the Immaculate Conception
Sodality 2 which offered them the opportunity to practice the spir-
itual works of mercy. To them Don Bosco had fondly proposed as
a model St. John the Evangelist, whose purity and zeal had merited
his being chosen as the guardian of Mary Most Holy.
For his catechists, both day and resident, there was the affiliated
chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society,3 whose ceaseless charity
Don Bosco so well described to the members. The Blessed Sacra-
ment and the Knights of the Altar sodalities 4 were made up en-
tirely of resident students. The St. Aloysius Sodality 5 was really
meant for the rest of the pupils, both day and resident, but some-
how few artisans attended its meetings. This was due to various
reasons: the preponderance of students, conflicting timetables, wise
reluctance on the part of superiors to curtail the artisans' recreation
periods on Sundays and holy days in order to give them time to
attend the meetings, the diversity of inclinations and education,
and the lack of rapport between artisans and students.
Don Bosco therefore decided to found a sodality exclusively
for the artisans as an outlet for the more zealous among them.
Their patron was to be St. Joseph, model of good, diligent Christian
workers. Don Bosco felt sure that, by attending the meetings and
listening to exhortations suited to their condition, his beloved
artisans would be spurred to piety and devotion. . . .
The power of Don Bosco's words stemmed from his example.
He dearly loved St. Joseph and showed it all his life, as we have
heard from his most outstanding pupils throughout the years. He
had chosen St. Joseph as a patron saint of the Oratory, had placed
the artisans under his protection, and had also urged the students
to pray to him for success in their exams. He personally called upon
him in his needs and exhorted others to do the same. At the "Good
Nights," he frequently spoke of St. Joseph's powerful intercession,
solemnized the feast of his patronage on the third Sunday after
Easter, and prepared the pupils for it with fervent exhortations.
Singly, or in groups, the boys honored St. Joseph, especially in
2 See Vol. V, pp. 312-318. [Editor]
B Jbid., pp. 306-311. [Editor]
4 Jbid., pp. 499f, 517ff. [Editor]
5 See Vol. m, pp. 147ff; Vol. IV, pp. 208ff. [Editor]

14.2 Page 132

▲back to top


104
THE BIOGRAPIDCAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
March - the month dedicated to him. Though no one had to take
part in these devotions, nearly all did, so effectively had Don Bosco
endeared this Saint to them. Furthermore, on erecting new churches
Don Bosco always dedicated an altar to him. He rejoiced when
[in December 1870] Pope Pius IX declared St. Joseph patron of
the universal Church; then, in 1871, he ordered that March 19
should be solemnized in all Salesian houses by both students and
artisans and that all should abstain from work, though at that
time the feast of St. Joseph was no longer a holy day in Piedmont.
Another and earlier evidence of his veneration for St. Joseph was
provided by Don Bosco in 1859 when he enhanced The Com-
panion of Youth with several devotions in honor of the Saint, such
as a chaplet in memory of his seven joys and sorrows, a prayer for
acquiring purity, a prayer for a happy death, and a few sacred
hymns. Finally, he made an addition to Part 3, Chapter V of the
Regulations for the Festive Oratory as follows: "On each of the
seven Sundays before the feast of St. Joseph, a plenary indulgence
may be gained by those who go to confession and Communion.
The boys should be reminded in good time and encouraged to avail
themselves of such a privilege." Not satisfied with this, he asked
Silvio Pellico's 6 sister, Josephine, to translate a French booklet
entitled The Seven Sundays of St. Joseph, which he published to
popularize this devotion.7
The veneration he professed to this Saint was naturally a factor
in his plans to establish the St. Joseph Sodality. This became feas-
ible when the cleric John Bonetti, drawn by his love for Don Bosco
and the remembrance of the charming family life once enjoyed
with him, returned to the Oratory and was entrusted with the
care of the artisans. He had spent one year studying philosophy in
the diocesan seminary. Knowing Don Bosco's intentions for a so-
dality for the artisans, he sought and obtained his permission to
establish one. When he announced his plans, the boys responded
enthusiastically. The enrollment took place on a Sunday, probably
March 20 [1859], and was solemnized both in and out of church.
6 Silvio Pellico (1789-1854) is mostly known for his book Le Mie Prigioni
- the account of his prison sufferings during the Italian Risorgimento. [Editor]
7 A letter by this lady on this and other matters has been omitted in this
edition. [Editor]

14.3 Page 133

▲back to top


A New Sodality at the Oratory
105
From then on, the St. Joseph Sodality enjoyed a steady, vigorous
life. John Bonetti himself wrote its regulations. Inspired and cor-
rected by Don Bosco, they were revised in the course of time, but
the spirit remained the same.8 The officers' duties were as follows:
The president had to summon the meetings, look after the mem-
bers' religious instruction, and prudently do his utmost to pro-
mote the sodality's best spiritual and material progress. The vice-
president was to substitute for the president at meetings and assist
him when necessary. The secretary's duties were to call the roll,
record the topic and outline of the talks given as well as the minutes
of the entire meeting, and keep an up-to-date list of members and
applicants. The consultors and monitors were to see that the so-
dality regulations were kept.
For prestige it ranked as high as the St. Aloysius Sodality and its
honorary membership included the main superiors of the Oratory.
Whereas membership in the Immaculate Conception, Blessed Sac-
rament, and Knights of the Altar sodalities merely required that
the applicant be accepted, admission to the St. Joseph Sodality
was made more solemn with the public recitation of a special
formula. 9
The beneficiaL-results of this sodality will be seen in the course
of our narration, but they were foreseeable even then, judging by
the good conduct of the great majority of artisans. The sodality
became so well known that it drew a surprising number of requests
for information from Piedmont, from other parts of Italy, and
even from foreign countries.
We shall now report one more item that belongs to this year -
a letter of Don Bosco to the founder of a charitable institution who
had asked him for one of his artisans:
My friend in the Lord,
Turin, April 3, 1859
The unsettled political situation made me somewhat delay this reply.
I will say this: If you plan to carry out your project, I'll send you one
of my boys - not, indeed, a famous shoemaker, but one who knows
s See Appendix 9. [Editor]
9 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

14.4 Page 134

▲back to top


106
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
his trade. I am confident his conduct will be good, unless he changes
radically. I shall have a copy made of the regulations of our house
for you. As regards a festive oratory, we had better talk matters over
together. Should you come to Turin, call at the Oratory and spend a
Sunday with us; you will then see for yourself how we go about it,
in nomine Domini. When something has materialized, let me know.
God willing, I will pay you a visit. Should you prefer a young tailor,
I have one available.
My respects to fearless Father Fenoglio. To both of you, great
courage in the Lord. Find me a million subscribers to Letture Cat-
toliche. Pray for me and for my poor children.
Your humble servant,
Fr. John Bosco
We will now close this chapter with an observation. The vivi-
fying element of the St. Joseph Sodality - as of the others - was
the frequent reception of Holy Communion, but the formation,
growth, and bond of affection which united their members must be
credited to the zeal and good example of the young clerics. Nearly
every week, Don Bosco gathered them into his room for a private
conference to imbue them with his ideas and offer them ways and
means to lead a pure life. In speaking of St. Francis de Sales, he
would often extol the Saint's amiability, purity, and heroic self-
sacrifice in spending himself for the salvation of souls even at the
cost of his life.
Don Bosco himself had formed these clerics, lavishing the most
tender care on them from their early boyhood. On their part they
responded just as generously. It could not have been otherwise,
for he never admitted among his clerics nor sent to the diocesan
seminaries any but those youths who gave firm hope of success.
These he helped in every way to achieve. their holy goals, as we
can see in this letter of his to Canon [Alexander] Vogliotti, rector
of the diocesan seminary and diocesan provicar:
Very Reverend and dear Rector,
Oratory, April 6, 1859
The cleric Alasia, of Sommariva, a seminarian at Chieri, writes to
tell me that board and tuition fees are being demanded of him.

14.5 Page 135

▲back to top


A New Sodality at the Oratory
107
He went to the seminary on the understanding that he would be
accepted on a gratis basis, as Your Reverence had led me to hope.
I beg you to help him; having no means of his own, he will otherwise
be forced to leave. The cleric [John] Bonetti was admitted gratis last
year, and Your Reverence had given me to understand that when I
took Bonetti back to the Oratory, you would transfer this privilege
to Alasia.
Fully trusting in your goodness, I am,
Most respectfully yours,
Fr. John Bosco
From another letter to the same canon we see how unhesitat-
ingly Don Bosco excluded from the clerical state those whose
conduct was not up to par.
Very Reverend and dear Rector,
Oratory, March 15, 1859
I am rather embarrassed to give you information about . . . I will
tell you coram Domino what I personally know. He did well in his
studies, but his conduct was mediocre. Furthermore, he had to be
dismissed for reasons better left unsaid among Christians. While with
us he finished his rhetoric. It is possible that during the two years since
he left the Oratory his conduct may have improved and that he may
now deserve a good recommendation.
I hope this information will suffice. I can furnish further particulars,
if necessary.
Your servant,
Fr. John Bosco
P.S. When this young man presented himself for his test, prior to
donning the clerical habit, I refused him a certificate of good conduct,
but he secured one from his pastor.

14.6 Page 136

▲back to top


CHAPTER 16
A Thorough Education
{QE read in Sirach [Sir. 20, 12] that the wise man's
speech endears him to others and enables him to draw and bend
his hearers to his will.
Such was Don Bosco. Amiability was a trait he strove to culti-
vate in his co-workers by urging them to communicate with one
another in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the whole
community. To this noble end, he multiplied occasions for speaking.
This he did not only for himself, but for the other superiors and
for several local and saintly priests imbued with his spirit whom he
invited to the Oratory. They substituted for him when he was
absent or otherwise occupied, echoed his words, recalled his max-
ims, and endeavored to have his wishes carried out.
Besides Sunday homilies, the stories of the popes' lives, the
"Good Nights," the sodality conferences, the weekly reading of
marks to the students, and the explanation of the rules of the
house, Don Bosco sought other occasions to speak to the boys on
matters pertinent to their civil and religious education. These things
should not be forgotten, and we shall treat of them now since they
may not fit so well elsewhere in our narration.
We shall mention first his catechetical instructions. Now and
then for at least twenty years -from 1846 to 1866 - he used to
gather his clerics and the older, more promising boys in the sacristy
in order to coach them on the way to teach catechism more fruit-
fully to their companions, both day and resident. He often com-
mented on the festive oratory regulations and made practical
suggestions - for example, that they should teach standing in
108

14.7 Page 137

▲back to top


A Thorough Education
109
order to have a better view of the boys and more easily command
their attention. He insisted too that catechism answers be com-
mented upon very briefly without excursions into explanations
beyond their pupils' capacity.
Father Angelo Savio 1 and John Villa 2 spoke to us about the
good results of these meetings, adding that Don Bosco himself
enjoyed spending several hours a week narrating bible stories to
the evening school pupils. He also liked to quote Holy Scripture,
thus deepening his boys' knowledge of things they had already
heard in sermons by the talented priests of the Convitto Ecclesias-
tico,8 whom Father Cafasso sent to the Oratory every Sunday.
The boarders too, divided into groups, had their Sunday cate-
chism lessons in church, and Don Bosco had moreover prescribed
that each week they should memorize a chapter of the catechism.
This memory assignment was due on Sunday evening for the
artisans and during the week for the students. The latter were not
to take final examinations unless they had first passed their cate-
chism tests. This was to accustom them to give more importance
to the study of religion than to other subjects.
He also directed that philosophy and theology students were
to memorize ten verses of the New Testament each week [in Latin]
and recite them in the dining room on Thursday 4 morning at
breakfast. This custom began in 1853. When, that first morning,
Don Bosco came into the dining room, all the clerics had the
Vulgate opened at the beginning of St. Matthew's Gospel, believing
he would start there. Instead, after the usual prayer, Don Bosco
said: "Take St. Matthew, Chapter 16, Verse 18: Et ego dico tibi
quia tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam meam,
et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam. Et tibi dabo claves
regni coelorum, et quodcumque ligaveris super terram erit ligatum
et in coelis et quodcumque solveris super terram, erit solutum et
in coelis. [And I say unto you that you are Peter, and upon this
1 Savio began attending the Oratory in 1850, became a Salesian in 1859, and
filled important positions in the Salesian Society. [Editor]
2 Villa began attending the Oratory in 1855 and continued frequenting it till
his death in 1870. [Editor]
s An ecclesiastical college specializing in pastoral theology. Don Bosco began
attending it right after his ordination. It was here that he started his work for
boys. See Vol. II, pp. 3lff, 54-61. [Editor]
4 A regular school holiday. [Editor]

14.8 Page 138

▲back to top


110
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
rock I will build My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven,
and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven,
and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.]
Then, after briefly commenting on the Roman Pontiff's authority,
he assigned the first ten verses of St. Matthew's Gospel for the fol-
lowing week. For years he himself sat in on this recitation, tersely
but admirably commenting on the text and concluding with some
maxim that would foster divine love and serve as a norm of con-
duct. The clerics so loved these sessions that they eagerly looked
forward to Thursdays.
Toward 1857, since the boys' confessions kept him busy till
late in the morning, Don Bosco delegated this task, first to the
cleric Michael Rua, then in 1863 to Dominic Ruffino,5 and sub-
sequently to others. But at times he joined or presided at these
gatherings. The practice of memorizing and reciting extracts from
the New Testament - later commonly referred to as "Testamen-
tino" - also gave him an opportunity to suggest tips on the
importance and manner of preaching the Word of God. He in-
sisted on simplicity and clearness in order to reach an audience.
He used to repeat that the salvation of souls should be the only
aim of the preacher. For this reason, he once made a peculiar
remark heard by Francis Cerruti 6 and others. The clerics were
poking fun at pompous 16th-century eloquence. Don Bosco let
them have their say, and then remarked. "But, suppose that style
and those far-fetched illustrations were necessary in that century
to gain the people's attention and benefit their souls, would you
consider it laughable? In that case I should think it would have
been wrong to do otherwise."
On another occasion, he touched on the need to prepare a
5 Ruffino had begun corresponding with Don Bosco in 1856 while a diocesan
seminarian at Giaveno. In 1857 at Don Bosco's invitation he spent part of the
summer at the Oratory. (See Vol. V, pp. 470f.) He joined Don Bosco perma-
nently in 1859 and had the foresight to start on his own a diligent record of
what Don Bosco said or did. Ordained a priest in 1863, he continued his chron-
icle till October 1864, when Don Bosco sent him to Lanzo near Turin to open
and direct that Salesian school. He died prematurely the following year. [Editor]
6 Cerruti had been at the Oratory since 1856 when he was twelve. In 1859
he decided to join Don Bosco, was ordained a priest in 1866, and filled important
positions in the Salesian Society. He died in 1917 at the age of 73. [Editor]

14.9 Page 139

▲back to top


A Thorough Education
111
sermon before venturing onto the pulpit, and he spiced his talk
with funny episodes to show how poor a figure a priest cuts if he
neglects this strict duty. We were present when he narrated this
episode:
There was a priest well known for his easygoing ways. Let's portray
him by just describing his manner of preaching. He would start off
with a standard topic - the Ten Commandments - eyes closed, hands
resting on the pulpit. "Mind you," he would say, "I shall be brief, very
brief. The Gospel of this Sunday ... (Now, you ladies, I know you
like to gab, but hold your tongues at least during the sermon . . . ) As
I was saying, today's Gospel is about the multiplication of loaves. A
moral we could draw is that you should go to confession. Before doing
so, of course, you should examine yourselves on the First Command-
ment. (Sexton, please take the candle extinguisher and use it on
that unruly lass down there.) From the First Commandment let us
pass on to the Second ... (You altar boys, can't you ever sit still?)
and to the Third and the other commandments." And he went on
and on, simply enumerating the commandments. He had promised to
be brief, and indeed he was, for he never stayed in the pulpit more
than ten minutes. When the congregation thought he was about to
start his sermon, he was through. Now, what do you think of such
sacred eloquence? What fruits can it bear? Nothing but irritation,
laughter, or sleep! The same results can be expected of any priest who,
for some reason or other, attempts to preach without preparation.
The faithful will suffer grave spiritual harm, and he will bear tre-
mendous responsibility before God. If priests realized the importance
of this duty, they would reap an abundant harvest. We read in the
Book of Proverbs: "It is the part of man to prepare the soul [that is,
himself, by study, meditation, and prayer]; and of the Lord to govern
the tongue [by His grace]." [Prov. 16, 1]
Another aspect of priestly formation that Don Bosco had close
to his heart was the teaching of sacred ceremonies. He started these
lessons himself, and later they were taken over by Father John
Baptist Bertagna.7 About the year 1857, Father Gherardi, an
assistant priest at Santa Maria, willingly assumed the task since
7 Father Bertagna was a renowned professor of moral theology at the Convitto
Ecclesiastico in Turin and was later consecrated auxiliary bishop in the same
city. [Editor]

14.10 Page 140

▲back to top


112
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
the Oratory clerics had been assigned to his parish and contributed
their services on solemn feasts. He had some leisure time and spent
it teaching the Oratory boarders to serve Mass, though there were
already others appointed to train them in this most noble service.
Don Bosco, in fac_t, required of all his pupils that they should
know how to serve I Mass and to serve it well. The clerics were
very fond of both Father Bertagna and Father Gherardi for their
friendliness and competence. Several old-timers recalled to us that
when either of them appeared at the Oratory gate, the boys would
run to him in a warm welcome, respectfully kissing his hand.
Father Gherardi was succeeded by Father Joseph Rocchietti -
our own schoolmate - who carried on till 1862, when ill health
compelled him to leave the Oratory. There followed, then, Father
John Cagliero, Father Joseph Bongiovanni, and others.
Don Bosco also started weekly conferences to the students on
Wednesday evenings to instruct them in their religious duties. He
spoke to the boys himself except when prevented by other engage-
ments; in those cases fellow priests from town substituted for him.
For example, in 1856-57 Father Casassa, a saintly, elderly priest
who was the spiritual director of the Sisters of St. Anne, gave
conferences on sin, the virtues, and the sacraments, sometimes in
the study hall, more often in the side chapel of St. Aloysius [in the
Church of St. Francis de Sales]. In the latter case, he always
vested in surplice and stole. His moral conferences were eagerly
looked forward to by the boys and never went beyond half an
hour. Father Casassa also gave the Sunday evening sermons till
1863, taking turns with Father [John] Borel 8 and Canon Charles
Anthony Borsarelli.
In 1857-58, to help the students understand the Latin sacred
hymns, Don Bosco asked Father Matthew Picco 9 to give them
a conference every Thursday, to which the students of the Cotto-
lengo Institute were also invited.
In 1859, Father [Augustine] Zattini, of Brescia, then an aspirant
to the Salesian Society, was put in charge of this conference. On
s See Vol. I, pp. 341f, and consult the index of Vol. II. [Editor]
9 Father Picco conducted a private school of humanities and rhetoric in
Turin. [Editor]

15 Pages 141-150

▲back to top


15.1 Page 141

▲back to top


A Thorough Education
113
Wednesdays, or after the Sunday second Mass,10 he explained the
Psalm Introibo and all the altar boys' prayers and responses, so
that they would thoroughly understand their role at Mass.
From 1860 through 1863, the Wednesday conference was car-
ried on by Father Borel in a large, L-shaped room, made up of the
present infirmary [1907] and of the section below Don Bosco's
room. Father Borel, in surplice and stole, used to sit at the junction
of the two wings with the students at his left and the clerics on
his right. His conferences were a reasoned presentation of the
Catholic faith. One year he spoke on the virtue of faith with such
clarity that all were able to follow him. His theme had been "Faith
without works is dead" [Jas. 3, 26] and "Without faith it is im-
possible to please God" [Heb. 11, 6]. Years later, Father John
Garino - a boy at that time - told us that it was a real treat
to listen to him speak on faith.
Father Borel was succeeded by Father Joseph Bongiovanni,
who for a few years held his conferences in the boys' study hall.
This custom was later discontinued.
Finally, worthy of mention are the weekly classes on good man-
ners held on Thursday morning or occasionally on Sunday before
noon in the study hall. This task was entrusted to the prefect of
the house; the first one to take it was Father [Victor] Alasonatti
in 1855. This sort of lecture rounded out the Christian education
of boys who, coming mainly from farms or workshops, really
needed to learn proper public deportment. The rules of good breed-
ing given to the boys were drawn from the Bible. There one can
find most opportune advice on correct table manners, when to sit
and when to stand, how to act with superiors, fraternize with equals,
converse with distinguished people, relax, and, in short, how to
conduct oneself in different circumstances. One's manners reveal
his heart and give a clue to his personality. The Holy Spirit says
in Holy Scripture: "One can tell a man by his appearance; a wise
man is known as such when first met. A man's attire, his laughter,
and his gait proclaim him for what he is." [Sir. 19, 25-26]
10 On Sundays and holy days the Oratory boys attended two Masses; the
second Mass was either sung or marked by the recitation of the Little Office
of the Blessed Virgin. [Editor]

15.2 Page 142

▲back to top


114
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco wished his pupils to make a good impression and
win friendship and esteem by their deportment, courtesy, candor,
and modesty. Occasionally he substituted for the prefect, but then
too he taught good manners more by example than by words. He
was the picture of a perfect gentleman. He exercised self-control
in every gesture and word and never gave offense by his appear-
ance or speech. He treated all most respectfully, as St. Paul teaches
us: "Honor to whom honor is due." The nobility who visited him,
or on whom he called, observed him and wondered where he had
learned his refined manners. "Don Bosco is a most accomplished
gentleman," they would remark. Father Paul Albera heard this
comment very often in France too. This was one of the reasons -
a secondary one, to be sure - why noble families were eager to
host him in their palatial homes. Nor did Don Bosco show less
regard to the poor. He never entered their homes without doffing
his hat. He was also charmingly courteous with his pupils. "I would
like to entrust you with this matter. What do you say?" "Would
you do me a favor and deliver this message for me?" "Would you
let me give you a bit of advice?" "Can you help me with this
work?" His manners were totally free from affectation because they
stemmed from the charity of Jesus Christ which welled up in his
heart, as befitted God's priest. The boys took him as their pattern,
and in turn he never failed to admonish or correct them oppor-
tunely in public and in private.
Don Bosco saw that good upbringing provides the climate for the
blossoming of many virtues. Therefore, prudent educator that he
was, he pointed out to his pupils the time to talk and the time to
keep quiet. He urged them to show annoyance at the coarse, con-
ceited, exaggerated, or rude manners of others. He urged them not
to tell others whatever evil they might have heard of them, to turn a
deaf ear to caustic quips, and not to press their own opinions stub-
bornly even with their equals. He warned them not to set themselves
up as an example by saying, for instance, "I would have acted
otherwise," when someone else's conduct had not really been
blameworthy; never to contradict; to listen even interestedly, with-
out betraying annoyance, at the retelling of the same episode,
particularly if the speaker happened to be elderly; not to keep
silent in a conversation with friends; not to interrupt a speaker or

15.3 Page 143

▲back to top


A Thorough Education
115
answer questions not put to them, and, when replying, to moderate
their answer by such expressions as: "I should think . . . It seems
to me . . . etc." He also exhorted them not to be uncompromising
in giving their opinion except in matters of faith, and not to shout
each other down when differences of opinion arose, but to wait
one's turn to speak.
When a boy needed a reminder, Don Bosco had a way of his
own of giving it. If, for instance, one made a grammatical error in
speaking, he frowned on making fun of him. Instead, he tried to
say something containing the same word, but in its correct usage.
One day he was expressing an opinion to several of his more
experienced young clerics about certain measures to be taken. One
of them immediately pooh-poohed his suggestion as most untimely
and utterly unfeasible. Unruffled, Don Bosco simply asked "What is
hyperbole?" All laughed, and Don Bosco said no more. Perhaps
he meant to tell the cocky objector that his views might be better
appreciated if he stuck to rhetoric. It was a puzzling question, but
a very gracious one to avoid mortifying him for so thoughtless an
objection.
When someone erred in matters of history or science, he would
just smile his disapproval, saying: "You are a teacher in Israel and
do not know these things?" [John 3, 10] He exhorted all to think
twice before speaking, reminding them of the scriptural warning,
"Fools' thoughts are in their mouths; wise men's words are in their
hearts." [Sir. 21, 26] He showed them the need of such reflection
in order to obtain what one desires, to avoid blundering, betraying
secrets, making enemies, creating troubles for oneself, and offend-
ing God. He did not fail to comment on certain thoughtless people,
inclined to suspicions, who, if not curbed, easily break into fits of
fury, insult those by whom they imagine themselves to have been
slighted, attribute bad intentions to others, and believe themselves
always in the right. "Such people," he would say, "alienate their
friends, become hateful to society, and end by being a common
laughingstock. How often one meets with such ill-bred persons, who
would not make themselves so ridiculous if they took pains to con-
trol their tongues, let their tempers cool, and, better yet, silently
overlook real or imaginary slights!" 11
11 We are omitting a trifling incident. [Editor]

15.4 Page 144

▲back to top


116
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Besides propriety in speech, Don Bosco expected good manners
of his boys. Himself a model of Christian dignity and composure,
he detested coarse play or any game that required putting one's
hands on another, as well as every trait of unbecoming familiarity,
such as walking arm in arm, hand in hand, etc. He considered it a
breach of good manners and asked his assistants to see to it that his
wishes on this score were perfectly carried out. This point too he
illustrated with a humorous anecdote:
When I was a schoolboy in Castelnuovo, I disliked the game of
leapfrog. Not only did I refuse to play but I chided those who did.
Now it once happened that while waiting for the teacher - Father
[Nicholas] Moglia- I was stooping over my desk arranging my books,
when suddenly a classmate jumped on my shoulders, then a second
and a third. I said nothing as they jumped, but then, seizing the legs
of the topmost boy, I pressed them tightly against the sides of those
under him and, straightening up, I walked out of the classroom with
this unusual burden on my back. I went as far as the church square
and back. My classmates followed in astonishment, shouting, whistling,
and clapping, while the three poor fellows on my back groaned and
begged to be let off, promising never again to jump me. I ignored
their cries and calmly reentered the classroom, where Father Moglia
was now awaiting his pupils. Someone had told him what had hap-
pened, but when he saw that living tower stalk into the classroom,
he burst into such heartfelt laughter that he could hardly tell me to
let them go. By now the boys' legs were so cramped that they could
not stand. So I deposited them one by one on their desks. "How did
you like the game?" I asked. They never tried it again.
When joining in recreation with his boys, Don Bosco marked
their mannerisms and gave each the advice needed. He would say
to one: "Stand up straight. Do not stoop like a hunchback." To
another: "Do not sink your head between your shoulders like that.
You look like an owl!" "Don't swing your arms so awkwardly as if
you didn't know what to do with them." "Take your hands out of
your pockets. One would think you are giving yourself airs."
He often corrected some thoughtless breach of manners with a
nod, beck, or glance unperceived by others. If, for instance, one
spat on the ground within sight of visitors - or, worse yet, indoors

15.5 Page 145

▲back to top


A Thorough Education
117
- he gave a hint by putting his handkerchief to his mouth. He
would do the same if someone coughed, sneezed, or yawned audi-
bly. If he saw one leaving the table with smeared lips or cheeks,
he would go through the motions of wiping his own lips with a
significant nod. To those who had stains on their clothes, he would
smilingly point them out with the tip of his finger. Usually that was
enough.
Canon [Michael] Sorasio told us how Don Bosco once went to
Caramagna for the clerical investiture of his pupil [Bartholomew]
Fusero. While conversing with the local clergy in the sacristy, Don
Bosco noticed that Fusero was resting his elbow on the vesting
table and supporting his head on the palm of his hand. Unobtru-
sively, he grasped Fusero's arm and moved it so courteously that
the canon - then a lay person - could not help admiring such
finesse. He never forgot it.
One notable lesson in good manners among the many Don Bosco
taught his sons was brought to our attention by Joseph Reano. It
was April 28, 1858. Don Bosco had instructed the boys always
to doff their caps when greeting distinguished visitors, especially
priests, and to be very courteous, particularly with people who asked
to see the superior of the house. In these cases, the boys were to
accompany the visitors to the superior's room, cap in hand, politely
answering their questions. He then went on to tell of an experience
he had had on February 18 of that same year when he had called
on a family. He was received so coldly that, though not offended,
he felt somewhat mortified. This led him to think how the Oratory's
benefactors would feel if they were received in like manner and
what the consequences would be. He concluded by pointing out
that if a visitor called on a family and a mere child came to the door
to inform the caller that regretfully the father was out, such courtesy
would be very gratifying and would enhance the family's good
name. We shall add that around these years [1859-1861] Don
Bosco sketched a three-act comedy which aimed at correcting the
most common breaches of good manners. We were able to find only
an outline among his papers.12
Don Bosco's lessons in good manners served as valuable norms
12 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

15.6 Page 146

▲back to top


118
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
of conduct in public for those who cared to profit by them. A dis-
tinguished lawyer - an Oratory past pupil - and many others too,
declared that by remembering Don Bosco's rules of good breeding
they were able to hold their place in society and win the reputation
of being accomplished gentlemen.
Let us conclude this chapter with a question: Could Don Bosco
have done more for his boys' education? Fittingly we can apply to
him the eulogy uttered by St. John Chrysostom: Omni certe pictori,
omni certe statuario, coeterisque huius modi, omnibus excellen-
tiorem hunc duco, qui iuvenum animos fingere non ignoret. [I do
not hesitate to rank above any painter, above any sculptor, and
above any artist, him who knows how to form the minds of the
young.]

15.7 Page 147

▲back to top


CHAPTER 17
War Against Austria
{([E must now shift our attention from the Oratory's
peaceful conferences to rumors of war. Toward the end of March
[1859] the Piedmontese army - eighty thousand strong - was
positioned along the border from Alessandria to the Ticino River,
while the National Guard manned bastions and fortified positions.
In the public squares of various towns, volunteers for the Garibaldi
militia kept drilling, as the worried populace looked on, awaiting
developments in anxious silence. Turin was deluged with inflam-
matory pamphlets and newspapers, and war demonstrations were
the order of the day. The government itself feigned peace while
goading Austria to strike the first blow and make it appear that
Piedmont had been forced into self-defense. Everything was ready,
including military billets and hospitals.
Among the buildings commandeered by the army was the Con-
vitto Ecclesiastico. On dismissing his pupils, Father Cafasso had
recommended, "Do not meddle with politics. A priest is to concern
himself with the Gospel and the practice of charity. You will find
war fever everywhere; politics and war are standard topics. Be
prudent. When asked your opinion on the situation, simply answer,
'I have no opinion to offer. My duty is to pray.' If you are asked for
whom you are praying, reply that you are praying that everything
may go well and that everything may end well. Thus you will not
get involved in controversy." The same advice Don Bosco gave his
clerics. He did not want them to concern themselves with politics.
Nevertheless, the war fever which had taken hold of youth threat-
ened the survival of the Lenten catechism classes. We have this
report from Peter Enria:
119

15.8 Page 148

▲back to top


120
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
In 1859 - as formerly in 1848-49 - an intense war fever gripped
Turin's youth. Nearly every Sunday they massed by the hundreds in
the meadows on the city outskirts and fought sham battles which,
more often than not, became the real thing with rocks flying on both
sides, as I witnessed several times. One Sunday afternoon, Don Bosco
entered the church to start the catechism class, but to his surprise
found only the boarders there. "Where are the others?" he asked.
Nobody knew. He went into Via della Giardiniera - to the site later
occupied by the Church of Mary Help of Christians - and saw a
crowd of more than three hundred boys, between the ages of fifteen
and eighteen, battling each other with rocks. At that sight, Don Bosco
marched right into the fray. I was watching from a distance and
feared for his safety, but he was not hit. I am convinced that Our
Lady shielded him with Her mantle. He advanced some fifty feet. As
soon as the boys recognized him, they held back their rocks. Amiably
he motioned them closer and then gently persuaded them to go with
him to church. No one tried to run off. When all were in, he began
the catechism lesson as if nothing had happened.
All this turmoil did not affect the publication of Letture Catto-
liche. The April issue, entitled Edifying Stories . . . also carried
recommendations of two bishops for the spread of this periodical.
Another bishop - Andrew Charvaz of Genoa, relentless foe of the
Waldensians - had also recommended this publication in his pas-
toral letter of February 19, 1859. The same had been done by
Bishop Thomas Ghilardi of Mondovi and Bishop Clement Manzini
of Cuneo, the latter on February 15, 1859.1
The May issue, The Life of Rose Cordone, by Father Joseph
Frassinetti, prior of the Church of St. Sabina in Genoa, proved that
all Christians can reach perfection and union with God, even with-
out charisms, long prayers, and harsh penances, as this saintly girl
did before her death in Genoa on November 26, 1858.
The June issue - anonymous - was entitled The Shrine of
Bassa. Its frontispiece carried the Latin verse, Tot tibi sunt dotes,
Virgo, quot sidera coeli. [Thy perfections, 0 Virgin, are as numer-
ous as the stars of heaven.] This shrine is located in the hills of
1 Short extracts from the pastoral letters of the bishops of Genoa, Mondovi,
and Cuneo have been omitted in this edition. [Editor]

15.9 Page 149

▲back to top


War Against Austria
121
Rubiana in Piedmont. Like all others, it proclaims Mary's goodness
in granting the requests of Her suppliants.
While Don Bosco was busily proofreading these booklets that
dealt with the simplest and most peaceful Christian virtues as a
welcome relief from the violent passions then stirring the masses,
he was greatly comforted by evidences of Dominic Savio's loving,
heavenly protection of his former schoolmates. One night in April
[1859] he read to the gathered community a letter from an alumnus,
Matthew Galleano. At the beginning of that month, after two days
of an atrocious toothache and headache, he had decided to have
recourse to Dominic Savio. He recited an "Our Father" in his honor,
and as he came to the words "but deliver us from evil," the pains
and swelling instantly ceased. One of the boys present at the reading
of this letter was Charles De Matteis. For several weeks he too had
been tormented by a toothache which no medicine could alleviate.
Encouraged by his companion's happy experience, he asked Don
Bosco, "Shall I too pray to Dominic Savio?"
"Why not?" Don Bosco replied. "This evening say one Our
Father and Hail Mary in his honor, and trust in him."
That night, kneeling at his bedside, Charles recited those prayers
and got into bed. Immediately he fell into a sound sleep, whereas
on previous nights he had not been able to rest at all. When the
bell awakened him the next morning, he was entirely cured. Tooth-
aches never bothered him again.
Another boy, Hyacinth Mazzucco, had been suffering from sore
eyes for about a month and faced the prospect of having to leave
the Oratory unless he got better. On Wednesday of Holy Week,
April 20 [1859], he asked Don Bosco, "Shall I pray to Dominic
Savio too? He has cured others who never even knew him. I was
his classmate. He'll surely help me, especially since I have to pre-
pare the Altar of Repose for tomorrow."
"Surely," Don Bosco replied. "Say an Our Father and a Hail
Mary in his honor. Then trust in him. Tomorrow do your work and
offer it to God."
That evening Mazzucco recited those prayers. The next morning
he felt much better, and by Holy Saturday was completely cured.
These heavenly favors of his beloved Dominic were a great lift for

15.10 Page 150

▲back to top


122
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco and eased his heartaches at the lack of response in some
boys. From these heavenly interventions too he got a sense of secur-
ity, notwithstanding the troubles and anxieties of the impending
war, as we gather from a letter of his to Father John Baptist Tor-
chio, pastor of San Martino Alfieri (Asti) :
Dear Reverend Father,
Turin, April 22, 1859
It's Easter again, and I must settle my debts to put my conscience
in order. I owe you several letters especially concerning the boy B . . .
To be very frank, I must admit I have not done what you asked
because the conduct of this lad to whom I have always borne special
affection has consistently been a question mark. He has steadily been
so mediocre in his scholastic and religious duties that I don't see how
I can possibly give him the recommendation which his father - a won-
derful man - you and I myself desire. This is why I could not oblige.
As for Saglietti, I deeply regret I cannot accept him just now. Why?
Because the government has had our house checked out as a likely
military billet. This means that at any moment I may get notice to
pack up and leave. The present political situation is grave and most
alarming.
If you ever come to Turin, do not fail to pay me a visit. At all
events, I assure you I shall always do my best to please you. Pray for
me and my poor boys.
Your devoted servant and friend,
Fr. John Bosco
This letter mentions a government inspection. It took place at
the beginning of April. Two agents checked out the premises as to
their adaptability for barracks or for use as a military hospital. Don
Bosco received them courteously and showed them around. As they
were about to leave he said, "I would appreciate it if you would
convey an opinion and request of mine to your superiors. When
one's country is in need or in danger, every loyal citizen must do all
he can. Don Bosco too is ready to do his utmost. I did so six years
ago 2 and will do so now, if war breaks out. At the same time, I
2 See Vol. V, pp. 55ff, 74ff. [Editor]

16 Pages 151-160

▲back to top


16.1 Page 151

▲back to top


War Against Austria
123
must point out that this house is now sheltering some three hundred
of the poorest, most forsaken boys. I beg the government to spare
me the sorrow of having to cast them adrift again into the streets. I
believe Turin has plenty of public buildings far more suitable for
barracks or hospitals than this house. As you see, it lacks many
comforts and its stairs and corridors are far too narrow." (In build-
ing it, Don Bosco had anticipated this possibility.3 )
We do not know what the two inspectors reported, but the Ora-
tory was not disturbed. On the other hand, in those trying times
Don Bosco provided a far better service. The abrupt drafting of
men who had been permanently demobilized, and of others who
had been granted deferments at the time of the Crimean War, threw
the countryfolk into consternation, because most of the draftees
were married; then, too, they had to leave in midspring at the height
of the planting season. Many families were left helpless, and many
a mother with a houseful of children was plunged into misery - so
much so that relief committees had to be formed in the main cities
to provide for the neediest families. What did Don Bosco do? Not-
withstanding the economic straits brought on by the war and soaring
food prices, he accepted several boys whose fathers were in the
service.
The first rumble of war came on April 23, 1859. On that day,
Austria, annoyed by the intrigues of the Piedmontese government,
sent an ultimatum demanding the disarming and disbanding of vol-
unteers within three days. It was flatly refused ... 4 On April 30,
the over-two-hundred-thousand-strong Austrian army, commanded
by General Francis Giulay, crossed the Ticino, seized Novara, and
pushed on to the fertile plains bounded by the Ticino, the Po, and
the Sesia ...
On May 2, the Austrians occupied Vercelli ... and on May 3
pushed forward to Tortona. They had three corps: one between
Casale and Alessandria, another on both banks of the Po, and a
third at Vercelli, where they were apparently grouping to march
on Turin. In the meantime, by sea and by ]and, 180,000 French
soldiers were pouring into Italy via Genoa, Nice, Moncenisio, and
a See Vol. IV, p. 328. [Editor]
4 Here and there we shall omit details about this war. [Editor]

16.2 Page 152

▲back to top


124
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Monginevro in order to join forces with the Piedmontese army ...
In the capital, it was deeply feared that the Austrians would soon
be within its walls. The Oratory boys too were worried, but Don
Bosco reassured them. "Do not be afraid," he said. "Even if Turin
falls, the Oratory will be defended by the holy martyrs Solutor,
Adventor, and Octavius and will suffer no harm." He had a deep
devotion to these Saints who had suffered martyrdom within the
Oratory grounds,5 and so strong was his trust that in those very days
he was busy preparing a lottery, as if the country were at peace.
He needed money to feed his boys.
Accordingly in April he met with the committee that had made
such a success of the lottery of 1857 6 under the chairmanship of
Count Charles Cays of Giletta, and made plans with them. Then,
after obtaining a city license, he procured and numbered the prizes,
had all the tickets written by hand and stamped with the Oratory
seal, and saw to the printing of two circulars to be sent to friends
and likely sympathizers in April and in May.7 Each circular had an
insert listing the prizes and carried the following message: "For the
convenience of the public, donations for tickets may be given to any
committee member." Their names followed.
The lottery was a huge success and fully met Don Bosco's expec-
tations. The drawing took place as scheduled, winners were notified,
and the prizes were delivered with a thank-you note from Don
Bosco.8 By this means Don Bosco provided food for his boys, at
least for a while.
In the meantime he was also capturing their imagination with the
description of the lovely and stupendous future that Divine Provi-
dence had in store for the Oratory. While still a young cleric, John
Baptist Anfossi declared to us:
I distinctly remember that one day, while I was close to Don Bosco
in the playground, he pointed to the spot where the Church of Mary
Help of Christians now stands, and said, "A great church will rise
there." He lifted his eyes upward as if it were there already within
5 See Vol. II, pp. 233f, 268. [Editor]
6 See Vol. V, pp. 398f. [Editor]
7 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
s Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

16.3 Page 153

▲back to top


War Against Austria
125
his gaze, then went on, "It will have a huge dome, and great solemni-
ties will be celebrated in it." At this time, not a word had ever even
been spoken about a church dedicated to Mary Help of Christians. In
those days we could not help feeling greatly astonished by these words,
especially because we knew the serious financial straits of our Father
who often could not even pay for our bread. Nevertheless, one day, in
a light vein, he invited the cleric [Charles] Ghivarello-who at the
time knew nothing about architecture - to make a rough draft of the
future church. Don Bosco thought it too small and made him sketch
a much larger one, which later was shown to architect [Anthony]
Spezia.
In these very days too, by his priestly blessing, Don Bosco won a
victory which caused a good deal of fun among the boys. "Too bad
that Don Bosco isn't a general!" they remarked. "He would rout all
enemies!" Joseph Reano described this incident in writing to Father
John Bonetti:
One day an old woman who rented and tilled a vegetable garden
close to the Oratory came to see Don Bosco. She was very upset.
"Father," she said, "caterpillars are crawling all over my garden
and eating everything up."
"What can I do, my good woman?" Don Bosco replied.
"I want you to chase them away. They are ruining me. Give them
a blessing and make them all die."
"Why do you want those poor things to die?" Don Bosco replied
smilingly. "I will bless them and send them where they can do no
harm."
Next morning [Joseph] Buzzetti and I went to a small lot flanking
the Church of St. Francis de Sales and belonging to the Oratory. It
was enclosed by a ten-foot-high wall. To our astonishment caterpillars
covered the whole wall, as well as beams and heaps of stones and
bricks lying on the ground and stunted trees. The old woman's garden
was entirely rid of them.

16.4 Page 154

▲back to top


CHAPTER 18
Assistance to War Prisoners
aFTER the momentary scare of an Austrian invasion of
their city, the Turinese went wild with joy at the arrival of French
battalions. But Don Bosco appeared quite disturbed by the news
that French troops kept pouring into Italy jn preparation for an
attack against Austria. He often exclaimed, "These men will even-
tually march against the Pope. This war is just a ruse to dispossess
the Pope and block him off from any kind of help."
Meanwhile the Austrians were about to attack Ivrea but, on
learning of the arrival of French troops, retreated to safer positions
on May 9 [1859] 1 ••• Then, on May 19, General Giulay, the
Austrian commander, abandoned Vercelli and transferred his head-
quarters to Mortara ...
Everything pointed to a most bitter and bloody war. Victor
Emmanuel II, realizing that death could strike at any moment,
wrote to the Pope on May 25 [1859], requesting absolution from
church censures. Pius IX obliged but warned that it would be in-
valid unless he sincerely resolved to do his utmost to right the wrong
he had done to the Church and cause her no further harm ...
By now the whole French army was poised between Vercelli
and Novara ... General Giulay, realizing the threat to Milan,
immediately moved his troops to the left bank of the Ticino, massing
them at Magenta. The Allies pursued him across the river at two
points and on June 4 engaged him in a fierce, long battle that ended
with French victory. Austria suffered ten thousand casualties be-
tween dead and wounded, and seven thousand were taken prisoner;
1 Here and there we shall omit details about this war. [Editor]
126

16.5 Page 155

▲back to top


Assistance to War Prisoners
127
France's toll was four thousand dead and wounded, and one thou-
sand prisoners . . .
The wounded who could be moved had been hospitalized in
various towns of Piedmont. Turin's hospitals were full, and the
patients were given the best of medical and religious care by the
zealous Sisters of Charity. The Convitto Ecclesiastico, where Father
Cafasso still resided with the permission of the military authorities,
was filled with Austrian casualties. On his visits, Don Bosco would
linger in the courtyard, on the stairs, and along the corridors to
comfort the Austrian patients he met. They were a motley crowd
of Hungarians, Poles, and Tyrolese, but most of them knew enough
Latin to communicate with Don Bosco.
He had greater contact, however, with the French soldiers sta-
tioned in town, and soon the Oratory became somewhat of a meet-
ing place for them, especially the wounded. One of the older
Oratory pupils who was reasonably fluent in French met some of
them one day, told them about Don Bosco, and led them to the
Oratory. Don Bosco received them very warmly and, after a cordial
conversation, invited them to return freely to the Oratory and bring
their friends along. He told them that there they would find all they
needed for writing home and that they were welcome to borrow
French books from the Oratory library. He added that, if they were
interested, he would appoint someone to teach them Italian and
arithmetic and that since it was still Easter time, French-speaking
confessors would be on hand so that they could make their Easter
duty if they had not yet done so. Such a gracious reception won
those good Frenchmen's enthusiasm for Don Bosco. Back in their
barracks they gave a glowing account of their Oratory visit and
made their fellow soldiers keenly anxious to go and see for them-
selves. Before long, French servicemen began wending their way to
Valdocco to enjoy the company of Don Bosco and his pupils.
Several hundred of them also approached the sacraments so de-
voutly as to leave no doubt of their deeply religious upbringing.
Extremely pleased, Don Bosco now and then invited some of
them to stay for dinner. It was a pleasant sight to see them fraternize
with the young clerics and priests, both groups trying to speak
each other's tongue. The contrast between the guests' red panta-

16.6 Page 156

▲back to top


128
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
loons and the black soutanes of their hosts enhanced the scene.
Some officers were on such familiar terms with all that they looked
like members of the community. After a while, so many French
servicemen became personally acquainted with Don Bosco that
rarely could he walk the streets without being hailed or escorted on
his way by some of them.
Father John Turchi told us that one day a group of them greeted
Don Bosco with a loud "Viva !'Italia." He thanked them and ami-
ably invited them to the Oratory, where he treated them to refresh-
ments so cordi~lly as to win their hearts. On another occasion he
was on his way to visit a sick person at Collegno, a small town
about four miles from Turin. As he got to the Rivoli Road he met
about a dozen Algerian riflemen, some of whom were convalescent,
others slightly wounded in arms or hands. Since they were going
for a walk, they asked if they could go part of the way with him.
He readily consented. They chatted away on a wide range of topics
as they strolled under the shade of ancient elms lining the road.
Before they knew it, they were at Collegno. The Algerians wanted
to tum back but Don Bosco said, "Since you are off duty, why not
wait for me and walk me back? It won't take me long ..." Unex-
pectedly, though, his visit lasted longer than he thought; it was noon
when he left the patient.
"I am sorry to be so late," he said to the soldiers, "but now it's
noon and you must be hungry. Besides, you are convalescing and
can't walk back on an empty stomach. Let me treat you - not to
a binge, as you'd say, but to a good dinner." And so he took them
to an inn and gave them an enjoyable time. Back in the barracks,
they told their story. The following day their officer with typical
French courtesy called on Don Bosco to thank him profusely.
In addition, Don Bosco had the cleric Celestine Durando solicit
donations from many priests and prominent laymen toward the
purchase of a wide assortment of wholesome French books. He
brought them himself to the soldiers or had the Sisters of Charity
distribute them in the hospitals. He also provided German religious
books for the Austrian soldiers at the Convitto Ecclesiastico.
For these and other reasons, the French soldiers stationed in
Turin became so attached to the Oratory that when they had to

16.7 Page 157

▲back to top


Assistance to War Prisoners
129
leave, they :flocked there to say their grateful and moving good-byes
to Don Bosco and their teachers. Later, several of them kept up a
correspondence with Don Bosco and others, especially Michael
Rua, their arithmetic teacher ...
Meanwhile, prayers were continually being offered at the Oratory
for Pius IX, the king, the army, and peace. The daily routine was
enlivened by joyful celebrations that were, and still are, character-
istic of the Oratory. Inspired by love and gratitude, these celebra-
tions were marked by the devout reception of the sacraments which
were their starting point and crowning end. On these occasions -
and they were quite frequent - the playgrounds resounded with
song, music, applause, and shouts of joy. Poetry too greatly helped
make these celebrations more memorable. The name days of su-
periors, the public thanks to the "priors" on the Oratory's patronal
feasts, the commemoration of dormitory patron saints,2 outings to
some parish church on the occasion of some religious celebration
- all these events aroused and inspired budding poets. We still have
hundreds of poems which we gathered as cherished souvenirs of
happy days - some quite primitive, others truly elegant; through
all beats a warm heart.
The most celebrated of all non-religious festivities was always
Don Bosco's name day. A sort of ornate throne for him to sit upon,
the playground illumination, the presentation of charming gifts, a
new song especially written and set to music, and prose and poetry
in different languages set this day above all others. We shall have
plentiful opportunity to speak of the boys' enthusiasm when we
narrate subsequent years' events.
On a lesser scale, teachers' name days were held privately by
each class. Since each teacher was looked upon as Don Bosco's
representative, these occasions too were very joyful. A bouquet,
some small gift, a few sweets, and one or two recitations in verse
and prose brought everybody closer together. On that occasion a
festive cloth graced the teacher's or craftsmaster's desk; sometimes
Don Bosco would add dignity by attending. The day usually began
with a class general Communion and closed in the afternoon with
a half-holiday and a picnic. Later, abuses cancelled the holiday and
2 Each dormitory was named after a saint. [Editor]

16.8 Page 158

▲back to top


130
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
picnic. On that day the teacher had the occasion to win over a
hitherto unresponsive pupil, to clear up a misunderstanding, or to
encourage a boy by a promise to help him. This custom was also a
splendid opportunity for the teacher to forgive and put at ease those
who feared the unpleasant consequences of their misdeeds at the
end of the school year. On that day, the pupils, less guarded in their
talk, unwittingly disclosed - and thus rid themselves of - their
apprehensions, hurt feelings, and jealousies; even some acts of mis-
conduct came to light which would have remained hidden and
caused disorders or, possibly, spiritual harm.
Don Bosco's aim in permitting these demonstrations of affection
and gratitude was always the boys' eternal welfare. This was evident
in the way the boys expressed themselves in word or in writing, in
their promises, and in the teacher's reply to the boys' greetings. He
never failed to recommend to his pupils that they go to confession,
and he lovingly coaxed them to return to God's grace, if necessary.
He would quite outspokenly point out that if anyone had formerly
concealed a mortal sin through shame, he should confess it that day,
so that Jesus might be consoled by all of them. He would tell them
that the mere thought that even one of his pupils was at enmity with
God and merited His anger was enough to mar the sweetest of joys.
The pupils thus understood that a good confession was the gift he
would appreciate most. God only knows how much good the tea-
cher's words did. From available evidence we can say, too, that
this promoted priestly vocations. The boys were deeply impressed,
and before the day was over several would confide to their teacher
how happy they had been that day.
In those days the classroom was somewhat of a shrine. Then, as
now, Our Lady's statue, flanked by candles and flowers, stood on a
little altar just below the crucifix. Every Saturday, at the end of the
last period,3 the boys recited Our Lady's litany; daily, during the
month of May, they said a short prayer in common. All Her feasts
were briefly announced by the teacher on the preceding day with an
exhortation to receive the sacraments; the same was done on the eve
of other principal liturgical feasts, for it was well known that Don
3 Classes were held on Saturdays because of a midweek holiday on Thursday.
[Editor]

16.9 Page 159

▲back to top


Assistance to War Prisoners
131
Bosco did not consider a religious feast properly celebrated without
the reception of the sacraments.
From our remarks one can easily realize that order and diligence
were hallmarks of both classrooms and workshops, for the latter
also followed these customs. Love of God and happiness go hand
in hand. Understandably, therefore, at the close of the school year,
though glad to return to their parents, the students were sorry to
part from their teachers.

16.10 Page 160

▲back to top


CHAPTER 19
A Lost Sheep
a T the end of the 1858-59 school year, the Oratory's
young clerics took their exams in philosophy and theology at the
Turin archdiocesan seminary. The grades they received then and
thereafter are recorded in our archives and testify to their diligence.
On the evening of June 23 [1859], eve of the feast of St John
the Baptist - Don Bosco's name day - a musical-literary enter-
tainment was held in his honor, but before the day was over, the
first reports of a savage battle turned joy into grief. On that day,
the Austrians, resuming the offensive, crossed to the right bank of
the Mincio and fortified Solferino and San Martino.1 Simultaneously
both French and Piedmontese crossed the Chiese River. The next
day, a relentless battle, involving 274,000 men, raged for fourteen
hours. Fortune seemed to favor the Allies, who had been able to
hold the commanding heights, when a violent storm suddenly broke
out. Wind, rain, hail, lightning, and thunder silenced the roar of
seven hundred canons and wrapped the carnage of the battlefield
in an eerie darkness. The historian Cesare Cantu lists casualties on
both sides at nearly 40,000 soldiers - some 13,000 of them
Austrians - 1,500 officers, and three field marshals.
At the Oratory, prayers and Communions for the suffering souls
in purgatory and the celebration of the feast of St. Aloysius Gon-
zaga on June 29, somewhat tempered the general sorrow and
buoyed the lads' spirits. Mr. Juvenal Delponte [a benefactor] agreed
to be "prior" of the feast. A poem in honor of the Saint, dedicated
to Mr. Delponte by its author, Joseph Bongiovanni, shows the
young cleric's remarkable literary gifts.
1 Two small towns on the hills to the south of Lake Garda in Lombardy.
[Editor]
132

17 Pages 161-170

▲back to top


17.1 Page 161

▲back to top


A Lost Sheep
133
Meanwhile, countless families mourned their dead or feared for
the survivors because it seemed the war would continue. The Allies
had crossed the Mincio too, but formidable fortresses now blocked
their way and only a long siege would break them down. A second
battle, as savage as that at Solferino, was shaping up near Verona,
and French warships were entering the Adriatic to join units of the
Piedmontese fleet at Antivari for an attack on Venice on July 10.
Amid general trepidation, Don Bosco predicted peace. For the
following information we are indebted to Sister Philomena Cravosio,
daughter of Countess [Felicity] Cravosio, who wrote:
During the 1859 war raging in Lombardy, my mother had a son
and a brother in the army. The latter had been wounded. Heartbroken
and fearful of their fate, she asked me to go to Don Bosco with her.
To our surprise Don Bosco received us in the dining room. Supper had
just ended, and priests and clerics were still around him, while at the
rear of the room a few boys - some seated on a table, others on a
rough bench - rehearsed a song, scores in hand. Now and then some
little fellow would go up to Don Bosco, whisper into his ear, and in
the same fashion get the good Father's reply. After greeting us, Don
Bosco made us sit by him and made small talk, now and then glanc-
ing knowingly at my mother. After all the priests had excused them-
selves, Don Bosco said to her: "Countess, I know what you want to
tell me. Cheer up!" Then, lowering his voice, he added, "This very
night peace will be made."
"Impossible!" my mother replied. "You are only saying this to
console me. There is nothing to support your statement."
Next morning, however, at about seven, as my mother and I were
crossing Via Garibaldi - then Via Dora Grossa - on our way to
Mass, we heard the news vendors shouting: "Peace at Villafranca!
Napoleon, Victor Emmanuel, and Francis II meet in night session!"
After Mass we hastened to the Oratory and found Don Bosco in
the playground. He came to us and said: "Let us thank God." He
then took us to the chapel where we remained briefly in prayer.
What had happened? Countess Cravosio had called on Don
Bosco on July 6 at about 8 P.M. Napoleon was then at his head-
quarters in Villafranca. Shocked by Solferino's terrible carnage and
disturbed by news from Germany that several powers were ready

17.2 Page 162

▲back to top


134
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
to aid Austria, he sent for General [Emile Felix] Fleury that same
night at about 9 o'clock and instructed him to deliver a letter to
the Austrian emperor requesting an armistice. The general arrived
at Verona at about 10:30, and the emperor was roused. Surprised
and impressed by Napoleon's letter and the general's further clari-
fications, he accepted Napoleon's terms. On July 11, both emperors
met at Villafranca and formally signed a peace treaty ...
But neither war nor peace slowed Don Bosco's pace. In June he
had the Paravia Press print 2,500 copies of a second edition of his
Storia d'Italia,2 with a few additions. It is noteworthy that in this
book he described the origin of the Pope's temporal power, de-
fended his rights to such power, and showed its advantages. He sent
complimentary copies to many distinguished laymen and ecclesias-
tics, among them Turin's mayor.3 About the middle of July he was
quite busy with the pupils' final examinations, awarding of prizes,
scholastic reports, and departures for home. At the beginning of the
same month, with the help of young Caesar Chiala,4 he had pub-
lished another issue of Letture Cattoliche, an anonymous tale en-
titled The Triumph of Innocence ... The August issue, The Lives
of the Holy Pontiffs SS. Pontian, Anterus, and Fabian, was authored
by Don Bosco himself . . .
After proofreading it, Don Bosco went to St. Ignatius' Shrine for
his annual spiritual retreat. There he was to find a lost sheep of his
- a lad he had been seeking several years. This boy, Francis D ...
was a bright secondary school student frequenting the festive ora-
tory at Valdocco. His religious and wealthy parents had brought
him up in the holy fear of God. The youngster had no secrets from
Don Bosco. On his part, the latter seconded the teachings of the
boy's parents by frequently urging Francis to be obedient to them.
On returning home from the festive oratory, the lad enjoyed telling
them what Don Bosco had said and done. Since his name was ever
on the boy's lips, the parents expected him to benefit greatly from
this holy friendship.
Francis was a very avid, inquisitive reader. One _day a school-
2 See Vol. V, pp. 322-331. [Editor]
3 A letter of thanks from the mayor has been omitted in this edition. [Editor]
4 As a boy he had frequented the Valdocco Festive Oratory. See Vol. V, p.
521. [Editor]

17.3 Page 163

▲back to top


A Lost Sheep
135
mate loaned him a novel which, though not immoral, so fired his
imagination that he lost himself in such readings. Gradually his
piety and studies waned and so did his interest in the festive ora-
tory. His father noticed the change and soon found its cause. He
reprimanded him, took away the novels, and threatened severe
punishment if he did not obey. The boy, unbalanced by such read-
ing, proud and fearful, ran away. Wandering the Superga hills in
fear of being caught, he stopped at a farmhouse. The farmers were
resting and enjoying a snack in the shade of a large tree in front
of the house. Exhausted, hungry, and thirsty, he watched them
for a time with envy. Personal pride and dire need fought within
him, but he :finally went over and asked for food. Surprised at
seeing a well-dressed city lad beg for food, they questioned him.
He made up a clever little story that his parents had died after a
series of business reverses, leaving him penniless, and that he had
left the city in shame in order to be far away from his friends and
family. The farmers were moved to pity. After giving him food,
one of them asked, "What will you do for a living? You'll have to
get a job."
<'Will you give me one? I'm willing to stay here."
"You don't seem cut out for farm work."
"Try me," Francis replied.
"All right; take this flail and let's see what you can do."
Francis took off his coat and began threshing wheat. He was
not used to manual work, but he toiled so eagerly that, out of pity,
the farmers said, "All right, stay with us. You will have food and
a place to sleep in the hayloft. How is that?" Francis stayed there
two weeks, doing all he was told, but pestering those good people
to find work for him in some other farm farther from Turin. They
consented and sent him to relatives at Sciolze,5 where Francis
worked hard, resolutely swallowing his pride. Senseless shame and
fear kept him from returning home. Meanwhile, his heartbroken
father, a former judge, after searching for him in vain, finally
called on Don Bosco. Though shocked by the news, Don Bosco
assured him that Our Lady would protect his son and bring him
back; he also promised to have the Oratory boys pray for him.
5 A very small town near Turin. rEditor]

17.4 Page 164

▲back to top


136
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Two years later, Don Bosco happened to be in the parish of
Sciolze for a sermon and was hosted by Count Roasenda, a bene-
factor of the Oratory. During his stay, the count took him to visit
his large model farm in that area. In the course of the visit they
both sat down in a delightful spot overlooking a scenic view. After
a while, the count excused himself briefly to check a newly erected
shed. Don Bosco stayed on and noticed a youth piling manure in
a meadow further down the slope. He looked strong-limbed and
sun-tanned; his hair was short-cropped, except for a long, thick
cowlick falling over his forehead. The more Don Bosco looked at
him, the more that face seemed familiar. Suddenly the young man
raised his eyes, startled, but continued working, keeping his face
carefully turned away from Don Bosco. When the latter rose for
a closer look, the youth abruptly hurried out of sight. It suddenly
dawned on Don Bosco that it might be Francis.
At this point, the farm manager came up, and Don Bosco im-
mediately inquired about the boy. He was told that he was a hard-
working, obedient, good lad recommended by one of the manager's
relatives, and that his name was Joseph. The manager knew noth-
ing else about him because he had not thought to inquire further.
Suspecting that the lad had changed his name, Don Bosco said,
"I'd be quite obliged if you would tactfully find out his real name
and how long ago he left home." Francis, hidden behind vines,
was watching them. Guessing the nature of their conversation, he
decided to leave at once. He went up to the house, changed his
clothes, and took whatever money he had saved.
A little later, as the count's carriage rounded a curve down the
hill, the young man came tearing down the slope. The horse reared,
the count leaped to seize its bit, and Don Bosco, alighting, tried
to grasp the youth by the arm as he bounded across the road shout-
ing, "Leave me alone!" He soon disappeared into a clump of trees
in a gully.
A year had passed since this incident and Don Bosco was now
on retreat at St. Ignatius'. One day after dinner, as he was strolling
on the terrace before the church chatting with a group of men,
mostly young adults, he neared the railing and casually looked
down on the usual line of beggars seeking food at the kitchen door.

17.5 Page 165

▲back to top


A Lost Sheep
137
To his surprise he immediately spotted Francis in their midst. Bare-
footed and coatless, the youth was holding a bowl. Don Bosco
withdrew quickly to the other end of the terrace to avoid detection
and then said to those around him, "Gentlemen, will you help me
do a good deed?"
"Of course!"
"Good! Form two groups and, a few at a time, go halfway down
the road - some on the left, some on the right - as though taking
a stroll. Then tum around and come up again, keeping close
enough to form a chain. If a lad in shirtsleeves darts down the road,
grab him and bring him to me."
When they reached their position and started uphill, Don Bosco
went to the railing and called down, "Francis!" One look was
enough to send the lad scooting down the hill, only to be caught
by a dozen arms. Offering little resistance, he was taken to Don
Bosco.
"This time, Francis, you won't run away from me," Don Bosco
said, taking his hand. "Stay with me. You won't be sorry." He then
brought him to his room where he gently questioned him while
some food was being prepared for him. After fleeing from Sciolze
the lad had gone into hiding in some mountain valley, earning his
living successively as a shepherd, farmhand, houseboy in a rectory,
and common vagrant. It had been an adventurous life fortunately
spent with God-fearing people. In the beginning Francis had not
realized the wrong he was doing; later, as he calmed down, he
became fully aware of the enormity of his mistake. Nevertheless,
the thought of his indignant father invincibly deterred him from
returning home; he could not even bear to think of it. The remem-
brance of his mother and sister distressed him and he prayed and
cried, but he never dared to tell anyone his secret. Now he was
very happy to have fallen into such good hands.
Don Bosco promised to reconcile him to his father but mean-
while asked him to make his peace with God by a good confession.
The young man readily agreed. Don Bosco then explained the
matter to the procurator of the Convitto Ecclesiastico - Father
[Joseph] Begliati (who also managed the retreat house) - and had
a room assigned to the lad. The following day Father Begliati got

17.6 Page 166

▲back to top


13 8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
him suitable clothing from Turin. At the end of the retreat Don
Bosco took Francis with him to the Oratory and hastened to con-
tact his distressed parents. After preparing them briefly for the
unexpected, joyful reunion, he said: "Let us thank God that
Francis has been found!"
A moment of stunned silence was followed by a delirium of joy
and a flood of questions. Don Bosco answered briefly and then,
seeing the father's pensive mood, added: "I'll give you your son
back, but only on the condition that there be no scolding. Let
bygones be bygones. Take him back as though he had never left.
Otherwise," he added with a smile, "I won't even let you see him."
The father agreed. Don Bosco invited the family to the Oratory
the next morning. It was a long-awaited moment! Francis' mother
and sister were the first to enter Don Bosco's room. As soon as the
mother saw her son silently weeping by Don Bosco, she felt faint,
and both she and her daughter sat down, bursting into tears. Mo-
ments later, the father came in, rather formal but deeply moved.
He too sat down in silence. Francis stood still. Don Bosco let them
compose themselves and, when he saw them more at ease, he said:
"Let us bless Our Lady. She has brought your son back. Francis
begs forgiveness for the sorrow he has caused you."
Then, taking the boy by the hand, he led him to his father's
ready arms. "And now, my dear friends," Don Bosco concluded,
"take him home. I am sure that from now on you'll be proud of
him."
And so it was. Francis resumed his studies. Talented as he was,
in a few years he made up the time he had lost, received a doctorate
in law, and finally rose to one of the highest positions in govern-
ment. Don Bosco himself told us this episode which shows how
certain novels, though not immoral, can unduly fire the imagination
and emotions of the young. This is the reason why Don Bosco
strictly demanded that his boys should submit to their superior
every book they brought or received from home.
We know that he also counseled many other middle-class or
noble youths of Turin to seek the approval of upright and com-
petent persons before reading books coming into their hands. Such
caution was indeed necessary then, when careless and, occasionally,

17.7 Page 167

▲back to top


A Lost Sheep
139
irreligious teachers had no qualms in recommending unsuitable
reading. For this reason, frequently some youths in Turin submitted
their books to Don Bosco. We see one such instance in the follow-
ing letter to the son of Countess Bosco of Ruffino:
My dear Octavius,
Turin, August 11, 1859
I am returning your books which I had somebody examine briefly.
Strictly speaking, there is nothing wrong in them; they are not on the
Index of Forbidden Books. Still, certain passages could be morally
harmful to youngsters. Hence, while you may read them, be careful;
should they disturb you, either interrupt your reading or skip those
passages.
I could not see your messenger right away because I had many
people waiting to speak to me. God keep you healthy and in His
grace! Please remember me to your mother and sister. Pray for me too.
Your friend,
Fr. John Bosco

17.8 Page 168

▲back to top


CHAPTER 20
A Cherished Yearly Event
{{[E read in Sirach, "The views of a prudent man are
sought in an assembly, and his words are considered with care."
[Sir. 21, 17] One day in August [1859] Don Bosco boarded a train
for Cambiano where he had been asked to preach, but on reaching
Trofarello he had to get off and walk the rest of the way, since the
movement of troops and supplies between Turin and Alessandria
had curtailed all civilian traffic. It was raining and he had no um-
brella. A deputy - Thomas Villa - had been on the same train
and was himself going to Cambiano. He rented a carriage and
overtook Don Bosco as the latter plodded along, his cloak the
only protection from the rain. Sorry for the priest, the deputy of-
fered him a ride that was gratefully accepted. Don Bosco's re-
served, courteous manners deeply impressed the gentleman. When
they got to their destination and the deputy learned that Don Bosco
planned to return to Turin the same day, he suggested that they
meet at a convenient place and hour and again ride together. Don
Bosco most appreciatively agreed and was punctual in keeping
the appointment. As they rode along they both introduced them-
selves, and from then on kept up a cordial relationship, as the
deputy himself disclosed to Father Michael Rua.
The same experience befell anyone who had the good fortune of
meeting Don Bosco. Catholic families in Turin held him very dear
because they recognized him as a man of God and daily became
ever more convinced that he was endowed with charisms.
Ever since he had begun taking resident boys into the Oratory 1
1 See Vol. III, pp. 14lff. [Editor]
140

17.9 Page 169

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
141
[1847], Don Bosco would periodically visit the pious, generous
Cravosio family. The countess and her two daughters, noted for
their charity, interested themselves particularly in mending the
Oratory boys' linen. We have already mentioned in the preceding
chapter that one of these two noble ladies [Rose Cravosio, who
later became a Dominican nun and took the name Philomena]
testified to Don Bosco's prediction about the peace of Villafranca.
The same young lady - now Sister Philomena Cravosio - also
wrote to tell Father Michael Rua the following episode:
On August 30, 1859 - the feast of St. Rose of Lima and my name
day - my mother gave me, among other things, a lovely statuette of
Mary Immaculate; then, at nine that morning, she took me to visit
Don Bosco. He promised to have dinner with us at six and kept his
word. During the meal he spoke briefly to me, kindly wishing me good
health. After dinner I asked him to bless the statuette which I had
placed on a corner shelf in my room and to pray for a special grace
I needed but did not disclose - the grace of following my religious
vocation. Don Bosco joined his hands and silently traced the Sign of
the Cross over the statue. After a few moments in prayer, hands still
joined, he gazed intently at the statue and said, "Most Holy and Im-
maculate Virgin, bless and console little Rose whom I see clothed
in white."
"But, Don Bosco," I interrupted, "I am not dressed in white. I
don't like white dresses. (I was then nineteen.) They're for little girls."
(Inwardly I felt disinclined to join the Dominican Order because of
its white habit.) But Don Bosco repeated, "Yes, little Rose clothed
in white!" Later, as he had coffee with my father, he repeated the
same words in prophetic tones.
Two years later, on August 16, 1861, I entered the Dominican
Convent at Mondov'i-Carassone. The Immaculate Virgin had thus
granted my wish and answered Don Bosco's prayer. His words had
been truly prophetic.
But there is more. I had been at Mondovi a few years and all went
well until the devil stirred up trouble in our dear community and
made us lose quite a number of pupils. In this sad plight, our good
mother superior - Mother Manfredini - suggested that I send Don
Bosco a small donation and ask him to make a novena that our
community would regain its former success. As was his wont, Don

17.10 Page 170

▲back to top


142
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Bosco replied in a few days to thank us and offer advice and encour-
agement. Not long after, over twenty pupils applied for admission,
order was smoothly reestablished, and our community regained its
calm, joy, and religious fervor.
These, Father Rua, are my reminiscences of Don Bosco, exactly
as I remember them.
Sister Philomena Cravosio
Don Bosco also foretold the future to another noble young lady
whose identity we shall disclose in due time. Feeling herself called
to the religious life, and knowing that her parents had no objec-
tions, she consulted Don Bosco.
"Yes," he replied, "you will become a religious, but only after
a long wait and events you cannot foresee now."
And so it was. Before long, her sister died, leaving an infant.
To give that baby a mother's care, the young lady married her
sister's husband. Later, when he died of cholera, she zealously
and selflessly looked after her stepson's moral and intellectual edu-
cation and prudently administered his large inheritance. Once he
was well settled in life, she entered a religious order.
Toward the end of August [1859] Don Bosco hastened the print-
ing of the September issue of Letture Cattoliche, entitled The
Valley of Almeria - an anonymous, adventurous tale of a family
which went through numerous trials and separations before being
marvelously reunited through God's goodness.
The October issue, Frequent Communion, Key to Heaven, was
a condensation of a French work of Father Antoine Favre by a
Capuchin, Father Charles Philip of Poirino . . .
But while Don Bosco provided spiritual food for the faithful at
large, he lacked material food for his own boys. Father John Bo-
netti writes:
The war left many a fatherless child, and soon the Oratory also
felt its effects. Almost daily we saw new boys arrive and beds get
closer and closer to make room for them. Don Bosco's expenses
mounted and soon he found himself in serious straits. Though he
trusted fully in Divine Providence, he did not neglect the means which

18 Pages 171-180

▲back to top


18.1 Page 171

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
143
prudence suggested, and so, through Count [Louis] Cibrario, he peti-
tioned Victor Emmanuel II for a subsidy for his boys. On August 31,
1859, the count notified Don Bosco that the king had granted him
the sum of 250 lire. A few months later, on January 12, 1860, Min-
ister of the Interior Urbano Rattazzi made him another grant of 200
Iire.2 These subsidies were certainly insufficient, but, considering that
the nation was at war, they were by no means negligible. At least they
showed that the king and his cabinet recognized the usefulness of
Don Bosco's work and thus spurred private citizens to come to his aid.
Meantime, the ever growing number of boarders forced Don
Bosco to erect a one-story building in the narrow playground on
the north side of the Oratory to provide three large classrooms. It
was built off the boundary wall, parallel to the site of the former
Pinardi chapel. In line with it and to the right of the carriage way
that went through the center of the building housing the boarders,
he also erected a large laundry and woodshed. These buildings did
service till 1873.
As construction was nearing completion, preparations were
being made for the annual excursion to Becchi. The boys were
overjoyed because Don Bosco had announced that this year's trip
would be more exciting than usual. Something special was afoot.
The bandmaster was teaching new marches, symphonies, and selec-
tions he himself had composed; he was also adapting a score for a
Mass, Vespers, and several Tantum Ergos without organ accom-
paniment. The choir again and again rehearsed sacred and non-
sacred music; others practiced new plays, comedies, farces, and
pantomimes for two or three repeat performances in the same
village, while still others busily packed stage props and costumes
for the actors to carry along. But these activities did not disrupt
summer classes.
Don Bosco left for Becchi [on or about September 22, 1859]
with John Garino, Louis Chiapale,8 and a few others. Father
Michelangelo Chiatellino preached the novena of Our Lady of the
2 The official notifications of both subsidies have been omitted in this edi-
tion. [Editor]
a Chiapale made his triennial vows on May 14, 1862 but later joined the
diocesan clergy. [Editor]

18.2 Page 172

▲back to top


144
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Rosary and Don Bosco heard confessions. It was a mission for all
the area's hamlets. On Saturday, October 1, the Oratory band and
choir and a few other boys set out for Becchi, each lad carrying a
change of linen and a lunch of bread, cheese, and fruit for the road.
Near Buttigliera, the father of Thomas Chiuso, a resident student
at the Oratory and, later, canon of the cathedral of Turin,4 treated
the group to a refreshing salad from his own vegetable garden.
In the cool of the evening they reached Becchi, where Don Bosco's
brother, Joseph, had prepared supper for them. The next day,
Sunday, October 2, they solemnized the feast of the Holy Rosary.
On Monday the hikes began. They were unique in that they
lasted ten, twenty, and more days as the boys trekked from village
to village along a preestablished route. Before going into particulars,
we shall give you a brief general idea. Overnight stops were selected
weeks beforehand. Usually, friendly pastors or notable benefactors
offered food and lodging and eagerly awaited the boys' arrival.
When the time came, about a hundred boys would set out under
the supervision of a few clerics, cheering the villagers with their
singing, music, and plays and giving them an example of piety.
These were the boys whom Don Bosco especially wanted to reward
with this cherished diversion. These hikes also gave his boys an
outlet for the novelty and distraction which young people need so
badly. They gave them, too, plenty of food for their imagination
before, during, and after the event. Of course, endless planning and
supervision demanded painful sacrifices of Don Bosco.
Occasionally - when villages were too far apart - the boys
felt hungry and tired; at times they would be caught in a downpour.
Then, Divine Providence always came to their aid; generous
people, especially pastors and chaplains, opened their homes to
them.
Those hikes were unforgettable. All along the line, some boys
would break into song, others would sound bugle calls like the
double-step of the "bersaglieri," 5 while, further ahead, a drummer
would steadily beat out a marching rhythm, occasionally giving his
4 As secretary of Archbishop Lawrence Gastaldi of Turin, Thomas Chiuso
played an active part in a long, painful controversy involving the archbishop and
Don Bosco, as will be seen in subsequent volumes. [Editor]
5 A special swift corps of the Piedmontese army. [Editor]

18.3 Page 173

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
145
bass drum a pound that would send cows and sheep scurrying
about the meadows in bewilderment. Don Bosco and some young
clerics would usually bring up the rear of the line with those boys
who were carrying stage properties.
Drawing information from Casalis' 6 church history books and
monographs on local history, Don Bosco had plenty of stories to
tell his fellow hikers, while on the road or at stopovers, about every
town and village they passed through - their rulers and heroes,
their monuments, their curios in art or nature. The boys never tired
of listening to him, and villagers marveled at his store of knowl-
edge of their own native town which even the best read of them
did not know.
When Don Bosco could not entertain the boys, Charles Tomatis 7
would take over. He was the star of all farces, the life of the party,
the hero of all adventures. Don Bosco could not stand gaunt,
gloomy faces or secret whisperings, and therefore he thoroughly
enjoyed this happy young man's antics. Tomatis fully seconded
Don Bosco's desires and kept the boys in stitches from morning to
night. But his pranks were not the only laughs, as one hilarious
incident after another added to the fun ...
On approaching a village, the first column would stop and all
would silently line up several abreast behind the band. Then they
would enter solemnly, as both pastor and mayor would step for-
ward to welcome them. Canon John Baptist Anfossi has left us this
account:
I can never forget those adventurous hikes that brought wonder,
cheer, and edification everywhere we went. With hundreds of other
boys I too witnessed the renown that Don Bosco had achieved as a
result of his holiness, because for several years - from 1854 to 1860
- at his personal invitation, I accompanied him on his treks over the
hills of Monferrato.8 He always entered those villages in triumph. Pas-
tors - and mayors in most cases - were on hand to welcome him.
6 A renowned geographical, historical, statistical, and commercial dictionary
of over twenty volumes compiled by Goffredo Casalis. [Editor]
i A young artist whom Don Bosco had first met in 1847. See Vol. III, pp.
l 18f. [Editor]
s A hilly region of Piedmont renowned for its vineyards. [Editor]

18.4 Page 174

▲back to top


146
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Villagers stared out of windows or doorways, others trooped after the
boys, men left .their fields to see Don Bosco, and mothers brought their
little ones to receive his blessing. Indeed it was a sight to remind one
of the enthusiastic crowds who greeted Our Lord.
It was Don Bosco's custom, on arriving at a village, to pay a visit
to the Blessed Sacrament. The church would soon fill with people
whom Don Bosco would warmly exhort to receive the sacraments.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament would then follow, with the
Oratory choirboys singing the Tantum Ergo in polyphony.
Usually the pastor or a well-to-do villager invited Don Bosco and
his young clerics to dinner or supper. The boys too had plenty to
eat, but whether their meals were lavish or mediocre, depending
on their hosts' means, they always displayed the most genuine
cheerfulness.
On rare occasions, the boys slept in regular beds in private
homes, at other times on cotton or straw mattresses, but more often
than not on straw or benches in ground-floor rooms or sheds. In
these cases, as it was almost impossible to go to sleep at once,
Charles Tomatis would resort to antics. Since he could imitate
animal sounds, he soon made the place resemble Noah's Ark. On
one occasion, for example, sleeping quarters were in the hayloft of
a castle whose main gate was guarded by a mastiff. Tomatis waited
till there was perfect quiet and then he began to imitate the plain-
tive bay of a dog. The mastiff barked back. Tomatis kept this up
at short intervals and soon drove the animal into a fit. The gate-
keeper hushed the dog several times, but when this proved ineffec-
tive, he came out, muttering, "What's wrong with you tonight?"
Tomatis, of course, pretended to be asleep. The dog quieted down
and the man went back to bed. Some fifteen minutes or so later the
game started again. The keeper put up with it for nearly an hour,
but then he once more jumped out of bed, shouting, "Shut up, you
brute! Let me sleep." It was useless, of course, because Tomatis
kept baiting the dog in muffled tones. Losing his patience, the
keeper pelted the poor animal with rocks. The comedy went on
till midnight, while the boys tried to repress their giggles lest they
give the trick away.

18.5 Page 175

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
147
Another time [Charles] Gastini 9 shared a small room with an-
other lad, while Tomatis and some older boys slept in an adjoining
larger room. They all made believe they were sleeping, waiting for
a chance to play a practical joke they had planned for some time.
Presently Gastini got up and went out for a breath of air. Up
jumped Tomatis. He went into the next room, woke up Gastini's
roommate, and with his help carried the two beds and a small table
to the adjoining room, leaving only some chairs in the center. It
was pitch dark. Gastini came back, stumbled against the chairs,
and muttered something to himself. He felt about for his bed, but
it was not there. Doubting it was his room, he groped in vain for
his companion. Finally, he struck a match but could not recognize
the room. Meantime, bewildered as he was, he kept mumbling.
Hiding behind the closed door of their room, his friends could
hardly stifle their laughter. Getting wise to their joke, Gastini began
pounding on their door. Finally, giving up, he went for a stroll
under the stars.
Every morning, the irrepressible Tomatis would begin the day's
fun by comically looking for the legs he claimed he had lost on the
previous day's hike. He also used to put on an act with the host
which first had the latter puzzled and then in stitches. Don Bosco
went along with the comedy because it kept his boys wholesomely
occupied. Yet all this cheerfulness did not detract from piety. In
every village, the day after the boys' arrival became a solemn reli-
gious feast day as people flocked to the sacraments and attended the
Mass beautifully sung by the Oratory choir and the congregation.
Don Bosco usually heard confessions till late at night.
After dinner, the band would honor the mayor and other nota-
bles by serenading their homes. Toward evening the villagers would
swarm to the church again for Don Bosco's sermon, singing of the
Litany of the Blessed Virgin, and Benediction of the Blessed Sacra-
ment. The day would end with a moral play and selections of vocal
and instrumental music. The program was such as might grace a
city stage. Thanks to the rare gifts of [Dominic] Bongiovanni,
[Charles] Gastini, [Charles] Tomatis, and others, the better edu-
9 One of the Oratory's pioneers. He entered the Oratory at the age of eleven
in 1848 at Don Bosco's invitation. See Vol. III, pp. 243ff. [Editor]

18.6 Page 176

▲back to top


148
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
cated of the spectators were more than satisfied, but for the popu-
lace the star was Tomatis. His repertoire of mimicry was unique
and threw the audience into fits of laughter. One day, for instance,
he came on stage wearing a large stovepipe hat and began declaim-
ing a speech. He was punctuating his rhetoric with frequent jerks
of his head when suddenly his hat sank down to his shoulders. The
crowd roared at his faked attempts to get it off. Gastini ostensibly
ran to his help, but in reality to add to the comedy. It was a hit!
"Clowning," some will say. Yes, clowning it was, but it delighted
the villagers and left most pleasing memories.
When the time came to go to another village, all the boys would
assemble to say good-bye to their host. One of them would thank
him on behalf of all for the kindness shown them for God's love
by reading a short address and a few verses expressly composed by
Don Bosco, who would then conclude somewhat like this: "I
promise you, your parishioners, and your dear ones a special re-
membrance in my Holy Mass tomorrow. The boys will recite the
rosary with me to wish you every blessing from God. I am grateful
for all you have done for us. Please remember to pray for us all.
We shall never forget you and all you have done to make this a
delightful day."
The host, always deeply moved, would thank Don Bosco for his
visit and then address the boys in such words as, "May the Lord
give you a safe journey and success in your studies and work. He
has shown you His love by giving you Don Bosco as a guide. Show
your appreciation by responding to his care." And there was one
who applied to Don Bosco the words of Hiram, king of Tyre, to
Solomon: "Because the Lord has loved His people, therefore He
has made you king over them." [2 Par. 2, 11]
Don Bosco was ever mindful of the teaching of the Holy Spirit
in the Book of Proverbs: "He that makes presents shall purchase
victory and honors, and carries away the hearts of those with whom
he deals." [Prov. 22, 9] Before leaving he generously tipped those
who had rendered him service, though his tip was often declined;
sometimes he would leave it in an envelope on the bedside table.
If his generous host was a man of scanty means, he would gra-
ciously find a tactful way to make it up to him. Once one of his

18.7 Page 177

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
149
priests stopped at a rectory with twenty boys and the pastor gen-
erously treated all to dinner. "How did you repay his hospitality?"
Don Bosco asked.
"How?"
"Yes! That priest is poor. You should have slipped a hundred
lire bill into an envelope and asked him to say a Mass for you
and your boys. Remember it for the future. In some cases we must
be generous. I shall make up for your oversight." Poor as he was,
when the occasion called for it Don Bosco was as generous as a
king.
After leaving a village, the boys would take to the road again
till their next stopover. If it was rather far, they would either halt
at an intermediate village or briefly detour to a pastor who had
invited them for a snack. The villagers would all tum out, wonder-
ing where so many boys came from.
"Who are they?"
"They are Garibaldini!" 10 someone would answer.
"Impossible! They have priests with them!" 11
"They must be students of some boarding school."
"Of course not! Can't you see they have a band?" 12
"Maybe they're bandits!" And the talk would end in laughter.
After this general description, let us give a day-by-day account
of an adventurous excursion. On Monday, October 3, 1859, at ten
in the morning, Don Bosco left Becchi with his boys and, passing
through Capriglio and Montafia, went on to Maretto - his first
stopover - where the pastor, a dear friend, Father John Ciattino,
welcomed him by ringing the church bells. After a short religious
service, the boys entertained the people by staging a comedy for
them. The next morning, Tuesday, they sang Maestro Madonno's
polyphonic requiem Mass for deceased parishioners; many people
received Holy Communion. Then Don Bosco blessed the new ban-
ner of the flourishing St. Aloysius Sodality. After dinner they set
lOVolunteers under Giuseppe Garibaldi (1807-1882) during the wars for
Italian independence. [Editor]
11 Garibaldi was notoriously anticlerical, though he held Don Bosco and his
work in high regard and did not hesitate to champion his cause. See Vol. XI,
pp. 121, 304f. [Editor]
12 Boys' choirs and bands were a novelty in those days in Piedmont. [Editor]

18.8 Page 178

▲back to top


150
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
off for Villa San Secondo, passing through Cortandone and Mon-
techiaro. At Cortandone the pastor, Father Natale Vergano, treated
them to a generous lunch. Late that evening, led by the band, they
entered Villa San Secondo in triumph. They were greeted with
open arms by the pastor, Father Matthew Barbero, a good friend
of Don Bosco. A scholarly, devout priest, he later became canon of
the Asti cathedral where he did great good. The pastor and the
Perucatti and Bosco families generously hosted the whole group.
Don Bosco spent the following day, October 5, with Father
Barbero who was anxious to enjoy his company and show him how
much he appreciated his visit. On his part Don Bosco planned to
make Villa San Secondo his base of operations, so to speak, for the
next ten days. Father Barbero had invited him mainly because of
the forthcoming feast of Our Lady of Grace on October 8. Services
were scheduled in a chapel in the village center, and neighboring
villages were to take part in fulfillment of a solemn vow made to
thank God for deliverance from cholera. For the zealous pastor,
however, the coming feast was also a thorn in his side because,
despite his efforts to the contrary, a public dance had been organ-
ized for that day and his opposition had earned him only slanderous
gossip. He lost no time in telling Don Bosco of the matter. "Leave
it to me," Don Bosco replied. Without arousing the least suspicion
concerning that dance, he told some boys to set up a makeshift
stage in the large courtyard of the Perucatti family. Gastini, Buzz-
etti, Tomatis, and Enria immediately got busy and readied it on
time. Concurrently, Don Bosco organized a series of hikes to
neighboring villages. On October 6, accepting the invitation of the
parents of a dear pupil of his, he took his boys to Corsione, where,
to archeologists' regret, a part of the ancient castle was being dis-
mantled. After dinner they all hiked to Cossombrato to visit Count
Pelletta and see the old castle whose massive walls and battlements
towered against the sky. Here too the pastor, Father Secundus
Gribaudi, welcomed them warmly. At sunset they returned to Villa
San Secondo.
On Friday, October 7, at the invitation of Count Pallio, they
walked to Rinco in the diocese of Casale. It was a strenuous trek
because of a heavy thunderstorm which lasted through the morning.

18.9 Page 179

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
151
The hikers arrived at Rinco splattered with mud and drenched to
the skin. Worse still, the butler understandably would not let them
inside the castle in that condition. As it was still raining, they
sought shelter, some in a stable, some in a shed, others under the
thick foliage of ancient trees. Shortly afterward, they lunched on
polenta and stockfish, but the nasty weather made everything un-
pleasant. The band played as the count dined with Don Bosco,
who, no doubt, felt ill at ease at his boys' discomfort.
The following day, Saturday, October 8, feast of Our Lady of
Grace, Don Bosco heard confessions through the morning for the
boys and the villagers. One or two Masses were being said in the
parish church, but the solemn high Mass was to be celebrated at
the little shrine in the center of town. A large awning had been set
up over the shrine's entrance to shield the people from the sun, and
a platform had been erected in the square for the choir. At ten the
Oratory boys took their places and sang the Mass to the people's
great delight. The municipal council attended in a body.
After Vespers, procession, and Benediction, the band played
selections in the square. During the concert the word went around
that a play was shortly to be given in the large courtyard of the
Perucatti family. It was enough to send everybody scurrying there.
The band soon followed. Meantime, in the village square, a small
orchestra vainly tried to attract people to the dance. The whole
village was at the Perucatti's enjoying the delightful comedy and
skits presented by Don Bosco's boys and the splendid selections of
a renowned violinist who had come in from Turin to please Don
Bosco.
The dance committee, seeing that nobody seemed to care, decided
to join the crowd at the play. They were angry at Don Bosco for
drawing away their potential customers and tried to speak with
him but could not because he had remained at the rectory to attend
to urgent correspondence.
The following day, Sunday, feast of the Motherhood of the
Blessed Virgin Mary, the boys received Holy Communion and
enhanced all the services with music. After Vespers, Don Bosco
preached some forty-five minutes. That evening he treated the
villagers to another theatrical performance - an encore of the

18.10 Page 180

▲back to top


152
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
previous program at their request - to which he invited the owners
of the neighboring estates and their families.
The dance committee had hoped to recoup their losses that night
and could not stomach a second failure. They therefore called on
Don Bosco to demand compensation. Don Bosco received them
courteously and listened to their complaints. "Did you see our
play?" he asked.
"Yes, there was nothing else to do."
"Did you like it?"
"Yes. We stayed to the very end."
"Well, then, how can you complain? Aren't people free to go
where they please? Look, I did not go to your dance, and I'm ask-
ing nothing of you. You came to the play and did not pay for it.
On what grounds can you demand compensation?" They had to
admit he was right, and left in a huff.
The next day Don Bosco took his lads to Alfiano, where two
old friends were waiting for him - the pastor, Father Joseph
Pelato,13 and his curate. They were brothers and also the uncles of
the young cleric Capra at the Oratory. The festivities that marked
his visits wherever he went were repeated here too.
On Tuesday, October 11, the boys hiked to Frinco, which Don
Bosco and his boys had visited several times in previous years.
Father Secundus Penna, the pastor, gave them a very hearty wel-
come. His church, dedicated to Mary's nativity, resounded that day
with melodies those simple, hard-working peasants had never be-
fore heard. The group toured the ancient castle overlooking the
town, a lasting memory of glories and misfortunes, sieges and
battles.
Wednesday, the 12th, saw Don Bosco and his boys at Corsione
a second time. The pastor, Father John Baptist Roggero, had heard
that the group was staying a week at Villa San Secondo and
wanted Don Bosco and his lads to spend a whole day with him for
a first-class treat. Don Bosco could not refuse.
Thursday, October 13, their last day at Villa San Secondo, the
boys sang at a solemn high Mass for deceased parishioners and then
were treated to a sumptuous dinner, attended by all the neighboring
13 See Vol. I, p. 335. [Editor]

19 Pages 181-190

▲back to top


19.1 Page 181

▲back to top


A Cherished Yearly Event
153
pastors. Afterward, preceded by the band and cheered by villagers,
they left for Becchi, escorted part of the way by the pastor. Their
march took them through Piea, a very ancient village whose castle,
noted for its spacious halls, had been restored in 1600. They got
there at four that afternoon. Chevalier [Mark] Gonella - a relative
of Don Bosco's old benefactor at Chieri - treated them to a sub-
stantial repast. Then they resumed their march, accompanied for
a distance by the pastor, Father Bartholomew Varino, who wished
to speak to Don Bosco. Night surprised them at some distance from
Becchi. In the light of a full moon, they trudged through vineyards
and woods, singing and playing music. Their hike was leisurely
and pleasant. James Costamagna 14 was toting the bass drum on
his back; behind him Don Bosco kept beating it loud and long with
his fist. It must have hurt after a while, but perhaps he was doing
it to keep the boys from getting lost in the maze of trails or perhaps
he meant the noise to be a warning to someone.
When they finally got to Becchi very late that night and the role
was called, one boy - Lawrence Boccallo - was missing. In his
eagerness to arrive first, he had gone ahead and lost his way. Only
after walking a long distance did he realize his mistake. He tried
to find his bearings, but it was too dark and there was no sign of
life anywhere. He wandered over hill and dale till finally the next
morning, around eight o'clock, as the boys were about to have
breakfast, he arrived at Becchi half-dead from want of sleep. Shouts
and applause greeted him but he went straight to bed.
The boys' last hike was to Dominic Savio's tomb at Mondonio.
They were convinced that their former companion's intercession
had obtained signal favors for them from God. Father Dominic
Grassi, the pastor, took them to the little grave. To their gratifica-
tion they found it suitably marked with an engraved marble slab -
a token of gratitude from a Genoese gentleman. He had read Don
Bosco's biography of Dominic and, amazed by the lad's virtues,
14 Born in 1846, Costamagna entered the Oratory at the age of twelve. He
became a Salesian in 1867 and a priest in 1868. He led the third group of
Salesian missionaries to Argentina in 1877, opened the first Salesian house in
Talca, Chile in 1887, and was consecrated bishop and appointed first Vicar
Apostolic of Mendez and Gualaguiza in Ecuador in 1895. He died at Bernal
(Argentina) on September 9, 1921. [Editor]

19.2 Page 182

▲back to top


154
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
had invoked him in a grave situation and received help. On this
same day [Friday, October 14] the two Perucatti brothers came
from Villa San Secondo to join the Oratory boys. They too had
been witnesses of Don Bosco's excursion to their native place that
year.
On Saturday, October 15,15 at ten in the morning, Don Bosco
and his boys left for Turin. They stopped briefly at Buttigliera
d'Asti to pay their respects to benefactors and to the pastor, Father
Joseph Vaccarino; then they moved on to Chieri for another short
stop. Finally toward evening they reached the Oratory, where Don
Bosco was expected for confessions.
Shortly after their return, the cleric Dominic Ruffino, a theology
student in the Bra seminary, took up his permanent residence at the
Oratory.
15 The date erroneously given in the original is "Saturday, October 16." An
oversight! [Editor]

19.3 Page 183

▲back to top


CHAPTER 21
A Delicate Mission
fl, HORTLY after returning to Turin, Don Bosco re-
ceived a visit from an emissary of Pius IX. Well acquainted with
Don Bosco's loyalty and devotion, the Pope wanted to entrust him
with a delicate mission. The emissary handed Don Bosco two
letters: one - most confidential - for King Victor Emmanuel II;
the other - in the Pope's own hand - for Don Bosco. He was to
find some way to deliver the Holy Father's letter to the king, either
personally or through a trustworthy messenger. If he succeeded he
was to inform the Pope of it; if not, the letter to the king was to be
returned to Rome. At this time Victor Emmanuel II was at
Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley.
After much thought, Don Bosco wrote to the king's private
secretary - Chevalier Aghemo, then in town - for an appoint-
ment. Most obligingly the latter called personally at the Oratory
without delay. Don Bosco said to him: "I must deliver to the king
a letter from a very important person. Is it difficult?"
"Not at all!"
"Isn't there some danger that it may not reach him?"
"Be assured he will have it."
"I haven't the least idea as to its contents, nor do I wish to know.
I only ask you kindly to give me a receipt to the effect that I en-
trusted it to you, so that I may prove that I have discharged my
task."
"Gladly!"
"One more thing: I have some urgent matters to attend to. It
will take me a few hours. Could you return this evening?"
155

19.4 Page 184

▲back to top


156
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"No trouble at all."
The letter was probably in safekeeping elsewhere. Toward eve-
ning Don Bosco handed it to Chevalier Aghemo, who saw to its
delivery. The king's reply was then brought to Turin by Father
Robert Murialdo, court chaplain, and duly forwarded to Rome by
Don Bosco. The Pope had not considered it safe to entrust his
letter (which, perhaps, was the weighty document of September
29) to Father Stellardi, whom Victor Emmanuel had sent to Rome
as his emissary. This ecclesiastic was imprudent in speech, and
- more loyal to the court than to the Church - sought Caesar's
interests more eagerly than those of God. The king's reply was
certainly not one to console the afflicted Pontiff.
In Turin, meanwhile, the war's end enabled the two chambers to
resume hostilities against the Church by curtailing the constitu-
tional rights of priests. On October 23, 1859, a law was passed
barring a great part of the clergy from municipal and provincial
councils. It declared ineligible priests entrusted with the care of
souls, vicars, and all cathedral or collegiate canons. On March 20,
1865, it was made even more stringent. At about the same time,
Don Bosco realized that he too was a target of the anticlericals.
They knew how unshakably loyal he was to the Pope; Letture
Cattoliche made this quite evident. Hence, they secretly decided to
start their hostilities against him and his work by disparaging his
Storia d'ltalia [History of Italy].1 On October 18, 1859 an article
of La Gazzetta del Popolo laid the basis of a painful persecution
that afflicted Don Bosco the following year. The caustic, venomous
article was a de facto intimation to civil authorities [to ban Don
Bosco's Storia d'Italia from all public schools].2 This is not sur-
prising since La Gazzetta del Popolo - the official anticlerical
mouthpiece - waxed violent against anyone it disagreed with. Its
very many articles against Don Bosco in later years were always
punctuated with taunts, insults, and lies; it recognized nothing good
in him and did not even have the decency of announcing his death.
And this very paper which consistently falsified ancient and modem
history to vent its hatred of religion had the impudence to accuse
1 See Vol. V, pp. 322-331. [Editor]
2 See Appendix 10. [Editor]

19.5 Page 185

▲back to top


A Delicate Mission
157
Don Bosco of having deliberately distorted certain incidents of
Italian history.3 A quite different opinion in the matter was ex-
pressed in L'Armonia 4 by a distinguished scholar - Niccolo
Tommaseo,5 a liberal then in exile. This illustrious author wrote
remarkably well of Don Bosco and thought so highly of him that
whenever he came to Turin, he never failed to call on him, some-
times for advice.
Even ahead of Tommaseo, Civilta Cattolica had made gratifying
comments on Don Bosco's Storia d'Jtalia. 6
Totally undisturbed by the insults of La Gazzetta del Popolo,
Don Bosco kept up writing. The November issue of Letture Catto-
liche was an anonymous story entitled Augustine, or The Triumph
of Religion . .. ; however, the December issue - The Persecution
of Decius and the Pontificate of St. Cornelius I, Pope - was
authored by Don Bosco ...
Meanwhile, during October and November four Oratory boys -
Francis Cerruti,7 Charles Ghivarello,8 Francis Provera,9 and Joseph
Lazzero 10 had donned the clerical habit.
3 We shall omit these incidents because they are of minimal interest to our
readers. [Editor]
4 See Appendix 11. [Editor]
5 Born in Dalmatia in 1802, Tommaseo became Minister of Education in
Venice in 1848. The following year, during Daniele Manin's insurrection, he fled
to Corfu; finally in 1861 he settled at Florence. He authored several dictionaries,
as well as writings on moral and political philosophy, literary criticism, poetry,
biography, and history. [Editor]
6 See Appendix 12. [Editor]
7 See Chapter 16, footnote 6. [Editor]
B Ghivarello entered the Oratory at the age of twenty and received the clerical
habit from Don Bosco the following year. Both he and Francis Cerruti were
schoolmates of Dominic Savio. Ordained a priest in 1864, he filled important
positions in the Salesian Society. He died in 1913. [Editor]
9 Provera entered the Oratory in 1858 at the age of twenty-two, made his
triennial vows in the Salesian Society in 1862, was ordained a priest in 1864,
and filled administrative and teaching posts. He died in 1874. [Editor]
10 A fellow townsman of Francis Provera, Lazzero too entered the Oratory as
a young adult in 1857. In 1862 he made his triennial vows, was ordained a priest
in 1865, and made his perpetual profession in 1870. He was entrusted tasks by
Don Bosco and his successor. He died in 1910. [Editor]

19.6 Page 186

▲back to top


CHAPTER 22
Kind Firmness
a T the beginning of the school year 1859-60, the Ora-
tory had some twenty clerics belonging to the archdiocese of Turin.
With their help Don Bosco was finally realizing a long-cherished
goal - a secondary school on the premises, so that he would no
longer need to send his boys to town to the private schools of the
distinguished and obliging Father [Matthew] Picco and Professor
[Joseph] Bonzanino.1 The cleric Celestine Durando taught Latin I
to ninety-six pupils; Secundus Pettiva, Latin II; John Turchi, Latin
III; and John Baptist Francesia, Latin IV and V. In the course of
years other clerics took over this noble challenge. They too -
when ready for their tasks - formed the minds and hearts of
swarms of boys on whom rested the hopes of the Church and of
the future Salesian Congregation. Thus Don Bosco saw himself
reborn and multiplied in these young clerics who had imbibed and
made their own his deep spirit of piety and sacrifice whose worth
was well known to St. Teresa. She rated work higher than prayer
without work. "Spiritual progress is not made through much think-
ing but, rather, through much loving," she used to say. "And if
you ask how one can acquire this loving, I would reply, 'Make up
your mind to work and suffer for God, and really mean it by doing
it whenever the occasion presents itself, especially when you must
carry out acts of obedience.'"
[Let us now resume our narration.] At this time of year, the
Oratory again swarmed with pupils, both old and new. Among the
latter was a fourteen-year-old lad named Dominic Parigi, whose
1 See Vol. IV, pp. 204, 464f; Vol. V, pp. 175f, 257. [Editor]
158

19.7 Page 187

▲back to top


Kind Firmness
159
admission as a student had not followed routine procedure. In
October [1859], attracted by Don Bosco's fame, he set out on his
own for the Oratory. Don Bosco saw in the boy's features the re-
flection of a pure, innocent soul.
"Who are you, son?"
"Dominic Parigi from Chieri."
"And what can I do for you?"
"Keep me here."
"But you are not registered."
"Does that matter? Can't you register me now?"
"Look, let's do things the right way. Go back and ask your par-
ents to return with you. Then we'll talk things over, and everything
will be settled."
"No, I'm not going back."
"Then write a letter."
"Not I! You write it, please, Father."
Don Bosco was stumped for a moment. Then, smiling at the
youngster's candor, he said, "All right, Dominic. I'll write."
The boy stayed and completed his Latin studies; afterward he
entered the diocesan seminary, became a priest, and died in 1899
as pastor of San Francesco al Campo.
Another noteworthy new pupil was a thirteen-year-old Jewish
lad named Jarach. He was not the first one of that faith because
Don Bosco had already interested himself in the conversion and
Baptism of several other Israelites. Jarach's father was a learned
rabbi of Ivrea who for several years had been a convert to the
Catholic faith. Bishop [Louis] Moreno of Ivrea had appointed him
to the seminary staff as professor of Hebrew and Sacred Scripture
- a post he held to his death. The bishop had also befriended a
daughter of the former rabbi; she too became a convert and, later,
a religious.
Lastly, we shall mention a young man - Joseph Rossi, about
twenty-four, from Gambarana Lomellina. He arrived at the Ora-
tory on October 20 [1859], led there through the reading of Don
Bosco's [prayerbook] The Companion of Youth.2 Rossi wrote:
"When I first found myself face to face with Don Bosco, I was
2 See Vol. II, pp. 6-18. [Editor]

19.8 Page 188

▲back to top


160
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
highly impressed by his fatherliness and affability and immediately
felt a filial affection for him." From then on, Rossi became a worthy
colleague of Joseph Buzzetti and loyally helped Don Bosco in the
material management of the Oratory which at this time housed
three hundred boys. The esteem which the Oratory enjoyed every-
where is obvious from a letter of Don Bosco to Baron Feliciano
Ricci [des Ferres] of Cuneo, and a second to another prominent
layman.3
Once the school routine had set in, Don Bosco's first important
gesture was to send Pope Pius IX a token of the warm affection of
all the Oratory boys and of their heartfelt sympathy for the grief
caused him by insurrections, irreligion, loose morals, and the per-
secution of the clergy in Romagna and other former Papal States.
On November 9 [1859], he wrote to the Pope for himself and his
pupils, sympathizing with him for harm done to the Church and
still being committed against her, but also acquainting him with the
all-out efforts of loyal Catholics in Turin to counteract the flood of
evil. In conclusion, he promised his pupils' unceasing prayers for
God's assistance in these trying circumstances. All the Oratory boys
signed the letter, and it was then forwarded through trustworthy
messengers.
But during those days - Dominic Ruffino asserted - Don
Bosco seemed unduly worried. He spoke of a dream in which he
had seen a tall man wandering about town, lightly touching people
on the face with two fingers. They would instantly turn black and
drop dead. Could it perhaps symbolize a moral epidemic?
Meanwhile, as usual, Don Bosco continued to give a short talk
to the community after night prayers. A dear old friend of ours -
then a pupil - recalled the following:
One of the first "Good Nights" I heard from Don Bosco in 1859
was on the frequent reception of the sacraments - a practice not yet
generally taken up by the boys after their recent summer vacations. He
narrated a dream in which he seemed to be standing near the Oratory
main entrance while the boys returned from home. As they walked past
him he could see the state of their souls before God. A stranger also
s See Appendix 13. [Editor]

19.9 Page 189

▲back to top


Kind Firmness
161
walked in with them holding a small box. He mingled with the boys,
and when the time came for confessions, he opened it and, taking out
a little marmot, started to give a puppet show of sorts. Rather than
go to the church, the boys crowded around him to enjoy the fun, while
he slowly withdrew into a corner of the playground farthest from the
church. Then, without naming anyone, Don Bosco proceeded to de-
scribe the spiritual condition of many boys. He also spoke of the
devil's efforts and snares to distract and discourage them from con-
fession. His portrayal of the little marmot's tricks provoked many a
laugh, but it also made the boys reflect seriously on their spiritual
condition - all the more so when later he told private inquirers things
they thought nobody could ever come to know.
This dream was instrumental in inducing most of the boys to go
to confession much more often and, generally, once a week; naturally,
reception of Holy Communion became very frequent.
I also remember once, as Don Bosco was talking of bodily health
and of the important need of caring for it, the cleric Joseph Bongio-
vanni asked permission to speak. On being given leave, he said: "What
are we to do, then, to enjoy good health and live a long life?"
Don Bosco replied, "I will give you a secret, or rather a prescrip-
tion. While serving as a reply to the cleric Bongiovanni, it will also
greatly benefit you all. To enjoy good health and live a long life you
need four things: 1. A clear conscience when you go to bed at night,
that is, no fear of eternity. 2. Moderation in eating. 3. An active life.
4. Good companions, that is, fleeing from those who are corrupt. He
then briefly explained these four points.
As we can see, Don Bosco's "Good Nights" wisely governed the
Oratory. During 1859, a certain Joseph Zarega, a native of Liguria
employed at the Turin arsenal, was a frequent, welcome visitor at
the Oratory. He marveled at Don Bosco's easy sway over so many
youths and, though but a mechanic - and a good one at that -
planned to return to Genoa and look after young apprentices. He
desired to become a priest, too. As a matter of fact, he did become
one and died as a zealous, devout pastor. On one of his visits to the
Oratory, he asked Don Bosco what qualifications the director of a
boys' boarding school or hospice should have.
"A director," Don Bosco replied, "needs most of all to enjoy the
full trust of his pupils. To achieve this, it is necessary that: 1. He

19.10 Page 190

▲back to top


162
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
be esteemed a saint. 2. He be considered knowledgeable, especially
in those things that interest pupils. When at a loss for the correct
answer to a question, he should say, 'I haven't the time to answer
you now, but I'll do so tomorrow.' Meanwhile, he should look up
the subject. 3. Pupils realize that they are being loved."
Don Bosco's wondrous power over his boys stemmed from the
fact that he possessed their hearts. A word of his could fill them
with the greatest joy, just as the mere hint of a reproach could cast
them into the deepest sadness. We shall glean a few instances
among the many we have witnessed. One evening, the boys, still a
little restless from their summer vacation, kept whispering for a few
moments during the very short interval between night prayers and
the "Good Night." Don Bosco, standing on a raised platform,
waited a while; then with studied calm he exclaimed: "I want
you to know I am not at all pleased with you." He then sent them
to bed and would not allow them to kiss his hand, as was the cus-
tom. This was a punishment the boys feared the most because it
was more keenly felt than any other the good Father could have
inflicted on them.
From ·that memorable night on, Don Bosco had only to appear
and silence was so perfect you could have heard a feather drop.
The bell, which had hitherto struggled to make itself heard, be-
came totally unnecessary because the boys feared the mere thought
of another such punishment.
One time, Don Bosco, wishing to send a few complimentary
rhymes to a kind benefactress on her name day, asked one of the
pupils to compose some. Night came and the verses were not
ready. Unwilling to go to bed without kissing Don Bosco's hand,
the boy was hoping Don Bosco had forgotten about them. Some-
what uneasy, but nonchalantly, he approached Don Bosco.
"What about those verses?" Don Bosco asked him.
"I ... "
"Next time I'll know whom to ask."
These words so upset the poor lad that Don Bosco had a hard
time trying to cheer him up. This he did whenever he noticed
that someone took his words too hard, in order to dispel any
bitterness from his heart.

20 Pages 191-200

▲back to top


20.1 Page 191

▲back to top


Kind Firmness
163
An entirely different episode leads us to the same conclusion.
Knowing the need of some young clerics, Don Bosco had ordered
that coffee with milk, rather than black coffee, was to be served
to them on fast days. The cook, a rather odd man - such is life
- set the table with small cups and served so little milk that
there was not enough to go around. The clerics asked for more,
but the cook brusquely replied that they should be satisfied with
what they had been served. They then went to the one in charge,
informing him that this was a concession to them made by Don
Bosco. But he replied that he knew nothing about it. The clerics
therefore decided to see Don Bosco. Three of them went up to
his room. Two remained outside, close to the door so as to hear
what was going on inside, while one went in to air their complaint.
He spoiled the whole case, however, when, though intending his
words for the cook, he concluded by telling Don Bosco: "After
all, you know, Father, there is still some polenta for us at home!"
Hearing this thrust, the two clerics outside quickly made them-
selves scarce. Deeply wounded and perplexed, Don Bosco looked
at the speaker with wet eyes and said not a word. Feeling very
cheap, the young cleric apologized and slipped away.
How often a simple kindly look of Don Bosco calmed sudden
- and at times justified- bursts of impatience! He knew how to
bear with shortcomings, how to forgive and forget. This is why,
even though tempers might momentarily flare, affection for him
never suffered a bit. It would seem that to such circumstances as
these the words of Holy Scripture can be applied: "One who jabs
the eye brings tears; he who pierces the heart bares its feelings ....
Should you draw a sword against a friend, despair not, it can be
undone. Should you speak sharply to a friend, fear not, you can
be reconciled. But a contemptuous insult, a confidence broken, or
a treacherous attack will drive away any friend." [Sir. 22, 19.
21-22].
Don Bosco hastened to tell the cook to carry out his orders
without ridiculous economies. What always uplifted and solaced
the clerics was their knowing that Don Bosco loved them as a
father. He was so good-hearted that he simply could not refuse
anyone a favor. Yet, fearing abuses and determined not to let

20.2 Page 192

▲back to top


164
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
them creep in, he discouraged having recourse to him for dispen-
sations in material affairs and directed them to the prefect. He
would thus be able to grant what was requested more freely but
indirectly. He knew, though, how to anticipate reasonable requests.
If, for instance·, he noticed during mealtime that the common fare
was not adequate to the needs of some clerics, he would whisper
a word to the prefect to have other food served them. He did
likewise in similar needs, striking a responsive chord in the hearts
of clerics and boys alike.
"One could see," writes Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio, "that what
was uppermost in Don Bosco's dealings with us was the glory
of God and our own spiritual and temporal welfare, which he
strove to attain with a poise, amiability, and prudence all his own,
free of all exaggeration." There was nothing bossy or weak in
his manner of acting. He seemed incapable of anger. He promptly
squelched its first stirrings and, controlling himself, would amiably
smile. He could, though - and this too is charity - firmly carry
out what justice, morality, and discipline required. To state other-
wise would be falsifying Don Bosco's character. Bishop [John]
Cagliero wrote: "While I was yet a cleric, a simple, innocent lad
who was helping me in the sacristy fell victim to scandal by an adult.
On learning of it, Don Bosco felt extremely grieved and upset
and cried in my presence. Then, without delay, his fatherly heart
went to the victim to repair the scandal. But with equal firmness
he had the guilty one immediately dismissed."
Likewise, he did not readily condone breaches of discipline. A
cleric named Marcello always arrived late at the daily May devo-
tions, though he had to supervise a group of boys. Don Bosco
did not fail to admonish him for this and other failings. Again,
while it was this cleric's duty every Sunday to help out at the
Guardian Angel Oratory in Borgo Vanchiglia, he took it upon
himself to bring along some boys, orders to the contrary not-
withstanding. For this too he was admonished in vain. Now, it
happened that one Sunday that oratory was holding a special
celebration, and again the cleric took along several boys without
Don Bosco's or Father Alasonatti's permission. Then and there,

20.3 Page 193

▲back to top


Kind Firmness
165
Don Bosco decided it was time he put a stop to a public disorder
and end a bad example which others might imitate. Accordingly,
that evening after prayers, he told all the community of the grave
disobedience of whoever had taken boys out of the house without
permission. Then, continuing in Piedmontese dialect - quite an
unusual thing at the "Good Night" - in a hurt tone, he publicly
asked each of those boys: "Where were you this morning?"
"At the Guardian Angel Oratory."
"Who took you there?"
"The cleric Marcello!"
In the profound silence, coming at brief intervals, the repeated
questions and answers became a refrain.
After the last boy had answered, Don Bosco expressed his keen
displeasure curtly but calmly. Present at this scene - among oth-
ers -was Paul Albera [future second successor of Don Bosco].
With like firmness he required obedience to his orders and
duly punished those who stubbornly tried to transgress them.
Among the numerous and well-trained members of the brass
band there was at this time a good organist who, while boarding
at the Oratory as a guest, earned good money with his piano
lessons in town. He was a good fellow, but rather flighty and
independent. The pupils palled around with him, and now and
then seemed receptive to opinions of his not conducive to sub-
mission to superiors. This led to some slight breaches of discipline
which a warning from Don Bosco seemed to have remedied. Don
Bosco, however, did not relax his vigilance.
For some years now, on the feast of St. Cecilia, Don Bosco had,
for special reasons, allowed the band to hold a picnic at some
place designated by himself, if the feast fell on a weekday. This
year [1859] he announced that the picnic would be discontinued.
The young bandsmen at first made no fuss over it. Later, stirred
up by some of the senior members who promised to obtain Don
Bosco's permission - and perhaps also counting on impunity -
half of them decided to hold a celebration anyway. They agreed
to have a dinner outside the Oratory two or three weeks before
the feast of St. Cecilia, lest Don Bosco get wind of their plans

20.4 Page 194

▲back to top


166
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
and foil them. Accordingly, toward the end of October, they went
to a nearby inn. Buzzetti alone - invited at the last moment-
refused to join them and reported the matter to Don Bosco.
Not the least put out, Don Bosco immediately dissolved the
band and ordered Buzzetti to collect and lock up all the instru-
ments. He then told him to draw up a list of new recruits. The
next morning he sent for the young rebels one by one and repri-
manded them for forcing him to be severe. He gave them a word
of spiritual advice and, without further ado, sent them away -
some to their parents or benefactors, others to prospective
employers.
A letter of his to Baron Feliciano Ricci [des Ferres] at Cuneo
gave his reasons for the severe step he had taken:
My dear Baron,
Turin, November 3, 1859
I was delighted to receive your welcome letter charitably recom-
mending the lad Rossi. I must tell you that this hapless boy - among
other things - was one of several who, notwithstanding my prohibition,
left the premises to dine at a disreputable place - a low-grade inn. I
sent for them during and after the dinner, because it grieved me to
have to take grave measures against a score of misguided youths. Only
four acquiesced and apologized; the rest became even more impudent.
After dinner, they roamed about town, returned to the same place
for supper, and finally came back to the Oratory, half-drunk, at a
very late hour. Rossi was one of them. As I had threatened them with
expulsion more than once before if they persisted in disobedience, I
was regretfully compelled to take action.
Nevertheless, in view of your letter, I will keep Rossi here a few
more days and hopefully try to find him some work in town. As regards
the other boy, I'll have a talk with you, or write later, after all the
boys - a large number - have settled down.
I thank you wholeheartedly for your generous donation and assure
you I will pray the Lord to bless you and your family.
Your devoted servant,
Fr. John Bosco

20.5 Page 195

▲back to top


Kind Firmness
167
One of these misguided young men - a good factotum - was
forgiven. The evening of that day, after Don Bosco had spoken
to the boys, the cleric Michael Rua asked him, "Please, Father,
may I plead a cause which I have much at heart?"
"What is it?"
"Peter E. . . . has been expelled. The punishment given to
those who disobeyed is fair, but Peter, young and inexperienced,
let himself be fooled by his companions. They assured him they
had your permission. He acted in good faith. I apologize for him
and ask your forgiveness."
Lowering his head in shame, the young man was standing
there among his companions. "He should not have taken his com-
panions' word," Don Bosco replied. "He had heard my orders
clearly. He knew I do not usually change a decision. The reason
you gave me does not excuse him. Nevertheless, since it is you
who plead for him, I will give him another chance."
At about this time Don Bosco petitioned General [Alexander]
La Marmora - then Minister of War - for surplus military cloth-
ing for his boys.4 The appeal was successful, though we do not
know in what measure.
4 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

20.6 Page 196

▲back to top


CHAPTER 23
In Mary's Honor
.aN education law still in force [in 1859] required insti-
tutions run by religious congregations to conform to State require-
ments as regards examinations, fees, teachers' qualifications, and
government inspection. Although the Oratory did not yet formally
fall into that category and [John Francis] Muratori, superintendent
of education, had not yet taken steps in its regard, Don Bosco
was somewhat concerned for a future that seemed far from rosy.1
Nevertheless he felt confident of the protection of the Blessed
Virgin and the intercession of Dominic Savio. Of the latter's effec-
tiveness he received striking evidence just about this time.
In March, 1859, an Oratory student, Edward Donato, had
been forced to interrupt his studies because of serious eye trouble
that had bothered him for the past eighteen months. The best
treatment then available and a return to his native air had both
proved ineffectual and the lad was forced to spend all his time
in a darkened room. About the end of October, however, there
seemed to be some slight improvement and he returned to the
Oratory. Unfortunately, his condition soon was as bad as ever,
and he often went to Don Bosco for comfort in his pain. The
good Father's words uplifted him physically and spiritually, helped
him to bear his cross with resignation, and gave him some hope
of a cure before long.
One evening [Monday, November 28, 1859] while his com-
panions were at singing practice in their classrooms, Edward sat
worried and sad in the superiors' dining room, his face buried in
1 We are here omitting some scholastic legislation without detriment to the
continuity of narration. [Editor]
168

20.7 Page 197

▲back to top


In Mary's Honor
169
his hands, his elbows resting on the end of the table where Don
Bosco was sitting at supper. Finishing his meal, the good Father
went very softly up to him and, tapping him on the shoulder, said:
"It's time we did something about your trouble. Let's get hold of
Dominic Savio and make him obtain your cure from God." Speech-
less, the boy stared at Don Bosco. "Yes, Edward," the latter went
on, "we must do something. Tomorrow we begin the Immaculate
Conception novena. Pray to Dominic Savio every day to intercede
for you and get you this great favor. Keep in God's grace so as
to be able to receive Holy Communion every morning, and then,
at night before going to bed, say, 'Dominic Savio, pray for me,'
and recite a Hail Mary." The boy promised. Don Bosco concluded:
"I will remember you every morning in my Mass. Who knows?
This time Dominic Savio will have to cure you!"
The very day he began the novena, the lad felt a little better.
This spurred him to continue with greater fervor. Within a few days
his eyes were completely healed. Meanwhile, Don Bosco kept ex-
horting his boys to make the novena well. There were no special
church services, but everyone strove to honor the Blessed Virgin in
his own way. Every evening after night prayers, Don Bosco sug-
gested an act of virtue for the next day to be offered as a nosegay
to the Mother of God. Five of his "Good Nights" were jotted down
by Father John Bonetti and are here given with their respective
dates:
November 29
One more day, my dear children, and this month too will be over -
the first full month of this school year! 2 How quickly it has slipped
away! So will the other months. As each goes by, let us try to live so
as to be able to say, "There goes another month I must account for
to God. I did my best; I did not waste it. My conscience is at ease."
During the past month you've had a chance to find out how you stand
in your studies. Now you have a pretty good idea of how much or how
little you know, who is ahead and who is lagging, and what you should
do to forge ahead. Put your heart into it, therefore, all the more so
since we are making the novena in honor of Mary Immaculate, Our
Heavenly Mother who loves us immeasurably more than all earthly
2 The school year began sometime in October. [Editor]

20.8 Page 198

▲back to top


170
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
mothers put together. She tenderly loves all Christians, but She has
always shown a very special affection for the Oratory boys. Thousands
of instances, even extraordinary ones, can be told to prove this. But
even aside from that, there is no doubt that She particularly loves those
who honor Her. Ego diligentes me diligo. I love those who love Me. By
your good conduct show that you are Her true children and place your
studies under Her protection. Strive to make this novena well for this
purpose.
But how can we honor Mary these days so as to merit Her protection?
I shall not insist on frequent reception of the sacraments. You already
know that Don Bosco has nothing more at heart than this. But I will
suggest two particular things to each of you in Mary's honor: First, put
your whole heart into this novena; second, prepare a bouquet of flowers
for Her feast day. How? By picking a flower each day. But where, when
no flowers are blooming in this cold winter? From the garden of your
hearts. What sort of flowers? Some little act of virtue to be practiced
every day in honor of Mary Immaculate. Let each one take this to heart,
so that on the dawn of this great feast there will be as many bouquets
as boys, and each bouquet will have a flower for every day of this
novena. You may be sure that Our Lady will be quite pleased with
your gift.
November 30
Tomorrow's nosegay will be: I shall give a companion some good
advice. There are countless occasions for this act of charity. How much
harm could be prevented and how much good done, if those who are
negligent, dissatisfied, too outspoken, or quarrelsome had a companion
at their side to whisper a good word. How often an exhortation to visit
the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady, to go to confession, or to do some
good reading is the beginning of a lad's eternal salvation! And let all
accept the good advice gracefully. After all, good advice is not so plenti-
ful, and we should consider ourselves lucky to get it. I would be de-
lighted and forever grateful if any of you should give me good advice.
But now I will give you a bit of advice myself, both general and
particular. My general advice is: Ad quid venisti? What did you come
here for? When St. Bernard left home to enter a monastery and lead a
holy life, he wrote everywhere he had to pass: Bernarde, ad quid venisti?
Bernard, what did you come here for? This thought always spurred him
on anew in moments of despondency and temptation. "I came to earn
heaven," he would say to himself. "Up, then, and onward!"

20.9 Page 199

▲back to top


In Mary's Honor
171
This, my dear children, is also my advice to you. On the comer of a
book or pad write: Ad quid venisti? and then think and ask yourselves:
"What am I in this world for?" To love and serve God, and so win
heaven. If you act otherwise, you are off your path. You came to the
Oratory to study, to grow in knowledge and piety, to find out what God
wants you to do. If you don't do this, you're wasting your time.
December 1
Tomorrow's nosegay will be: "I will make a visit to the Blessed
Sacrament."
If a well-known and trustworthy person were to go to a public square
and tell all the idlers loitering there that on a certain hill they would
find a gold mine and could take all they wanted, do you think anyone
would shrug his shoulders and say he did not care? They'd all be dash-
ing there as fast as they could!
Well, now, doesn't the tabernacle hold the most precious treasure
ever to be found on earth or in heaven? Unfortunately, there are many
who cannot see it because they are blind. Yet, our faith unerringly tells
us that endless riches are to be found there. People sweat and toil to
make money, and yet in the tabernacle dwells the Lord of the universe.
He will grant you what you ask, if you really need it. Do you need
health? Memory? Intelligence? Do you need strength to carry your cross,
help to overcome temptations? Is your family threatened by misfortune,
afflicted by sickness, in need of a particular favor? On whom do your
family possessions depend? Who controls wind and rain, storms and
seasons? Isn't Our Lord Jesus Christ Lord and Master of all? Go to
Him then. Ask and it shall be given you; knock and it shall be opened
to you! Jesus longs to grant you favors, especially those you need for
your soul.
A saint once saw the Infant Jesus on the altar holding the front of His
tunic apron-like and overflowing with precious pearls. He looked sad.
"Why so sad, my Lord?" the saint asked.
"Because nobody cares for My favors," Jesus replied. "I don't know
anyone to give them to!"
December 2
Tonight's nosegay is very important: "I will try to put great trust in
my superiors." We superiors do not want to be feared; we wish to be
loved and trusted. What better thing could a house like ours have than
confidence in superiors? This alone could transform the Oratory into an

20.10 Page 200

▲back to top


172
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
earthly paradise and make everybody happy. Don Bosco is here only
and entirely for your spiritual and temporal good. If he desires anything
from you, he tells you at once; likewise, if you desire anything of him,
do not keep it shut up in your heart; go and tell him. Then everything
will be well and you will all be satisfied. If some food does not agree
with you, or if you need another blanket or warm clothing, come and
tell me, and I will do all I can within our modest means to provide what
is reasonable. Perhaps someone does not feel well, or has problems in
studies, or has had a run-in with a teacher or assistant, or feels he has
been wronged. I am here to remedy all this. Don't be afraid. Whatever
you will tell me will remain within me, and I shall use it only for your
own good. But for heaven's sake, don't keep passing complaints among
yourselves. Instead of grumbling or criticizing, come and tell me what
bothers you. We wish to satisfy your reasonable desires and thus remove
all source of friction. What I said does not refer only to material things,
but also, and principally, to spiritual things. Sometimes the devil throws
you into the dumps and you are down and out. Maybe it's homesickness
or a suspicion that you are out of favor with your superiors; perhaps
you fear that some fault of yours may be found out and punished; you
may feel downhearted because your companions slight you, or because
you have problems in studies. Well, do you wish to get rid of your blues?
Come to me, and we will find a way.
What I recommend most earnestly is not to lose heart when you are
tempted. Do you wish to succeed? The best way is to reveal your temp-
tation to your spiritual director immediately. The devil loves darkness.
He always operates in the dark because he knows that if he is discovered
he is beaten. Once a lad was violently tempted. He did all he could to
resist, but the temptation became so violent that he began to fear he
would not be able to hold out much longer. He chanced to come across
his superior who at a glance guessed his trouble. Calling the boy aside,
the superior asked, "What's the matter? Is the devil bothering you?"
The boy was thunderstruck. "How did you guess?" he stammered.
That did it. The temptation vanished immediately.
December 3
Yesterday I spoke about trusting your superiors in general, and then
briefly mentioned the confidence you should give to your confessor. This
suggests tomorrow's nosegay: Full and absolute sincerity in confession.
Do not be afraid, my sons, to reveal your shortcomings and faults to
your confessor. Being good does not mean never committing faults.

21 Pages 201-210

▲back to top


21.1 Page 201

▲back to top


In Mary's Honor
173
Indeed no, because all of us are liable to do just that. Being good con-
sists in having the sincere good will to correct ourselves. When we
confess a fault - even a grave one - seeing our good will, the con-
fessor will not be shocked. Rather, he will rejoice at the penitent's
sincerity and determination to overcome the devil, to regain God's
grace, and to become better.
My dear children, let nothing undermine your confidence in him, not
even shame for your sins. We all know we are weak. After all, you don't
go to confession to tell your miracles! And the confessor surely doesn't
think that you are impeccable. You'd laugh if he did!
Don't fear that the confessor may reveal what you tell him. The seal
of confession is most strict and dreadful. He would be worthy of hell if
he revealed the least sin. Don't fear that he may later recall what you
have confessed. When confession is over, it is his duty to forget about it.
Our Lord has permitted all sorts of crimes; He allowed Judas to
betray Him, Peter to deny Him, and priests to leave the Church, but
He has never permitted even one confessor to reveal the least sin heard
in confession.
Cheer up, then, my dear sons; let us not give the devil a chance to
laugh at us. Make good confessions; tell everything.
Someone may ask: "What if one has held back a big sin in past
confessions? What is he to do?" Look! If, on buttoning up my cassock
in the morning, by chance I miss one button and then hitch my cassock
up one side, what must I do to set it straight? I must undo all the buttons
up to the one that was missed. Likewise, he who has to straighten out
past confessions must go back all the way to that confession where a
sin was kept back. Then all will be made right. The catechism tells you:
"From the last good confession to the present one."
Courage, then, my children! With one word you can escape hell and
win heaven. It takes so little! The confessor will help you. You know
we are friends, and that I desire only one thing - your souls' salvation.
While at the Oratory all vied with one another in honoring Our
Lady, Don Bosco was fulfilling a most noble duty. On November
10, 1859, the peace treaty of Villafranca and Verona 3 was ratified
in Zurich, but Don Bosco at once sensed that this was only a
temporary settlement. Everything pointed to the fact that the
Legations would never be restored to the Pope, and that his
a See Chapter 19. [Editor]

21.2 Page 202

▲back to top


17 4
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
honorary presidency over the Italian States was but an eyewash
and a mockery. He knew that the Pontiff's letters to Napoleon III
and Victor Emmanuel II - beseeching, advising, and protesting
- were being ignored, while paid agitators continued stirring up
trouble throughout Umbria and Marche. Garibaldi was in Bologna
ready for action. Moreover, attempts were being made to bribe
even the papal garrisons while arms, money, and subversive liter-
ature were being poured in great quantities into those regions.
The liberal press was all out to smear the papal government,
accusing it, among other things, of having shamefully imprisoned
Roman volunteers who had taken part in the war of independence,
whereas the truth was that Pius IX had generously helped the
neediest of them.
It was likewise evident that the rebels' ultimate end was to
destroy the spiritual power of the Pope as they had many a time
proclaimed - though not always so openly - in their press. . . .
It was under such circumstances that Don Bosco, notwith-
standing the prohibition made to him and his promise of some
years back,4 wrote to the king to save him from the abyss into
which he was about to plunge or, rather, be pushed by the schem-
ers around him. Don Bosco was obeying a command from on
high to carry out a mission similar to that of Jeremiah to the
princes of Judah. He confided to Michael Rua and to a few other
trusted co-workers the gist of the communication he felt bound
to send to the king in order to dissuade him from a new war which
was about to break out against the Papal States.
The letter, of which no copy seemingly remains, began: Dicit
Dominus: Regi nostro, vita brevis. ... [Thus says the Lord: 0
King, short shall your life be.... ] It threatened new misfortunes
for the House of Savoy if war against the Church was not stopped
and exhorted the king to ward off the storm that had been whipped
up against the Pope. The letter was concise, stern, and upsetting.
The sovereign was deeply perturbed at this message which,
however, proved ineffective. Once the shock was over, prepara-
tions for the wretched enterprise continued. Events were pressing,
4 See Vol. V, pp. 157ff. See also pp. 112-118. [Editor]

21.3 Page 203

▲back to top


In Mary's Honor
175
and the king no longer had the courage, means, or will to resist the
revolution.
Meanwhile, the king had shown Don Bosco's letter to his min-
isters, among them Urbano Rattazzi. In turn they disclosed its
contents to others, so that soon Don Bosco's message made the
rounds of all the departments and became public knowledge.
Rumors had it that Don Bosco had threatened the king's death.
On the contrary, when Don Bosco had acquainted Rua and others
with the contents of his letter, he had commented that vita brevis
could have other meanings besides its obviously literal one.
In 1875, Baron [Charles Hyacinth] Bianco of Barbania- loyal
to the House of Savoy like all Piedmontese noblemen - told us
personally: "I held in my own hands Don Bosco's letter to the
king; with my own eyes I read those words: Regi nostro, vita
brevis; and from that moment I watched the tum of events.... "
Subsequent events that are now history, which we shall narrate
in these memoirs, will enable the reader to evaluate those enig-
matic words of Don Bosco. At the same time they will further
prove Don Bosco's sincere affection for his king and the House
of Savoy.

21.4 Page 204

▲back to top


CHAPTER 24
Birth of the Salesian Society
{{IE have already said 1 that Don Bosco had expressed
his intention of founding a religious congregation to a small
nucleus of priests, clerics, and boys whom he looked upon as the
Oratory's mainstay and his trusty co-workers. Some had experi-
mentally taken the three vows for a year, others had made a
simple promise to continue helping him, but all attended the
special conferences he called to preserve their own personal good
spirit and that of the house.
We must remark here that these conferences were not delib-
I
erative in the participants' regard. Don Bosco called the meetings
to brief them on his aims and plans so that they would be clear
to all. By this means he imbued them all - and so profoundly -
with his ideas that thereafter it was enough to say to any one of
the priests "Don Bosco said this" or "Don Bosco wants that" for
such a one to give immediate and willing assent and compliance.
This was the governing principle he desired for all future con-
ferences in [Salesian] houses: not many people deliberating on
matters that by rule are within the competence of the superior,
but one only - the director - doing the thinking and the briefing,
with the others then carrying out his directives.
At these meetings Don Bosco often mentioned important under-
takings they could accomplish if banded into a society. "But we
are so few," someone would object.
"I will answer that objection," he replied, "by quoting St. Vin-
cent de Paul. 'It is in grave necessities,' he said, 'that we show
1 See Vol. IV, pp. 294:ff; Vol. V, pp. 7:ff, 137f, 452:ff, 457f. [Editor]
176

21.5 Page 205

▲back to top


Birth of the Salesian Society
177
our true trust in God.' Believe me, three people can do more than
ten if God gives a hand; and God always does when He puts us
in demanding situations that exceed our strength."
"But we are so poor!" was another objection.
"Poverty is our asset!" Don Bosco would reply. "It is God's
blessing. And we should ask the Lord to keep us in voluntary
poverty. Did not Our Lord begin His life in a manger and end
it on the Cross? The wealthy seek leisure, which in turn generates
a comfortable life of idleness. The spirit of sacrifice then vanishes.
Read church history, and you will find countless instances when
wealth proved the ruination of entire religious communities. They
suffered the saddest misfortunes when they failed to abide by
their original poverty. On the contrary, those who kept them-
selves poor flourished wonderfully. The poor man leans on God
and has recourse to Him; on His part, I assure you, God always
provides all one needs, whether little or great. Contrariwise, one
who lives in plenty easily forgets God. And don't you think it is
a blessing to be in need of prayer? As of today, have we ever
lacked what we needed? Do not be afraid! Whatever we need for
ourselves or our boys will never be wanting."
In November Don Bosco summed up his thoughts on the diffi-
culties felt by some people on leaving their homes:
Abraham dwelt in Hur, a city of Chaldea. God had chosen him to
start His merciful plan for the redemption of mankind. God appeared
to him and said: "Leave your country, your kinsfolk, your father's
house, your possessions and friends, and come to the land which I will
show you. I will make a great nation of you. I will bless you and make
your name great, and you will be blessed." God might have asked
Abraham just to keep somewhat aloof from the doings of the world,
from the affairs of an idolatrous country. But no! God expected him to
be obedient, to leave his country promptly and undertake a long, peril-
ous journey for His sake. This was the condition put to the holy
patriarch to attain the promised glory. And Abraham did not hesitate.
He set out at once, not knowing whither, to the land which God would
show him. And he remained obedient, even to the point of being ready
to sacrifice his only son. What glory this brought him! "By My own
self I have sworn," said the Lord, "I will bless and multiply your poster-

21.6 Page 206

▲back to top


178
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ity as the stars in the heavens, the sands on the seashore, and the dust of
the earth. Only he who can count the grains of dust on the earth will
be able to count your descendants. They shall overcome their enemies;
in your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because
you have obeyed My word." God found Abraham ready to leave all for
His sake. In reward, He made him lord of a new kingdom and took him
into His confidence, revealing to him the most hidden mysteries of
Divine Justice and Mercy.
Thus Don Bosco illustrated the necessity and advantages of
following God's call at the cost of any sacrifice, even of family
ties and affections, as Our Savior said: "Everyone that has left
house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or
children or lands for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold,
and shall possess life everlasting." [Matt. 19, 29]. "He who loves
father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." [Matt.
10, 37].
On another occasion, dwelling on the same subject, he gave
these reasons why a priest or religious should exercise his ministry
away from his native place:
When the time came to begin their exalted mission, almost all the
prophets left their childhood town or village. As God's messengers they
journeyed to far-off places where they were welcome to preach His
Word. They knew that in their own native places they would be rejected
or, often, even persecuted, imprisoned, or beaten, and that if they
managed to escape a cruel death, they would have to end their days in
the desert. Indeed, it was not in their own country that Elias and
Eliseus raised the dead, multiplied oil and wine, and wrought other
wonders.
Our Blessed Savior Himself, after momentarily winning popular ad-
miration in the synagogue of His own neighbors in Nazareth, soon found
Himself the object of their indignation. "What," they cried, "is not this
the son of Joseph, the carpenter? Does He now presume to teach us?"
Then, doubting His miracles, they shouted: "Whatever things we have
heard done in Caphamaum, do here also in Your own country." But
Jesus replied: "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his own
country." Then his fellow citizens refused to hear Him any longer; they
pushed Him out of synagogue and town to the top of the hill where

21.7 Page 207

▲back to top


Birth of the Salesian Society
179
Nazareth stood, in order to cast Him over a precipice. Miraculously
Our Lord prevented them from laying hands on Him and, passing
through their midst, went His way to Capharnaum, never to visit
Nazareth again. According to some commentators, He used to stay in
the house of Peter, or of Lazarus, Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea;
according to others, He stayed in the homes of other charitable people,
but He never again returned to His own house in Nazareth.
Our Savior meant to teach a lesson to His disciples and to us, too.
To be sure, envy, jealousy, malice, hurt feelings, interfamily squabbles,
conflict of interests, political differences, nay, even a sincere zeal for the
good of souls and of the Church, almost invariably - and often formid-
ably - work against a religious, no matter how saintly he may be, if
he stays in his native place.
Supposing such a one was not always exemplary in ·his youth? It is
quite certain then that, humanly speaking, he will not be able to do much
good there. We all know that during boyhood, all, even good boys,
commit faults, at times even serious ones. Chances are that they may
be spread about by those who know of them.
Someone, for instance, may have quarreled rather violently, have
drunk to excess, or gone with bad companions. Someone else may have
indulged in improper conversation or gone to swim in the river with no
regard to decency; he may have raided an orchard or stolen money at
home, and so on. Now he may be a great preacher. But let him go and
preach in his native place on some sin or other, and there will always
be someone to say: "You did the very same thing yourself! You did
this or that with me, you said this and that." And these comments, even
if not malicious, once aired about, impair the effectiveness of even a
good sermon; at times, they completely destroy it. Such gossip is often
of trifles, mere boyish pranks; but once publicized, it can be devastating.
Once a pious, eloquent, and learned priest was preaching a mission
in his native parish. I happened to be there in the company of several
distinguished persons when the conversation turned on him.
"As a boy he was quite a bully," one of them remarked, "and I
thrashed him soundly."
"Really? What happened?" all asked.
"He insulted me, and I struck him twice. His parents then came over
to argue with mine. I waited for him in the outskirts of the village and
beat him again. Oh, yes, when he was young he was quite a brat! Of
course, he has changed, but then ..." and he stopped at that.

21.8 Page 208

▲back to top


180
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
I did not like his remarks and said to myself, "I am more and more
convinced that no prophet is accepted in his town!"
After pointing out the very serious dangers that even a good
but weak cleric can meet in his native place, Don Bosco went on:
"Where is one to go then, if he wants to leave his native place?
How can he earn a living? Where can he find help and safe
guidance?" He then enumerated the spiritual and temporal needs
of a diocesan priest, and concluded by showing how a religious
congregation would be a haven for one who has a priestly or
religious vocation and who wants to persevere. There he could
find peace and security and all he needs for his eternal and
temporal welfare.
On December 8, the Oratory solemnly celebrated the feast of
the Immaculate Conception. That evening Don Bosco announced
at the "Good Night" that the next day he would hold a special
conference in his room after the boys had retired to bed. Those
concerned - priests, clerics, and laymen who shared Don Bosco's
work at the Oratory and enjoyed his intimacy - understood that
they were invited to attend and sensed that this meeting was to
be an important one. Accordingly, they met the following night,
Friday, December 9, 1859.
The meeting opened with the usual invocation to the Holy
Spirit and a prayer to Mary Most Holy for enlightenment and
assistance. Then Don Bosco, after summing up what he had
said in previous conferences, proceeded to describe the nature
and loftiness of a religious congregation, the everlasting honor
accruing to a person entirely consecrated to God, the ease with
which he could save his soul, the inestimable store of merits he
could gain through obedience, and the imperishable glory and
the twofold crown awaiting him in paradise. Then, visibly moved,
he declared that the time had come to start that congregation
which he had long been planning and for which he had been
mainly working. He disclosed that Pius IX had praised his resolve
and encouraged him to go ahead and that, in fact, this congre-
gation already existed through the observance of the traditional
Oratory rules, even though they were not binding in conscience,

21.9 Page 209

▲back to top


Birth of the Salesian Society
181
and that the large majority of them already belonged to it at least
in spirit, and a few by promise or temporary vows.
He added that only those would be accepted into this congrega-
tion who, after mature reflection, intended to vow chastity, pov-
erty, and obedience in due time. He concluded by saying that the
moment had come for all who had heard his conferences to state
whether or not they wished to join this pious Society which would
be named - or would continue to be named - after St. Francis
de Sales. Those who did not want to belong to it should make
it clear by no longer attending the conferences. He was giving
them all a week's time to reflect and meditate on this important
decision with God. The closing prayer was then said, and the
meeting broke up in profound silence.
Once downstairs in the playground, more than one whispered:
"Don Bosco wants to make monks of us all!" The cleric [John]
Cagliero, undecided, paced up and down the portico for a long
time, various thoughts crossing his mind. Finally, turning to a
companion, he exclaimed: "I am determined - and always have
been - never to leave Don Bosco. Monk or not, it's all the
same to me!" Later he wrote a note to Don Bosco declaring that
he deferred completely to his advice and decision. Don Bosco,
meeting him afterward, smilingly said to him, "Come. This is
your life!"
The conference whose attendance meant adherence to the pious
Society was held on December 18, 1859. Only two stayed away.
What happened at this meeting is well described in the official
records of the proceedings preserved in our archives and here
transcribed:
In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. In the year of Our
Lord one thousand eighteen hundred and fifty-nine, on the eighteenth
day of December, in this Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, the following
met in Don Bosco's room at nine o'clock in the evening: Don Bosco;
Father Victor Alasonatti; Deacon Angelo Savio; Subdeacon Michael
Rua; the clerics: John Cagliero, John Baptist Francesia, Francis Provera,
Charles Ghivarello, Joseph Lazzero, John Bonetti, John [Baptist] An-
fossi, Louis Marcellino, Francis Cerruti, Celestine Durando, Secundus
Pettiva, Anthony Rovetto, and Joseph Bongiovanni; and the lay mem-

21.10 Page 210

▲back to top


182
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ber, Louis Chiapale - all unanimously determined to promote and
maintain the true charity that is needed in the work of the festive
oratories for abandoned youth, nowadays exposed to so many dangers
and in many ways led astray and plunged into iniquity and ungodliness,
to the great detriment of society.
The above-mentioned participants decided therefore to band them- ·
selves into a Society or congregation which, while aiming at the sanc-
tification of each member by mutual assistance, would strive to promote
God's glory and the salvation of souls, especially of those in greater
need of instruction and formation. After unanimous endorsement of
these goals and after a short prayer and invocation of the Holy Spirit,
the participants proceeded to the election of officers of the said Society
or other future ones [connected with it], if it will so please God.
Accordingly, they unanimously begged the founder and promoter
[of this Society] to accept the office of Rector Major as entirely becom-
ing him. He accepted with the proviso of the right to choose the Prefect,
to which all agreed. Thereupon he declared that the writer of these
minutes should continue to hold the office of Prefect, which he has filled
in the house up to the present.
The manner of electing the other officers was next considered. It was
agreed that voting by secret ballot would be the speediest way to form
a chapter consisting of a Spiritual Director, an Economer, and three
Consultors, besides the Rector Major and Prefect.
The writer of these minutes, officially appointed as Secretary, solemnly
declares that he has faithfully discharged the duty entrusted to him by
the assembly to record the votes as cast and that the results are as
follows:
The subdeacon Michael Rua was unanimously elected to the office of
Spiritual Director, and he formally accepted. The deacon Angelo Savio
was likewise elected to the office of Economer and he too accepted. The
meeting then proceeded to choose three Consultors. The first one elected
was the cleric John Cagliero; the second, the cleric John Bonetti. The
third balloting ended in a tie between the clerics Charles Ghivarello and
Francis Provera, and an additional balloting resulted in the choice of
Charles Ghivarello. Thus the body of officers of our Society was defi-
nitely established.
The proceedings, as here described, were read to the assembly and
approved as written. It was then resolved that this original record should
be signed and preserved.

22 Pages 211-220

▲back to top


22.1 Page 211

▲back to top


Birth of the Salesian Society
183
As proof of the authenticity of this document, the Rector Major and
the writer, as Secretary of this meeting, append their signatures hereto.
Fr. John Bosco, Rector Major
Fr. Victor Alasonatti, Prefect
Thus was constituted the first chapter - later called the "Su-
perior Chapter" [of the Salesian Society]. All the participants at
this meeting became charter members. Those who had decided
not to join the Salesian Society were given full liberty to follow
their vocations. They continued to enjoy the benefactions of the
Oratory, completed their studies, became priests, and always re-
mained Don Bosco's friends.
In the course of our narrative, we shall mention the meetings
of the Superior Chapter only up to the year 1865 to avoid dwell-
ing too much on it. We will, during this six-year period, mention
not only those who joined the Salesian Society and persevered
in it till death, but also those who, after a time, no longer bound
to it, felt themselves called by God to work in other fields. We
owe these latter an honorable mention because, before withdraw-
ing, they labored long and hard at Don Bosco's side, teaching and
educating his boys, and now, as Salesian co-operators, they still
glory in having served under the glorious banner of St. Francis
de Sales.
Our narrative will closely follow the growth and expansion of
the Salesian family which truly is - as must be acknowledged -
the work of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. As our story unfolds,
we shall see how marvelous were Don Bosco's courage and con-
stancy in carrying on - in spite of persecutions, sorrows, and
disappointments - the mission which the Blessed Virgin had en-
trusted to him.

22.2 Page 212

▲back to top


CHAPTER 25
Adverse Criticism
DoN Bosco was on excellent terms with the Turin
diocesan authorities. The vicars general [Canon Philip] Ravina
and [Canon Celestine] Fissore 1 constantly supported him, and
he was warmly befriended by Canon [Joseph] Zappata. Most priests
too were well disposed toward him. As for himself, Don Bosco
felt tranquil and secure in all he did because he had Father Jo-
seph Cafasso's full approval. This is not to say that he enjoyed
everyone's favor. He had some critics among influential priests
who were both pious and learned. The opposition, varying in
strength and dating from 1844 to 1883, exemplified an old saying:
"If a priest is bad, he is punished; if he is good, he is supported;
if he is a saint, he is opposed." This comes as no surprise. A saint
reveals himself in the extraordinary things he does. Until he is well
known, prudence requires caution in judging him. Moreover, since
he is somehow set above the rest, he occasionally seems to depart
from established patterns, with the result that his course of action
is looked upon as ostentatious and reprehensible. Then, of course,
in a small measure at least, envy and jealousy enter too.
The first criticism leveled at Don Bosco was that he was too
easy in granting Holy Communion to youngsters. That he pro-
moted frequent Communion is quite true. He always recommended
it to the festive oratory boys and he was the first to introduce it
on a daily basis into a boys' boarding school. This was disapproved
by several diocesan priests in Turin and by seminary rectors inas-
1 Archbishop Louis Fransoni was in exile in Lyons since 1850. See Vol. IV,
p. 76. [Editor]
184

22.3 Page 213

▲back to top


Adverse Criticism
185
much as Jansenism 2 was still strong in some ecclesiastical quarters.
Don Bosco followed Father Cafasso, whose master was St. Alphon-
sus. That his thinking was truly orthodox is evidenced by the
teachings of the Church from the Council of Trent to the latest
pronouncement of Pius X. However, he wasted no time in fruitless
debates. His replies to opponents were brief and to the point. To
the objection "Who can possibly consider himself worthy of daily
Communion when St. Aloysius himself went but once a week?"
Don Bosco replied: "Find me someone as perfect and fervent as
St. Aloysius and I agree that weekly Communion may be enough
for him. Since the Saint spent three days in preparation and three
in thanksgiving, one Communion in between sufficed to keep him
fervent all week long." To one who quoted St. Francis de Sales as
neither praising nor disapproving of daily Communion, he simply
remarked, "Then why do you disapprove? Do as the Saint did."
These critics, however, failed to notice with what care Don
Bosco fostered his boys' worthy reception of the Eucharist. Though
he believed that mortal sin was the sole real obstacle to Holy Com-
munion, he did not allow daily Communion to those who were
attached to venial sin. He also suggested a limit to frequent con-
fession, exhorting priests, clerics, and pupils to go ordinarily but
once a week and to keep a steady confessor. Yet, especially when
speaking to boys, he would add, "Rather than make a sacrilegious
confession and Communion, change your confessor each time."
His troublesome advisers, however, did not stop their efforts to
make him change his policy. Canon John Baptist Anfossi wrote us
about one of them:
One evening in late autumn - I can't remember the exact year but it
must have been 1858 or 1859 - a well-known, influential priest called
at the Oratory. He was the gruff type that sends youngsters scurrying
away. A constant failure in his work for want of proper spirit, he held
that charitable institutions should not be set up without government
approval and support - a view not shared by Don Bosco, who always
2 A heresy that takes its name from Cornelis Jansen (1585-1638), bishop of
Ypres. Jansenism erred on the side of pessimism and harshness. Among other
things, it was against reception of Holy Communion and was very severe in
exacting sorrow in confession. [Editor]

22.4 Page 214

▲back to top


186
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
and only sought the Church's approval and the blessing of the Pope! I
happened to see this priest walk into the Oratory playground at a time
when no one was around, since the boys were at study or in their shops.
I went over to him and, when he asked to see Don Bosco, I took him
to the little parlor on the second floor near Father Alasonatti's office
and then went to look for Don Bosco.
I waited till their conversation was over and then accompanied the
visitor to the exit and returned to Don Bosco.
"Do you know why that priest came?" he asked.
"I have no idea!"
"He came to reprimand me for urging the boys to receive the sacra-
ments very often. According to him, they should go to the sacraments
only on the principal feasts of the year, or else they would become
hypocrites! I told him that the religious education I gave to our boys
produced excellent and consoling results and that such was the teaching
of the greatest saints, but he would not give in. So I stood up and asked
him to discuss his views with Father Cafasso."
I am quite sure h1 e never did go to Father Cafasso. The irony is that
this priest was one of those who acccused Don Bosco of rejecting prudent
advice.
This was not the only criticism leveled by these self-styled ad-
visors against Don Bosco. They ignored the fact that for years the
Oratory had been and still was for many clerics a substitute for the
diocesan seminary still under military occupation.3 They did not
know that the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales mainly aimed at
fostering priestly vocations. They did not understand the impor-
tance of a work destined to provide priests for the dioceses of
Piedmont and of other parts of Italy and even for other countries.4
Consequently they looked somewhat frostily on Don Bosco's work
for the academic education of young clerics and boys. He should
have stuck to the young apprentices, they thought. In their enlight-
enment, they considered him unqualified to train seminarians. Their
pique intensified when Don Bosco, badly in need of secondary
school teachers, was forced by circumstances to keep a few of his
own clerics from taking regular theology courses in the seminary.
Although he had mentioned the problem to the vicar general, the
3 See Vol. III, pp. 428f. [Editor]
4 See Vol. V, pp. 264ff. [Editor]

22.5 Page 215

▲back to top


Adverse Criticism
187
chancery sent him a notice that read more like a reprimand, as if
he were trying to circumvent explicit diocesan directives in this
matter.
Don Bosco was confronted by the dilemma of either making do
with his own personnel - that is, his young clerics - since he
could find no outside teachers, or of being resigned to abandon his
undertaking rather than expand and strengthen it, as he was firmly
determined to do. The chancery, after hearing his reasons, finally
granted the requested dispensation. Don Bosco himself earnestly
and insistently recommended that his young clerics follow diligently
the prescribed seminary syllabus and regularly sent them there for
their examinations. Moreover, he did not leave them to their own
devices but saw to it that on Sundays and holidays Canon [Augus-
tus] Berta coached them at his own residence. As for his other
clerics not engaged in teaching at the Oratory, he had every one of
them without exception abide by the diocesan regulations year after
year.
Another criticism was that Don Bosco's young clerics, engaged
in various absorbing tasks, could not possibly do justice to their
theology courses.
"I can testify," wrote Canon Dominic Bongiovanni, "that the
Oratory clerics gave consistent proof of untiring application to
their studies and that many excelled their fellow seminarians and
earned doctorates in theology." The seminary records bear witness
to this statement.
Also among the clergy were some who alleged out of jealousy
and distrust that Don Bosco kept the most gifted clerics for himself,
to the detriment of the archdiocese. They simply refused to see
that, while it was only fair for Don Bosco to keep those on whom
he could best count, they in tum became his instruments to train
hundreds of others who, but for Don Bosco's help, could never have
pursued their priestly studies, thus depriving the Church of badly
needed laborers. It would have been too much to expect these
critics to grasp this fact; they saw but the present. In view of this,
they considered it an act of charity to entice those few clerics away
from Don Bosco whom he had brought up and trained at such
~reat cost in effort and mone.Y. They lured them with promises of

22.6 Page 216

▲back to top


188
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
free board and tuition in the seminary, future well-paying benefices,
and brilliant ecclesiastical careers. In these efforts they were abet-
ted by the clerics' parents and often succeeded in their intent, thus
bringing Don Bosco bitter disappointment.5 If the Oratory did not
fold up, it was all due to Our Lady's assistance.
In that year, 1859, a new problem arose in connection with the
help the Oratory was supplying for cathedral services. Canon
[Alexander] Vogliotti, seminary rector and diocesan provicar, sent
for Don Bosco and asked him to continue rendering those religious
services. Don Bosco thought it over a few days and answered in
these terms:
Very Reverend and dear Rector,
Turin, November 12, 1859
Over and over I have tried to find some way of freeing a few clerics
for the cathedral services as you requested, but the hour of their absence
from here coincides with the time of religious services in the various
oratories to which they are all assigned. Since I have no other help,
these clerics of mine are busy from morning to night, weekdays and
Sundays, teaching catechism and supervising youngsters in church and
outside, at this and the other oratories at Bargo Vanchiglia and Porta
Nuova. I have kept only those I strictly need, but if special solemnities
require more clerics at the cathedral, I shall willingly do my best to let
you have them. Incidentally, Canon [Louis] Anglesio has quite a few
clerics not as hard pressed as ours. Would it not be a good idea to ask
him?
Father Gaude has asked the cleric [John] Molino to help out at St.
Philip Neri Church. But we too have church services and other activities
and I can't spare him. I therefore beg that you kindly leave him free.
I am enclosing the good conduct certificates of our clerics for their
summer vacations. May I remind you about an imprimatur for the Life
of St. Cornelius?
Gratefully yours,
Fr. John Bosco
These controversies, though always courteous and friendly,
5 See Vol. IV, pp. 343ff. [Editor]

22.7 Page 217

▲back to top


Adverse Criticism
189
prompted some people who did not know the facts to accuse Don
Bosco of trying to gain the upper hand in the diocese and of ma-
neuvering for independence from his superiors. Notwithstanding
his right intentions, Don Bosco occasionally seemed to give sub-
stance to these criticisms. Since his congregation was not yet
approved, the chancery reluctantly tolerated certain measures that,
after all, were necessary to preserve its incipient life. On the other
hand, Don Bosco - in carrying out the Pope's and his own arch-
bishop's suggestions - could not but use the means he needed to
attain his ends. Misunderstandings were bound to arise. Occasion-
ally the chancery refused him certain permissions. On one such
occasion, without mentioning his mission and plans, Don Bosco
remarked, "Look, Reverend Fathers, I ask nothing for myself. I
am serving the diocese and receive no salary. I work solely for the
good of souls. All I ask is to be let alone to work for God's glory."
On hearing anyone misconstrue his intentions as acting from a
desire to be independent, he would retaliate, "Examine my under-
takings and my writings, and you will find the spirit that moves me;
check my public life and all I do. If you find anything reprehen-
sible, point it out, and I shall be grateful to you and do my very
best to correct it. But please be specific."
Lastly, there were some who showed amazement at a decision of
his and criticized him for it, though it later proved most wise. It
was evident to him that in spite of the Casati Education Bill,6
politicians would every year become more hostile to freedom of
education and would raise grave obstacles to bar religious and
priests from teaching even literary or scientific subjects in public
and private schools. "We must face facts," Don Bosco used to say.
"Times are bad and will not soon change. Within a few years we
shall be forced either to have certified teachers or to close down
our schools."
For this reason, he had already assigned several young clerics
to prepare for government examinations. To this end he also en-
gaged the services of a good instructor for regular summer courses;
6 It recognized both public and private schools and exempted the latter from
State jurisdiction except in matters of health, public morals, and respect to the
authorities of the State. [Editor]

22.8 Page 218

▲back to top


190
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
as a result, several clerics did excellently in the exams. He likewise
prepared several of his best pupils for college degrees and doctor-
ates. He was the first - and at that time the only religious superior
- to take this important step and register his clerics at the Univer-
sity of Turin for courses in literature, philosophy, and mathematics,
as Canon [John Baptist] Anfossi, one of those clerics, so declared
to us. Nor did Don Bosco excuse them from their annual theology
examinations.
Thus Don Bosco made it clear that the clergy had to arm them-
selves with legal requirements in order to counteract secularistic
and anticlerical educators effectively. Thus, besides nurturing many
priestly vocations, he also publicly showed his appreciation of a
serious education. Then, too, by this means he prepared the way
for the expansion of his congregation to areas outside of Turin.
Any other course of action would have impaired its very existence
as a teaching religious congregation.
In taking this courageous step Don Bosco had acted in agree-
ment with the diocesan vicar general, as Father Rua testified, but
not all priests, even very pious ones, approved. Some bishops
openly opposed this policy, condemning Don Bosco, as it were, for
submitting to unjust government pretensions. They themselves did
not permit their clerics to take such examinations. Later though,
when they saw the spiritual harm resulting from their refusal, they
realized how prudently Don Bosco had acted in the interest of the
Church by exhorting them to yield to necessity. They eventually
listened to his warning that education would otherwise be taken
away from the clergy, and soon followed his example. Religious
superiors also had at first shown surprise at his suggestion to have
certified teachers of their own orders, but later they too had to
admit its necessity. Thus, thanks to Don Bosco, many diocesan
priests and seminarians were certified to teach in primary and sec-
ondary schools.
To this end Don Bosco had not spared fatigue, money, or
sorrow. The hardships he endured for this cause are altogether
incredible, but each obstacle he encountered strengthened him. Yet,
at the beginning, he had to hear himself accused of imprudence
because university studies presented some real dangers to young

22.9 Page 219

▲back to top


Adverse Criticism
191
seminarians and priests. In fact, Professor Thomas Vallauri one
day said to Father Francesia: "Does Don Bosco still plan to send
his clerics to the University? Tell him for me that the moral climate
there is pestilential!"
Don Bosco, however, was sure that his clerics had a sound
Christian formation and constantly forearmed them with advice.
"Do you want to resist the devil's temptations?" he would say.
"Love the Church, revere the Holy Father, receive the sacraments
often, frequently visit Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, be very de-
voted to the Blessed Virgin, offer Her your heart, and you will be
able to overcome all battles and all worldly allurements. When it
is a question of doing good and rejecting or combating error, trust
Jesus and Mary, and you will be ready to tread human respect
underfoot and even suffer martyrdom." In his enlightened prudence
he left it as his policy and testament to continue preparing certified
teachers from the ranks of his clerics and priests.
In this chapter we have expounded the main criticisms directed
at Don Bosco for several years and the reasons which justified his
conduct. True, his critics could not then foresee and weigh his good
intentions and gratifying results, but they could not be ignorant of
his constancy - heroic at times - in working for the welfare of
youth. Again, they could find imperfections in his undertakings
such as are ever present in human endeavors - imperfections
which he himself deprecated and strove to correct as effectively as
possible. But they were wrong in not heeding the Holy Spirit's
injunction in the Book of Proverbs, "Lie not in wait, nor seek after
wickedness in the house of the just man, nor spoil his rest." [Prov.
24, 15] On the contrary, they often sent the exiled Archbishop
Fransoni reports that were unfavorable to Don Bosco.
Once, when Canon Nasi visited him at Lyons, the archbishop
asked, "When all is said and done, is Don Bosco doing good or
harm?" The canon, a sincere friend of the Oratory, gave the arch-
bishop the real facts. He was very pleased and gladly took the first
opportunity to prove his satisfaction. A three-priest commission
went to Lyons to report to him on diocesan affairs. While there,
the three priests considered it their duty to lay before the arch-
bishop various accusations against Don Bosco. Among other things,

22.10 Page 220

▲back to top


192
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
they asserted that he was planning to found a seminary of his own
and have boys and clerics residing at the Oratory, in order to pro-
vide personnel for his institutions to the detriment of diocesan
seminaries and to no little slight of episcopal rights. The priests
intended to put enough pressure on the kindly prelate to induce
him to write to Don Bosco to abandon any such plan, perhaps even
hinting at the possible closing of the Oratory boarding school
section.
The archbishop, however, knowing Don Bosco's intentions, let
the canons have their say and then tersely replied, "I have made
confidential inquiries and have found nothing to substantiate your
complaints. On the contrary, I have learned that much good is
being done at the Oratory. So do not hinder or place obstacles in
the way of one who is doing what I cannot do myself in Turin."
We shall close with a comment by Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio:
"I think I can state that the enemies and adversaries of Don Bosco,
of his name, and of his works were and are the enemies of good.
I remember quite well that if righteous people happened to disagree
with him on some detail or found some deficiencies in his under-
takings, they nevertheless agreed with him in their substance. Es-
pecially in the earlier times of the Oratory it did happen that some
prominent ecclesiastics suspected his intentions and even fought
him. But, as far as I know, when these people came to know the
real facts, they changed their minds and in nearly all cases became
his friends and benefactors."

23 Pages 221-230

▲back to top


23.1 Page 221

▲back to top


CHAPTER 26
Fatherly Exbortations
OuR narration has now brought us to December 1859
and the Christmas novena, a splendid occasion Don Bosco highly
prized to have his children cherish that ineffable mystery.
He gave only seven "Good Nights" inasmuch as on two evenings
he was kept busy in the confessional till very late. A young cleric
noted the salient points of these talks, including the one he gave on
the last night of the year.1 We present them here prefaced with a
quotation from the Canticle of Canticles: "Thy lips are as a scarlet
lace, and thy speech sweet" [Cant. 4, 3] - the aptest illustration of
the spiritual affection and unction that flowed from Don Bosco's
lips, tinged every morning by the Blood of Christ.
December 15
My dear boys, tomorrow we begin the Christmas novena. There is a
story about a man who was very devoted to the Infant Jesus. While
going through a forest one winter day, he heard a child's whimper.
Following the sound, he came upon a very beautiful child in tears. "My
dear one," he exclaimed, "what happened? Why are you here alone?"
"Nobody cares for me," the child replied tearfully. With that, he
vanished. The man understood then it was the Infant Jesus Himself
lamenting man's ingratitude and coldness.
I have told you this story that we may all do our best not to give
Jesus cause to complain of us too. Let us get set to make this novena
well. Every morning, besides Holy Mass, we will have the chanting of
the prophecies, followed by a short talk and Benediction.
I suggest two things to make this novena well:
1. Often think of the Infant Jesus and His love for you. He proved it
1 See Chapter 27. [Editor]
193

23.2 Page 222

▲back to top


194
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
by dying on the Cross. In the morning, rise promptly at the sound of
the bell and, if you feel the cold, think of Jesus shivering in the manger.
During the day study your lessons diligently, do your homework, and
pay attention to your teachers for the love of Jesus. Remind yourselves
that Jesus grew in wisdom, age, and grace before God and men. Above
all, take care not to do anything to displease Him.
2. Visit Him often in the Blessed Sacrament. We envy the shepherds
who went to the grotto of Bethlehem to see Him, kissed His little hand,
and offered Him their gifts. "Lucky shepherds!" we exclaim. And yet
there is no reason to envy them, for their fortune is ours too. The same
Jesus they visited in the grotto is in our tabernacle. The only difference
is that the shepherds saw Him with the eyes of the body, whereas we
see Him with the eyes of faith. Nothing will please Him more than our
frequent visits to Him. How? First, by receiving Him often in Holy
Communion - a custom that has always been eagerly and fervently
observed at the Oratory especially during this novena. I hope it will be
the same this year. Second, by slipping into church during the day, even
for only a minute, even for only a "Glory Be." Have I made myself
clear?
Two things, then, we shall do to make this novena well. What are
they? Can you tell me? Let us often think of the Infant Jesus; let us
visit Him by receiving Him in Holy Communion and frequently calling
on Him in the tabernacle.
December 16
I am pleased to see that your marks for diligence in the study hall
are good. This proves that you are really studying. From this I draw
two conclusions: first, that you will give a good account of yourselves;
and second, that you are good boys. I'm sure that this year you will do
so well that not only will you pass your final exams with flying colors
but each of you will also win a prize. "That's impossible," you will say.
"Prizes are given only to a few; otherwise Don Bosco would go broke."
But I tell you that prizes will be given to all who deserve them. Should
all deserve them, all shall have them. At the close of this school year
we will invite your parents and friends, pastors and mayors. What an
honor for those who studied well! But even assuming that not all will
have top marks, would it not be a rich reward in itself to be able to say:
"I did my best. God is pleased with me, my parents are ·happy with my
conduct, my heart is happy, and I have enriched my mind with useful
knowledge"?

23.3 Page 223

▲back to top


Fatherly Exhortations
195
I also said that good marks show that you are good, and so it is,
because piety is the most effective spur to study. That means that our
novena is fruitful, and that the Divine Infant has already inflamed you
with the desire to do good. Keep it up! Let this fire last not only one
week but the whole year. Those who were rated "Excellent" should
continue; those who did not quite make it should take heart and say to
themselves: "If this or that boy did it, why can't I too? I will! No more
lagging behind for me!"
If you realized how lucky you are to have an opportunity for study,
you would do your utmost never to waste a minute. How many elderly
people often sigh and lament, "Oh, if I could start all over again! How
I would make up for the years I foolishly wasted in my youth. How
carefully I would treasure them now. If I had used them wisely, I would
now have a good education and a fine position." Then, too, as death
draws near, they regret the merits they omitted to gain. There are lots
of boys your age who would study day and night if they had the chance!
Thousands of boys who really mean well are trying to get in, but are
turned away for want of room. You, instead, have been the favorites of
Divine Providence. If any of you would rather idle away their time than
study - despite many sacrifices of parents and superiors who are
exerting themselves to the utmost, despite their companions' repeated
good examples - what a strict account they will have to render to God
for wasting all these precious moments! Our Lord will demand an
account of even a minute wasted. Think, then, how he will fare who
wastes half-hours and hours at a time, even whole study periods! Cour-
age then, my children! Keep on the good path you have entered. But do
not forget that to be successful in your studies you must begin ab alto,
from on high. Before you start studying, devoutly recite the Actiones as
St. Aloysius, [Louis] Comollo, and Dominic Savio were wont to do.
December 17
Since we have the custom of handing in every evening whatever was
found during the day, no matter how small, there should be no reason
for thinking that someone may forget himself to the point of keeping
what is not his. Nevertheless, as the devil is very cunning and may
deceive someone in this matter, I want to remind you that stealing is
the most dishonorable of vices. One who has been found to be a thief
will never clear himself of that ugly blot. "That fellow is a thief!" his
companions will say when they will be back home. "That fellow is a
thief!" the townsfolk will repeat. He will be shunned by all. Yet, what

23.4 Page 224

▲back to top


196
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
is more frightful is the judgment of the Holy Spirit: Fures regnum Dei
non possidebunt. [Thieves will never enter heaven.] How much dirt can
you bear in your eye? Not even a mote of dust! So too with heaven.
The least thing belonging to others can bar you from there. If one
were to die with but one stolen needle on his conscience, it would be
enough to keep him out of paradise. True, a needle is a small matter,
but he would have to pay very dearly for it in purgatory. St. Augustine
says: Non remittitur peccatum nisi restituatur ablatum. Merely con-
fessing a sin of theft will not obtain forgiveness until one has restored
the ill-gotten goods, if the matter is grave and he can make re~titution.
If he cannot at the time, he should at least have a sincere and serious
will to do so as soon as possible. And remember, many small things
can little by little become a grave matter; a few coins today, a necktie
tomorrow; a book, a writing tablet, or some other thing can in a
short time build up a serious account at God's tribunal. Therefore, if
we do not wish to risk ruining our reputation or burdening our con-
science, let us be on our guard never to touch anything not belonging
to us. We should look upon other people's property as live fire. If a
spark falls upon us, we hasten to brush it off. So if we find anything,
no matter how trivial - a sheet of paper, a nib, a pencil - let us
leave it alone. If you need anything at any moment, ask your compan-
ions kindly to lend it to you. Besides, your superiors are around and
will provide whatever you need.
December 18
If any one of you were to be called a porter, a bootblack, or a
coolie, you would feel offended, and rightly so. And yet, while some
boys would take offense at being put into such classes, they feel no
embarrassment at all in acting like those people and using vulgar,
distasteful expressions. So, if you wish to be thought well bred, don't
use them. I do not mean by this to belittle common laborers. They
are men like ourselves, and we must overlook their coarse manners
because they are uneducated and their work is not uplifting. But you,
who know better and are engaged in nobler tasks, should avoid coarse,
vulgar language and show your education in your conduct. I exhort
you, watch your language. You will reply, "It's no sin to say those
words." True, and it's no sin to be a bootblack, either. Why aren't you
one then? Some smarter boy might retort, ''We may not and must
not do anything sinful, but there is no harm in doing or saying any-
thing that is not a sin." Tell me, would your parents approve your

23.5 Page 225

▲back to top


Fatherly Exhortations
197
vulgar language? They would feel highly embarrassed at such gross-
ness! Some time ago I happened to hear one of you using vulgar
language while a visitor was passing by, possibly an important person.
What impression did he receive of the Oratory boys? Recall my advice
and practice it.
Someone else may still insist, "Don Bosco is right, but I have an
old habit. I try not to say those words, but when I am off guard they
slip out." I understand, but meanwhile sincerely resolve never to say
those words deliberately. Then watch yourself, especially when those
words are more apt to escape you. The assistants will correct you if
you fail; on your part, gracefully accept their corrections. Ask your
own companions also to warn you when you slip, and you will see
that little by little you will master and correct this habit. Do it in
honor of the Infant Jesus.
December 19
Don Bosco often exhorts you to be obedient. Tonight, though, I
shall speak only of obedience to the confessor. When a superior speaks
to you, he does so in the name of Our Lord, and you should obey
him as you would Our Lord. This is even truer of the confessor who,
more particularly, acts and speaks in God's name. You must therefore
give his words great importance and take them as truly coming from
God. To understand how much Our Lord appreciates obedience to
one's confessor, listen to this:
St. Teresa of Avila was favored by God with visions, but her con-
fessor, believing them to be naught but clever tricks of the devil, com-
manded her to spit at them. Sure enough, Our Lord appeared to her.
She first apologized for what she was going to do and then carried
out her confessor's orders. Would you believe it? Our Lord highly
praised what had seemed contempt but was actually an act of virtue.
If you make good confessions, there is hardly any danger that your
confessor will make a mistake; but even if he did err in commanding
something of you, you will never do wrong in obeying him. Do not
be content with listening to his suggestions in the confessional. Call
them to mind, even afterward, and say, "This is his suggestion. I'll do
my best!" Remember those suggestions again as you examine your con-
science at night prayers. Check whether or not you have carried them
out. If there isn't enough time for a thorough examination, make one
when you go to bed, and resolve to be more faithful to your promise if
you have failed. Again, on going to church for Mass or for a visit to the

23.6 Page 226

▲back to top


198
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Blessed Sacrament, say to Jesus, "For Your sake, dear Jesus, T wi11 do
what my confessor suggests."
If you follow this advice of mine, you will surely make great strides
along the path of virtue.
December 20
The usual snare with which the devil catches the young is to fill them
with shame when they are about to confess their sins. When he pushes
them to commit sin, he removes all shame as if there were nothing
wrong with it, but when they are going to confession he returns that
shame magnified and tries to convince them that the priest will be
shocked by their sins and will no longer think well of them. Thus the
devil tries to drive souls to the brink of eternal damnation. Oh, how
many lads does Satan steal from God -- sometimes forever - by this
trick!
But you, my children, keep in mind that the confessor is never shocked
by any sin we may commit, even if the one who confesses it is a holy
person. The priest knows that human weakness is great and that an
unguarded moment may be fatal. He therefore sympathizes with the
penitent. When a boy is sick, his mother loves him even more. Sin is a
sickness. If a mother should lose her son, how glad she would be if she
could restore him to life! Sin is the soul's death. How happy a confessor
is to be able to recall it to life! Remember then, my dear children, that,
far from being shocked by your sins, the priest rejoices over your
conversion, is moved by your confidence in him, and loves and esteems
you even more than before. Our Lord says that the angels in heaven
rejoice more over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just
who need no repentance. It is the same with your confessor. But I will
tell you more, my children. Do not be afraid to approach your confessor
even outside of confession. Once confession is over, he thinks no more
of it and just forgets it. This is my own daily experience. Besides, if he
should remember it, it would only increase his joy and love for you
because he could say to himself: •'Jt is I who saved this child, and one
day I'll be able to present him pure and holy to God in heaven. More-
over, this child is a guarantee too of my own salvation, for he will be
grateful to me and will pray for me."
Therefore, dear children, would you not be blessed at the hour of
death to have with you a confessor who knows you thoroughly and can
care for your soul with a word or two?
As regards the esteem of a confessor for his penitent, I am going to

23.7 Page 227

▲back to top


Fatherly Exhortations
199
tell you two episodes from the life of St. Francis de Sales. One day a
man confessed all the sins of his youth to this Saint. As the good
bishop was lovingly giving him the necessary advice, the man said, "No
doubt, Father, pity moves you to speak to me this way, but deep in
your heart you must despise me."
"I should be very guilty," St. Francis replied, "if after such a good
confession I still thought you a sinner. Quite the contrary! I now see you
whiter than snow, like Naaman when he came out from Jordan cleansed
from his leprosy. I love you as my own son since, by my ministry, I
have given your soul a new birth to supernatural life. My esteem for you
equals my affection, because from a vessel of ignominy you have become
one of honor and sanctity. How dear your heart is to me, now that it
is really full of God's love."
On another occasion, wheri a woman who had confessed many griev-
ous sins asked almost the same question, he replied, "I now look upon
you as a saint."
"But your conscience must tell you the contrary," she insisted.
"No," he said. "I say the truth. Before you came to confession, I
knew that many unsavory things were said about you and I grieved
because they were an offense to God and hurt your reputation. But now
I have an answer for those who may speak ill of you. I can say you are
a saint, and it will be the truth."
"But, Father, the past cannot be erased."
"It surely can. If men should judge you as the Pharisee judged Mary
Magdalene after her conversion, you will have Jesus and your con-
science to defend you."
"But, Father, what do you think of my past?"
"Nothing, I assure you. How can you expect me to think about what
no longer exists before God? I will think only of praising God and
rejoicing over your conversion. Yes, I will rejoice with the angels of
heaven over your change of heart." As the Saint's eyes shone with tears,
the penitent observed, "Doubtless you weep over my abominable life."
"Nay, I weep for joy at your resurrection to a life of grace."
Have you understood now, my children? Still, if notwithstanding all
these reasons you do not feel brave enough to open your heart com-
pletely to your ordinary confessor, rather than commit a sacrilege, go
to another.
December 23
During the Christmas holidays I want you to be happy. We will ask

23.8 Page 228

▲back to top


200
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Father Prefect to give the kitchen staff the necessary orders. Are you
glad? I will see to your bodily comforts, but I want you to help me in
providing comforts for your souls, too. The Divine Infant was born at
this time, and desires to be born again every year in your hearts. He is
waiting for something special from you. The novena sermons have told
us how much He has done for us. Notice that He did it not only for us
in general, but for each of us in particular. Many Fathers of the Church
in fact tell us that Our Lord would have become man and died on the
Cross even if there had been only one person to be saved! This means
that what He suffered for all, He would have suffered for each one too.
Therefore, every one of us can truly say, "This Child was born and
died just for me; He has suffered so much for me. How shall I show
Him my gratitude?" This lovable Child wants something from us, a
special gift. What will you give Him? I will suggest two things: 1. A
good confession and Communion with a promise of being always faith-
ful to Him. 2. If you have not yet done so, write your parents a nice
letter, without asking for food or sweets. Your parents will send you
what they know you like. Instead, like good Christian children, offer
them Christmas greetings, tell them you pray for them, thank them for
their sacrifices for you, ask their pardon if you have at times been
disrespectful, and promise you will always be obedient. Also send them
my greetings and good wishes for Christmas and the New Year. Thus
your letter will greatly console them and will also please Jesus very
much, because you will be keeping His commandment to honor your
father and mother. Of course, do not forget your benefactors and your
pastor. Let them see that you are good-hearted, grateful, and well-
mannered. And now, to all of you, my Christmas greetings!

23.9 Page 229

▲back to top


CHAPTER 27
Fatherly Exhortations (Continued)
a T his Christmas Midnight Mass, Don Bosco remem-
bered all his benefactors - among them Count Charles Cays,1 one
of the most outstanding, for whom Don Bosco obtained a dearly
sought favor.
On the left bank of the Dora Riparia, on the mid-slope of Mount
Asinaro, at the foot of which stands the town of Caselette and
Count Cays' castle, a shrine had been erected in ancient times in
honor of SS. Abachum and Audifax and their parents, Marius and
Martha, noble Persians and martyrs.2 The shrine had been restored
and enlarged in 1817, and again in 1851 and 1855 at the expense
of the queens of the House of Savoy and of the people. In 1856,
fifteen little wayside chapels with paintings of the Way of the Cross
and of the mysteries of the rosary had been erected along the road
leading to the shrine. These holy martyrs had worked wonders,
especially in favor of fever-stricken people.
Count Cays had asked Don Bosco on behalf of the townsfolk:
of Caselette to obtain a plenary indulgence from the Pope for
those who would visit the shrine on the feast of these Saints,
January 19, starting from first Vespers. Pius IX granted the favor
1 Born in Turin on November 24, 1813, Count Cays attended the local Jesuit
secondary school and later obtained his doctorate in law at the University of
Turin. He married and had two children, but became a widower at the age of
32. From 1857 to 1860 he was a deputy in the Piedmontese Parliament and
courageously defended the Church's rights against the anticlericals. In 1877 he
became a Salesian; ordained a priest a year later, he continued to render invalu-
able assistance to Don Bosco. He died at the Oratory on October 4, 1882 at the
age of 69, as he himself had predicted. [Editor]
2 They met their martyrdom in Rome during Emperor Marcus Aurelius Claudius'
persecution (268-270). Marius and his sons were beheaded and Martha was
drowned. [Editor]
201

23.10 Page 230

▲back to top


202
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
under the usual conditions and had a rescript 3 - dated Decem-
ber 20, 1859 - forwarded to Don Bosco. Its promulgation was
authorized on December 29 by Canon Celestine Fissore, vicar
general.
That same evening Don Bosco spoke as follows after night
prayers:
Dear boys, we shall never see this year again. The past will never
return. If we have used our time well, it will be credited to our glory
forever; if wasted, it shall be charged to our everlasting shame. What
has been done can never be undone, but let us at least try to make it up
a little by using these two remaining days well. Let us make the best
of them by correcting some fault or practicing some virtue so that we
can at least say: "During 1859 I got rid of one defect and practiced one
virtue." Thomas a Kempis says in the Imitation of Christ: "We would
quickly become saints if we only corrected one fault and practiced one
virtue every year."
This suggestion introduced his talk on the last day of the year.
He spoke to the whole house as follows:
My dear boys, you know how much I love you in the Lord and how
I have given myself completely to your temporal and spiritual welfare.
Whatever bit of knowledge and experience I have gained, whatever I
am or have, my prayers and labors, my health and my very life, all of
it I wish to use in your service. You can always count on me at any
time and for anything, especially in matters of the soul. As far as I am
concerned, I give you my whole self as a New Year's gift - a meager
gift, perhaps, but a total one.
Now let us come to the keepsakes for the New Year. To all as a
group I say: Make the Sign of the Cross well; do not gape about while
serving Mass; keep silence in the dormitory; do not make deals with-
out permission; do not read bad books, and if in doubt, check with a
superior.
I hope you will carry out my suggestions. I'm sure you will, and I
want you to end the year in perfect love and holy joy. Hence, I forgive
any fault you may have committed, and I want you to do the same for
each other, so that the new year may dawn with no trace of ill feelings
3 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

24 Pages 231-240

▲back to top


24.1 Page 231

▲back to top


Fatherly Exhortations (Continued)
203
or gloom. If any boy is still under punishment in the dining room, I
revoke the punishment. I am ready to blot out all your failings and
promise never to charge you with them again; they are completely for-
gotten. I want you to do the same among yourselves. It wouldn't do to
forgive today and then throw the offense back into your companion's
face ten or fifteen days later. It wouldn't be fair. To forgive means to
forget once and for all.
Now, let us come to particular keepsakes. I exhort the students to
use earthly knowledge as a stepping stone to heavenly things - virtue
and its practice.
To the artisans I say that since they have little time to look after
their spiritual needs during the week, they should do so at least on
Sundays and holy days by hearing Mass well, by paying attention to
their religious instruction, and by devoutly attending Benediction. They
should also try to receive the sacraments on Sundays and principal
feasts of the year.
I wish to remind the clerics that they are wholly dedicated to God's
service and, therefore, must no longer be concerned with earthly matters.
Let all their efforts aim at God's greater glory and the salvation of souls.
Hence, my dear clerics, I urge you all to help each other save your
souls by good example and advice. Consider yourselves fortunate if
you can prevent just one venial sin. Pass good books on to your com-
panions, urge them to obey, and alert your superiors if you find a wolf
in the flock. In conclusion, remember the saying of a great Saint [St.
Augustine]: Divinorum divinissimum est cooperari in salutem anima-
rum! Of all things divine, the most divine of all is to cooperate in the
salvation of souls.
To the priests, though but a few, I recommend that they strive to be
inflamed with a burning zeal for souls.
And for myself? I shall say (and here Don Bosco sounded deeply
moved) that as 1859 is about to fade into the past, I feel weighed down
with another year. We have now one year less to live. How unfortunate
we would be if we squandered it. I feel the burden of responsibility grow
heavier as the days pass, for I shall have to give God a strict account
of each of your souls. I am doing all I can for you, but you must help
me, my dear children.
Let us therefore promise God that we will spend the rest of our lives
loving and serving Him. Let us also thank Him for the many benefits
He has bestowed on us, including the grace of seeing a new year - a
favor He has not granted to all. I no longer see in our midst Magone,

24.2 Page 232

▲back to top


204
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Berardi, Capra, Rosato, Odetti, and others. Where are they? In eternity,
gone to give God an account of their lives. I urge you to keep your
conscience clear because Oµr Lord may summon you to His tribunal
this year.
Those of you who through fear or shame do not dare tell their sins
to their ordinary confessor, I recommend to go to another, but not to
fail to put their conscience in order.
It is a foregone conclusion that next year at this time not all of us
shall be here. Let us then recite a Pater for all who shall die during the
coming year and for those who have died during the year about to end.
The Oratory necrology recorded the day of death of each of
the dear departed ones of 1859: Charles Rosato of Turin, at the
Cottolengo Hospital on May 23 at the age of 43; Francis Capra
of Centallo, at SS. Maurice and Lazarus Hospital in June, at the
age of 16; John Zucca of Cavour, at home on August 15, at the
age of 26; Bartholomew Odetti of Vigone, at the Cottolengo Hos-
pital on September 26, at the age of 18.4
After reciting a Pater, Ave, and Requiem with the boys kneeling
around him, Don Bosco stepped down from the little stand and,
as was his custom, began to give a personal keepsake to each of
his children for the new year. It was a word of advice couched in
clear, concise, and striking terms, suited to individual needs and
so appropriate as to leave an indelible impression on the boy.
A very remarkable phenomenon indeed this was, when we realize
that Don Bosco's personal keepsakes went to some three hundred
boys.
On their part, the boys too gave Don Bosco a New Year's gift
in the form of personal notes. These would manifest some need
or secret of theirs, request advice, offer an explanation, acquaint
him with some disorder, or even go so far as respectfully offer
him a piece of advice. If naught else, the boys promised to do
better in the future, to study or work more diligently, and to pray
for him.
The cleric John Bonetti entered the following in his chronicle:
"I gave Don Bosco my keepsake. As in previous years, on the
evening of December 31, 1859, he whispered his keepsake to
me in these few words: 'Be humble; work hard.'"
4 As regards Michael Magone and Constantius Berardi, see Chapter 10. [Editor]

24.3 Page 233

▲back to top


CHAPTER 28
Don Rosco's Almanac
DoN Bosco's almanac - Il Galantuomo 1 - came off
the press toward the end of 1859. Its curious Preface contained,
among other things, predictions to be fulfilled in 1860 and sub-
sequent years. They were preceded by a detailed account of Galan-
tuomo's adventures carefully worded in a blend of the serious and
comical so as to play down the prophetic tone of the predictions
and avoid nettling government officials who might chance upon
the almanac. In that event, Don Bosco hoped they would make
little of such a publication and, at most, pooh-pooh it and its
author while its readers and friends would still benefit by it. But
all his precautions proved inadequate. The almanac immediately
created quite a stir for some time - not just among the populace
but in government circles as well. The Preface 2 read:
Il Galantuomo to His Friends
First of all, my dear friends, let me explain some changes in this
almanac. You have noticed that the title is no longer National Almanac
but Lombard and Piedmontese Almanac. That's to make it clear that,
like all good citizens, I too approve of the union of Lombardy and Pied-
mont . . . This year I will say nothing of fairs and markets because I
have no idea when and where they will be held in our new States. To
avoid blundering, I'll just keep quiet about them. But I can assure you
that what I am going to say is far more important. It may make you
cry; it may make you laugh. After citing my military exploits, I shall
play historian and will describe the past; then I shall play politician and
1 See Vol. IV, p. 449; Vol. V, pp. 87f, 181-188, 393f. [Editor]
2 We shall give only an extract, since the military and political events it
mentions hold but little interest for our readers. [Editor]
205

24.4 Page 234

▲back to top


206
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
talk about the present; finally, I shall play prophet and foretell the
future ...
I am afraid we shall be at war again this coming year. I base my
prediction on what my mother used to say: "War is God's scourge on
men because of their sins." And people keep sinning. When I was in
the army I found many good soldiers who trusted in Our Blessed Lord,
but there were quite a few to spout evil about religion, the Pope, bishops,
and priests. I heard them blaspheme in French, Italian, and Piedmon-
tese while fighting, when wounded, and even when dying.
On my return home I thought I would find our churches crowded
with people thanking God for the war's end. Instead I found many
malcontents - hopeless fools - who seemed to prefer war to peace.
What shocked me most was all the blaspheming and cursing that went
on everywhere; it was worse than in the army. Add to this the desecra-
tion of Sunday by unnecessary work. Priests preach, but people don't
want to listen; priests wait in the confessionals, but too many don't care
and seldom go to confession. Quite a few never go at all; some even
poke fun at those who do.
Fools. indeed! Do you really believe you can mock God and get
away with it? Do you think He gave His Commandments on Mount
Sinai in jest? No! He wants us to obey them. The one who observes
them, He shall bless and reward in this life and in the life to come;
anyone who despised them, He will punish on earth and condemn
forever to unquenchable fire with the demons in hell. Willy-nilly, that
is where all those who despise God's Commandments shall inexorably
go.
Forgive this burst of anger, friends. When I talk about religion I get
steamed up, and I can hardly control the fire burning within me and
forcing me to speak.
Now I shall mention other punishments which I fear the year will
heap upon us. We shall have another war which, though less gory than
last year's, will plunge a still greater number of souls into hell. We shall
have two terrible epidemics; I won't name them, but you will see their
frightful effects. Two important figures will disappear from the political
scene of this world. Parents will be upset no end by their children's in-
subordination and will weep and lament over the grief and discord they
will cause. They will seek a remedy for this ill but find only poison. The
one true remedy, Christian living, they themselves have rejected. Wine
will be cheaper, but bread will cost more. A town will be laid waste by
an earthquake and others will be scourged by frost, hail, and drought.

24.5 Page 235

▲back to top


Don Bosco's Almanac
207
I should say more but dare not. I must repeat, though, that these
impending evils are grave and will start this very year. There is only one
way to keep them away or soften their impact: by leading a Christian
life and avoiding sin.
These are my presentiments. You will say: "You're getting old,
Galantuomo; and so you are forever afraid, even when you have no
reason."
"True," I say. "I am old and am easily scared. But don't forget that
old folks' fear is based on experience, and experience is a great teacher."
Still, I heartily hope my predictions will go astray and that next year
- if I'm still around - you will tell me I was a false prophet. Then I'll
gladly excuse myself by saying that my prophecies are for almanacs
only.
The Preface was followed by a few charming stories. One,
entitled "A Wounded Veteran's Homecoming," described the
bravery of Piedmontese troops elated at the presence of their king,
and the deep emotion of Victor Emmanuel II on his visit to the
battlefield the following day.
ll Galantuomo came to the attention of the police and caused
some apprehension in government circles, since very secret prep-
arations were afoot for a new invasion of the Papal States and the
annexation of the kingdom of Naples to Piedmont in the coming
year. ll Galantuomo's musings were sufficiently veiled for the
common people, but clear as noonday to the schemers. Fearing
spies in their midst, they wanted to know what had moved Don
Bosco to write as he did. Accordingly he was summoned to the
Ministry of the Interior. An official received him and, after cour-
teously remarking that he considered Don Bosco's recent letter
to the king somewhat disrespectful, he brought up the subject
of Galantuomo's predictions.
·"Are you the writer?" he asked.
"Yes, sir."
"Why do you write things that cause unrest among the people?
What do you know about the future? Why do you pose as a
prophet?'"
"Please remember that I am only writing for an almanac."
"But where do you get the news you so confidently give out?"

24.6 Page 236

▲back to top


208
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Have I said anything untrue?"
"No! That's why I'm curious to know what your source is.
You must have access to confidential information."
"I hardly know what to answer. Nobody has ever passed on
State secrets to me. I do not think I did wrong in writing as I did."
"That's not the point. You must have something to base your
predictions upon. In any event, you should have steered clear of
these things."
"I wish I had known your feelings on the matter. I am certainly
not one to trouble authorities. Besides, I am sure that no one will
be jeopardized."
"Of course not. Surely, you don't expect me to believe that
you know the future!"
"Think what you please."
"Well, I sent for you to tell you it is not wise - in fact, it
is risky - to meddle in things that may cause concern to the
government."
"You will excuse me, but I see no reason for concern. Either
the government believes me to be a prophet or not. If it does,
then let it provide for the State's welfare. If not, let it ignore me."
The official smiled at this conclusion and, urging Don Bosco to
be more cautious in the future, courteously dismissed him.

24.7 Page 237

▲back to top


CHAPTER 29
The Preventive System in Action
tis we have now reached 1860 in our narrative, it is
time that we dwelt on Don Bosco's many-sided holy endeavors
to impart a sound Christian education to his ever increasing num-
ber of pupils. We have already said much about his zeal, but more
is yet to be said about his inexhaustible, inventive charity.
On occasion many people asked him to explain his system in
traini~g youngsters so successfully in Christian principles. His
reply would simply be: "The Preventive System. Charity!" 1 Urged
to elaborate and to suggest ways and means to apply it, he would
add, "Instill the holy fear of God."
"But the fear of God is only the beginning of wisdom," the
rector of the seminary at Montpellier wrote to him in 1886.
"Kindly tell me more of your method so that I can better help my
seminarians." While reading this letter to his council members,
Don Bosco commented: "They ask me to expound on my system,
and I myself don't know what it is! I have always gone along
without a system, just as the Lord inspired me and circumstances
required."
We must remark, however, that he did have a system all his
own. It might be summed up in these few words: "Charity, fear
of God, confidence in the superior, frequent confession and Com-
munion, ample opportunity of going to confession." As we have
seen and shall see further, God was always at his side, but this
special assistance, somewhat the basis of his system, was not
something others could count upon as their due. Still, in the
1 See Vol. IV, pp. 379-385. [Editor]
209

24.8 Page 238

▲back to top


210
THE BIOGRAPIDCAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
use of all ordinary, human means he can easily be imitated by
any spiritual director who is aware of his grave obligation of
saving souls.
Don Bosco used to say: "A priest's every word must always
be the salt of eternal life. Anyone approaching a priest must
always take back with him some eternal truth, something to
benefit his soul." He himself faithfully abided by this principle
with everyone, even with strangers, and he did so all the more
lovingly and effectively with his own pupils. They were his pre-
cious charges entrusted to him by God Himself. When speaking
of them, he would say with a heart overflowing with joy: "God
has sent us, is sending us, and will send us many boys! Let us
take good care of them. How many others He will direct to us
if we carefully correspond to His favors! Let us zealously and
unselfishly give ourselves to their education and salvation."
When a new boy would come up to his room, Don Bosco's
first words were about his soul and its eternal salvation. His father-
liness and his calm, constant smile won the lad's heart and inspired
respect and confidence. To cheer him and dispel any trace of
homesickness, he would start somewhat like this: "I am glad to
see you! You came here willingly, didn't you? What's your name?
Where are you from?" The boy would reply accordingly.
"How are you?"
"Fine, Father."
"Do you have any brothers?"
"Yes, Father."
"What about your pastor?"
"He wishes to be remembered to you."
"Do you like to eat? Are you good at that?"
"Oh, yes, Father."
After breaking the ice, Don Bosco would go on at once to
the things that really mattered. Becoming somewhat more serious,
yet always smiling - a trait all his own - he would lower his
voice and confidentially say, "Now let's talk of what really mat-
ters. I want to be your friend. What do you say? I want to help
you save your soul. How are you doing spiritually? Were you a
good boy at home? Will you try to be better here? Have you gone

24.9 Page 239

▲back to top


The Preventive System in Action
211
to confession yet? Did you make good confessions at home? You
will open your heart to me, won't you? We must go to heaven
together! Do you understand what I want of you? I hope you will
pay me another visit. Then we'll have a confidential talk, just the
two of us. You'll like what I tell you."
The boy would smile, nod, answer a word or two, or perhaps
would lower his eyes and blush, depending on Don Bosco's ques-
tions which neither were importunate nor demanded an answer.
Meanwhile, Don Bosco would scrutinize him with a practiced eye
and estimate his character, intelligence, and heart.
To one showing a keen mind he sometimes would say:
"Will you give me the key?"
"What key? To my trunk?"
"The key to your heart," Don Bosco would reply with affable
dignity. And the boy would say: "Oh, certainly, Father! Right
now! In fact, you have it already!"
Thus, gently but strongly, Don Bosco won the boy's heart and
with a masterly touch drew from it, as from a tuneful harp, sweet
notes of holy resolutions.
Often parents would present a boy to Don Bosco. He would
welcome them cordially, but after they had withdrawn he would
say to the lad: "I really want to be your friend. Do you know
what I mean?"
"That you will look after me?"
"Not quite!"
"That you will give me good advice?"
"Not exactly that either!"
"That you will teach me?" While the boy still tried to guess,
Don Bosco would say, "I mean that your superiors and I will
do all we can for you and never harm you. Do you understand?"
"Not really!"
"I mean we will do all the good we can for your soul." And
then he would briefly explain what that implied.
Sometimes he would meet a newly arrived pupil in the play-
ground. After the usual questions and light talk he would say,
"I want you to be a good friend of mine. Do you know what
that means?"

24.10 Page 240

▲back to top


212
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"That I must be obedient?"
"Vaguely, yes. Being Don Bosco's friend means helping him."
"To do what?"
"To save your soul. That's all! The rest matters little. Do you
know what it means to help me save your soul?"
"That I must be good?"
"Something more to the point."
"I don't understand."
"It means that you must promptly and diligently do all I'll ask
you to do for the good of your soul."
Generally the boys were so struck by these words, so flabber-
gasted, that they could hardly find their way out of his room, or
take their leave from him if they were in the playground. They
would then withdraw to a quiet comer and mull over his words.
Some understood everything, others only half, still others little
or nothing; yet even these could not help but muse over them.
Generally this sort of introduction to Oratory life made them
resolve to do their very best to meet his expectations.
When Don Bosco showed up in the playground the oldtimers
would immediately crowd around him while the newcomers would
trail behind, because they either were still too shy or did not dare
make their way through the crowd. Don Bosco would notice them
and call them over. When they were close to him he would con-
fidentially whisper to one or the other, "Be good and we shall
be friends." "Don Bosco likes you and wants to help you save your
soul." "The Lord has sent you here to keep getting better." "Our
Lady is waiting for you to give Her your heart." "Our Lord wants
you to be another St. Aloysius."
Don Bosco has assured us that boys react favorably to this
approach, gladly open their hearts, begin at once to do well,
become friends with the superior, and are completely won over
because they trust him. Telling them at once and clearly what one
desires of them for the good of their souls is the quickest way to
win their hearts. In Don Bosco's experience, very few did not
respond to this approach. He used to say that if, at a boy's arrival,
the superior did not show concern for his eternal salvation, if he
shied away from prudently broaching matters of conscience, or

25 Pages 241-250

▲back to top


25.1 Page 241

▲back to top


The Preventive System in Action
213
did not speak frankly of the boy's soul, limiting himself to vague
roundabout recommendations to be good and give a good account
of himself, then his words would be ineffective and accomplish
nothing. The superior would not win a pupil's affection and would
find it hard to make up for this first false step of his.
"A boy," Don Bosco often said, "more than we realize it,
wants someone to broach the subject of his eternal welfare. This
is how he comes to know who sincerely loves him. Therefore, show
him your concern for his eternal salvation."
Don Bosco used this approach to invite boys to confession
because the soul's welfare is strictly linked with it. They under-
stood that he would most willingly help them if they wanted to
avail themselves of his priestly ministry. But even in this he used
supreme tact and moderation, for confidence must be won, not
extorted. He prudently doled out advice as needed, to make it
acceptable rather than importune.
When he saw that a boy did not care to take this first step of
confession, he smoothed the way for him by asking: "When will
you be ready for a general confession of your future life?"
"Of my future life?" the boy would laugh. "I can't do that!"
"Right, my lad! Then together let's make it of your past life.
And don't you worry! If you get stuck, Don Bosco will help you."
Sometimes he would assign dependable companions to befriend
new boys, give them good advice, and gently coax them to go with
them to confession at a certain time. By such holy resourcefulness
he returned or kept God's grace in them and gradually shaped
them into models of virtue and Christian perfection.
He was deeply concerned if he ever saw newly arrived pupils
standing aloof and gloomy in a corner. Fearing the devil's wiles,
he would call them over and start a friendly conversation. Then
he would solicitously introduce them to one or another of the
best pupils, telling the latter to take his new friend in tow and
keep him happy. He did not rest until he had won them over to
their new life and got them used to their duties, especially their
religious practices.
It is clear enough from the above that the first thing Don Bosco
required of a new boy was his moral reform. The first step to it

25.2 Page 242

▲back to top


214
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
was a good confession. Indeed, Don Bosco was a master at moral
reform; the admirable power of his counsels is well known to all.
In addition, he was a model of Christian, fatherly kindness. Canon
Hyacinth Ballesio wrote in his Vita intima di Don Giovanni Bosco
[The Innermost Life of Don Bosco]: "In his dealings with us he
was friendly and affable, avoiding a formalism and a rigorism
which erect a wall between superior and subject. His authority
inspired respect, confidence, and love. Our hearts went out to him
with intimate, joyful, and total abandon. We all wanted to go to
him for confession. For countless years he devoted sixteen to
twenty hours a week to this holy but fatiguing apostolate in addi-
tion to his many other absorbing occupations. This was a mode
of operation more unique than rare between superior and de-
pendents, a system proper to saints - and only to saints - that
enables an educator to discover his pupils' temperament, wield
it prudently, and unlock its hidden energies."
Furthermore, confession was a step to Holy Communion, whose
very frequent reception is a must for the moral wholesomeness of
any educational institution. In response to Don Bosco's endless
exhortations, a large number of boys went to Communion daily;
a larger number yet went several times a week, and nearly all
received on Sundays. The less fervent received every other week
or at least once a month. Don Bosco saw to it that there would
be frequent and regular occasions for the boys to receive the
Eucharist worthily.
We shall mention a few such occasions for which they were
suitably prepared. The Exercise for a Happy Death, held on the
first Thursday of every month, was nearly always preceded by
Don Bosco's announcement of a forthcoming death at the Oratory.
Don Bosco would reveal the exact time and occasionally even
the circumstances of that death, as well as sometimes the initials
of the one concerned. He read those poignant prayers himself,
kneeling at the altar. All the more important novenas of Our
Lady were devoutly made. He was seriously concerned with the
Immaculate Conception and Christmas novenas especially. "Re-
member," he used to say, "that the year's success depends mostly
on the fervor of these two novenas." A daily visit to the Blessed

25.3 Page 243

▲back to top


The Preventive System in Action
215
Sacrament was entirely optional. The boys' deportment in church
was such as to stir the coldest hearts to piety. One boy posed as
a model for the St. Aloysius statue adorning one of the altars in
the Festive Oratory of St. Francis de Sales. Then there were other
aids to piety: various sodalities - wellsprings of charity and gar-
dens of virtues - and edifying reading in the dining room and
dormitories. The books chosen to be read in the dormitories were,
at Don Bosco's order, biographies of saintly youths. Other practices
of piety included the Stations of the Cross on Fridays of Lent, a
triduum of sermons at the opening of the school year, a similar
triduum preparatory to Easter, and an annual five-day spiritual
retreat.
To promote the goodness and the overall well-being of the
Oratory and to prevent evil, Don Bosco used other means too
which we might label "rational" - suggested by his keen mind
and long experience with community life. He would expound them
in conferences to the superiors of the house, often remarking, "If
you want your words to impress your boys, you must at all times
erase your own ego. Boys can see through you. If they spot
jealousy, envy, or pride in a superior, or a preoccupation to out-
shine others, that superior's influence is done for. Lack of humility
always undermines unity; a superior's selfishness can spell ruin
for a resident school. If we seek only the glory of God, we shall
continue to enjoy the golden days of the Oratory, but if we are
after our own glory, then discontent, division, and disorder will
be upon us. Let the confreres be one with their superior, and let
the superior be of one heart with all his dependents, without
selfish, ulterior motives."
He therefore urged superiors to be tactful in speaking to con-
freres and dependents. "When giving orders," he often said, "put
it this way: 'Could you oblige?' 'Would you do me a favor?' 'Could
you do this for me?' 'Would you object to doing this?' Never use
a tone of command. Never say: 'I want.' Likewise, never demand
what is physically or spiritually harmful or above a subject's
capacity."
To teachers he would say: "Always be the first to enter your
classroom and the last to leave it." "Take special care of backward

25.4 Page 244

▲back to top


216
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
pupils." "Do not let your pupils' behavior during recreation period
affect their scholastic rating." "Never send negligent pupils out
of the classroom. Be patient with their light-mindedness." "On the
eve of a feast, announce it very briefly at the end of the last
period and exhort them to go to Holy Communion. Great is a
teacher's influence on his pupils if they love him." "Never read
the conduct marks on Saturday,2 lest they irritate those who fared
poorly and keep them from going to confession. On Sundays, let
the reading of a chapter of the regulations substitute for the fifteen-
minute free reading period customary at the end of each evening
study session. This will help them persevere in the good resolutions
made that morning."
To the assistants he gave this advice: "Supervise your boys
constantly and everywhere; make it just about impossible for them
to do wrong. Be more alert in the evening after supper, so as to
prevent the smallest disorder." "On Saturday evenings and on the
eve of solemnities, see that the boys do not loiter about the stairs,
corridors, or playgrounds in leaving the study hall or shops under
the pretext of going to confession. See that they all take along
The Companion of Youth for proper preparation and thanks-
giving after confession."
To all superiors he used to suggest: "Never strike boys for any
reason at all." "Never tolerate immorality, blasphemy, or stealing.
As soon as a boy is known to impair the morals of others, have
him taken to the prefect and promptly dismissed." "For lesser
faults, take a youngster's light-mindedness into consideration. For
instance, it is rare to find boys who never tell lies, or who on
occasion will not steal trifles or eatables." "Do not reprimand or
correct when you are angry or upset, lest your pupils attribute it
to anger, but wait, even a few days if necessary, until you have
calmed down." "Likewise, when you must correct, reprimand, or
warn a pupil, always try to do it in private and when he is not
upset or angry. Wait till he is calm and at ease. Then tell him what
you must, but end up with an encouraging word - for example,
that from now on you want to be his friend and you will help
him all you can."
2 The day when most boys went to confession. [Editor]

25.5 Page 245

▲back to top


The Preventive System in Action
217
And he would add: "Be quick to forgive - and do so whole-
heartedly- whenever a pupil shows he is sorry. In this case
forget everything. Never say 'You will pay for this' to one who
may have disobeyed, answered back, or lacked respect. That would
be very un-Christian." "Do not punish slight faults severely. If a
boy believes himself unjustly punished, he will not easily forget,
and may even entertain a desire for revenge; failing that, he will
at least curse the teacher or assistant. There are frightful instances
of such long-nourished hatreds." "When punishment is unavoid-
able, take your pupil aside and show him his wrong as well as
your regret to have to punish him." "Never punish a whole class
or dormitory. Try to single out the culprits, and if necessary have
them sent away; but never lump together the good and the bad -
the latter are always only a few - lest all be made to suffer for
them. At the same time encourage the guilty ones who show good
will and give them a chance to straighten themselves out."
Don Bosco also gave his co-workers two very wise pointers
for discovering - and dismissing from the Oratory - undesirable
pupils:
In order to find out from the very start of the year which boys are
morally dangerous, I am wont to classify them into two categories:
those who are morally corrupt and those who habitually try to circum-
vent the school rules. As to the first, I will say something which, in-
credible as it may seem, is still a fact. Let us suppose that there is but
one corrupt boy among five hundred in a boarding school. A new boy
arrives - he, too, morally corrupt. These youngsters come from differ-
ent towns, provinces, even states; they are not in the same grade or
dormitory and have never known or seen each other before. Yet by the
second day, at times even on the same day, after only a few hours, you
will see them together at recreation. An evil instinct would seem to make
them gravitate to those who are tainted with the same pitch, and a
devilish magnet seems to draw them into friendship. The saying "Birds
of a feather flock together" makes it quite easy to ferret out scabby
sheep before they become dangerous wolves.
The second category of boys, too, must not be allowed to stay. If a
youngster seems good but is thoughtless, easily absents himself from
where he should be, or often roams around the playgrounds, stairs,

25.6 Page 246

▲back to top


218
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
balconies, nooks, or out-of-the-way places by himself, always be on
your guard. Do not be fooled if he looks shy, withdrawn, light-minded,
or naive. He either is putting on an act or unfailingly he will soon meet
someone who will corrupt him. Take my word for it, boys in these two
categories are very dangerous.
However, Don Bosco did not limit himself to norms; he himself
took on most of the work for the good order of the house. He
required that teachers and assistants give him a list of the pupils'
weekly and monthly marks for diligence and conduct. There were
as many lists as teachers, assistants, and craftsmasters, and each
list was signed by the respective superior. The earliest lists in our
archives are those of 1857-58 and carry marginal observations.
Besides these reports Don Bosco required others as well. He also
wanted weekly scholastic reports of the day students from the
Cottolengo Institute and of the clerics. These latter were super-
vised by one of their own classmates.
Whenever he had to leave Turin for a few weeks, he would
soon enough seek detailed information about his boys at the Ora-
tory. We have in our archives the conduct marks of the pupils of
Latin II, of the boys in all seven dormitories, and of the members
of the St. Aloysius Sodality. The young cleric whom Don Bosco
had asked to forward these lists added this note:
Beloved Father in Jesus Christ,
[No date]
I would have many things to say, if you consider that I have yet had
no occasion to speak to you privately since my return from the summer
vacation. But it would not do to write what I have in mind to tell you.
For the present I am glad to oblige by sending you this list of my pupils
- your very dear children. As you will see, things have so far been
proceeding very satisfactorily with but few exceptions. Were I to say
that I am not somewhat downcast and heavy-hearted, I would be telling
a lie. But, thank God, this is tempered by the thought that you are
working for the salvation of our brothers, and through your zealous
toil you will win souls to God.
Enough now. Do come back soon. I want you, and everyone asks for
you, desires you, longs for you. We can't wait to see our most loving

25.7 Page 247

▲back to top


The Preventive System in Action
219
Father again in our midst. I firmly hope that you will always remember
me and all your children whom you love more than yourself. My class-
mates and brothers and myself send you heartfelt greetings.
Obediently and devotedly yours in J.C.,
Francis Vaschetti
This letter bears testimony to the teachers' and assistants' af-
fection for Don Bosco and to their keen sense of duty. It was their
custom to add a few lines of their own as a postscript to the lists
of the boys' conduct marks. We shall report a few of these remarks
expressing their devotedness and desire to please him. A young
cleric wrote: "Moved by filial obedience and affection for your
goodness, I beg you again to tell me my shortcomings and faults."
Another wrote: "Our most exemplary [Michael] Rua and our alert
Danussi are charged to admonish me of my faults; the former
especially is supposed to watch me and keep a score on me." A
third added: "After you have read this list, with your permission,
I will come and speak to you."
Don Bosco often called in assistants and teachers, the catechist,
and the prefect to discuss privately what they had noticed in the
house. This frequent exchange of ideas and observations, while
encouraging those who had to be with the boys always, kept the
superiors well acquainted with everything.
The pupils, on the other hand, aware that Don Bosco checked
their grades and that the study hall marks for application were
handed to him every Sunday, gave them great importance. Ten
(excellent) was the most common mark; nine (almost excellent)
drew tears from those who received it; eight (good) and especially
seven (fair) were considered so low as to warrant dismissal. We
must say that these marks were given with a certain rigor, in
accordance with the policy that those who were maintained by
charity should deserve it. When a boy's grades were low, Don
Bosco would check them against his application mark in the study
hall and sometimes found that his teacher and the study hall
assistant differed in their opinion of the student. For this reason,
Bishop John Cagliero assured us, Don Bosco did not immediately
pass judgment, but sought the cause which was sometimes beyond

25.8 Page 248

▲back to top


220
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
the pupil's control. For example, a boy might be blamed for being
almost continually distracted in the study hall; another for barely
spending an hour on his school work and then whiling away the
rest of the time reading or amusing himself with trifles; a third
for never finishing his homework; a fourth for neglecting his les-
sons. Don Bosco would call these boys to his room, one at a time
on different days, give them a few pages to memorize or a little
composition to write, and then he would test their knowledge.
Thus he would find that one was quite slow in learning, another
was very light-minded though blessed with a prodigious memory,
while a third had a rather poor memory but made up for it with
sound judgment. To each he would give practical advice for using
his time profitably. Then he would tell the study hall assistant
that when he noticed a distracted or sleepy pupil, he should ap-
proach him and kindly ask if he was having a problem with
his lesson or homework and offer to help. In this manner some
pupils who at first seemed unfit for studies succeeded surpris-
ingly well.
At the Oratory very few students ever deserved a reprimand.
No one will ever be able to visualize their desire for study. At
mealtimes they kept their books open by their side; at playtime
they would shorten their games to go over their lessons; in the
dormitory they would seek a place near the lamp in order to pro-
long their study. Superiors had to restrain them continually lest
they injure their health.
As for possible cases of boys cleverly masking their malice, Don
Bosco surprisingly managed to discover them - to the moral ben-
efit of the house - through the conduct register and the assistants'
reports. Besides the official conduct register, he kept a private
one with the names of all the pupils. Anytime he received an
unfavorable report about a pupil or heard of even a slight fault
of a kind to alert a prudent educator or of a serious suspicion about
his conduct, he would place a secret checkmark by his name
according to his offense. Occasionally, a name would have ten or
fifteen such checkmarks within a month - at times, all of the
same kind. Now and then, Don Bosco would carefully peruse the
register. Only about ten percent of the pupils would have several

25.9 Page 249

▲back to top


The Preventive System in Action
221
checkmarks beside their names. He would then turn his attention
to these, looking more minutely into their conduct, placing them
under special supervision, observing the friends they associated
with, having them questioned, or questioning them himself. As
a result, it was hardly ever possible for the devil to conceal his
tricks and his friends. Don Bosco often recommended this method
to directors, assuring them that he had found it very helpful and
almost infallible in its findings.
Basing himself on this register, sometime in June he took steps
to ensure the Oratory's moral welfare for the following school year
by drawing up a list of those to be dismissed and handing it to the
prefect for execution. In our archives we have one such list, dated
May 15, 1859. We must remember that during that year there were
acts of insubordination traceable to war fever. And yet, to the
Oratory's great credit, only fifteen out of three hundred pupils were
listed for dismissal; of these four were marked "doubtful."
Don Bosco also noted in this private register the students who
were to discontinue their schooling and take up a trade or craft,
the artisans who deserved to be given a chance at studies, and
those pupils who were to be taken back conditionally after the
summer vacation.
As we have said, the soul was the first thing Don Bosco spoke
of to new pupils upon their arrival; we must add that it was also the
last when they left. "The number of pupils that Don Bosco shel-
tered, cared for, and educated at the Oratory alone," Bishop John
Cagliero asserts, "was about fifteen thousand; a far greater number
of day boys he taught and catechized in the festive oratories of
Turin. All received the benefit of his fatherly, priestly blessing."
Don Bosco showed a most tender charity toward all, not only
toward the good ones who, after completing their studies or learn-
ing a trade, returned home; not only toward the day boys who came
to take leave of him when going away from Turin; but also toward
those who had not responded to his care and some, too, who had
not met his expectations. All these he either welcomed or sent for
when they were about to leave and with fatherly benevolence sug-
gested what was best for their state in life. After blessing them, he
would exhort them to return often to the Oratory and to keep

25.10 Page 250

▲back to top


222
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
themselves as virtuous and worthy sons of Don Bosco - in short,
to save their souls.
He never forgot them. On learning at times that some were in
financial straits, he aided them himself with fatherly solicitude or
got them help from charitable persons. Once a former pupil, a
shoemaker then in the army, came to see him. His family was very
poor. "Did you get any money from home?" Don Bosco asked. On
receiving a negative reply, he pressed some money into his hand.
"Take this," he said, "and don't tell anybody. If you are in need,
don't be ashamed to come to me." How many such instances might
be recorded!
With these kindhearted gestures, he kept his hold on their hearts
in order to direct them to God. For them he was ever the good
Father who had gladdened their boyhood. Hence, when meeting
them after many years, he could frankly greet them with the same
word they had heard in parting: "Your soul!"
"Well! You were a good boy once, weren't you?"
"I couldn't say."
"How about now?"
"Well, Father, you know how life is in the world."
"Do you go to confession?" Or: "When will you come and see
me again?" And he would whisper a word in his ear according to
the reply he received.
Don Bosco exhorted his directors to do the same with their
former pupils when coming across them or when they returned to
visit their alma mater. By way of example he suggested that they
should ask in a friendly way: "Have you made your Easter duty?"
or "Is it long since you have been to confession?" But he urged
them to be straightforward, with no roundabout questions, such as:
"I should like to ask you . . . " "If you will allow me . . . " "Please
don't be offended if I ask you ... " "None of that," he would say.
"Be honest and immediately pass on to other things. This method
is effective; anything else will fail. But you might add: 'My, am I
nosy!' or some such similar expression."

26 Pages 251-260

▲back to top


26.1 Page 251

▲back to top


CHAPTER 30
Holy Expedients
)BISHOP [John Baptist] Bertagna 1 emphatically de-
clared: "Don Bosco's charity suggested so many holy expedients to
win souls to God that it would be tedious to mention them all and
the patience they demanded. Their number and worth surpass
praise." We shall further illustrate some we have already described
and add others that will pleasantly delight our readers.
Don Bosco's first expedient was the regular practice of his own
slogan, Servite Domino in laetitia! [Serve the Lord joyfully!] Ora-
tory life was a blend of a reverent fear of God with untiring zest
for work and study, all animated by holy cheerfulness. This ad-
mirable combination put almost everyone into an environment of
joy, enthusiasm, and indescribable delight. Those who have not
seen it can hardly imagine how noisy, carefree, and happy the boys
were at their games, crisscrossing every square foot of the play-
ground. Don Bosco - prime mover of that hustle and bustle -
rejoiced no end. Knowing how he liked to join their games and
conversations whenever he had time, the youngsters would often
gaze up at his window and hope that he would come out on the
balcony. If he did, a joyful shout greeted him from every comer
of the playground, and a rush of lads met him at the foot of the
stairs to welcome him by kissing his hand.
Few people in this world, we are convinced, have had such
power of attraction over boys and have known how to use it for
their own good, as Don Bosco did. To his children he was amia-
1 Former professor of moral and pastoral theology at the Convitto Ecclesias·
tico in Turin and auxiliary bishop in the same city. [Editor]
223

26.2 Page 252

▲back to top


224
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
bility itself. Quite appropriately Bishop John Cagliero and the
Oratory clerics and boys used to say, "Our Lord's goodness shone
in him."
If Don Bosco met a gloomy, downhearted boy, he would say
"Cheer up!" and his lips gave the words a magic of their own to
dispel his sadness, lift his spirits, and give him strength to face his
responsibilities.
"How do you feel?" he would ask another lad. If needed, he
would inquire further and then have him receive the necessary care.
In winter, if he thought some youngster was not warmly clothed,
he would feel his sleeves and say, "Lad, you need warmer clothes.
And how about your bed? Do you have enough blankets?" He
would then send him to the person in charge of those needs. This
he did for an, even for youngsters who had parents to care for
them.
He made every lad know that he had his interests at heart. He
would inquire after his parents, family, pastor, former teachers,
and neighbors. He would tell the boy to remember him in his letters
to this or that person, especia11y his parents. Knowing the history
of many towns and villages in Piedmont and other states, he would
delight a youngster by teUing him glorious events of his native place
and make him feel good by praising his parish church, its belfry,
or whatever else he held dear. The lad brightened at such pleasant
memories and was grateful for such goodness shown by his superior.
But at playtime these chats were very short because Don Bosco
realized that boys generally do not like to stand around. He too
preferred to see them actively playing. That is why he did not set
up benches in the playground and did not like to see students play-
ing games of concentration, such as cards, checkers, and chess.
"The mind needs a rest," he would say.
A wise educator, he forestalled such pastimes by urging boys to
join active games, and he often participated himself. Occasionaily
he would challenge all to a sprint race or suggest barra rotta.2 If he
spotted a boy on a team whose dubious conduct made him steer
clear of his superiors, he would join the opposite team and mentally
mark that boy for capture. Once the game was on, the players
2 A sort of cops-and-robbers game. [Editor]

26.3 Page 253

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
225
would warm up and dash in all directions, while Don Bosco, eye-
ing his quarry, would head straight for him and corner him. Then,
as all cheered, he would whisper a few words to his prisoner and
capture his heart.
Occasionally, if he did not feel up to such strenuous exercise, he
would line the boys up in double file and march at their head,
clapping his hands, stamping his feet, and shouting a refrain they
would take up with a deafening roar. The long human snake would
wind its way through playground and porticoes, stairs and corri-
dors, and back into the playground. Finally, happy and tired, the
boys were called by the bell to their chores after having unwittingly
patrolled the grounds!
Another favorite game of his - especially in 1859-60 - was to
line the boys up in single file and lead them helter-skelter across
the playground, each boy stepping into the footprints of the one
before him. On their way they all clapped hands rhythmically with
Don Bosco. When he shouted "Halt," all stopped short. An on-
looker could never see any plan in this, but some alert boys would
quickly dash to the balcony and look down on the sight. The long
chain had spelled out Viva Pio Nono! [Long live Pius IX!] In those
years of threat and assault against the Pope in his own states, it was
too risky to acclaim the Pope, and so Don Bosco made up for it
by emblazoning his name across the playground with his young-
sters. At other times he led his boys in twists and turns to form the
words Viva Maria! Viva San Luigi! [Long live Our Lady! Long
live St. Aloysius!] The game was played again at times during
1861, but one day, as he was being eagerly awaited to start, he
kept pacing the portico with boys milling about him and finally
retired to his room. The game was never mentioned again. As
Father Paul Albera suggested, the game was perhaps too much of
a strain for him.
When Don Bosco did not join his boys' games, he kept the
youngsters busy by chatting with them. His conversations sparkled
with witty remarks, wholesome sayings, and amusing anecdotes.
We will begin by quoting some of his sayings to priests, clerics, or
youngsters who swarmed about him in the dining room or met him
as he walked through the house. Since they kept nothing from him,

26.4 Page 254

▲back to top


226
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
to a worried one he would often say: "Take St. Teresa's advice:
'Let nothing upset you!'" To another depressed physically or spir-
itually, he would remark: "This won't last forever." To someone
irritated by companions' teasing he would suggest: "Remember
what St. Paul says: 'Overcome evil with good. Bear one another's
burdens!' "
He would encourage those who had problems with their studies
or duties, saying: "As the donkey ambles along, the load adjusts
itself" - meaning that difficulties are overcome by action. All
knew that this was his style. He did not wait for difficulties to
vanish.
To one who recalled a lamentable incident that had once trou-
bled Don Bosco, he wryly commented: "My mother used to tell me
that nowhere else is there as much trouble as in this world!"
Occasionally the conversation turned to the hazards of success-
ful military exploits, to the dangers of arduous discoveries, or to
painstaking scientific findings or technological inventions made in
spite of rivalry and injustice. Then to the question "What about
your own undertakings? What have you got to say?" he would
reply with his usual smile and comic solemnity: "The world belongs
to those who capture it! The bold get what they want! Audaces
fortuna iuvat!" If the talk touched on wonders, success, glory, fame,
or wealth, he would comment: "Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity,
except to love God and serve Him alone!" Those who kept near
Don Bosco always gained practical wisdom.
He often had fun reciting poetry while pacing the playground.
"Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis" [Times change and we
with them], he would say, and then would further comment on the
passing of time with quotations from Italian and Latin poets ...
Hoping to teach his boys not to be fooled by appearances in judg-
ing others' happiness, he would often quote Metastasio ... At times
he would amuse pupils by using their names to improvise rhymes.
To a good-hearted but flighty lad named Francis he sang some
surprising lines on the happiness that both the boy and he would
enjoy in heaven ... Then he laughed and caused all the others to
burst into laughter.
Sometimes, to tum to lighter topics, or to break up an exagger-

26.5 Page 255

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
227
ated, unpleasant, unkindly, or unfair story, he would quote from
Virgil or Tibullus ... pointing out how the verses imitated natural
sounds. This delighted the upper class Latin students who were
then studying those authors and could not help admiring Don
Bosco's memory. Don Bosco also used to ask them to translate
easy-looking Latin sentences that contained an equivocal word, as,
for example, "Non est peccatum occidere patrem suum."3
Now and then he would ask students to recite selections from
the Italian classics, especially from Dante's Divina Commedia, and
he would start off with a few stanzas or maybe a whole canto. He
seemed to know the entire work by heart. He loved this immortal
poem, and on his autumn trips [to Becchi] or his visits to Salesian
houses - especially from 1874 to 1882 - he always took it along
to relax his mind.
The very rules of Latin grammar, set to rhyme in a new method
then popular,4 he skillfully turned into a pastime, in spite of their
intricacy, especially for the third year students. He would repeat
the rhymes, explain them, and have the boys say them. It was a
double benefit to them since they had to memorize the lines as
part of their school work. Thus, even play time was pleasantly
turned into learning, and the boys eagerly put it to good use be-
cause they knew that Don Bosco would later test them.
Often he would ask a young cleric, "Do you know algebra?"
"Yes, Father."
"Then explain this: A+B-C."
Stumped, the young man would stammer in reply, and then give
up.
"Well now," Don Bosco would go on, "here is what it means:
A stands for Allegro [Cheerful], B for Buono [Good], C for Cattivo
[Bad]. So always be cheerful and good but never bad."
Or he might say, "Remember the three "S's."
"Which three?"
"Sanita [Health], Studio [Knowledge], Santita [Sanctity]." And
to another: "Don't forget: Salve, Salvando, Salvati." [Hail, by sav-
ing others, save yourself!]
3 We are omitting other examples. [Editor]
4 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

26.6 Page 256

▲back to top


228
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Once a group of boys - among them some young artisans -
asked him the secret of always having pocket money. "Well," he
replied, "do as Gianduia 5 did. When you have eight soldi, spend
only four. When all you have is four, spend two." He had other
chuckles on this popular puppet . . . His humor was spiced with
wholesome advice. To one complaining of slight ailments, Don
Bosco would say: "Pythagoras had a remedy for all those troubles
- diet, spring water, and exercise." At other times, Don Bosco
prescribed rest, cheerfulness, and diet.
His pleasantries were varied, and sometimes puzzling. "You look
green!" he would say to a boy. "Are you sick?"
"No, Father. I'm fine!"
"But you are green."
"What do you mean?"
"Think it over. You'll catch on!"
The boy would withdraw, rack his brain to grasp the enigma,
consult friends, and then return to Don Bosco.
"I've got it! You mean I am a fruitless tree. Right?"
"That's it!" Don Bosco would smile in reply.
"Well, I'll do something about it!" the boy would reply. "From
now on I'll be a good tree."
A few days later he would ask Don Bosco, "Father, am I still
green?"
"You look much better now, but there is still room for
improvement."
"Right, Father, but you watch. I'll do better."
"Good!" Don Bosco would conclude. "I always knew you had
it in you."
At times he would beckon a lad whom he hoped to attract to his
Society. Then he would look at him and say: "Est caput plecten-
dum" or "Caput amputandum!" The lad who had already caught
the gist of Latin ["Your head must be bent" or "Your head must
be chopped off"] would just nod and smile.
To another he would say: "You know, I'd like to roast you!" or
"You are not well done yet" - meaning that he wished him to lead
a more virtuous life and to love God more fervently. To a lad he
5 A popular puppet of the Piedmontese theater. [Editor]

26.7 Page 257

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
229
had seen daydreaming during a sermon he would say, "You have
a toothache, haven't you?"
"No, Father!"
"I thought you did." He would then say that he meant the boy
did not relish the food of God's word and did not profit by it. When
he said to someone, "Poor lad, you have a headache," he meant
childish tantrums and disobedience. Another familiar expression of
his was, "When are you going to start working miracles?" Such
questions he would abruptly ask anyone he saw lost in thought,
staring into space, or whispering in a group.
One day he met a boy who had not been to the sacraments for
months. "My friend," he asked, "will you dine with me tomorrow?"
To an affirmative reply, he added, "But mind you" (alluding to
Holy Communion), "tomorrow I dine at seven thirty in the
morning."
It was heartwarming to see him hold the attention of a vast
crowd of boys while he reviewed them one by one with his glance.
For each he had a word. He would say to one, "How are you?" To
another, "Are you good?" To a third who had just joined the group,
"Are you really a little angel?" He suited his action to the word by
making a pair of horns with his index and little finger, while the
boys laughed and did the same over the boy's head.
To a little fellow who said nothing but just rested his head
against his arm, he would jokingly say: "Now you keep quiet!" He
would playfully threaten another with, "You little rascal!" To other
boys he would say, "We must be friends, real friends! Tell me, are
you really my friend?" To someone else he would drop a hint about
his soul and vocation, asking, "When shall we have a long talk
together?"
Sometimes he would give a boy a bit of advice, then suddenly
turn to another and ask: "Did you understand?" Now and then a
pupil would come up to kiss his hand, and, grasping the boy's hand,
he would say, "Go and play," while still talking to the others. After
a while he would turn to his little prisoner: "What are you waiting
for? Why don't you go?"
"You won't let me."
Don Bosco would smile and retain his hold on him as he kept

26.8 Page 258

▲back to top


230
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
talking. Then again, "Are you still here? Why don't you go?" The
boy would smile, and Don Bosco would finally let him go.
This approach was especially good for youngsters who seemed
to shy away from him. If someone looked disgruntled and sullen,
he would suddenly ask, "What did you say?"
"Me? Nothing, Father!"
"Oh, I thought you said something." A surprise approach like
this was enough to banish the boy's gloom. All these remarks and
tricks of his generally ended with a confidential word that soon
came to be called "la parola nell'orecchio" - a word in the ear -
which we have already often mentioned in our narration. It was
almost an echo of God's word, "living, effective, and more piercing
than any two-edged sword, reaching even to the division of soul and
spirit, of joints also, and of marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts
and intentions of the heart." [Heb. 4, 12] Thus, zealously and pru-
dently governing the house by counsel, keeping in touch with
everything, maintaining personal contact with each pupil, and
knowing each by name and character, Don Bosco was able to give
them advice that was always timely, pleasing, and irresistible.
The effectiveness of his "word in the ear" was also due to the
fact that many times it concerned secrets only the boy could know
and, often, future events concerning him that were eventually fully
verified. This is why the pupils gave the utmost importance to this
holy expedient and habit of his; its wonderful spiritual effects we
may infer, but never adequately know.
Frequently, Don Bosco would say to one boy or another, "Shall
I tell you something?" Or the boy himself would say, "Father, tell
me something." And Don Bosco, placing his hand over his head
and stooping to the boy's ear, would screen his mouth with his
other hand and whisper a word or two. The boys' reactions were
something to see. One would smile, another tum serious, a third
blush to the roots of the hair. One boy would cry, another nod
affirmatively, a third shake his head. Some other lad would walk
off to a quiet spot and pace up and down alone; another would
shout "Thanks" and dash off to play; a third one would immedi-
ately take time to visit the Blessed Sacrament. Some other boy
might stand as in a daze, unable to leave his side; another might

26.9 Page 259

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
231
screen his mouth with his hand and give an answer or ask a ques-
tion. Don Bosco's "word in the ear" took only a moment but, like
a fiery dart, it pierced the heart, no longer to be removed. Now it
was a bit of advice, now an observation, an encouragement, or even
a reprimand. Don Bosco never scolded harshly, much less publicly.
He let no one feel he thought little of any pupil; even those who
knew they deserved no consideration were sure Don Bosco would
never shame them. In all his life - except in cases of public scan-
dal - Don Bosco never embarrassed anyone. Hence, nearly all his
boys trusted him and relied fully on him. Far from demeaning
them, his friendly correction did them good and produced lasting
results. Holy Scripture says: "Like a golden earring or a necklace
of fine gold is a wise reprover to an obedient ear." [Prov. 25, 12]
We shall give a few samples of Don Bosco's "word in the ear":
"Would you do a little something for Our Lady - for example,
study your lessons better?"
"Jesus is waiting for you in church."
"Why not keep your hands to yourself?"
"Have you made a good confession?"
"Why don't you go to Communion more often?"
"Ah, those friends of yours!"
"Courage! Call on Mary, and She will help you."
"If you could only see your soul's condition!"
"Keep up your good work! Our Lady is pleased with you!"
"Remember, God sees you."
"Death but not sin!"
"Try to be good, and we will be together in paradise."
"Make a good confession and you will be really happy!"
"Those who commit sin are enemies of their own soul."
"Say five Our Fathers to the wounds of Jesus that no one who dies
today may be eternally lost."
"Help me save your soul."
"Cheer up! One day we shall be together with Our Lord."
"Be obedient, and you will become a saint."
"Ask Our Lady for grace not to fall into mortal sin."
"Can you sleep tranquilly tonight?"
An experienced eye occasionally noticed their immediate effects:

26.10 Page 260

▲back to top


232
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
reception of the sacraments, more intense concentration in prayer,
greater diligence in duties, sincere efforts to overcome jealousy,
fits of anger, and rude or annoying manners. Some boys too, whom
we could name, became so fervent as to try extraordinary penances,
forcing Don Bosco to step in and moderate them.
Those who received Don Bosco's "word in the ear," however,
were the first to realize its effectiveness. A former pupil - a vener-
able old priest - writes: "A strange thing repeatedly happened to
me when I was a boy at the Oratory. Seeing me worried during
recreation, Don Bosco would whisper in my ear such timely advice
that I was instantly relieved of importunate thoughts, even of temp-
tations which could have overcome me. Unconsciously, I again
felt at peace, and all was well. This Don Bosco did not only with
me but with everyone else, even after night prayers, since no one
would think of going to bed without first wishing him good night
and kissing his hand."
Here we must note that Don Bosco's persuasive gentleness was
responsible for a charming and truly unique sight that could be
seen even beyond 1860: with the greatest candor the boys would
open their hearts to him whenever they met him, even on the play-
ground. If something bothered their conscience, they would not go
to bed without telling him about it. They did not mind waiting.
They would stand at his door and knock lightly until he let them in.
They simply could not rest through the night with sin on their
souls. Of course, not all his pupils were on such filial terms with
Don Bosco. There were the notable exceptions, but even in these
cases his "word in the ear" was effective, often reaching them un-
expectedly. For example, noticing a boy in a hot argument with
schoolmates, Don Bosco would call him and say, "I need your help
for a good job." When asked what it was, he would whisper: "A
good spring cleaning, so you can make friends with God and win
Our Lady's protection."
Some lad might be wildly dashing across the playground, lost in
a game, when Don Bosco would suddenly stop him and ask, "How
are you?"
"Fine!"
"How about your soul?"

27 Pages 261-270

▲back to top


27.1 Page 261

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
233
At this unexpected twist, the lad would become uneasy, lower
his eyes, and mumble some excuse.
"If you were to die tomorrow, tonight, or even now, would you
be ready?"
"'Not really."
"Then will you come to confession?"
"Tomorrow morning." Generally he kept his word.
At times, a sly youngster would go to any length to steer clear
of Don Bosco because he knew he could not look him straight in
the eye. Don Bosco would trail him. When the lad thought he was
quite safe chatting with schoolmates, suddenly two hands would
cover his eyes and firmly hold his head rigidly in place. Thinking
it was a companion, the boy would guess names, become impatient,
and then yell, "Let go," adding perhaps a colorful word, a nasty
epithet, and even a kick or two. As the hands released their grip,
the boy would quickly turn around. "Oh, Don Bosco," he would
cry out in dismay. Embarrassed beyond words, he would stand
there petrified, head down, red as a beet. Finally, he would take
Don Bosco's hand to kiss it, and the latter would whisper, "Why
do you shy away from me?"
"I don't, Father!"
"Shall we be friends, then?" And as Don Bosco spoke into his
ear, the boy would nod in agreement.
Again, whenever Don Bosco got home from a trip, the boys
would run to him with wild enthusiasm and press close to him,
but two or three would always stand apart - an unmistakable
sign that they had something to hide. In the course of many years,
there were never more than two or three such boys each year - a
consoling proof that things were going well at the Oratory. Don
Bosco, of course, would take special notice of them. Seeing them
apart, trying to hide behind the crowd, Don Bosco would excite
everybody's curiosity by saying, "I've brought presents for some of
you. Guess who?" The best pupils would be named, but Don Bosco,
pointing to the two or three at the crowd's edge, would exclaim,
"I want to give them to these boys." Of course all were highly
surprised, but none as much as those two or three youngsters. They
could not believe their ears and stood speechless until Don Bosco

27.2 Page 262

▲back to top


234
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
called them by name, one by one, and their companions made way
for them. They had been caught! A kind word was whispered in
their ear, and before the day was over, or at the latest by the next
morning, they had gone to confession.
We will conclude this topic with a statement of Bishop John
Cagliero: "Often this "word in the ear" was a fervent, heartfelt
invocati<;>n. Those of us who were close to him were inflamed with
love for God and for him who loved us so much in the Lord. His
favorite refrain - whispered or loudly proclaimed in countless
sermons, conferences, or confessions - was: 'All for God and His
glory!' This indeed was his sole, lifelong, ardent desire."
So fully had God granted Don Bosco efficacy of speech 6 that
his glance, tone, and gestures were as effective as his words. His
eyes, most of all, forcefully transmitted the thoughts of his mind
anp. heart. His measured, calm, serene glance irresistibly won over
another's mind and at the same time communicated his own. Often
a word or a smile took on the import of a question, an answer, an
invitation, or a whole conversation.
Father Dominic Belmonte 7 has assured us that not only did he
hear of this wonderful phenomenon from many witnesses, but that
he experienced it himself when a young cleric and a priest. "Many
times," he wrote, "Don Bosco looked at a boy in such a way as to
communicate his thoughts without uttering a word. The boy him-
self was surprised to find he had grasped Don Bosco's meaning.
At times this mysterious exchange concerned matters entirely be-
yond anything they had spoken of, seen, or done. Don Bosco's look
might be a question not concerning the person himself, or it might
be an order, advice, or a suggestion to do with school, playtime, or
anything at all."
Don Bosco would often follow a boy all through the playground
or porticoes with his glance while conversing with a group of
youngsters. Then, abruptly, the boy would meet Don Bosco's
6 See Vol. I, p. 386. [Editor]
7 Father Belmonte entered the Oratory in 1860 at the age of seventeen. After
becoming a Salesian, he was assigned by Don Bosco to the house of Mirabello,
the first Salesian foundation outside of Turin. He was later ordained a priest
and filled very important positions in the Salesian Society. He died at the Oratory
in 1901. [Editor]

27.3 Page 263

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
235
glance, grasp its message, and run up to ask what he wanted. And
Don Bosco would stoop and whisper into his ear.
Not infrequently, shielding his eyes with his hand as if bothered
by the light, Don Bosco would stare at one or two of the boys about
him. Pierced by his glance, those concerned hushed, sensing that
Don Bosco had divined some secret of theirs. And indeed he had!
On their faces he could detect telltale signs of guilt and regret. A
slight nod of his amply sufficed to convey his message: Confession!
All that remained was to set the time.
Don Bosco used the same intent look if someone made him an
insincere promise or lied. His stare would then clearly express
doubt, reprimand, or refusal; it would be but a prelude of advice
to follow.
By chance, too, some boy might pass through the sacristy while
Don Bosco was hearing confessions. Though in need of confession,
he might have no such thought; still, a kindly gaze from Don Bosco,
and that lad - charmed as a nightingale by a serpent - would
stop short, hesitate, step to the door, then return and kneel for his
tum at confession. A power of love had drawn him to Don Bosco,
dispelled his unwillingness, and filled his heart with filial trust. We
learned this from close friends of ours who experienced such help-
ful influence.
If a boy was overly curious about others' words and actions or
about improper jokes or conversations, Don Bosco would gently
bend the boy's earlobe as if to seal the ear. If another boy was too
free with his eyes, Don Bosco would playfully brush his hand over
the boy's eyes to close them; at other times he would press a boy's
lips between thumb and forefinger to let him know he should not
grumble. He went through these motions with rare tact and with-
out a word, but his looks spoke most eloquently and unforgettably.
Oh, the power of Don Bosco's gaze! Late one night, a pupil
could not fall asleep. He tossed restlessly about, sighed, groaned,
and now and then chewed on the sheets. The boy next to him
awoke. "What's wrong?" he asked. His only reply was a moan.
"What's bothering you?" he insisted.
"Oh, leave me alone!" the other groaned. "Don Bosco looked
at me!''

27.4 Page 264

▲back to top


236
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"What's so bad about that?"
"It's the way he looked. I know what he wants!"
"You could be wrong. Forget it! Go to sleep and don't wake the
whole place up!"
The next morning he asked Don Bosco if he had meant anything
special by looking at that boy.
"Tell him to ask his conscience!" Don Bosco replied.
The result was that the boy went to confession - and no longer
had trouble falling asleep.
To make his suggestions more memorable, Don Bosco accom-
panied his gaze with playful gestures. For example, to urge some-
one to persevere in goodness, he would, with a certain formality
softened by his indefinable half-smile, carry out a certain ritual of
his own with this formula: "Faith, hope, charity, good works,
friendliness." As he said "faith" and then "hope," he would suc-
cessively' brush the boy's cheeks with his fingertips; the words
"charity" and "good works" were accompanied by a light touch on
the chin and the nose; as he said "friendliness" he tapped the right
cheek slightly harder. The boys loved this more than any gift; it
was a spur to goodness, as they unanimously attested.
Don Bosco also had a mysterious answer for a cleric or a student
who asked him how he could know the future and guess so many
secrets.
"I'll tell you," he would reply. "The key to everything is Otis,
Batis, Pia, Tutis. Do you know what that means?"
"No, Father!"
"Pay attention. It's Greek." And slowly he would repeat: "0-tis,
Bo-tis, Pi-a, Tu-tis. ls it clear now?"
"No!"
"I know those words are hard to understand. That's why I never
reveal their meaning. No one knows it and no one ever will because
it would not be wise for me to reveal it. It is the big secret to all
my wonders. With this magic formula I can read consciences and
solve any mystery. Let's see how smart you are. See if you can
make something out of it!" He would then repeat the four words
while placing his forefinger successively on the questioner's fore-
head, nose, chin, and chest, ending with an unexpected little tap on

27.5 Page 265

▲back to top


Holy Expedients
237
the cheek. The boy or cleric would laugh and, while kissing Don
Bosco's hand, still insist, "But, Father, at least translate those
words."
"I could, but you still wouldn't understand." And then playfully
he would add in Piedmontese dialect, "When they give you a beat-
ing, take it like a man!" This conclusion would set them all laugh-
ing heartily.
Wonderful were the effects of Don Bosco's little tap on the cheek.
On noticing a gloomy boy, Don Bosco would call him over, ask
what bothered him, and then tell him that St. Philip Neri regarded
gloominess as the eighth capital sin. After brightening him, he
would dismiss him with a light tap on the cheek and a "Cheer up,
my boy!" The lad would immediately regain his usual peace. This
ability of Don Bosco to restore cheerfulness was so well known to
his pupils that when their spirits were dampened, they would run
to him for one of his reassuring smiles.
Sometimes a boy in a group around Don Bosco would be paying
no attention at all to what was being said and done, as if he were on
the moon; suddenly a light tap on the cheek from Don Bosco would
arouse him.
"What's that for, Father?" he would say.
And Don Bosco would reply, "I am doing what St. Philip Neri
did. I'm not slapping you; I'm slapping the devil tempting you."
"We were convinced," Bishop Cagliero remarks, "that Don
Bosco knew that lad was under some temptation."
The boys were convinced too that Don Bosco's little taps would
toughen them against the devil. Often, at a youngster's request, he
would lightly tap him and jokingly say, "The devil will not bother
you anymore today." Some boys would ask for several taps at a
time, and Don Bosco would playfully satisfy them, saying, "The
devil will leave you alone for the next six months."
One day a lad asked him for as many taps as he needed to be
free from temptation for life, but Don Bosco smilingly replied: "I
cannot make you immune for more than six months." Then, some-
what more gravely, he continued, "I once knew a boy who, despite
prayers, penances, and good will, could not keep his passions under
control. Well, he finally succeeded with the help of a daily tap from
Don Bosco."

27.6 Page 266

▲back to top


238
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
It was a common sight also to see troubled youngsters approach
Don Bosco in a crowd and without a word turn a cheek to him for
a little tap. As soon as Don Bosco obliged, they would run back
to their play, happy and content.
In 1861, a pupil asked Don Bosco for a keepsake before leaving
on his Easter vacation. Don Bosco gave him a slight tap and said:
"Go without fear; the devil will bother you no more." On his re-
turn to the Oratory the boy stated that the tap had been very
effective and that he would get one anytime he had to go home.
We shall conclude with a letter recalling these pleasantries of
Don Bosco's - if one may call them such:
Dear Father,
[No date]
Would that I were always Don Bosco's son not just in word but in
deed as well! Under this glorious banner, battles end in victory. The last
tap you gave me left an indelible mark on my face, and when I think
of it I blush and seem to feel the imprint of your dear fingers on my
cheek. Send me more such taps please, Father, I eagerly await them.
I love Don Bosco more than all the world. Do you believe me? Really,
I do. If a harsh memory or bad thought ever enters my mind, I instantly
get rid of it by thinking of my dear Don Bosco.
Dear Father, I'm all yours, ready to do what you ask of me. I give
you all I am. Take me as your lowliest servant and never cross me off
the book of your spiritual sons.
Cleric Joseph Pittaluga

27.7 Page 267

▲back to top


CHAPTER 31
Holy Expedients (Continued)
THE Apostle St. James says of Abraham that "faith
worked along with his works." [Jas. 2, 22] We can say as much of
Don Bosco, for in his case, too, faith permeated his every word and
deed on behalf of youth. He did not spare himself and God lav-
ished charisms on him. Opinions will vary concerning certain means
Don Bosco used in his apostolate, but we can always say that "the
weak things of the world has God chosen that He may confound the
strong." [1 Cor. 1, 27] And by "the strong" we mean the spirits of
darkness. We shall continue to dwell on Don Bosco's holy expedi-
ents. Guileless as his heart, they quite effectively repelled, as far as
possible, his children's spiritual enemy. Love conquers all, especi-
ally if its sole inspiration is faith. Above all love conquers the heart.
At the Oratory, all could see for themselves that Don Bosco,
tired and ill, kept talking to his children from morning to night,
even when his throat was parched and his spittle became tinged
with blood. Thus he stayed close to his boys who saw in him an-
other proof of his vast love for them. Admittedly, the preceding
chapter was lengthy in describing the physical and moral hardships
Don Bosco endured for his boys' sake, but truth and the purpose of
these memoirs demanded it. We shall resume our narration.
Don Bosco was often seen pacing the porticoes with a hundred
boys and clerics swarming about him, some striding at his side or
behind him, the majority walking backward so as to face him and
better hear his words. His conversation was bright, sparked with
stories, incidents, and episodes of the Oratory's early years.
"I often had to admit," Father Michael Rua declared, "as also
239

27.8 Page 268

▲back to top


240
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
did many of my companions, that a conversation with Don Bosco
was as fruitful as a spiritual retreat, or even more so. When he was
through talking with us, he enjoyed giving us books and pamphlets
he had written. On particular occasions, he selected those booklets
of his that refuted Protestant errors in order to safeguard us from
their deceitful distortions."
In summer, on feast days and Sundays, when the evening recrea-
tion was longer than usual and the boys were too tired for active
games, Don Bosco would sit on the ground against the building.
The boys would immediately run over and squat with him in a
semicircle of seven or eight rows of happy faces, all turned toward
him. This scene was duplicated countless times between 1850 and
1866 and even later. A distinguished lawyer thus described his
reaction to such a sight: "Those boys were living images of a most
sincere, modest, and blissful innocence. Their eyes - wide-open
windows of their souls - had nothing to hide since no indecent
thought tainted their minds. With candor they gazed on people who
came to them and unknowingly made them share the serenity that
ever ruled their innocent hearts. In turn, they too absorbed the
charm of Don Bosco's looks." Similar sentiments were expressed by
Father Emil Sacco, a former pupil of Don Bosco and the pastor
of St. Stephen's Church at Pallanza, when in 1888 he wrote to
Father Michael Rua as follows: "Oh, how virtuous and holy was
our dear Don Bosco! I can still see him smiling at me, hear his
soothing words, and gaze with wonder at his amiable countenance
as it reflected his soul's beauty."
Don Bosco reserved his most amusing stories for these open-air
sittings. He might narrate his own version of Count Gasparo
Gozzi's 1 dialogue between an inkpot and a lamp, or create new
ones, such as between his pen and inkpot, between a cobbler and a
boot which refused to be mended on Sunday but insisted on being
done on Monday, or between himself and his desk lamp refusing
to give light and siding with the Protestants. Sometimes he would
recite humorous sonnets. One, composed during his seminary years
and never forgotten, concerned his pocketknife blade, as Father
1 Gasparo Gozzi (1715-1786), an Italian writer, founded and edited Gazzetta
Veneta and Osservatore Veneta on the model of the English Spectator. [Editor]

27.9 Page 269

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
241
John Garino declared after hearing Don Bosco recite it himself at
Valsalice.2
Now and then Don Bosco would tell tall tales to baffle the imagi-
nation, describing the famous giant Gargantua and his incredible
adventures, death, and burial. Thousands of people worked at dig-
ging a very deep, mile-long grave but could not cover him com-
pletely. "To this very day," Don Bosco would exclaim, "his nose
can still be seen sticking out of the ground!"
"Really?" all would ask.
"Yes! You too can see it. It's Mount Blanc."
His lively description and frequent dialogues lent credibility to
these tales that grew in interest with the odd questions of the young
listeners. Fifty years later, Father [John Baptist] Piano 3 and several
other former pupils still delightfully entertained their friends with
these tall tales of Don Bosco's.
But the story hour was not always story telling. Far from it! To
enthuse his children with evangelical fervor, he often told them
about the Catholic foreign missions of Asia, Africa, and America,
which he always thought of with keenest interest. He frequently
spoke of the missionaries' heroic struggles, their glorious under-
takings, their conversions, and the ordeals they endured for Our
Lord's sake. On these summer evenings, though, he preferred to
talk of unusual amusing incidents he had read in publications of
the Society for the Propagation of the Faith or other papers. Often
the bell interrupted his story telling, leaving his young listeners
anxious with curiosity, hardly able to wait for the next evening or
the one after it, since, at times, pressing work or fatigue kept Don
Bosco from resuming his narration. Yet, in such a case he would
not altogether disappoint his eagerly waiting little friends. He would
go among them, resourcefu1ly finding some simple but effective
way to while away the time, such as intoning a religious song which
the boys immediately picked up or improvising a game that did not
require exercise.
On many occasions the boys begged him to tell them how long
they would live. Don Bosco graciously agreed, with the understand-
2 A Salesian college on the hills in the outskirts of Turin. [Editor]
3 A former Oratory pupil and diocesan pastor. See Vol. V, p. 145. [Editor]

27.10 Page 270

▲back to top


242
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ing that it was only in fun. Here we must remark that the boys'
training at the Oratory left no place for even the slightest super-
stitious belief. In the course of forty-three years we came to know
thousands of Oratory boys, and in each case we could not help but
admire their simple, guileless faith. Before predicting their life span,
Don Bosco would ask them to stretch out their hands palms up-
ward; then he would proceed to study the lines on them. Those
lines in the center resembling a capital "M" cued him into pointing
out the reminder that all human beings are mortal. Then he would
ask, "How old are you?" The replies would vary - twelve, seven-
teen, fourteen, twenty-one. Don Bosco would pause for a few
moments, take on a mysterious air, and say to this or that boy:
"Before you're thirty ... "or "When you're thirty-five ... " or "If
you manage to reach forty . . . Who knows? . . . We shall see . . .
Something will happen."
Meanwhile he would examine those lines with studied seriousness
and with enigmatic, comic gestures that were interspersed with
humorous pleasantries and seasoned with a spiritual thought. He
would then say: "Now listen carefully. You are fifteen, right? Then
figure this out: fifteen plus ten, minus seven, plus three, plus twelve,
minus nineteen. What's the total?" In this strain he would continue
his horoscopes, thoroughly confusing them with numbers. Predic-
tably, one boy could not remember all Don Bosco had said, another
had missed a number and insisted upon having it repeated, a third
wanted paper and pencil to jot it down. Some brighter pupil would
manage to figure out the total and would want Don Bosco to cor-
roborate it, receiving for a reply only "but," "if," "we shall see,"
"if you'll stay good." or similar phrases that undid every calculation.
He ended with a hearty laugh and most joined in, though a few
looked irked or pensive. Not all were willing to believe it was a11
in jest and stubbornly persisted in believing that Don Bosco was
trying to conceal a God-given power to see into the future. Hence
they noted every word he said in their regard, all the more eagerly
so because, as we can personally attest, these predictions proved
true more than once. Be that as it may, everyone without exception
esteemed Don Bosco as a saint, with the result that even the in-
different or skeptical retained his words so indelibly in their minds

28 Pages 271-280

▲back to top


28.1 Page 271

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
243
that forty or fifty years later, as their life span seemed ended ac-
cording to Don Bosco's prediction, they seriously prepared for
death. For several - priests included- it proved a great blessing.
Don Bosco entertained his pupils in other ways too, as we heard
from Joseph Brosio. For example, having some little present to give
away and not caring to raffle it or make it a prize of some sort, he
would find a curious or humorous way to dispose of it. He often
came into the playground with fruits, pastries, or sweets, then and
there proposing to give the goodies to anyone whose handspan was
longer than his own. All agreed. Don Bosco had very small hands,
and so, when spans were measured, many boys won prizes amid
jokes, quips, and laughter. There were also consolation prizes. At
other times the contest was for spans shorter than Don Bosco's.
These holy expedients had other aims too. For example, he
would place a boy's hand, palm upward, on his own left palm and
strike it with his right. If a resounding smack was heard, he would
say, "Good! We are getting along fine!" A muffled sound would
elicit the remark, "Hm, we aren't getting along too well!" At a flat
sound he would smilingly shake his head and sigh, "Ah, it can't be
helped! We just aren't getting along!"
Many times these last words were only in jest, but in most cases
they were meant to be a clear, needed hint to a boy who might be
vain, negligent, or of doubtful morality.
Of course Don Bosco produced the sound he wanted in smack-
ing the boy's hand, and his words, "We just aren't getting along!"
accompanied by a friendly smile, always produced the desired
effect - a grimace, a blush, or lowered eyes. If, instead, he said,
"We are getting along fine!" a boy was overjoyed.
We shall mention another talent of his. We have said in preced-
ing volumes 4 that several times a year on Sundays or holy days he
used to treat the boys to intriguing conjuring tricks and that the
last time he did this was in 1864. However, for some time yet, he
kept up his sleight-of-hand performances and other attractions. We
recall a day when a gentleman came into the dining room right
after dinner to see Don Bosco. They conversed for a while and
then came out into the porticoes. As usual, the boys flocked to Don
4 See Vol. I, pp. 257ff; Vol. III, p, 94. [Editor]

28.2 Page 272

▲back to top


244
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Bosco who invited them to step back a little and squat in a semi-
circle before him. After sending for a stool for his visitor, Don
Bosco too sat on the stone pavement and asked the gentleman to
lend him his cane for a few minutes. Then he gave a smooth
juggling performance, making the cane travel from his fingers to
his nose, as his boys gawked in astonishment, unable to get over it
for some time.
These and other tricks, however, did not keep him from watch-
ing over his whole flock. Good shepherd that he was, he knew his
sheep very well. When he noticed certain cliques in recreation and
had reason to fear grumbling or improper talk, he would call some-
one from the group and say, "Here is the key to my room. Please
get me this book. It's on the shelf." The boy would dash upstairs
but occasionally could not find the book. As he searched for it, the
recreation period would end, and Don Bosco, thanking the lad,
would send him to his classroom.
Again, he might send a boy to ask the doorkeeper if an expected
visitor had arrived, someone else to look for a companion under
the pretext that he wanted to speak to him, a third to see if the
prefect was in his office, a fourth and a fifth to deliver a letter or
ask a teacher for the results of tests given to the pupils. Don Bosco
was very ingenious with pretexts of this sort which set so many
boys in motion, and they in tum were delighted to do him a favor,
blissfully unaware of his real intentions.
His prudence was admirable. A distrustful superior unfailingly
causes unrest, irritates the indifferent, demoralizes the good, and
loses their affection. Aware of this, on certain evenings Don Bosco
would line up in single file the boys who swarmed around him;
then, standing at their head, he would bid them play "follow the
leader." He would clap his hands, hop on one foot, walk with a
stoop or with arms aloft, snap his fingers, or bend his knees. As
they tried to keep up with him, some boys would sprawl all over
the ground, to the glee of others who were watching. Finally, all
would join the line, following Don Bosco around pillars and into
hidden corners and dark, deserted areas. Thus singing, laughing,
and gesticulating, he made sure that nothing untoward was taking
place.

28.3 Page 273

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
245
Likewise his vigilance was not limited to the Oratory limits. He
often went with his boys on their weekly walks to see if there was
anything to correct. He did not permit them to disband, shop, or
visit relatives. Once in 1856, on returning to the Oratory with all
the boys from Borgo Crocetta - then off city limits - as they
were walking in groups through the meadows, Don Bosco noticed
that some of them - not the best ones - broke off from the main
body and went their own way. To call them back would have been
to say he did not trust them. Therefore, he bided his time, but when
he reached the army parade grounds - quite deserted at that hour
- he shouted to all to follow him and raced all the way to the first
houses at the city limits. There, as was customary, all again formed
ranks and returned to the Oratory.
It was also Don Bosco's habit to tell his young clerics of the
breaches of discipline he had noticed and the remedial measures he
had taken. He gave them suitable norms and advice too. Moreover,
he kept devising new ways to win over his pupils' hearts. He longed
to keep an unchallenged influence over them, so as to help them
grow in virtue and Christian perfection. To this end, every Sunday
he invited to his dinner table the pupils who had earned the best
conduct marks - first the students by grade, then the artisans by
shop. Thus, about three times a year, every grade and workshop
was privileged to dine with the superiors. When dinner was over,
the boys would linger with Don Bosco and be treated to pastries.
Occasionally, as a reward or mark of confidence, he would invite
one or another of the best boys to go for a walk with him about
town, so as to talk freely with him about his vocation. On Holy
Thursday, he himself performed the Washing of Feet with thirteen
of the best pupils, whom he afterward invited to supper - a treat
they very highly appreciated.
Moreover, every Sunday, to show his esteem for altar boys, he
invited the two boys who had served Community Mass during the
week to eat at the clerics' table regardless of conduct or application
marks. They were not presented to Don Bosco at meal's tnd, but
the privilege they had already received was a great incentive to
merit other signs of special affection. Moreover, having seen for

28.4 Page 274

▲back to top


246
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
themselves Don Bosco's edifying spirit of self-denial, they could
not help but be impressed by his eminent virtue.
Another endearing trait possessed by Don Bosco was that despite
his many grave occupations, he was always ready to receive with
fatherly affection those boys who sought a private talk with him.
Moreover, he wanted them to be on very familiar terms with him,
and he never complained of an occasional indiscretion. Everyone
went to him willingly and open-heartedly because he never showed
surprise or impatience or passed hasty judgments, but was unalter-
ably calm and self-possessed. No wonder he exercised such sway
over even the most reluctant. He left all free to ask questions, to
complain, and to defend or excuse themselves. Once, when one of
his priests asked why he put up with all this, he, minimizing his
virtuous patience, jokingly replied, "Do you know who is really
smart? One who acts like a simple, good-natured fellow. I do just
that! I let everybody have his say, I listen carefully to both sides of
the story, take everything into account, and when I have all the
facts, I decide."
When pupils came to Don Bosco, they, never overlooked their
good manners or neglected to show respect to their superior. Don
Bosco was punctiliously neat in his person and required his boys to
keep the same standard. Knowing that Don Bosco would check
their clothes and shoes and send them back to clean up if necessary,
the boys carefully saw to all that in advance. He received them with
the same respect he showed distinguished visitors, asking them to
sit on the sofa while he sat at his desk and listened very attentively
as if what they told him was most important. At times he would
stand and pace the room with them. When the interview was over,
he would show them to the door, open it for them, and send them
off, saying, "We shall always be friends, right?" The boys left full
of joy.
His discretion and wisdom in counseling cannot be adequately
described. Once acted upon, his advice produced gratifying, bene-
ficial results. How many vocations were born in that little room!
How many good boys became better, thanks to those interviews!
One day he said to a good lad, "I want to make a deal with you!"
"What kind?"

28.5 Page 275

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
247
"I'll tell you later!"
After curiously waiting a whole week, the boy went to confession
to Don Bosco.
"What deal do you want me to make with you?" he asked.
"Tell me," Don Bosco replied, "would you be willing to stay for
good with Don Bosco at the Oratory?"
"Sure!" the boy replied, not quite grasping the extent of Don
Bosco's proposal.
"Well, then, go and tell Father Rua that I want to make a deal
with you."
On receiving the message, Father Rua did not immediately catch
on, but he then took the youngster to a conference Don Bosco was
giving to the Salesians. The youth was present also at other con-
ferences, joined the Salesian Society, and is now a zealous Salesian
priest.
When necessary, Don Bosco did not fail to correct charitably,
but if he feared the admonition would be badly received, he would
contrive to bring together the transgressor and a good companion
of his - at times forewarning the latter of what to expect. Don
Bosco would chide the good boy in the presence of the one at fault,
forcing the latter to hear what was intended for him, even if then
and there he did not catch on. The intended result would not be
long in coming. Mulling over what he had heard, the transgressor
could not help but realize that he had done wrong. Repentant, he
would go to Don Bosco, apologize, and promise to do better.
A humorous scene would at times take place. The pupil who
served as scapegoat might momentarily forget Don Bosco's real
intention in correcting him and, though quite embarrassed, would
remain silent out of respect for his superior. Later, though, he
would try to justify himself to Don Bosco, and the latter would
cut him short, saying, "You did not catch on!" This dispelled the
lad's worries and at the same time hinted that a little humility on
his part would have been desirable.
Don Bosco was also very tactful in comforting those who had
suffered family misfortune, those in poor health, the angry ones,
those who were tormented by scruples, and those who wanted to
leave because of alleged wrongs or dissatisfaction. Once they were

28.6 Page 276

▲back to top


248
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
in his room, he soothed them with a fatherly smile and a look that
went straight to the heart. Making them laugh with a witty remark,
whose timeliness he alone could set, he would ask them to sit down
and unburden themselves. In most cases, his advice and counsel
brought them real comfort. If some matters depended on others,
he would say, "Go to so and so and tell him that I said this and
that." Or else: "Tell so and so to see me about it, and don't worry.
I won't forget you. Just be my friend and everything will be set
right." With others he would end the interview by giving them a
holy picture, a medal, a book, or a crucifix, or even fruit. Occa-
sionally, in a gesture of confidence, he would ask the boy to give a
message to a superior or companion. Thus peace was restored to
individual hearts and to the whole house. To preserve this peace he
had one Hail Mary added morning and evening to the Community
prayers.
Father Julius Costantino, who succeeded Father [Leonard] Muri-
aldo as director of the Artigianelli Institute, said years ago to some
Salesians: "You are very fortunate! You have a treasure in your
house that is not to be found elsewhere in Turin, or even in other
religious communities - Don Bosco's room. Whoever enters it
disconsolate comes out beaming with joy." Thousands of us can
testify to that! A few times, however, Don Bosco's solicitous efforts
in these private conversations did not fully succeed. In such cases
he tried another tack, which he styled "The Three Walks." When,
for instance, he found a pronounced grudge or resentment between
two older pupils, and reconciliation seemed hard to come by, he
would ask one of them to take a walk with him. This friendly act
soothed the young man's feelings and made it easier for him to tell
Don Bosco the wrong he believed was done to him. On another day
Don Bosco would invite the other youth for a similar walk and
listened to his side of the story. Meanwhile, of course, he amiably
tried to break down their prejudices without hurting their feelings.
Finally he would ask both of them to go somewhere with him. They
were not too happy about it but, hardly daring to refuse, they went
along silently, with misgivings. Don Bosco would soon strike up a
conversation and lead them to speak their minds and clear their
misunderstandings. By the time they were walking back to the
Oratory, they were friends again.

28.7 Page 277

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
249
We must mention a few more stratagems of his. Not satisfied
with oral confidential suggestions, he very often used to jot them
down on slips of paper which he gave out on very many occasions.
His suggestions and advice were always quite timely, as the follow-
ing few samples show:
"Whatever you do, say or think, let it be for your soul's good."
"Willingly suffer a bit for God who suffered so much for you."
"In your work and sorrow never forget we have a great reward
stored up for us in heaven."
"Let us help each other save our souls."
"There can be no virtue without obedience."
"One who associates with the good will go to heaven with them."
"At death's hour you will regret having wasted so much time to your
soul's detriment."
"One who abuses God's mercy to offend Him does not deserve it."
"If you lose your soul, you lose everything."
"What harm has Our Lord done to you to deserve such bad treat-
ment from you?"
"Keep ready! One who is not ready for a good death today runs the
risk of dying a bad one."
"Guard your eyes so that one day you may deserve to gaze upon
the Blessed Virgin Mary in heaven."
There were hundreds upon hundreds of other such sayings not
handed to us because they were too confidential. Several times, in
fact, he wrote a private note to each boy in the house when their
number neared a thousand. Still not satisfied, on various occasions
he wrote very charming letters to his boys and clerics - to the
latter usually in Latin - interwoven with quotations from the
Gospels, the Fathers of the Church, or the Imitation of Christ.
Every year, while on retreat at St. Ignatius' Shrine at Lanzo, though
very busy with confessions, he still found time to write many letters
to his sons at the Oratory. "I still treasure several of Don Bosco's
letters," a revered old priest and former pupil declared, "and I can
assure you that they best suited my spiritual needs. Though Don
Bosco was far away, his advice was as good as if he were present."
He also found time for letter writing whenever he was out of

28.8 Page 278

▲back to top


250
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
town for a few weeks. He once wrote to a priest at the Oratory
guessing all his thoughts and comforting him. The priest was quite
astounded by the letter's timeliness and more astonished still when
Don Bosco, on his return, said, "I wrote to you to cheer you up
because I saw you in your room looking very sad and dejected."
Father Dominic Bongiovanni testified in writing to other such
instances. "Don Bosco," he stated, "often wrote to the Oratory
about things that had happened there which he could not possibly
have known except in a supernatural manner. These letters clearly
show that very frequently he paid his children invisible visits."
He was quite prompt too in answering their letters, forwarded
to him wherever he was, even though they might seem trivial. In
actuality, he urged them to write. When, during their summer
vacation, they kept in touch with him and told him how they were
spending their time, he would reply and recommend to one a little
more studying, to another more play and rest, to a third faithful-
ness to the advice given to him before going home. He would also
inquire of pupils or clerics from very poor families whether they
needed anything, and urged them to let him know candidly as
soon as they reached home.
The boys' habit of writing to Don Bosco also gave him the
idea of trying a new means to make ever more certain of their
perseverance in virtue. As a loving father cherishing their con-
fidence for his own information and their advantage, he asked
them to write him little notes on special occasions. Some complied
by jotting down their resolutions to practice a suitable virtue or
to avoid some pet fault. There was no obligation at all to write
such notes, and no pressure was ever exercised; there was com-
plete and absolute freedom in the matter. In tum, Don Bosco
promised strict secrecy. Many pupils did candidly tell him their
resolutions. As this required will power, serious thinking, and a
mental review of their past and present, these little notes became
an effective spur to spiritual reform. Those slips were handed to
Don Bosco personally, folded and sealed. Later on, he would op-
portunely remind the boys of their resolutions, encourage them to
be faithful, and gently admonish them if they had failed to keep
them.
How keen he was to possess their hearts so as to give them to

28.9 Page 279

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
251
God! About the end of 1861, he expressed a desire to receive a
little note from each of them. All complied. A few days later, at
the "Good Night," he remarked: "I have read your little notes. I
found in them beautiful sentiments and promises of prayers and
good conduct; but in none of them did I find what I desired
most. And yet we have here a boy whose name should have given
you a cue. Isn't Canon Marengo's nephew here, and isn't his name
'Do'? [Italian for 'I give'] What I expected from all of you was:
'Don Bosco, I give you the key to my heart.'"
He was firmly convinced that confidence in one's superior was
a powerful remedy against one's passions and a safeguard from
moral pitfalls, and that every act of confidence was a great victory
over the devil.
An excellent pupil was quite attracted to a schoolmate. Though
it was an honorable attraction, he felt uneasy, yet he said nothing
to Don Bosco for several months. Finally, as the attraction in-
creased, he was quite worried and told Don Bosco about it. "I
was aware of it," Don Bosco replied, "and I too felt uneasy for
you. But now that you have opened your heart, I am no longer
concerned."
To win this confidence from most of his boys, Don Bosco,
besides guarding their secrets most jealously, did not shirk from
bearing patiently and cheerfully to a heroic degree, for God's sake,
noise, indiscretion, outbursts of liveliness, a wide range of tem-
perament, physical or mental deficiencies, and shortcomings which
were the result of rude, coarse upbringing.
Still on the subject of these "little notes," we will remark that
Don Bosco very carefully kept the most important as future re-
minders to their writers. How many times some youths, forgetting
their promises to God and about to take a false step, were unex-
pectedly faced with their own notes gently rebuking them for their
faithlessness. Years after leaving the Oratory, under the pressure
of daily cares or loose, sinful living, some boys would entirely
forget the Oratory. How often, when they least expected it, they
would get in the mail their own little notes that eloquently re-
minded them of the years they had lived in God's grace and
effectively spurred them to return to the right path.

28.10 Page 280

▲back to top


252
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Only a few such "little notes" were found at Don Bosco's death
in his desk drawer. They had been written on solemn occasions
by boys who, as laymen or priests, became models of Christian
living. All others notes had been destroyed by the good Father.
We will now present a few notes for the readers' edification. The
first one shows Don Bosco's special care of those fortunate boys
about to make their First Holy Communion:
Souvenirs Given by My Beloved Don Bosco on the Occasion
of My First Holy Communion
Favors To Be Asked
1. To die in God's grace.
1. To receive the Last Sacraments.
3. Modesty and horror of the contrary vice.
Promises to Jesus on Coming into My Heart
1. To go to confession once a month and even more often as my
confessor advises.
2. Diligently to sanctify Sundays and holy days.
Things To Remember
1. Shun bad companions.
2. Avoid idleness.
3. Above all, obey my parents.
John Roggero
The next note, charmingly candid, was written by a student
in the upper Latin courses:
September 18, 1857
With the help of the Blessed Virgin and my confessor's advice I shall
try to abide by these maxims:
"Either penance in this life or no chance for penance hereafter."
"Either a short penance now or an eternal one later."
After seriously reflecting on these truths, I intend to do penance for
my sins, as follows:
1. As far as I am allowed, I will not sleep more than six hours,
possibly even less, and as uncomfortably as I can stand it.

29 Pages 281-290

▲back to top


29.1 Page 281

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
253
2. In honor of Our Lady, I will fast every Saturday, on all pre-
scribed vigils, and every day in Lent. When something I like is served,
I will offer it to Our Lady by passing it up completely or at least
partially. When I eat something tasty I will remember the bitter gall
Our Lord had to drink.
3. Every day I will visit the Blessed Sacrament and recite the
Recordare, Piissima Virgo. Morning and night I will kiss my crucifix
and say my usual prayers. I will make the Exercise for a Happy Death
every month and will receive the sacraments once a week or even daily,
as my confessor advises.
4. I will be careful not to hurt my companions, and I will try to make
up for the scandal I have given in the past.
5. I will not waste time in the study hall; as far as possible, I shall
do some studying also during recreation.
6. I will choose a special patron saint for each month: St. Francis de
Sales for January, Pope St. Gregory for February, St. Joseph for March,
St. Mark for April.
A third note was as follows:
I, James R ... , promise with the help of God and of Our Lady to
observe these resolutions, starting from the Feast of All Saints - my
seventeenth birthday - when hopefully I will don the clerical habit.
1. I will daily ask God for the grace to die rather than commit
another mortal sin.
2. I consecrate myself entirely to Him and completely commend
myself to my superiors; I will take their smallest commands as coming
from Him.
3. I will carry out all spiritual and temporal duties as perfectly as
possible.
4. I will strive to practice my faith fearlessly and to give good ex-
ample always.
5. I will go to confession once a week and to Holy Communion
more frequently.
6. I will daily visit the Blessed Sacrament and Our Lady.
7. Every Saturday I will practice some mortification in Our Lady's
honor.
8. I will celebrate Her feasts with special devotion and prepare for
them with some fasting.

29.2 Page 282

▲back to top


254
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
9. Every day I will pray for my parents and relatives, superiors and
benefactors.
10. If I shall be privileged to become a priest, I will work very zeal-
ously for the salvation of souls, and will proclaim to all the glories of
Mary to whom I especially owe my life's change for the better.
11. I will daily pray to Our Lord for final perseverance. Omnia pos-
sum in Eo qui me confortat. [I can do all things in Him who strengthens
me - Phil. 4, 13.]
When I shall die and be judged, I'll know whether I have kept these
resolutions.
The last note is by a young cleric. After specific promises to
observe the Salesian Society's rules faithfully, he added:
1. I shall choose. a private monitor and ask him to watch me closely
and tell me of my shortcomings.
2. Before starting my school assignments I will read a chapter from
the biographies of Louis Comollo, Dominic Savio, St. Aloysius Gonzaga,
or some other saintly youth in order to imitate their virtues. When I
finish reading these books, I'll start them all over again.
We can hardly remain unmoved if we try to visualize those
sterling youths in the act of setting down in writing a course of
action that would determine their eternal happiness, as we have
good reason to hope. We can see their youthful faces wrapped in
thought, their eyes upraised in search of the right phrase. How
enchanting their candor in entrusting to Don Bosco the paper
that contained their hearts' secrets. God bless you, dear youths,
and may He one day return your "little notes" as titles to eternal
glory!
And now we may ask: "What did Don Bosco achieve by these
holy expedients?" Canon Hyacinth Ballesio gives us the answer
in his funeral oration on Don Bosco's innermost life:
Don Bosco governed his Oratory - our Oratory too - with the
holy fear of God and with his love and good example. You may call it
a theocratic government. We call it government by persuasion and love
as befits human dignity. And how wonderful were its results! Hundreds
of boys eagerly and diligently fulfilled their duties. A great many of them

29.3 Page 283

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
255
were not only good, but excellent, genuine models of piety, diligence,
amiability, and self-denial. They led by their shining, friendly example.
They would not deliberately commit even a venial sin for all the world.
Their piety was so deep-rooted and sincere as to be truly extraordinary.
How inspiring to see them in church wholly absorbed in prayer as in
heavenly ecstasy. How often noblemen brought their children to the
Oratory so that they could learn from the sons of the common people
unwittingly ennobled by their love of God. These boys were most dear
to Don Bosco. Imbued with his spirit, they helped him powerfully and
exercised a deep, saving influence over their companions. At the Oratory
there flourished indeed purity, simplicity, and Christian joy - the very
same lofty virtues that made so charming the early times of St. Dominic,
St. Francis of Assisi, and their disciples.

29.4 Page 284

▲back to top


CHAPTER 32
Holy Expedients (Continued)
floN Bosco's holy expedients described in the two pre-
vious chapters, blessed by God, were aimed solely at the salvation
of souls. Always vivid in his mind were the immutability of Divine
Justice, the unquenchable fire of hell, the frightful, unfathomable
eternity of the damned, the undying remorse of sinners, and their
long-invoked but never to be attained death to end their pains.
He contemplated, too, Our Divine Crucified Redeemer bathed in
blood as He died for sinners' salvation. The sacrament of Penance
he saw as a fruit of Christ's passion and the instrument of His
infinite mercy to facilitate the conversion of those who would
otherwise be lost. He also realized that God pours His graces
more plentifully on the worst sinners - as was the case with St.
Augustine and others - as long as they do not willfully resist Him.
Steeped in such thoughts, he feared for the possible unhappy
lot of so many young people. He foresaw that their spiritual battles
might often end in sad defeat. Knowing the marvelous priestly
power he had to forgive sin, he was convinced that many would
reach salvation only through him. Moreover, he passionately loved
to win souls for Jesus Christ. For these reasons, utterly heedless
of human considerations, Don Bosco kept inviting many to the
healing grace of confession in season and out of season.
With this in mind, our readers will thoroughly understand the
reasons behind the many incidents we shall narrate. They will
realize too that God not only approved Don Bosco's methods in
saving souls, but wondrously seconded his burning zeal.
In the Book of Proverbs we read: "As the faces of those who
256

29.5 Page 285

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
257
look therein shine in the water, so the hearts of men are laid open
to the wise." [Prov. 27, 19] In Don Bosco's case, his wisdom
opened to him an even greater field of vision. Knowing the past
and the future of many youths, he used his knowledge to guide
them or to forewarn them of the dangers to come. To support
this statement we shall quote several witnesses, starting with Father
John Turchi, Lit.D., a shrewd, prudent man and severe critic: 1
What I am about to say may sound superstitious or fanatical, and
perhaps someone will label me superficial and overly gullible. I don't
mind. As a matter of fact, I too am puzzled and do not know what to
say of certain things I saw in Don Bosco. Yet, can we argue against
facts? They will not be talked out of existence. What must be done is
to verify their authenticity through unimpeachable sources. Once that
has been established, if we cannot grasp their raison d'etre, we can only
ascribe it to our inability. What has really happened cannot be denied.
With this preamble, I pass on to the facts.
During the ten years I have already spent at the Oratory, I have
countless times heard Don Bosco say: "Bring me a boy I have never
known or met before; after a look at his face, I will tell him all the
sins he committed since his early years."
Occasionally he would say, "Many times - especially on solemn
feasts and spiritual retreats - while hearing confessions, I see boys'
consciences wide open before me like a book. Fortunate indeed are
those boys who follow my advice, particularly when given in the sacra-
ment of Penance. But at other times I see nothing. This phenomenon
occurs intermittently for longer or shorter periods." It came - we
believe - whenever the good of souls required it.
Generally Don Bosco toned down the impression his words would
leave by trying to make it appear that there was nothing supernatural
about this gift. He would smile and say, "When I hear confessions at
night I prefer to have the lamp so placed that I can see the boys' faces;
in daytime I like to have them face me; it speeds the confessions."
It is obvious then that Don Bosco saw his pupils' consciences as in
1 Father Turchi was a pupil and later a teacher at the Oratory, where he
said his first Mass on May 26, 1861. Years later, during Don Bosco's process of
beatification, he gave very important written testimony to the Prefect of the
Congregation of Rites concerning relations between Archbishop Lawrence Gas-
taldi of Turin and Don Bosco (Memorie Biografiche di S. Giovanni Bosco, Vol.
XIX, pp. 403-412). [Editor]

29.6 Page 286

▲back to top


258
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
a mirror. Of this I am most certain because I have witnessed it hun-
dreds of times. The boys used to call this "reading the countenance." I
make no pronouncement on the matter. I merely state what I and all
the Oratory boys know.
Thus reads the witness of Father Turchi. So deeply convinced
were the boys that Don Bosco could see in their consciences not
only external sins but even innermost thoughts, that nearly all
wanted to go to confession to him. "With him we are surer to
make good confessions and Communions," they claimed. "If we
forget any sin, he will surely recall it to us." It is a fact that his
confessional was always crowded with boys.
One day, a zealous, prudent religious, seeing the crowd of young
penitents, remarked to Don Bosco that he should not hear his
own pupils' confessions because fear or shame might easily cause
them to conceal some sin. "If I let them!" Don Bosco candidly
replied. This was the sincere conviction of all the pupils too, who
repeatedly declared, "It's no use keeping sins from Don Bosco;
he knows them anyway."
In fact, to this day there are scores of people who declare that
Don Bosco often told them all their sins in confession clearly
and distinctly as if reading them from a book, and that he called
their attention to sins they had forgotten or were ashamed to
confess. He would say, for instance, "And what about this sin
or that? Have you forgotten?" The most remarkable thing is that
in revealing a sin to a boy - as if further to convince him he
knew all about it - Don Bosco would tell him where and when,
the number of times, and even the boy's age when he sinned.
He never erred, as many of our friends told us, and as many
schoolmates of Bishop John Cagliero confided to him. All were
dumbfounded to see their innermost secrets revealed.
That is not all. The Father Turchi quoted above goes on to say,
"Many a boy told me, 'When I went to confession to Don Bosco,
he asked, "Will you tell your sins or do you want me to do it?"
I let him do it, and he told them all. I just had to agree to what
he said. He even told me, precisely, things I had entirely
forgotten.' "

29.7 Page 287

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
259
Needless to say, such a way of hearing confessions was a great
boon to all youngsters who wanted to make a general confes-
sion but had trouble unraveling their consciences. They just went
to Don Bosco .and said, "Please, Father, tell me my sins." Then
briefly, neatly, and unerringly, Don Bosco told them the story
of their lives. All they had to do was to say yes.
When bothered by temptation or spiritual troubles that left
them ill at ease, they would approach Don Bosco after night
prayers and stand before him silently in order to draw his attention.
If he returned their gaze and said nothing, they went tranquilly to
bed, certain of being in the state of grace. They also went to him
during the day. With a gesture of his hand, a nod, a look, or a word,
he would assure them all was right, thus banishing all their anxie-
ties. Their worried looks gave way to happy smiles just as clouds
are swept away by sunshine. For example, there was a scrupulous
cleric who was always undecided about going to Communion,
fearing he might commit a sacrilege. One evening he was waiting
his tum with a crowd of pupils near Don Bosco's confessional in
the apse of St. Francis de Sales Church at the Oratory. The church
was in semidarkness. With only one lamp burning it was difficult
for Don Bosco to make out the faces of even those kneeling close
by. The cleric was ill at ease, his anguish fast becoming unbear-
able, when the thought struck him: "If Don Bosco could see my
soul's condition and tell me to be at ease and receive Communion
tomorrow without going to confession, how happy I'd be! It would
be a sure sign that my conscience is in order; I would banish my
scruples and be completely rid of them." Hardly had the thought
passed when he felt a light touch on his shoulder. He stood up.
As if in answer, Don Bosco kindly whispered into his ear, "Don't
worry. Go to Communion. No need of confession." The cleric
obeyed and from that day on was never troubled by scruples again.
Such wonders, however, did not take place only in 18 61. Don
Bosco's whole life was filled with them. Father Joachim Berto
[Don Bosco's secretary for over twenty years] has left us the fol-
lowing deposition:
Several times I have seen worried boys waiting for hours to make

29.8 Page 288

▲back to top


260
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
their confession to Don Bosco. Now and then he would call one or
another and whisper, "You may go to Holy Communion." Since we all
knew from experience that Don Bosco had charisms, at a word or nod
from him we obeyed unquestioningly. Thus he also succeeded in ridding
many youngsters of scruples. Later in the day, upon meeting these boys,
he would further put them at ease, whispering in their ear: "This morn-
ing I sent you to Communion without confession because I saw that
your soul was in order." Or, "The things you wanted to confess were
not sins."
I have personally witnessed these incidents several times and have
heard accounts of numerous other instances from companions whose
names I am not free to disclose.
At this point someone may ask whether all at the Oratory
were convinced of Don Bosco's charism. Did anyone ever doubt
it? Our answer is: Doubting Thomases and critics who take a less
favorable view of their neighbors' words and deeds could not be
wanting in such a large house as the Oratory; yearly a sizable
percentage of pupils were newcomers, many ranging from sixteen
to twenty, who knew Don Bosco only by name. In the testimony
given previously, Father John Turchi answered the question as
follows:
There were many who did laugh at Don Bosco's "countenance
reading," and I know too that finally they had to yield to the eloquence
of facts. I shall limit myself to only a few examples.
In the Oratory's early years a boy from Biella whose name began
with "R" was accepted as a student. As soon as he reached Turin, he
went to confession at La Consolata [Our Lady of Consolation]. Then
he went to the Oratory where Father Alasonatti, the prefect, received
him warmly and later introduced him to Don Bosco who was sur-
rounded by a group of boys. Don Bosco had never met the lad before.
He and his boys were talking about discernment of hearts, and the lads
were recalling instances of Don Bosco's surprising revelations. The new-
comer listened to it all and then abruptly blurted out, "Father, I dare
you to read my sins. You can even tell them out loud if you wish."
"Come closer," Don Bosco replied. He gazed at the boy's forehead
and then whispered into his ear. The lad turned a deep red. Don Bosco
looked at him once more and again whispered what perhaps were more

29.9 Page 289

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
261
details about the boy's past life. At this he broke into tears, exclaiming,
"It's not fair! You're the priest who heard my confession at La Con-
solata this morning!"
"He's not!" his companions chorused. "Don Bosco has been here all
day. How could he know if you had gone to confession? You are all
wrong! You don't know Don Bosco yet. This happens all the time." At
this the boy relaxed, and from then on had the greatest trust in Don
Bosco. I was present at this scene and so was Michael Rua [then a
young cleric]. He can testify to its truth.
A like surprise befell a pupil from around Buttigliera,2 Caesar B . . . ,
about thirteen years old, whose home Don Bosco had visited on several
occasions. That day, shortly after the beginning of the school year, a
number of boys - among them Francis Cerruti, Michael Rua, John
Cagliero (then a young cleric) and I - were crowding around Don
Bosco, asking for spiritual tips and especially requesting him to ad-
monish us more pointedly about our spiritual needs. Meantime, Caesar
B . . . , having repeatedly heard from schoolmates that Don Bosco
could read consciences, came up to him and boldly dared him, saying,
"Father, you'll never be able to read my conscience!"
Don Bosco, who was seated, drew the boy close and then whispered
for some time into his ear in the presence of us all. When he was
through, the lad, deeply moved, faced us and said with admirable can-
dor, "He can surely do it! He told me something I have never breathed
to anyone - not even in confession." Then he went away, promising
to go to confession soon.
On another day, while several of us were with him as usual in the
dining room after breakfast, he smilingly told us he knew our innermost
thoughts. With us was a student, whose name I prefer not to say, who
lived in town and often visited the Oratory. On hearing this he blurted
out in a tone of near contempt for what he considered impossible, "Well,
then, tell me my thoughts." Don Bosco called him closer and whispered
to him. We never found out what he said, but the boy looked distressed
and dared not say another word. I saw this myself.
Two years ago a fellow seminarian of mine, a theology student, spent
a few days with a fine gentleman in a little town about ten miles from
Turin. On his return, he went to Don Bosco for confession. Afterward
he came to me and said, "I must tell you something really funny. In that
little town I went to confession to the pastor because I was ashamed to
have to mention a certain sin to Don Bosco when I came back. Then,
2 A village not far from Don Bosco's birthplace. [Editor]

29.10 Page 290

▲back to top


262
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
a few days ago, I went as usual to confession to Don Bosco. Afterward,
he said to me, 'Look, I know quite well what you did.' (And he men-
tioned my sin)."
"I still can't get over it," my friend continued. "I have now learned
to my own regret that when one slips up badly it's no use going to
confession to anyone else. Don Bosco knows it anyway!"
Thus reads the witness of Father John Turchi, one among
many who testified to this extraordinary gift of Don Bosco. The
next deposition is by Father John Garino: a
One winter morning of 1858 or 1859, a good number of us gathered
around Don Bosco while he was having his coffee. Some of us sat on the
long table at the end of which Don Bosco was sitting; others stood at
his side or behind him. We were laughing and joking quite freely, yet
with respect, as loving children would with their father. Among other
things, someone remarked that Don Bosco could see the future, predict
one's death, and so on. I also remember that on this occasion Don
Bosco did whisper to several of those present some of their innermost
secrets to their great amazement. At Don Bosco's right and near him
sat a certain Evaristus C ... , a rather bright boy, but not too exem-
plary. While this was going on, he laughed at what was being said with
obvious light contempt. At one point he burst out, "Father, I don't
believe you can see secret things. Tell me, if you can . . . " - and he
egged Don Bosco on to reveal a secret of his. Don Bosco took him at
his word. Immediately he leaned toward him and whispered. The lad
blushed, said not a word, became pensive, and never again dared say
that Don Bosco did not see or know the secrets of the heart.
We also have the testimony of Peter Enria.4 He declared:
A companion of mine confided to me that once he fell into a grave
3 Father Garino was born in 1845 and entered the Oratory in 1857; a few
years later, in 1862, he took triennial vows in the Salesian Society. Ordained a
priest in 1869, he distinguished himself as a Latin and Greek scholar and a fervent
religious. He died in 1908. [Editor]
4 Peter Enria was born in 1841 and entered the Oratory in 1854. He was first
assigned to learn a trade, but three years later he was transferred to the pro-
curator's office. For many years he was the factotum of the house. In 1878 he
took the Salesian vows as a coadjutor brother. Very dear to Don Bosco, he
nursed him during his last illness. [Editor]

30 Pages 291-300

▲back to top


30.1 Page 291

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
263
sin, and because of it he studiously kept out of Don Bosco's sight. One
day, though, he chanced to meet Don Bosco who in a fatherly manner
said to him, "You are afraid to come near me because you have com-
mitted a sin!" And he told him what it was. It was such that no one
could possibly have known of it. Bewildered and repentant, my com-
panion begged Don Bosco to hear his confession and turned over a
new leaf. [I also remember that] on several occasions during the evening
recreation Don Bosco used to approach one pupil or another and whis-
per into his ear. Later, after night prayers, those lads would go to the
sacristy or to Don Bosco's room to make their confessions before going
to bed.
This extraordinary, heavenly gift of discerning certain boys'
spiritual condition never failed Don Bosco throughout his life,
nor did he hesitate to remind his pupils of it now and then. One
evening in 1869, speaking after night prayers to the whole com-
munity of over nine hundred people - of whom at least one hun-
dred were mature, educated men-he said: "God has given me
the gift of spotting hypocrites. When they come near me, I experi-
ence a sickening, unbearable nausea. They notice it and sense
that I see through them, so they steer clear of me." Facts bore
this out.
One morning in 1870, as Don Bosco came out of the church,
many boys ran to him. Though several other priests had helped
him with confessions, he was quite exhausted by the crowd of his
own penitents. Still he amiably chatted with those around him. At
one point he turned to a boy and, running his right index finger
lightly across the youngster's forehead, said smilingly, "This morn-
ing you did not wash your face."
"I did, Father," the boy protested. But Don Bosco still smiling,
insisted, "No-o-o, you didn't!" stressing the "o." He then whispered
something into his ear. The boy hung his head pensively. Don
Bosco had told him that he had not been to confession and he
sorely needed it. We came to know of this incident from Father
Augustine Parigi 5 [then a pupil] who was present.
5 In 1867, when Parigi was about eleven, Don Bosco predicted to him that he
would live to see Father Joseph Cottolengo declared "Blessed." This will be seen
in Vol. VIII of these memoirs. Father Cottolengo was beatified in 1917. [Editor]

30.2 Page 292

▲back to top


264
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
We ourselves witnessed this following incident. During the yearly
spiritual retreat at the Oratory in 1870, one of the older boys -
a rather forward youth whose conduct was not particularly good-
before going to confession kept bragging that Don Bosco would
never be able to read his sins.
"Try him out," several boys told him.
"I will," he replied. "All these things about Don Bosco are
just fairy tales."
And in that mood he laughingly went to church and knelt by
Don Bosco for his confession which was fairly long. His compan-
ions waited for him. When he staggered out of church, hair di-
sheveled and eyes bloodshot, his friends ran to him.
"Well?" they asked.
"Leave me alone!"
"What did he say?"
"Just leave me alone!"
"Is it all fairy tales?"
"Fairy tales? He told me everything, even what I had com-
pletely forgotten! Now leave me alone!" And he withdrew to the
porticoes, pacing up and down and muttering to himself: "He told
me everything, everything!"
Later on, whenever someone belittled this charism of Don
Bosco, he would immediately protest, saying, "Don't say that! I
know better!"
We could go on with many more examples, but since they are
linked with very important events, we shall narrate them in their
proper place.
Just to give one more instance before closing this topic, we shall
repeat what we ourselves heard Don Bosco say one evening of
1871 in the dining room. The boys had left and only Father Rua
and other superiors remained. The conversation turned to wide-
spread moral evils that ruined so many youths. After listening to
their opinions, Don Bosco said: "The main trouble with certain
evils is how to spot them in order to be able to cure them. For-
tunately, Our Lord is extremely merciful to our boys. When I am
with them, even if only one indulges in sins of impurity, I immedi-

30.3 Page 293

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
265
ately know it because of the unbearable stench he emits. And if
he comes near and I can see his face, I am certain to be right."
This is why some boys kept their distance from him. If they
had to go near him for some reason or other, while respectfully
doffing their caps, they still tried to shield their foreheads with
them or with their hair, as if that were enough to hide their con-
sciences. This happened especially at the beginning of the school
year, when the pupils, back from their summer vacation, had
not yet cleared their account with God. At this time, if Don Bosco
came into the playground, scores of them scattered like startled
birds, leaving around him only the good ones, who fortunately
were many. Those who fled made no secret of it. "Don Bosco
reads our sins on our foreheads," they said. It would happen at
times that after night prayers, some boy would maneuver behind
his companions in order to hide from Don Bosco. When asked the
reason, he would reply, ill at ease, "Because Don Bosco reads my
sins in my eyes."
On his part, Don Bosco flung his holy nets about to catch them,
and once he got to speak to these boys, victory was assured. He
prudently warned them of their secret faults with such veiled
phrases as, "You need to settle your accounts with God." If he
noticed a look of sadness on someone, he would say, "Son, if you
want peace, you must first rid your heart of the devil."
"I know of a boy," Father [John] Bonetti told us, "who had
committed a secret sin and was quite sure no one knew of it. Well,
one evening, as he passed by Don Bosco, the latter called him
and whispered, 'What would happen to you if you were to die
tonight?' That boy spent a sleepless night, and the next morning
he hastened to confession. Often during recreation Don Bosco
would call a pupil and suggest that he confess this or that sin,
tum over a new leaf, and cooperate with God's mercy. His advice
always proved most timely."
When he sometimes could not contact certain pupils, he used
other means to rouse them from their spiritual sloth. One was to
place a little note under their pillow. Its effect was indescribable.
In one case, he had for some time been quite solicitous about a

30.4 Page 294

▲back to top


266
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
pupil who stubbornly resisted such fatherly efforts on his behalf.
One night he found a note on his bed. It was in Don Bosco's own
hand and bore his signature. It read, "Where would you go if you
should unfortunately die tonight?"
The boy was stunned. For a while he stood by his bed, wrought
and shaken. Finally he ran to Don Bosco's room and knocked. It
was ten o'clock. "Please hear my confession," the boy gasped when
Don Bosco came to the door and warmly received him. After-
ward the boy returned to bed full of joy. The next morning, as
soon as he got up, he himself told a fellow student, John Baptist
Piano, that he had really been in need of a good confession and
that Don Bosco knew all his sins to the smallest details. He added
that he had seldom slept so well.
Another time, a boy, while turning the sheet over the blankets
before getting into bed, felt a slip of paper between his fingers.
"What's this?" he asked aloud. "My lucky numbers?"
Curious, he stepped to the middle of the dormitory under the
lamp. The paper was blank except for his own name written twice
and followed by an exclamation point. The handwriting was Don
Bosco's. "What does it mean?" he muttered, thinking hard for a
few minutes. He then went back to his bed, put on his coat, and
hurried to confession. We can infer, therefore, that Don Bosco -
knowing that some boy was in mortal sin - could not bear the
thought that he should fall asleep at enmity with God and run the
risk of dying in that condition.
Father Michael Rua knows of other boys who found notes under
their pillows, such as, "What if you should die tonight?" Or,
"Where would your soul go if you should die tonight? To heaven,
do you think?" Other notes had this message, "Would you be tran-
quil if death surprised you tonight?" With these and similar warn-
ings he induced them to put themselves immediately in God's grace.
"Someone may remark," Bishop John Cagliero declared, antici-
pating an objection, "that Don Bosco might have been tipped off
about his pupils' faults by his young assistants. But I answer that
in the early years of the Oratory - that is, for ten or more years -
those in charge of supervision were not regularly present. And I
can state too, without hesitation, that the recipients of Don Bosco's

30.5 Page 295

▲back to top


Holy Expedients (Continued)
267
warnings were convinced that he could never have known their
failings except by supernatural revelation. Hence we must conclude
that the same spirit which illumined Don Bosco during the earlier
years guided him also in all the years that followed."
We will also add that Don Bosco's charismatic knowledge was
not limited to sins, doubts, and scruples. In many cases he could
also read other thoughts or troubles. Often he would give a pupil
advice to allay concern caused by worries or by scholastic or family
difficulties. At other times he would dispel secret discontent stem-
ming from excessive timidity, jealousy, grudge, or diffidence. On
occasion he would suddenly give a piece of advice that perfectly
fitted someone who had not said a word about his difficulty but who
yearned for help.
Don Bosco also used this intuition of his to aid youths in making
up their minds when they seemed to have a priestly vocation. To
many who became Salesians - and are now happy as such - he
said quite frankly: "If you want to save your soul, just stay where
you are. God calls you to this way of life." Even outsiders bene-
fited by this gift of Don Bosco. "Many persons," Father Rua de-
clared to us, "have told me how Don Bosco had pinpointed the
cause of certain troubles of theirs and comforted them even before
they had a chance to speak."
It is best to end this topic now, as the depositions of Bishop
John Cagliero, Father John Baptist Piano, Canon Hyacinth Bal-
lesio, Joseph Buzzetti, John Villa, and many, many others would
draw it beyond limits. One more incident and we shall close this
chapter.
Once Don Bosco was discussing ways and means to publicize
certain undertakings of his with a group of his priests and clerics.
Among the listeners was a more than forty-year-old coadjutor 6
who held Don Bosco in deepest veneration. Yet at this particular
moment, without giving an inkling of what was in his mind, he
thought to himself, "Humbug!"
When Don Bosco finished speaking, all withdrew except the co-
adjutor. Don Bosco turned to him smilingly and asked, "Humbug,
is it?"
6 A lay Salesian. [Editor]

30.6 Page 296

▲back to top


268
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"But ... "
"Oh, you are quite right!" And very amiably he passed on to
other confidential matters of importance.
Numerous other instances of mind-reading happened. Once,
someone remarked in his presence that nothing of what was going
on escaped Don Bosco's notice, though his eyes were cast down.
His reply was: "I see better without looking!"
Indeed, he did see with the eyes of the spirit illumined by prayer!

30.7 Page 297

▲back to top


CHAPTER 33
Young Converts
THE dawn of the new year - 1860 - brought Don
Bosco new undertakings with their attendant joys and sorrows.
The anonymous January issue of Letture Cattoliche - The Hour
of Grace or The Last Hours of a Man Condemned to Death -
carried an Appendix in which Don Bosco gave wholesome advice
that seemed related to Galantuomo's predictions of December
1859: 1
AN EASY AND MOST EFFECTIVE SAFEGUARD
FROM PRESENT AND FUTURE EVILS
Exhortation to All Christians
Calamities have long afflicted us, and we have reason to fear even
worse to come. We all sigh and groan, and many wax angry and com-
plain bitterly. Yet, only a few know the true cause of our troubles and
strive to remove it. Let it be very clear that sin causes all evils, all
unhappiness. When man dares to offend and outrage God, God punishes
him. Reason and faith tell us this. Only a fool could doubt it.
Do we really want to rid ourselves of present ills and ward off threat-
ening ones? Let us remove their cause - sin. Let us make our peace
with God, appease His anger, and satisfy His justice. The most merciful
and loving God gave us His Son to be our easy, sure means of recon-
ciliation; to this end Our Lord shed His blood. All we need do is to take
advantage of it through the sacrament of Penance. Faith tells us so. The
faithful of all ages believed it and most effectively availed themselves of
this means. Let us not be like wretched sinners who, rather than make
their peace with God, keep offending and provoking Him so that He is
1 See Chapter 28. [Editor]
269

30.8 Page 298

▲back to top


270
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMoms OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
forced to inflict greater punishments which eventually will climax in the
endless, frightful punishments of hell!
As Christians, can we be indifferent to the loss of so many brothers?
Can we allow God's anger to be further provoked and His punishments
- including temporal ones - to fall heavier upon them and us? Let us
rather seek His mercy, ease His anger, and expiate our sins. Let us
revive our faith.
In addition, Don Bosco kept enkindling greater love for Jesus
Christ and promoting attendance at Holy Mass. At this time, he
was very gratified by a brief of Pius IX replying to a letter he had
written to the Pope - also on behalf of his boys - at the begin-
ning of November. On January 7, 1860, Pius IX showed his appre-
ciation for this token of filial reverence and staunch fidelity in a
gracious brief that will permanently witness his kindness toward
the Oratory. Don Bosco translated it at once into Italian and read
it to his boys to have them share in his comfort. The Latin text of
the brief was also published in the Catholic weekly L'Armonia,2
which shortly afterward also launched an appeal for contributions
to "Peter's Pence." It was a successful drive, netting three hundred
thousand lire in a little over a year. Duchess [Laval] Montmorency
had suggested and initiated the project. Don Bosco was among the
first donors and was soon followed by many others, as in response
to the call: "Let those who are for the Lord join with us." [Cf. Ex.
32, 26] The anticlericals were irked no end and made the appeal
their target of frequent invective. They even campaigned fruitlessly
for a law to forbid appeals for religious causes.
Attachment of loyal Catholics and of Don Bosco to the Pope
showed itself also in an intense love for stray sheep. We find evi-
dence of this in the January 24 issue of L'Armonia in an article
entitled "Baptism of a Young Jewish Boy":
Four months ago two young brothers were baptized at the Oratory of
St. Francis de Sales. Born in London in the Anglican faith, they were
eventually led by Divine Providence to this Oratory, where, together
with bodily food, they also found the bread of eternal life. At the same
Oratory, on Sunday, January 15, a young Jew of Ivrea, son of the
2 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

30.9 Page 299

▲back to top


Young Converts
271
scholarly Rabbi Jarach - a devout convert for the past twelve years -
was baptized. The boy had always wanted to follow his father's example,
but could not get his mother's consent. As he grew older, his desire and
insistence grew. Finally, at fourteen, he was taken by his father to the
Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Valdocco.3 With his previous knowl-
edge of Catholicism and additional instruction, he was soon ready for
Baptism and Confirmation. Bishop [Louis] Moreno of lvrea, a close
friend of the Jarach family, with fatherly goodness came to the Oratory
to say the ten o'clock Mass and reap the fruit of his solicitude. Many
boys received Holy Communion. Then followed the interesting rite of
Jarach's Baptism. The boy's composure and frank replies, his joy, and
his recollection were evidence of his deepest satisfaction. He took the
name of Thomas Louis Mary. Duke Thomas Scotti and Marchioness
Mary Fassati were godparents. With some three hundred boys he was
confirmed immediately afterward. Among these boys were twenty-five
chimney sweeps who, thanks to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, had
been instructed for this sacrament at the Guardian Angel Oratory in
Borgo Vanchiglia. Were it not for the Christian charity of interested
people who thus enabled them to become full-fledged Christians, these
poor boys, shying away from public churches because of their poverty,
might never have been confirmed. Count [Charles] Cays acted as god-
father for all.
Afterward, Bishop Moreno movingly and fervently exhorted the
young Jewish convert to appreciate the gift of faith he had received
and urged all who had been confirmed to show themselves ever true
followers of Jesus Christ by fulfilling their Christian duties firmly,
bravely, and fearlessly.
The services, ending with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at
about half past one, were enhanced by the silvery tones of soloists and
choristers which stirred all hearts with heavenly thoughts.
"That same afternoon," we learn from an account by Joseph
Reano, "the bishop told Don Bosco of the immense joy he had
experienced on that day and of his readiness to return any time for
similar functions, even on the shortest notice, without formal in-
vitation. The youngsters' devotion, he said, had moved him to
tears."
Such heartwarming events were not rare; the Oratory of St.
3 See p. 159. [Editor]

30.10 Page 300

▲back to top


272
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Francis de Sales was a true haven for many who left heresy to
return to the Church. Don Bosco's kindness and endless patience in
the face of rudeness and insult often penetrated obdurate hearts.
His policy to overlook offenses for God's sake to win souls to Him
charmed those who had gone astray. One of these was a former
priest turned Protestant minister. He frequently showed up at the
Oratory to argue with Don Bosco. On his first visit he told Don
Bosco that the Bible would have to be basis for all discussions.
"Which Bible?" Don Bosco queried. "Yours or ours? Who has
preserved the Bible for so many centuries? Certainly not you people
who were born only yesterday. Who has jealously guarded this
treasure before you? The Catholic Church alone can prove the
authenticity of the Sacred Books with her tradition."
The poor man was at a loss. Don Bosco thoughtfully asked him
to stay for dinner and extended him the same courtesy every time
he came for further debates, as Joseph Reano testified. We are
also told that one day a Waldensian called on Don Bosco for a
debate. After the visitor had been in conference quite a while,
Reano, fearing harm for Don Bosco, pushed the door ajar and
peeped in. The visitor was on his knees before Don Bosco, making
his confession.
At the end of January, Don Bosco accepted another young con-
vert at the Oratory, as we gather from the following letter:
Dear Reverend Father,
Vercelli, January 23, 1860
The bearer of this letter is a convert who was instructed by my worthy
colleague, Canon Barberis, whom you know. The lad has quit his sect
and was baptized conditionally last Wednesday. He shows great promise
for good. Your experience with youngsters will, I am sure, make you of
the same opinion after you talk with him. I entrust him to you. Please
try to get him a job with a God-fearing artist. Perhaps it might even be
better for you to accept him as an artisan. I am positive this protege of
mine will give an excellent account of himself.
I received your most welcome letter yesterday and will reply later
regarding the matter you mentioned.
Your devoted servant and friend
Can. Joseph De Gaudenzi

31 Pages 301-310

▲back to top


31.1 Page 301

▲back to top


Young Converts
273
These four boys - a Jew and three Protestants - only recently
regenerated in the waters of Baptism, celebrated the feast of St.
Francis de Sales for the first time at the Oratory on Sunday, Janu-
ary 29. Chevalier Bosco of Ruffino, prior of the feast, treated all
the boys, both resident and day, to breakfast. That evening awards
were given to those with the best conduct marks.
Among those who took an active part in the feast was a young
musician, Dominic Belmonte, aged 17, a native of Genola in the
Fossano diocese. He had arrived at the Oratory that month 4 with
the sole purpose of becoming a good organist. The first few days
were hard on him. He became homesick and fleetingly thought of
running away. Sensing that the boy would turn out to be one of his
most trusted and virtuous sons, Don Bosco sent for him, cheered
him up a bit, and earnestly suggested that he study Latin; Belmonte
agreed willingly and resolutely.
4 According to the Oratory school records, Belmonte entered the Oratory on
April 13. [Editorl

31.2 Page 302

▲back to top


CHAPTER 34
Holy Shrewdness
THE Superior Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de
Sales, only recently established,1 met early in February to consider
its first applicant. The minutes, drawn up by Father Victor Alaso-
natti, read as follows:
On the second of February, in the year of Our Lord eighteen hundred
and sixty, at half past nine in the evening, the [Superior] Chapter of the
Society of St. Francis de Sales met in the room of its director - Father
John Bosco - at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales to consider the
application of Joseph Rossi,2 son of Matthew, born in Mezzanabigli.
The following were present: Father John Bosco, Director; Father
Alasonatti, Prefect; Subdeacon Michael Rua, Spiritual Director; Deacon
Angelo Savio, Economer; Clerics John Cagliero, John Bonetti, and
Charles Ghivarello, Consultors.
After a short prayer to the Holy Spirit, balloting took place. With
votes unanimously favorable, the young man was admitted to the said
Society.
Later [in 1869] Joseph Rossi became purveyor of the Salesian
Society. In a talk that same evening, Don Bosco, commenting on
Isaiah - "Sion, the city of our strength: a Savior, a wall and a
bulwark shall be set therein" [Isa. 26, 1] - remarked that the wall
was God's law and the bulwark was the Society's rules, concerning
which he agreed with St. Thomas Aquinas that it is difficult for men
to observe God's commandments unless, by following His counsels,
1 See Chapter 24. [Editor]
2 See pp. 159f. [Editor]
274

31.3 Page 303

▲back to top


Holy Shrewdness
275
they also renounce what they possess. He concluded with a thought
of St. Augustine to the effect that rules are as helpful to us as
wheels to a vehicle or wings to a bird.
Meantime, the February issue of Letture Cattoliche was out,
entitled Timely Spiritual Resourcefulness by Father Joseph Fras-
sinetti, prior of Santa Sabina, Genoa . . .
Don Bosco appended to this booklet - a source of much spiri-
tual good - a little treatise by Msgr. Louis Gaston de Segur, The
Pope, which he slightly edited in spots ... and prefaced with a
brief note:
Let the reader mind well that this treatise deals with religion, not
politics. It appeals to good common sense and good faith, and so we
hope it will be well received. The Pope's temporal power is discussed
only from the viewpoint of religion and conscience, but to restrict con-
science to the realm of immaterial things only would be foolish. An
unbiased reading of these pages will show that truth speaks louder than
sophism.
Don Bosco also appended a note to the treatise:
Dear readers, be steadfast in your union with the Pope and the
Church. Fear not the enemy's furious threats and let not his honeyed
words deceive you. Mostly, do not be taken in by those seemingly
moderate ways and expressions which the wicked use to worm their way
into the minds of the upright. Stand up bravely for your faith and
convictions. Do not be afraid. God is with the Church all days to the
end of time. It is for the wicked to tremble before the godly, not the
godly before the wicked.
This booklet also appealed for a wider spread of Letture Cat-
toliche . . . whose every issue testified to Don Bosco's generous
love for and attachment to the Holy See. He stood always in the
breach, so to speak, in its defense. Just as in an issue of 1855 a he
had threatened God's punishments to usurpers of Church posses-
sions, so in this last he defended the Pope's temporal power. It
required rare courage at that time because he took the risk of
s See Vol. V, pp. 149f. [Editor]

31.4 Page 304

▲back to top


276
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
mighty serious consequences; in fact, he soon was called to face
them. However, Divine Providence so disposed things that he
could even turn certain events to his advantage. With the guidance
and comfort of the Blessed Virgin, he successfully blended sim-
plicity and prudence - no mean achievement, as St. John Chry-
sostom declares: Hoc est enim philosophiae culmen, simplicem esse
cum prudentia. [This is the apex of philosophy: to be simple, yet
prudent.]
What first put him on the right track was a request from the
Department of the Interior headed by Luigi Carlo Farini, who
just a few days before had succeeded Urbano Rattazzi:
Department of the Interior
Division 5, No. 84
Turin, February 4, 1860
The mayor of Lagnasco has requested support from this ministry for
the admission of Dominic Gorla, 14, a native of that town, into the
boys' Oratory of St. Francis de Sales of this city. This lad has lost both
parents and is totally destitute. I can do no less than second this appeal
to provide for the future of a boy of good moral character and health
by teaching him a craft which will assist him morally and materially.
I trust that Father John Bosco, director of the Oratory, will be favor-
able to this charity case. A prompt reply will be appreciated.
By Order of the Minister
Signed: Salino
Farini was just the man to be very hard on the Oratory, and yet
one of his first acts on taking office was to recommend an orphan
to Don Bosco. This may really seem strange, yet the explanation is
quite simple - Don Bosco's shrewdness. Foreseeing that any cab-
inet minister would gladly lend support to a request costing him
neither trouble nor expense because the paper work would be
handled by secretaries, Don Bosco himself often suggested that
applicants seek a recommendation from some government official.
We must add that Don Bosco counted a great many friends among
the secretaries and that often enough cabinet ministers found it
in their interest to recommend applicants to the Oratory, even if

31.5 Page 305

▲back to top


Holy Shrewdness
277
by so doing they placed themselves under some sort of an obliga-
tion to Don Bosco.
In all such cases Don Bosco obliged quickly, with a personal
reply to the cabinet minister, from whom, in due time, he would
know how to obtain protection and help.
In the above-mentioned case, he himself had probably suggested
to the mayor of Lagnasco that he seek a recommendation from
Minister Farini. Don Bosco replied to Farini very obligingly and
filed the minister's letter. The boy was accepted in the artisans'
division. To his surprise the lad found that his schoolmates in a
show of national consciousness were conversing in Italian rather
than in their native dialects. This had come about when a small
group of artisans - Fassino, Roda, Giani, Biletta, Cora, and
Variolato - at the suggestion of someone who knew how Don
Bosco felt on this point, approached him on February 13 [1860]
during the after-dinner 4 recreation while he was conversing with
some clerics and students and asked that Italian be the Oratory's
language even in familiar conversation. Don Bosco readily agreed
in order to avoid an inevitable babel of dialects. Furthermore, he
made Italian mandatory for students. The very next day Piedmont-
ese was no longer heard, though the artisans soon returned to it
since most of them feared to be ridiculed for their blunders and
felt additionally that conversing in Italian smacked of snobbery.
On this same day, February 13, several newcomers arrived. The
Porta Nuova railroad station was the favorite hangout of youths
eking out a living as vendors, bootblacks, or porters. Out of sheer
pity, Don Bosco used to invite them - coarse as they were and
totally ignorant of religion - to board at the Oratory. To his
great regret, however, most of them declined, having no interest in
their souls or in discipline.
On this particular day, as he was returning to the Oratory from
town, Don Bosco noticed seven youths about eighteen years old in
a nearby square. They looked like wild leaders of harassing mobs.
They greeted Don Bosco with jeers, but he walked up to them and
kindly asked about their birthplace, family, and jobs. When they
replied that they had no work and were not looking for any, Don
4 Dinner was at noon. [Editor]

31.6 Page 306

▲back to top


278
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Bosco asked them if they would like to go to a place where they
would find shelter, food, and work. "Is that your Oratory?" they
asked.
"Yes," Don Bosco replied. "How about it?"
"Shall we go?" one queried. All agreed and followed Don Bosco.
When they got to the Oratory, Don Bosco called his pupils around
him in the playground as soon as he could, and after some words
of advice he said, "We'll have to be very patient with these new-
comers. Do your best!"
Indeed, their every word was a blasphemy, a curse, or ribaldry.
In the dormitory at bedtime they laughed boisterously, shouted,
interrupted the public reading, and booed the young cleric who
asked them to keep quiet. A few, once they got clothes and shoes,
disappeared after a few days, but those who stayed on were given
a chance to learn a trade. Understandably, it took endless effort to
reform these youths, but before long Don Bosco's fatherly amia-
bility won out. "I kept them constantly in sight," Joseph Rossi
declared, "and personally saw how grateful they were. They vied in
mutually exhorting each other to behave, to work well, and to do
all Don Bosco asked."
A good cleric speeded up their conversion. Disturbed by their
wretched upbringing and irreverence in church, he prayed fervently
to the Blessed Virgin Mary to touch their hearts during Her month.
A few days later, after Benediction one evening, one of the young
men looked for him and tearfully asked how he might reform his
life. He confided that as the boys were singing "Praised be the
Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin
Mary" after Benediction he thought he saw Our Lady stretch Her
arms toward him from Her altar. The cleric suggested a general
confession, and the boy agreed. From then on he gradually became
a model of behavior to all, especially in church, and never slipped
back into his old ways.
The March issue of Letture Cattoliche, The Reward of Charity
by M. Desoville, marked the start of the publication's eighth year.
Appended to the issue was the pastoral letter of Msgr. Antony
Vitaliano Sossi, Asti's diocesan vicar capitular general. Dated Feb~

31.7 Page 307

▲back to top


Holy Shrewdness
279
ruary 10, 1860, it pointed out the baleful consequences of bad
literature and urged widespread reading of Letture Cattoliche . . .
The letter gave Don Bosco a chance to announce a plan of his.
During the previous year he had mulled over the idea of founding
a society which would help offset the evil effects of bad books by
a widespread distribution of wholesome literature. Accordingly he
drew up its bylaws 5 and then, in 1860, he started a subscription
drive by giving out booklets bearing the Oratory seal, with space
for the subscriber's name and offering. We have a few such blanks
in our archives. 6
5 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
6 We are omitting the subscribers' names and also a short promotional circular.
[Editor]

31.8 Page 308

▲back to top


CHAPTER 35
Love for the Church
THE Lent of 1860 began on February 22, and Don
Bosco's three festive oratories in Turin were geared for daily cate-
chetical instructions. The Guardian Angel Oratory of Bargo
Vanchiglia, however, was minus the bell used to assemble cate-
chism classes because it had been stolen. Fortunately, a distin-
guished benefactor - Archbishop Louis Fransoni - made up for
it, as we learn from a brief note in L'Armonia of February 18.1
This year the St. Aloysius Oratory acquired a new catechist -
John Mosca, an excellent teacher from Alba, who had directed his
efforts with rare devotion to a Christian education for his pupils.
Finding the school too narrow a field for his zeal, he volunteered to
teach catechism in the festive oratories. He was most faithful, es-
pecially at the St. Aloysius Oratory, where Father [Theodore]
Scolari of Maggiate and others also contributed their services. He
regularly made his annual spiritual retreat at St. Ignatius' Shrine at
Lanzo with Don Bosco. To show the worth of this catechist we will
add that in 1876, after twenty years of teaching, he retired because
of a throat ailment and at the age of fifty donned the ecclesiastical
habit. He died in Turin in 1904 at the age of eighty, as rector of
Holy Trinity Church. Like the holy Cure d'Ars, he was deeply
grieved by the wretched state of souls in mortal sin and zealously
spent most of his time in the confessional.
As usual, Don Bosco directed the Valdocco Oratory himself. At
this time, his three festive oratories still had chapters of the St.
Vincent de Paul Society.2 An official report, dated March 11, 1894
1 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
2 See Vol. V, pp. 306-311. [Editor]
280

31.9 Page 309

▲back to top


Love for the Church
281
and entitled Golden Jubilee of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in
Nice (1844-1894), reads as follows on page 36:
At the general assembly of February 19, 1860, Count [Charles] Cays,
president of the Superior Council of Conferences in Piedmont, gave the
following report:
"Turin has ten chapters whose activities are ever expanding. There
are also three additional 'affiliated chapters' made up of youths from
poor families mostly visited by the members of our Society.
"These 'affiliated chapters' operate as any chapter and are directed
by the devout, zealous Father John Bosco. A problem met by these
chapters was the regulation on the usual collection. How could the poor
help the poor? And yet they take up a collection, and every one of these
youngsters gives what he has been able to spare from his; real necessities.
When they cannot give cash, they give their hearts; and spirit of sacrifice.
"Nothing is more impressive than to see these lads lavish most tender
care - motherly, indeed - on younger boys who are weaker and
poorer than they. They keep a prudent, friendly supervision over them
with much greater emphasis on their moral training than on purely
material needs. They also teach them reading and writing."
Count Cays ends his interesting report with a well-founded observa-
tion that material resources are less important than zeal and sacrifice,
the true mainsprings of all charitable works.
While Don Bosco's spirit was an inspiration to his boys, he con-
stantly shared the anguish of Pius IX, who was thoroughly grieved
and disgusted by the positioning of enemy troops along the fron-
tiers of the Papal States and the despicable duplicity of Napoleon
III with his hypocritical, insolent diplomacy, recalling the legen-
dary lamb and wolf. Moreover, a large number of Italian and
foreign newspapers, impious forgers of shameless lies, bitterly
insulted, slandered, and threatened him. In Rome itself, agitators,
lavishly paid by Turin, kept inciting the populace to rebel. Even
high-placed government officials treacherously transmitted top
secret papers to the enemy. Count Camillo Benso Cavour watched
and pondered and, finally, impudently proposed a conciliation plan
to Cardinals Santini and Antonelli. Its first article would have
required the Pope to renounce temporal dominion over all his prov-
inces. Great advantages were promised to the two cardinals and
their families if the plan went through.

31.10 Page 310

▲back to top


282
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco, who was wont to say that we are never to let an
occasion go by for doing good, could not leave the Vicar of Jesus
Christ without the comfort he could give. In those days the Pope
found it difficult to correspond with bishops because all mail to or
from Rome aroused the suspicions of the Holy See's enemies. For
one thing, Don Bosco had his boys recite a daily Peter, Ave, and
Gloria for the Church's needs. Then, occasionally and very pru-
dently, he wrote to the exiled Archbishop Fransoni or to the Sacred
Roman Congregations about most delicate matters - cases of
conscience, norms of conduct, or questions of moral theology and
Canon Law. He would either entrust letters to a reliable person or
have them delivered by special messenger. Likewise, not to jeopar-
dize church authority, he generally did not keep replies he had
received, but safeguarded them with trustworthy people who were
beyond government suspicion. He also tried to comfort the Holy
Father as much as possible with letters of filial affection and did
his best to be helpful by keeping him informed of the secret plot-
tings of the revolutionaries.
"I myself," Father Angelo Savio told us, "was once expressly
sent by Don Bosco during those perilous years to Monsignor
[Cajetan] Tortone, the Holy See's charge d'affaires in Turin, to tell
him of things Don Bosco had deemed unwise to put in writing."
Father Paul Albera too was later entrusted with such errands.
Don Bosco took the Pope's interests to heart as his own, saying,
"The Pope's word must be our norm in everything and at all times."
Hence he prescribed that encyclicals and other papal documents
were to be read at table. He also had them translated into Italian
to be more easily grasped and remembered. Far from dissembling,
he vigorously upheld his principles even in the face of opposition.
In April, he extolled the papacy with The Life and Martyrdom of
St. Lucius I and St. Stephen I, Popes, a Letture Cattoliche booklet
that he himself wrote . . .
Meanwhile, events harmful to the Church were fast following
one another. Before proceeding further, though, we must say a
word on our sources. In 1859, Dominic Ruffino,3 a virtuous, intel-
s See ibid., pp. 470f. [Editor]

32 Pages 311-320

▲back to top


32.1 Page 311

▲back to top


Love for the Church
283
ligent, and level-headed diocesan student of theology, came to live
in the Oratory and began diligently to record Don Bosco's words
and deeds that he himself had witnessed. He also jotted down Don
Bosco's predictions of private and public events and of pupils'
deaths, noting accurately the day, month, and year of the predic-
tions and their fulfillment. For a clearer description of this good
confrere of ours, we shall add that during the school year 1861-62
he taught religion at the Oratory to all secondary school students
and church history to the clerics in 1862-63. He prepared his
lessons conscientiously and, in his modesty, never mounted the
teacher's podium, simply standing next to it. Ordained in 1863, he
became prefect of studies for that school year. Finally, Don Bosco
sent him in 1864 to open and direct a new school at Lanzo. This
assignment forced him to discontinue his valuable five-year chron-
icle [of Don Bosco].
Another source of ours is Father John Bonetti, author of Cinque
Lustri di Storia dell'Oratorio di San Francesco di Sales [The History
of the First Twenty-Five Years of the Oratory of St. Francis de
Sales]. He was ordained a priest in 1864. In accord with Dominic
Ruffino, he too wrote a chronicle of events he witnessed at the
Oratory from 1858 to the autumn of 1863 when he was assigned
to the Salesian school at Mirabella. As his confreres know, Father
Bonetti was an educated man, especially in sacred sciences; he
enjoyed Don Bosco's confidence and the esteem of Salesian general
chapters. He won rich merit with God by his help to Don Bosco in
governing the Society of St. Francis de Sales and the Institute of the
Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians.
Father Ruffino and Father Bonetti, then, are very credible
sources, and we have already availed ourselves of their testimony
in the course of our narration. We will combine their two chroni-
cles as supplements of each other. If an episode is recorded by only
one, we will give his name; if both narrate the same event, we will
simply identify the sources as "the chronicle." We will also add the
very weighty testimonies of Father Michael Rua, Bishop John
Cagliero, and other veteran Salesians. On our part we will produce
historical proofs of what we shall have to say.
We shall now proceed. Father Dominic Ruffino writes: "At the

32.2 Page 312

▲back to top


284
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
beginning of January 1860, Don Bosco, speaking of hard times
awaiting the Holy See and of Italy's political situation, remarked,
'Let's wait and see what March will bring us.'" Not missing a
single syllable of his, the boys waited with keen expectation. Events
proved he was right.
On March 11 and 12, Tuscany and Emilia ( that is, Parma,
Modena, and the Legations) held plebiscites and, as expected,
overwhelmingly voted for annexation to Piedmont. Then, on March
18 and 22 respectively, the commissioners of Emilia and Tuscany
- Luigi Farini and Bettino Ricasoli - formally acquainted King
Victor Emmanuel II in Turin with the outcome of the plebiscites.
The king received both commissioners with pomp and ratified the
requested annexation with two decrees declaring those provinces
integral parts of the kingdom of Savoy. Thus the Pope was irre-
vocably robbed of his Legations . . .
Meantime, to widen his activities on behalf of poor youths and
perhaps also to find out how he stood with the government, Don
Bosco applied to Luigi Farini, [newly appointed] Minister of the
Interior, for a railroad pass. His request was forwarded to the com-
petent department headed by Chevalier Bartholomew Bona, who
obliged ...
This gentleman had headed the Public Works Department from
18 55 to 1857, had been Cabinet Minister and Secretary of State in
1858-59, and was now Director General of Railroads, an important
post. He was constantly generous to Don Bosco. For several years
he granted him and his traveling companion a second class railroad
pass and a 75 % reduction in fare to all Oratory boys. Occasionally
he offered Don Bosco a coach or two for the boys' autumn outing
[to Becchi]. On such occasions, instead of going through Chieri,
the boys got off the train at Villanova d'Asti and walked the rest of
the way - not too short a walk either.
Don Bosco reciprocated in a way which had always proved very
effective in the past. When railroad accidents or some other causes
prematurely took the life of a railroad employee, Don Bosco took
in their orphaned sons. Divisional chiefs who knew Don Bosco
personally frequently asked him to take these charity cases and he
promptly obliged, thus winning the esteem and gratitude of all

32.3 Page 313

▲back to top


Love for the Church
285
railroaders. Chevalier Bona himself, a very influential man, was a
great friend of Don Bosco, sincerely loved him, delighted to con-
verse with him often and long, and gave him generous donations.
Shortly before he died, Bona called on Don Bosco and spent several
hours in conversation with him as they paced the library. Undoubt-
edly, Don Bosco did not fail to insert a word or two of spiritual
worth for his benefactor's soul.
In view then of his ever ready and obliging charity, of the good
will he enjoyed in the Public Works Department, and of Cheval-
ier Bona's affection, we believe that Don Bosco had good hopes
for help when he needed it. His trust, however, did not rest in
men, but in the Blessed Virgin and in his boys' prayers. In April,
one lad, a young artisan who was exemplary in piety and purity,
wrote to him a confidential letter which Don Bosco saved because
of his deep esteem and love for that boy:
Dearly revered Father,
[No date]
One night a man, poorly but neatly clothed, appeared to me. He was
leaning on a staff and wore sandals. He looked friendly, majestic, and
wise.
He showed me certain future events, and then, pointing to the ground
with his left hand, said, "Follow in my footsteps." I did so and found
myself in a strange place. He then made me understand clearly and
indelibly that if the Oratory will constantly watch in prayer, if all will
pray devoutly, the number of boys will increase and the Oratory will
flourish and prosper to the Church's advantage. When, however, a dis-
taste for the practices of piety will creep in, when the reception of the
sacraments will decline, when prayers will be recited inattentively and
slovenly - in short when love of God will yield to love of vain, worldly
pleasures (as unfortunately is already the case with a few) - then the
number of pupils and of priestly vocations will drop. Bitter will be the
tears and sorrow of those who will see such outrages committed against
God. The superior will lose his subjects' respect, he will be despised and
even persecuted as one who wanted to do away with the traditional re-
ligious practices of the Oratory. 4 Those who know the cause will be
utterly dismayed and frightened.
4 This clause is puzzling because the original itself is mystifying: ". . . come se
[ii superiore] volesse disperdere le antiche usanze della religione nell'Oratorio."
[Editor]

32.4 Page 314

▲back to top


286
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
At present there is no such danger because you have pupils who can
be of great help to you by their excellent conduct and purity of life.5
5 The boy's signature does not appear in the original Italian edition of these
memoirs. [Editor]

32.5 Page 315

▲back to top


CHAPTER 36
A Gift to the Pope
THE May issue of Letture Cattoliche, entitled Angelina,
offered suggestions on spending each day with Mary as one's model
and help ...1
While directing his many efforts toward the common spiritual
welfare of the faithful, Don Bosco also strove to bring individuals
back to God, such as those he met by chance or looked for - a
task more demanding in humility and self-sacrifice. Many such
souls responded to his zeal, made their confessions to him, and
on Easter Sunday, April 8, received Holy Communion with the
Oratory boys.
Father [Felix] Reviglio told us an incident of this sort:
One day, at the comer of Via San Domenico and Via Milano, Don
Bosco came upon an old bricklayer just as the latter slipped and lost
his balance. He would have fallen, had not Don Bosco held him up. The
old man thanked him profusely. "But for you I would have fallen," he
said. Don Bosco replied, "Would to God that I could also prevent you
from falling into hell!"
So impressed was the man that, as in a flash, he saw his soul's
wretched state. Prompted by God's grace, he soon went to confession
to Don Bosco, who felt deeply consoled by having been able to save a
man from both physical and spiritual harm. The old man was ever
grateful and greeted Don Bosco heartily any time he saw him.
On April 11 [1860] Don Bosco wrote to the Pope for himself
and for the festive oratory boys to assure him of their loyalty. The
1 We are omitting here a letter of the archbishop of Florence, dated April 2,
1860, concerning material for Letture Cattoliche. [Editor]
287

32.6 Page 316

▲back to top


28 8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
letter carried 710 signatures; enclosed with it was a donation of
143 lire and 40 centesimi for "Peter's Pence."
A charitable lady had donated this sum to Don Bosco to give
the boys a special treat at breakfast. When Don Bosco told them
about it, they unanimously asked that it be sent to the Holy
Father. Don Bosco emphasized that the donor wanted the money
to be used for their treat, but they insisted that they would do
without it and even without breakfast to forward the money to
the Pope, who had already sent them so many gifts. On hearing
of this, the charitable lady gave Don Bosco the same amount
again, so that, as a reward for their love of the Holy Father, the
boys could still have their treat.
To the boys' letter, Don Bosco had added one of his own,
advising the Pope that "a great calamity which would shake the
faith of many was about to fall on the Church, and that the faith
would have to be defended by the blood of the bravest." He added
that the Pope "was not to become discouraged, because Mary was
preparing a great triumph for the Church in the near future."
These words, which come from Father Ruffino's chronicle,
perhaps alluded to the volunteers who would rally to the Pope's
colors and to the canonization of the Japanese martyrs. As we
shall see, Don Bosco never wavered in his conviction that hopes
of a political restoration were very, very remote.
On the following day, April 12, at the "Good Night," after
commenting on the boys' gift to the Holy Father, he remarked:
"In January I said, 'Let's wait and see what March will bring us.'
Now I say, 'Let's wait and see what August will bring us!'" Then,
after exhorting the boys always to be fearless and generous Chris-
tians, he went on:
Now I'll tell you about a frightful incident witnessed by a whole
town. Before the Easter holidays I gave some advice to an Oratory
pupil who was about to go home. Among other things I told him always
to make the Sign of the Cross before and after meals. Being a very good
boy, he quite willingly accepted every suggestion, but this last one pre-
sented a problem because saying grace was not customary in his family
and would bring ridicule upon him.

32.7 Page 317

▲back to top


A Gift to the Pope
289
Then I said, "Why are you afraid? If your parents object, tell them
that the Constitution 2 has opened a new era - the era of freedom."
"All right," the boy chuckled in reply, "I'll do just that." And off he
went. He was warmly welcomed and asked a thousand questions, espe-
cially as to what he had learned in Turin. At suppertime, all sat greedily
at the table without saying grace, as if they were dumb animals. Our
boy, instead, though blushing, bravely made the Sign of the Cross
and said grace.
"What are you doing?" asked his big brother. And he began poking
fun at him. "Is this all you have learned in Turin? Was it worth going
there if you still hang on to these old-fashioned ideas? If all you learned
was being a holy Joe, you might as well have stayed home!"
"Dominic," the boy replied (Dominic was his brother's name), "what
you call old-fashioned ideas are religious practices handed down to us
by our forefathers, teachers, and priests."
"They're antiquated notions! Forget them! Sit down and eat!"
"You're quite rude," our boy replied. "I believe in these things.
The Sign of the Cross before and after meals is taught by the cate-
chism, and it is the right thing to do. Only dumb animals eat and
drink without giving a thought to their Creator. We are not dumb
animals! We have reason and should see God's hand always and
everywhere, especially when we take the food that He gives us to
sustain our lives, which depend on Him and which He can take away
at any moment."
"Words, words," said Dominic, echoed by his other brothers. The
conversation then switched to other matters, but things were going
to be worse the following day.
To celebrate the boy's homecoming, his mother - hardly a prac-
ticing Catholic - had invited relatives and friends to dinner. As the
time drew near, our boy felt a little nervous, but when everybody sat
down at table, he did not flinch and fearlessly made the Sign of the
Cross while laughter and jeers rose all around him. When the noise
had died down, Dominic, the leader of that unseemly outburst, de-
risively remarked, "Say, let's make a deal, the two of us."
"What deal?"
"You say grace and all the Pater Nosters you want and I will eat
your share. Then we'll see who'll feel better."
"All right," the boy replied. "If that's what you want, you can have
2 A reference to the Constitution granted by King Charles Albert on March 4,
1848. See Vol. III, pp. 213ff. [Editor]

32.8 Page 318

▲back to top


290
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
my piece of Ip.eat, and I'll be satisfied with soup, bread, and cheese.
Just don't bother me when I say grace. As for the Pater Nosters, that's
not necessary."
They agreed. Dominic laughingly helped himself also to his brother's
portion amid the guffaws of his ill-bred relatives. That evening at sup-
per, Dominic again said to his brother, "The same deal! You pray
all you want and I'll eat your share too."
"Well," was the answer, "I don't mind giving up food. What hurts
me, though, is to see you so irreligious. If you don't want to practice
your faith, at least don't mock it. Don Bosco told me more than once
that no one can mock God and get away with it. Religion is a two-
edged sword and wounds people who attack it. Don't take chances."
During supper a number of rough young men dropped in and joined
Dominic in poking fun at his brother. I will not repeat their banalities
and the sharp retorts of our brave boy. I will only say that things got
to such a point that our friend could say nothing more than "Beware
of mocking God!"
When supper was over, Dominic said teasingly to his brother, "Well
now, did you enjoy your supper? How do you feel?"
"I feel fine! True, my stomach is not half as full as yours, but that
should aid my digestion."
"Yes, indeed! Pater Nosters shouldn't be hard to digest!" He had
hardly said these words when he suddenly paled, writhing in pain.
"My stomach is killing me," he groaned. "Help ... "
It was ten o'clock and his friends, who were just about to leave,
had to carry him to bed. Violent convulsions and atrocious stomach
pains made him break into frightful screams. While companions stood
around in a stupor, his mother, gravely worried, sent for a doctor. Our
young boy then approached his big brother and asked him if he wanted
a priest. At this he got angry and tried to punch him. Soon afterward,
though, he calmed down and motioned to his younger brother to get
the priest. Both priest and doctor arrived at about the same moment.
The patient, however, writhing in pain because of internal bleeding,
died that same night. Even so, he was able to make his peace with
God and tell bis friends, "Don't make fun of religion. You can't mock
God and get away with it. God has punished me for my gluttony and
blasphemies."
Let's hope this poor lad died in God's mercy. His death, though,
taught his friends a frightful lesson. Wasting no time, they went to a
neighboring Capuchin monastery for confession and made their Easter

32.9 Page 319

▲back to top


A Gift to the Pope
291
Communion. That youth's younger brother mourns his death and
daily prays for the repose of his soul.
While Don Bosco thus sowed the good seed, he was heartened
to see new, able co-workers at hand to help him gather the harvest.
One of them was Michael Rua, who was now completing his theo-
logical studies. As his ordination was forthcoming, a dispensation
was sought from Rome because of age [he was only twenty-three].
It was promptly and graciously granted through Cardinal Marini
in a letter dated April 20, 1860.8
However, the dispensation came somewhat late because in those
days a royal placet was required for its execution. Rua had to
wait two more months before reaching his long-cherished goal.
Meantime Don Bosco's charisms clearly showed God's approval
of his work. Father Ruffino's chronicle has this entry under April
7 [1860]:
These past few days Don Bosco has repeatedly announced: "There
will be a death in the house this month."
In fact, on April 24, a fourteen-year-old boy, Alexander Trona from
Turin, died at the Oratory. He and his brother had arrived April 8
[Easter Sunday], registered by Mr. Gianoglio who had brought them to
the Oratory to spare them a wretched family life. The following Sunday,
April 15, Alexander made his Easter Communion after having been
away from the sacraments for the last seven years. The next day he
fell ill with German measles. On Sunday, the 22nd, he received Holy
Viaticum, and on Monday the Anointing of the Sick; finally, on Tues-
day, April 24, he died of typhoid fever at about nine thirty in the
morning.
Much was said in the house about these repeated predictions.
Occasionally Don Bosco remarked in the presence of Father John
Baptist Francesia [then still a cleric]: "If you knew how much it
costs me to foresee the future of others!" We may surmise that this
charism entailed some mysterious condition or extraordinary sac-
rifice on his part and was granted in response to his prayers.
"But how do you come to know who is to die?" he was asked
one day.
3 Omitted in this edition. [Editor~

32.10 Page 320

▲back to top


292
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Sometimes," he replied, "I see boys walking on different paths
which may be intersected by a ditch about one half, one third,
or one fourth of the way. At other times I see a date written across
the paths - a year, month, and day."
Charles Gastini made bold to ask Don Bosco how long he would
live. Don Bosco frankly replied, "You'll live to be seventy."
Gastini recalled this prediction on a thousand occasions in
rhyme and prose so that it became common knowledge both in
the Oratory and out. He actually died in 1901, assisted by Father
Michael Rua, on the day following his seventieth birthday.
There were other predictions. Father Ruffino's chronicle goes
on: "On April 25, Don Bosco said in a private conversation, 'Two
things are certain: the fall of the two Sicilies and the departure of
Cleric [Louis] Castellano 4 for heaven!'" This cleric, often sickly,
had gone home to rebuild his health. He lived in Turin.
While preparations were secretly underfoot in Piedmont for
the conquest of southern Italy, Pius IX acknowledged Don Bosco's
letter through his Secretary of State:
Very Reverend Father,
Rome, May 17, 1860
With pleasure I gave the Holy Father the parcel you sent me with
your explanatory letter of April 25. Knowing that it was dictated by
filial zeal, His Holiness was greatly delighted with it and gratefully
implores God's abundant blessings on you and on the youths entrusted
to your care. Please continue your prayers; they are greatly needed.
Sincerely yours,
James Cardinal Antonelli
At the beginning of May, Don Bosco was enrolling new mem-
bers in his Society, as we read in the minutes of two chapter
meetings:
The Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales met on May 1,
1860 to consider four applicants: Peter Capra, son of Francis, of Alfi-
ano; Paul Albera, son of John Baptist, of None; John Garino, son of
4 See Chapters 47 and 59. [Editor]

33 Pages 321-330

▲back to top


33.1 Page 321

▲back to top


A Gift to the Pope
293
Anthony, of Busca; and Gabriel Momo, son of Joseph, of Saluggia.
The applications had been presented by Don Bosco, our superior, at
a previous meeting. Accordingly, after the usual invocation to the Holy
Spirit, votes were taken. Peter Capra was unanimously accepted; all
the others received six affirmative votes out of seven. Consequently all
were admitted to the practice of the rules of the said Society.
Two days later another meeting was held:
The Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales met on May 3,
1860 at 10 A.M. to consider the applications of Dominic Ruffino,
cleric, son of Michael, of Giaveno; Francis Vaschetti, cleric, son of
Peter, of Avigliana; and Edward Donato, son of the late Charles,
of Saluggia. The result of the votes was: Ruffino, six affirmative votes
out of seven; Vaschetti five, and Donato seven. All were therefore
admitted to the practice of the rules of the said Society.
All the above men excelled in intelligence, study, piety, and
conduct. Don Bosco had formed them to his own image and like-
ness in candor, work, and perseverance. As a matter of policy,
he would not accept the undecided or weak-willed, especially if
they had been recommended for academic courses. We see one
such instance in this letter to Miss Adele Daviso of Chieri:
Dear Miss Davise,
Turin, April 25, 1860
The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be always with us.
Before we accept the Rossi boy, he must make up his mind as to
what he plans to do after his studies. At present he is not sure whether
he prefers a craft or academic subjects. I suggest that in the meantime
he go to Canon [Joseph] Caselle 5 for an interview and advice on the
matter of his vocation. On my part I shall always gladly do for your
protege whatever will redound to God's greater glory and the good
of his soul.
I recommend myself and my boys to the kindness of your prayers.
Your devoted servant,
Fr. John Bosco
O Don Bosco had known Caselle in Chieri when the latter was a secondary
school student. See Vol. I, pp. 218f. [Editor]

33.2 Page 322

▲back to top


294
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
We shall now quote briefly from Father John Bonetti's chronicle:
At the annual spiritual retreat held at the Oratory April 30 to May 4,
to the souvenirs given by the preachers at its close, Don Bosco added
his own at the "Good Night": Frequent confession and Communion,
avoidance of bad companions, close association with the more virtuous
and devout, and sincerity in confession.
"I assure you, my dear sons," Don Bosco concluded, "if you carry
out these suggestions, you'll break the devil's horns."
The spiritual retreat had introduced Mary's month during which,
as Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio testified, Don Bosco proposed a
general nosegay for the whole month and a different one for each
day. These nosegays given at the "Good Night" were diligently
practiced by the boys to their great spiritual advantage and to the
advantage of the whole house. 6
6 We are omitting a description of Garibaldi's expedition into Sicily and the
flocking of volunteers for the papal armies. [Editor]

33.3 Page 323

▲back to top


CHAPTER 37
An Eventful Trip
ON May 6 [18 60] Don Bosco left for Bergamo where
diocesan church affairs were very distressing indeed. Its clergy -
one of the best educated and most exemplary of Lombardy - had
become the target of the anticlericals. The previous year the bish-
op's residence had been invaded by a maddened, thieving mob,
and the bishop himself had been manhandled. "Death to priests!"
was daily scribbled on walls. Worse still, government officials
unashamedly inveighed against innocent priests. Ostentatiously
they jailed several to the great scandal and sorrow of the Catholic
population, alleging that they had conspired against the govern-
ment by holding public meetings and prayers, collecting funds
for "Peter's Pence," and the like.
Don Bosco went to Bergamo to comfort its prelate, Bishop
Peter L. Speranza. Some days later, back in Turin, he gave a sort
of report, as was his custom whenever he absented himself for
some time from the Oratory. His boys shared his life intimately,
and these vivid, cheery, familiar talks gave him an opportunity
to impart sound knowledge while feeding their imagination. Don
Bosco's account, covering several "Good Nights," is taken verbatim
from Father Bonetti's chronicle. It may seem rather overdrawn,1
but this was Don Bosco's style in such circumstances:
When I took the train on May 6, I shared my compartment with
two other passengers. During the conversation, one of them complained
that he had come to Turin to speak to Don Bosco about registering a
1 We shall omit unimportant details here and there, indicating such deletions
each time with dots. [Editor]
295

33.4 Page 324

▲back to top


296
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
boy at the Oratory but had been unable to meet him. I asked him
if he knew Don Bosco, and he replied that he knew him quite well.
I kept asking about his boy till we came to Saluggia, when I identified
myself to his great surprise and pleasure, and we had a hearty laugh
together. Then we all got off the train and my friend took advantage
of the stop to visit the town. When it was time to leave again, our
fellow passenger, who had left a duffel bag and umbrella in our com-
partment, took a seat elsewhere, leaving us to ourselves. My friend
was a good man, but quite biased, due to ignorance and his reading
of anticlerical newspapers. Before reboarding the train, he bought a
copy of L'Opinione. After a quick glance, he courteously passed it
on to me.
"Thanks," I said, "but I don't read that kind of paper, and I'm
quite surprised that you do."
"What's wrong with it?"
"Don't you see that it is antireligious?"
"Well, we can't be too squeamish about newspapers."
"Why not? Are good and evil the same?"
"But everybody reads this paper!"
"Easy, my good man. That is a gross exaggeration. Maybe less
than two thousand people read this trash."
"That's your opinion. It has many readers, so it can't be too bad."
"That's poor reasoning! If many do read it, they are doing wrong.
ff we could take a look into hell, we would see how many are doomed
there just because of having read bad literature."
"You scare me. If that's the case, to the devil with this paper.''
So saying, he tore it to pieces and threw it out the window. I then
tried to win his confidence, and before long he opened his soul to
me, concluding, "I would like to make my confession." I was delighted
and told him to prepare himself. Then, between Magenta and Milan,
he made his confession with all the signs of a sincere conversion. Do
you see, boys, the power of God's grace? I felt very happy, especially
as I could not help but see God's intervention in the fact that our
fellow passenger did not return, even though the train made several
stops. Otherwise, it would have been impossible for me to help that
soul. When we arrived at Milan, he came back for his luggage.
Some may ask: "Did you have faculties for confessions outside your
diocese?" Certainly! When I was at Rome, Pius IX himself gave me
faculties for anywhere in the world.
I arrived at Bergamo at 8 in the evening in the rain . . . I spent

33.5 Page 325

▲back to top


An Event!ul Trip
297
a very pleasant evening with the bishop and his household . . . and
then retired for the night. I was up very early the next morning and
did quite a bit of desk work. Later, the bishop sent an attendant to
escort me to the cathedral for Mass.... Afterward, when I returned
to the bishop's house, I had a meeting with a priest who had been
summoned to discuss setting up a chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society in the city - a project very dear to the bishop. I skirted all
difficulties by asking, "Can we count on two good Catholic young
men in this city?"
"A great deal more than two," the priest replied.
"Well then, have them meet me at your rectory tonight, and we
will get started."
That evening I talked to eighteen young men. I encouraged them by
showing them what they could do for the poor and their own spiritual
advantage. I told them to disregard human considerations, and to
recall that we are not accountable to the world but to God, who will
give us a hundredfold in this life and eternal life to come. They were
enthused and promised to return the next evening to elect a council,
as in fact they did.
But let us return to the bishop's house. The next day, May 8, while
we were having dinner, we learned that the pastor of Terno [d'Isola]
had been freed from prison. Moments later, a venerable looking priest,
Father Ferdinand Bagini, came in and eagerly kissed the bishop's ring.
The prelate was delighted at the good pastor's unexpected arrival.
Turning to me and believing me to be the one who had come from
Turin to seek his release - as rumors had it - the priest kept thanking
me. No amount of denying on my part and of protesting that I had
had nothing to do with it would change his mind. He was convinced
that I was just trying to be humble. Therefore, he thanked me again
and again, to my real embarrassment.
Father Bagini had been arrested February 22 after he had published
a prayer for God's aid to the Pope and had promoted "Peter's Pence."
He was not in the good graces of the government or of the liberal
party, and so, on being reported to the police, he was promptly jailed.
When his case came to court on May 8, the accusations proved baseless
and he was acquitted.
After this interruption, we resumed our dinner. Presently, noticing
the bishop's worried look, I asked him what was on his mind, and
he replied that Father Bagini was to return to his parish the following
day and the liberals might stir up trouble. He added that he wasn't

33.6 Page 326

▲back to top


298
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
too happy about escorting him there - as was his duty - particularly
since the government checked his every step and word to get him
in trouble.
'"In that case," I replied, "if you wish, I will gladly rid you of this
problem by accompanying Father Bagini myself."
"Oh, thank you!" the bishop exclaimed with a sigh of relief. "You
are doing me a very great favor. You can't imagine how worried I
was about compromising myself and church authority."
This offer of mine cost me no inconvenience since Terno was on the
way to Bottanuco, a parish ten miles from Bergamo, where I was
expected for a sermon and where I was going to visit the seminary.
The rest of the day passed pleasantly. The bishop offered his carriage
for our trip, and I gladly accepted, since I did not feel up to walking
that distance.
The morning of May 9, the bishop's secretary, a seminary professor,
Father Bagini, and I got into the carriage and left. As we crossed the
city limits, a man from Terno, riding a pony that looked like a donkey,
stopped us and asked, "Is our pastor with you?"
"Yes," we answered.
"Good," he exclaimed. So saying, he turned his pony about and
galloped full speed to Terno to announce the pastor's arrival. He
waved his arms so wildly that I wondered how he could keep his
balance. . . .
As we approached the little town, we met groups of people, mostly
white-haired men and women and very young children, who had left
their chores at home or in the fields and had flocked out to welcome
their brave pastor. With tears of joy they cried, "Long live our pastor!
May God keep him many more years in our midst! Let no one dare
to come and take him away again!"
Their tears, obvious love, and enthusiasm deeply touched me and
my two companions. Father Bagini was weeping profusely. No doubt
he was comparing his sorrowful departure under arrest with this joyful
homecoming. . . .
Finally the belfry of tl1e parish church and the houses of Temo
came into sight. As we approached, we saw not only the faithful but
also pastors and priests who had come from near and far on foot or
on horseback to honor Father Bagini. Bells were ringing and fire-
crackers were popping, to the joy of all.
A vast crowd awaited the carriage at the town limits. The front
of the church, nearby buildings, and triumphal arches were draped

33.7 Page 327

▲back to top


An Eventful Trip
299
in multi-colored bunting. At the church square the mayor and his
councilors, with more distinguished parishioners, waited to honor their
pastor whom they received with the heartiest ovations. . . .
The church was packed with parishioners anxious to hear their
pastor, but he was so deeply moved that he could not utter a word.
I then remarked that someone should address the congregation and
invited several priests individually, but they all declined with various
excuses.
'~How about you?" some suggested.
"Very well!" I replied. "I'll do it!" I walked into the sanctuary with
my hat in my left hand and my topcoat on my right arm. I congratu-
lated the people for their warm reception and invited them to thank
God who, while permitting tribulations, often compensates for them
even in this life with greater joys. I urged them ever to revere their
worthy pastor and to accept his words as coming from God. After
mentioning their duties toward him, I concluded with a few words
about the sweet bond of charity that should always unite them with
their spiritual father. While speaking, I could hear sighing and sobbing,
and I could hardly hold back my own tears.
Then a solemn Te Deum was sung, followed by Benediction.
Immediately afterward, all hastened to greet their spiritual father
personally. . . .
That day proved a happy one for all. Immediately after dinner I
set out for Bottanuco with the seminary professor and the bishop's
secretary. Since the major seminary at Bergamo had been comman-
deered by French troops during the war and these had lingered for
quite some time, the bishop had sent his philosophy and theology
students to the junior seminary. I immediately made friends with the
young clerics. Then, after supper, I gave them a short talk. I really
enjoyed the visit. Finally I went to bed, as you too will do right now.
Good night!
Thus reads Father Bonetti's chronicle. We shall add that Don
Bosco also went to Chiuduno where the pastor, Father Joseph
Calvi, had drawn anticlerical hatred on himself by his zeal.
On his return to Bergamo, Don Bosco told Bishop Speranza
about the reception given to Father Bagini and about the possible
opposition he might meet. His arrest had chiefly been due to
repeated accusations by an unworthy priest. After gathering evi-

33.8 Page 328

▲back to top


300
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
dence, the bishop ordered that priest to leave town within a few
hours under penalty of suspension.
Don Bosco also mentioned his visit to the seminarians and
offered to preach their spiritual retreat the following year. His
offer was enthusiastically accepted and the clerics cheered at the
news. Don Bosco's words had been so soul-thrilling that they
had marveled at the saintliness and wisdom of this good servant
of the Lord. Don Bosco also broached to the bishop the matter of
having as many priests and clerics as possible take the state exam-
inations so as to have certified teachers for his diocese. The
bishop, however, looked askance on this idea and, being rather
touchy on matters affecting his jurisdiction, replied that he could
not in conscience yield in any way to the Church's persecutors.
However, he could not help seeing the advantages of Don Bosco's
plan. He mulled over it, and at the dinner table he stated that he
did not believe it lawful for a bishop to submit his priests to
secular approval for teaching. It was the bishop's right, he asserted,
to oversee the education of his people, and he could not re-
nounce it.
"I have no intention to argue the point," Don Bosco replied,
"but let me briefly put it this way: Either the bishops take action
- and thus recapture the field of education before the laity takes
over - or they sit back and do nothing, and within ten years
education will be totally secular."
The prelate, like many others, believed that the present turmoil
would run its course and the old order would return. Don Bosco
tried to disillusion him by making it clear that the revolution,
backed by governmental power, was here to stay and that God
only knew if and when church authority would be restored. Hu-
manly speaking, the situation was hopeless, with not the slightest
indication that the present state of things would ever change. To
make matters worse, all foreign governments were hostile to the
Church. The bishop kept his views. A few years later, though, he
wrote to Don Bosco: "You were right, but now, perhaps, it's
too late!"
While in Bergamo, Don Bosco also called on Count Rudolph
De Maistre's daughter, who had been widowed at nineteen by the

33.9 Page 329

▲back to top


An Eventful Trip
301
untimely death of her husband, Count Medolago. Ever more grate-
ful to the De Maistre family, Don Bosco hastened to give much
desired news of her to her aged father, who lived at Beaumesnil,
France.

33.10 Page 330

▲back to top


CHAPTER 38
Church Harassment
JUDGING from letters in our archives, many people
in Turin awaited Don Bosco's return, among them Father M.
Conobbio, a scholarly Barnabite from Moncalieri, who regularly
signed himself "Your loving son." He keenly desired a favor of
Don Bosco and was not disappointed.
While Don Bosco was in Bergamo, two former Oratory boys -
now apprentice bricklayers - were fatally injured when a newly
laid roof of a building under construction suddenly collapsed, kill-
ing one outright and fracturing the other's skull. Rushed to the
Cottolengo Hospital unconscious, the latter lay in critical condition
for a week. On May 14, a week after the accident, Don Bosco
went to see him. No sooner had he entered the ward than the youth
regained consciousness, recognized him, and with an effort called
loudly to him. All were amazed because, as the Capuchin chaplain
of that ward tells us, the patient had not been able to utter a
word since his accident. Don Bosco went to the boy's bedside
immediately, and the latter asked for confession. After absolving
him, Don Bosco cheered him and then went around comforting
the other patients. The boy lapsed back into unconsciousness, and
by the time Don Bosco returned to his bedside, he was dying. As
with St. Philip Neri, God had brought Don Bosco at the right
moment to save the soul of a dear child of his. Joseph Reano
told us of this incident.
Don Bosco was guided by God at every step because he was
a man of prayer, though he exhibited none of the outward signs
usually noticeable in other saints. His was an "active" prayer, by
302

34 Pages 331-340

▲back to top


34.1 Page 331

▲back to top


Church Harassment
303
which he kept in God's presence constantly not only to serve
Him but to rejoice in His holy will by carrying out the duties of
his own state of life. St. Francis de Sales aptly described this when
he wrote: "There is a certain manner of praying which is very
easy and profitable, achieved by accustoming our soul to the
presence of God in such a way that this presence will engender
in us an intimate, unhampered, simple, and perfect union with
God. How effective is this prayer!"
Thus Don Bosco promoted God's glory unassumingly, both
in and out of the house, by word and deed. He still visited hos-
pitals and prisons. On May 18 [1860], after supper, many young
clerics crowded around him in the dining room, talking, among
other things, about the need for good, zealous priests for the prison
apostolate. Pondering the need of these unfortunate people for
God's grace to break their shameful bonds, Don Bosco remained
silent a while. Then, abruptly taking Dominic Ruffino's hand in
his own, he looked intently at him, placed his elbows on the table,
and rested his forehead against the cleric's hand for several min-
utes. Finally, raising his head, he said to him: "Be brave! You will
need a strong arm to swing a scythe skillfully." His thought was
of the evangelical harvest.
The following day, while again conversing with the clerics on
public events, he remarked: "I believe trouble is just beginning."
But things were already quite bad. Protestants were now com-
pletely free to build churches and schools, preach, spread literature,
and even present plays mocking religion and the Pope. The 1855
law against religious orders 1 - which also forbade them to accept
novices - was to be enforced in all annexed provinces. Any priest
daring to voice opposition to the new order, to uphold the Church's
rights, or to publicize papal directives was liable to very severe
reprisals. Many priests, in fact, were indicted and either impris-
oned or exiled. Bishops tried to stem the rising flood of immorality
and irreligion, but when some rightfully protested to the govern-
ment, they were either jailed or put under house arrest. When,
for instance, the archbishop of Pisa, [Cosimus] Cardinal Corsi,
protested the harassment of his clergy, he was ordered to Turin
1 See Vol. V, pp. 117, 152, 154. [Editor]

34.2 Page 332

▲back to top


304
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
by Cavour. He arrived at ten on the evening of May 21 and was
met at the station by Canon Michelangelo Vacchetta 2 who took
him to the Vincentians where he was welcomed and housed. The
following day, the same canon accompanied him to the Minister
of Justice, John B. Cassinis, who severely reprimanded him.
During his two months of confinement, the cardinal said not
a word against anyone. Like Our Savior under questioning, he
answered mostly with silence. To his jailer, Canon Vacchetta, he
declared: "I will neither defend myself nor accuse others. Nor
will I ask pardon. I am accountable to God alone, to whom your
friends, the cabinet ministers, shall also be accountable. They
have power over my body, but not over my spirit." When Canon
Vacchetta gave him the freedom of Turin and its environs, he
replied, "I am a prisoner and shall conduct myself as one!"
Ever serene and cheerful, he went nowhere unless compelled.
He received callers affably as a gentle father. When Don Bosco
visited him for some two hours the evening after his arrival, the
cardinal told him the full story of his arrest, adding that when he
and his secretary were just about in Turin, they recited the Te
Deum in thanksgiving that he had been judged worthy to suffer
for God's sake. Don Bosco was amazed at his fortitude. Before
leaving, he obtained the cardinal's promise to come to the Oratory
and give Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
We shall now return to the chronicle. On May 24 [1860] Don
Bosco stated at the "Good Night": "One of you boys must pre-
pare for death." These announcements, though couched in gen-
eral terms, always produced wholesome effects. Naturally, they
also aroused conjectures as to who would die. For example, Dom-
inic Ruffino's chronicle has this entry under May 25: "Gilardi is
running a fever, Perona is at the Cottolengo Hospital, Bocca and
Bolei are at the SS. Maurice and Lazarus Hospital, Enria and
Ravizza have headaches, and Botto has a swollen forehead. Will
it be one of them?"
During those very days, Don Bosco received from Pius IX an
acknowledgment 3 of his letter [of April 11] on behalf of the festive
2 See ibid., p. 32. [Editor]
3 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

34.3 Page 333

▲back to top


Church Harassment
305
oratory boys, assuring the Pope of their loyalty and offering him
their "Peter's Pence" donation.
At the Oratory, prayers for the Church were constantly united
to [apostolic] work. The June issue of Letture Cattoliche, entitled
Alexis, a Young Painter, exemplified the reward promised for the
observance of the Fourth Commandment: "Honor your father
and your mother that you may have a long life . . . " while the
July issued concerned The Precepts of the Church and Their Ob-
servance ... A boost for Letture Cattoliche came from L'Armonia
in its June 20, 1860 issue.4 The article ended with a quote from
the pastoral letter of the bishop of Biella: "We cannot praise and
recommend Letture Cattoliche sufficiently. Its modest price rate,
interesting material, and noble aims cannot help but please most
readers and very effectively contribute to public welfare and
morality."
4 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

34.4 Page 334

▲back to top


CHAPTER 39
A House Search at the Oratory
J ~~~
Y...I.LAKE yourself humble, steadfast, and strong," the
Blessed Virgin had ordered Don Bosco in a dream [when he
was nine].1 He obeyed and not only achieved this goal- par-
ticularly through the practice of the most arduous virtues - but
stayed humble, steadfast, and strong in all his heaven-inspired
undertakings.
Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio wrote: "We marveled at Don Bosco's
Christian fortitude. We were near him almost all day, and yet
he seemed to us entirely immune from human failings. He was
firm under temptation whether of the spirit or the flesh, unyielding
to discouragement in difficulty, unshaken in pride and vanity, and
undismayed by threats and tricks of heretics.
[In the same vein] Bishop [John] Cagliero remarked repeatedly:
"I have lived at his side for many years and always noted his
exceptional serenity and high-mindedness in starting and success-
fully completing his many undertakings for God's glory and the
salvation of souls, despite obstacles of all sorts. He was invariably
calm, gentle, and serene, no matter how outrageous were the
calumnies, how mean the ingratitudes, how oppressive his work,
how persistent the assaults on his person and his congregation.
His only reply was: 'God is in Israel. Let nothing upset us!'"
Again, to quote Father Francis Cerruti: "His heroic fortitude
was shown even more admirably in the moral and physical suffer-
ings which afflicted him periodically through life. We marveled
and were strengthened to see him tranquil as ever, smiling in his
1 See Vol. I, pp. 95f. [Editor]
306

34.5 Page 335

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory
307
deepest grief, his bitterest humiliations, his most exhausting labors;
ever undaunted, he stood steadfast even when God submitted him
to unexpected trials or when public charity seemed to fail him.
That he did not give up was nothing short of miraculous. It can
be explained only by acknowledging the intervention of Divine
Providence."
This year too he showed how remarkable was his fortitude -
the sum total of all virtues, which becomes heroic only through
self-denial and an unwavering conformity to God's will. It showed
itself in his boundless love for the Pope for whom he seemed to
live - a love that would seriously endanger his own institutions.
But we will first remark that his fortitude was linked to a lofty
justice and prudence. In those trying times, he always and every-
where managed to combine priestly duty with due respect to con-
stituted civil authority. He could draw the line between authority
and the men who wielded it. Abuse of authority does not justify
contempt and rebellion, as St. Peter clearly told the Jewish con-
verts of Asia Minor: "Be subje~t ... for God's sake ... to the
king as supreme or to governors as sent through him . . . Honor
all men; love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king." [1 Pet.
2, 13-14. 17] Nero, we recall, was then emperor!
Don Bosco lived by these rules. Despite his frequent clashes
with civil authorities, he always obeyed when they did not run
counter to divine or church laws. On occasion he insisted on
obedience and respect to civil authorities. He never permitted
himself a word of disparagement in their regard and expected the
same of his co-workers. He used to invite the leading authority
of the province and Turin's mayor to visit the Oratory, and he
always gave them a most respectful welcome.
Within his means, he was always willing to help relieve public
calamities. In keeping with conscience and priestliness, he will-
ingly lent his services and cooperation to persons in authority,
as Father Rua witnessed several times. He had his pupils pray "for
kings and for all in high positions." [1 Tim. 2, 2] "I ask only,"
he used to say, "that they leave me alone to work and to help
youngsters!" He prayed for the royal family and all cabinet min-
isters that God might grant them the guidance and fortitude they

34.6 Page 336

▲back to top


308
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
needed. But he never let himself be drawn into discussions about
Italian confederations, foreign intervention, or forms of govern-
ment. He urged his young clerics to keep aloof from politics and
not to appear in public with political newspapers. He always ob-
served and had others observe similar wise precautions. He was
very careful regarding material published with his name and
deleted anything open to misinterpretation. "We are living in
difficult times," he used to remark. "Our enemies are in power,
and with one blow they can prevent us from doing good."
Yet, neither his loyalty to just laws nor his prudence saved
him from harassment. His well-known unquestioning fidelity to
the Holy See and his untiring zeal to inspire such fidelity among
the faithful made people see him as a leader of the Catholic party,
and it was feared that he might conceivably thwart attacks planned
against the Pope. Consequently, in 1860 the government declared
war on him.2
Notwithstanding ·the impressive undertakings which had even
won him the favor of many so-called liberals, some .government
officers still suspected the Oratory to be a hotbed of conspiracy
and anti-government propaganda. Sly and contemptible informers
kept this misconception alive. Anxious to curry favor with their
superiors, they kept insinuating that Don Bosco had secret con-
tacts with the Jesuits, with Archbishop Fransoni, Cardinal Anto-
nelli, and Pius IX, and even with Austria, in his efforts to sow
discontent and arouse resistance. Government circles believed that
Don Bosco kept the Pope promptly informed on the events which
had increased the momentum of Italian independence since 1848;
they saw him as a papal watchdog in each stage of Italian risorgi-
mento. A brief of January 7, sent to Don Bosco by Pius IX, sug-
gested anti-government correspondence between the two. Informers
even went so far as to say that the Oratory held a secret cache
of arms and ammunition to equip the [older] boys at any given
moment. Evidently these detectives had mistaken the bread pantry
for something else.
Luigi Farini had played a major role in the Italian revolutions
2 A scriptural quotation no longer apropos in the new versions has been omitted.
[Editor]

34.7 Page 337

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory
309
and had often met with fellow conspirators in his sumptuous villa
at Saluggia. Now, as Minister of the Interior, he was repeatedly
assured in the same villa that the Oratory held clear proof of
Don Bosco's complicity with Italy's enemies. In this matter his
judgment had already been biased by his hostility to the Pope.
(As a matter of fact, he was then writing the fourth part of his
history, Lo Stato Romano dal 1815 al 1850, which smeared the
papacy and Pius IX and misconstrued facts and intentions.) He
ordered police surveillance of Don Bosco. As we narrated previ-
ously,3 the Oratory had already suffered harassment, but it had
come from municipal authorities, and on those occasions govern-
ment officials and King Charles Albert himself had sided with the
Oratory.4 Some time later, too, Don Bosco had again been called
on the carpet, but that had been mostly a courteous reprimand or
warning. Now matters were entirely different. The government it-
self was hostile, and it was all-powerful.
For some time Don Bosco had suspected that something was
amiss. Several important letters had not reached him. Seizure of
mail was then quite frequent, as various incidents proved. In fact,
every postal district had an official whose main duty was to cen-
sure the mail of persons suspected of hostility to the new order
- and this notwithstanding the Constitution! Freedom, indeed!
At the beginning of the year, knowledgeable persons had warned
Don Bosco that the Masonic lodges had decided to move against
him and to prevent him from pursuing a mission so contrary to
their sinister aims. A friend of his, a high official in the Depart-
ment of the Interior, also informed him of a decision to close
the Oratory down for good, and suggested that he would be wise
to hurry and foil the plan.
A month after these warnings, the liberal press opened a bitter
campaign against him. With invective, smear, and vulgarity they
tried to show that his works ran counter to Italy's freedom and
independence, and they did their best to portray him as his coun-
try's enemy. Describing the Oratory as a conspiracy den in the
Pope's pay, they loudly demanded that it be shut down. A des-
a See Vol. Il, pp. 313f, 317, 343f, 346f. [Editor]
4 See ibid., p. 345. [Editor]

34.8 Page 338

▲back to top


310
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
picable paper asserted that a search of the premises would unearth
incriminating evidence. "Let the government send shrewd, impar-
tial investigators, and the roots of the plot will be discovered,"
wrote another anticlerical paper. La Gazzetta del Popolo reached
the extreme: "The Oratory of St. Francis de Sales is the heart of
resistance. The government can never avert the danger that threat-
ens it as long as the Valdocco den is allowed to exist."
Thus public opinion was being molded and prepared for the
blow that was to strike the Oratory. It was hoped that an unex-
pected house search might unearth some evidence on which to
build a case against Don Bosco. Even an ambiguous phrase in a
letter would be enough, because it was a foregone conclusion that
Don Bosco had to be found guilty and either imprisoned or con-
fined to house arrest.
The Oratory, which had cost Don Bosco and his co-workers
so much anxiety and toil in its nineteen years, was now in danger
of being tom up by a hurricane. Threatening rumors circulated of
imprisoning a priest who housed, fed, and clothed so many poor
boys, of closing the Oratory, and of throwing hundreds of boys
back to the streets or their indigent families, dashing any hopes
for their future. They were not groundless fears; various institu-
tions had already been closed in those very days; priests and
religious in good standing had been jailed. However, as we have
seen in previous chapters, Don Bosco calmly relied on Our Lady's
protection.
After some temporizing, Farini finally ordered a house search of
the Oratory. He should not be blamed entirely, however, since
Count Camillo Cavour had a hand in it too. He seemed to be
friendly and amiable, but it was only a fa9ade. Though he did not
sign the search warrant himself, he was informed about it and
could or should have stopped it. We say "should" because he knew
very well that the Oratory was not what liars made it out to be. He
had been personally acquainted with Don Bosco for many years
and had :firsthand knowledge of the institution's peaceful, benevo-
lent nature.5 As we have already narrated,6 in the Oratory's early
5 See Vol. IV, pp. 73ff. [Editor]
6 See Vol. m, p. 289. [Editor]

34.9 Page 339

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory
311
years he used to come on Sundays and holy days to supervise the
boys at play and mingle with them. Moreover, he even joined in
the Oratory's religious services and festivities. More than once,
holding a lighted candle and a prayerbook, he walked with the
boys in procession on the feast of St. Aloysius and sang with them
the hymn lnfestus hostis gloriae in the Saint's honor. On many
occasions he persuaded Don Bosco to dine with him and was a most
gracious host, whiling away evenings in long conversations on the
Oratory, his boys, and his system of education.7 Yet, obligated to
anticlericals, he let the search warrant go through, limiting himself
to remark (as Don Bosco later came to know), "It's a waste of time
to search the Oratory. Don Bosco is smarter than all of us. Either
he has not compromised himself or by this time he has destroyed
all evidence. Anyway, do as you please!"
A pretext for this high-handed step had come from a letter of
the exiled Archbishop Fransoni advising Don Bosco that he was
counting upon him for a delicate and very important mission which
would earn him the gratitude of the archdiocese. This meant that
he was to see to it that all pastors got a confidential letter contain-
ing directives for a prudent, just course of action they were to take
in the midst of the conflict. The prelate was also asking Don Bosco
for suggestions on how to get this pastoral letter to him without
risking government interception; should he object to this task or
fear compromising himself, he was to let the prelate know. In any
case, he was to reply as soon as possible.
This letter never reached Don Bosco. Some time later, a friend
of the archbishop personally handed him a note in which the prel-
ate lamented Don Bosco's failure to reply and informed him that
he had turned to someone else. Only a few years later did Don
Bosco learn of this new token of confidence his archbishop had
placed in him. The letter had been seized at the post office by the
government.
Unaware of this, Don Bosco had no idea of what was coming
when, three days before the house search, on the nights of Wednes-
day and Thursday [May 23-24], he had a dream which, however
explained, proved providential. He narrated it himself as follows:
7 See Vol. IV, p. 75. [Editor]

34.10 Page 340

▲back to top


312
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
I seemed to see a pack of ruffians break into my room, seize me,
and rummage everywhere. While this was going on, one of them kindly
said, "Why didn't you remove such and such a document? If those
letters of the archbishop were to be found, what would happen to
both him and you? And how about these letters from Rome" - he
pointed them out - "and those over there? If you had hidden them
elsewhere, you would have saved yourself a heap of trouble."
Next morning I jokingly related the dream and shrugged it off as
mere fantasy. Nevertheless, I put a few things in order and removed
several confidential letters which really had nothing to do with politics
or government, but which could be misinterpreted. In those days, any
papal or episcopal directive, even if strictly concerned with matters of
conscience, could have been considered incriminating. Therefore, by
the time the police search did take place, I had already removed all
possible evidence.
Thus reads the witness of Don Bosco. This may explain the lack
of documents on the early days of the Oratory. In clearing them
out, Don Bosco had to rely on trusted pupils who most likely mis-
understood his orders in their hurry. Some papers they burned,
others they stashed away, and still others they entrusted to de-
pendable persons in Turin for safekeeping. Most of the documents
that thus were lost fell into these categories: Don Bosco's relations
with the Holy See, letters of Pius IX, copies of Don Bosco's letters
to the Pope, Don Bosco's correspondence with the archbishop of
Turin from 1851 on, Don Bosco's correspondence with former
cabinet ministers, notes and memorandums on dreams for his own
comfort and encouragement, accounts of favors granted by Our
Lady, miraculous occurrences, and also extraordinary deeds of
some boys. Lack of time did not permit a judicious choice. Don
Bosco entrusted many papers to Joseph Buzzetti who immediately
destroyed them to protect him. In some cases the place of conceal-
ment was forgotten; years later, some documents were found under
a beam in the Church of St. Francis de Sales.
We should not be surprised by this seeming rashness. Events
proved it came none too soon. What greatly amazed Don Bosco
was that the investigators searched especially those places which

35 Pages 341-350

▲back to top


35.1 Page 341

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory
313
had been pointed out to him in his dream and from which he had
removed possibly incriminating papers.
Don Bosco wrote an account of this annoying house search and
of other searches that took place three years later. In a Foreword
to the account he seems to hint at a desire of his to widen the scope
of his memorandum and dwell on the Church's situation in Italy,
particularly in Piedmont. Afterward he would give a description of
the causes behind the bitter hostility pitting the revolutionaries
against the Pope and against the clergy that remained loyal to the
Pope, according to that ancient maxim of esprit de corps: Miles pro
duce, dux pro causa militat - the soldier for his leader and the
leader for the cause. But Don Bosco either lacked time or changed
his mind and limited himself to a simple narration of the facts. He
saved that manuscript, and we have been drawing on it for this
narration, adding some details which he omitted and which we
later came to know from men who were then pupils. Don Bosco's
Foreword is entitled:
A Reason for This Memorandum
Yielding to insistent requests that certain episodes of 1860 be duly
recorded, I have finally been convinced that it is indeed right to draw
up a memorandum highlighting the more striking incidents occurring
during the government house searches made at the Oratory.
I shall accurately describe events of those trying circumstances;
I will be strictly factual, neither condoning nor condemning. If I am
somehow mistaken in anything or should express thoughts and opinions
unbecoming a Catholic priest, I fully retract.
I have written for the benefit of my spiritual children, the Salesians,
hoping that it will serve them as a norm of conduct and a warning.
First, a norm of conduct: Should God permit a Salesian to find him-
self in like circumstances, let him try to talk with the highest authorities.
I have found that in cases of prolonged odious anti-Catholic measures,
cabinet ministers, though responsible for initiating a certain course of
action, did not bother to see it through. In nearly all cases, their
underlings went beyond limits in their ignoble harassment. Such people
are always the worst to deal with. They put on a show of zeal with
an eye to promotion and have no scruples about crushing a man.
They often misrepresent facts to show their liberalism and want to

35.2 Page 342

▲back to top


314
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
appear alert and diligent. Under the pretext of not having made the
laws, they enforce them rigidly and rudely. It is not so with their
superiors. These men have to account to no one, they have already
achieved their ambitions, they need no popularity to maintain their
positions, and they do not like to stir up trouble. They want to be
praised and trusted, whether or not such trust rests on a foundation.
Moreover, the possibility that they may one day need the help of the
petitioner or his peers, the education they have received, the reputation
and esteem they long for, their natural goodness and good-breeding-
all these things contribute to make them much more fair-minded, rea-
sonable, and understanding than their subordinates. If justice is war-
ranted, one may hope to obtain it. Of course, even then one must not
fear rebuffs and humiliations for Our Lord's sake. A personal, frank
talk with them will be far more effective than pages of elaborate, im-
pressive polemics. Following this norm, we have a chance to explain
our actions and plans. A verbal explanation of our good intentions
greatly lessens and often entirely removes an official's unfavorable
opinions. Indeed, it pacifies and even wins opponents over, just as
the Holy Spirit says: "A mild answer calms wrath." [Prov. 15, 1]
Secondly, this memorandum should serve as a warning to keep
aloof from politics, even when it would seem a good thing to take
nart in them. When difficulties arise, we must first have frequent, heart-
felt recourse to prayer for God's light and grace; then let us frankly
state the truth. To questions, let our answers be respectful, clear, and
firm. Moreover, if we are given leave to speak, let us make the most
of it in order to present our views. We should also remember that when
speaking with lay people, religious motives are to be mentioned only
in nac.;sing; stress is to be laid on the integrity of people and their
activities and on those undertakings which, in wo:rldly parlance, are
labeled "philanthropy," and which our holy faith calls "charity."
May God help us to overcome difficulties unfortunately unavoidable
in this world of ours, which, as Holy Scripture says, "is in the power
of the evil one." [1 John 5, 19] May the Most Holy Virgin obtain for
us from Her Divine Son peace in our time, that we may love and serve
God on earth and one day be forever happy with Him in heaven. Amen.
[The First House Search at the Oratory]
Political events of 1860 had set all Europe astir - Italy most of
all, where a party, or rather a splinter group, whose members called
themselves "liberal democrats" or simply "Italians," preached revolu-

35.3 Page 343

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory
315
tion the length and breadth of the land. Religious orders were sup-
pressed, church laws and papal authority ignored, and church property
confiscated; finally, most of the Papal States were invaded. To terrorize
people and to emphasize their own fearlessness, men in power initiated
the practice of house arrest and house search. Persons suspected of
disapproving official policies were usually imprisoned or indefinitely
confined to certain areas at government discretion without benefit of
trial. Confinement was generally preceded by a house search, which
became a legal assassination of sorts. Under the cloak of law, the
police searched the homes of citizens denounced by informers as op-
posed to revolution. In these cases the police were supposed to make a
most minute search to unearth the corpus delicti - letters or writings
of any kind critical of the government.
The Oratory had the distinction of being searched eleven times. I
shall describe but one such search. It will give us a good enough idea
of the others.
Don Bosco's fortitude overcame these difficulties. Holy Scripture
says: "A frame of wood bound together in the foundation of a
building shall not be loosed: so neither shall the heart that is estab-
lished by advised council ... He that stands firm in the command-
ments of God shall never fear. [Sir. 22, 19. 23]

35.4 Page 344

▲back to top


CHAPTER 40
AHouse Search at the Oratory (Continued)
QN the evening of May 25 [1860] a house search was
made in the quarters of two Jesuits - Father Protasi and Father
Sapetti. Though the latter was sick, both were jailed for a day and
two nights in a basement prison of Palazzo Madama. On the next
day, the vigil of Pentecost, at about two in the afternoon, Don
Bosco was about to go up to his room when a poorly dressed wom-
an and her young boy showed up at the entrance to the porticoes
with a letter from the Department of the Interior.1
While Don Bosco was reading it, with the cleric John Cagliero
standing beside him, three gentlemen came up.
"We must see Don Bosco," one of them broke in.
"I am he," was the reply. "If you'll excuse me, I'll be with you
in a few minutes."
"We can't wait," the other dryly replied.
"Very well, then. What can I do for you?"
"We must see you privately."
"All right, come with me to the prefect's office."
"We want to go to your room."
"I cannot take you there now."
"You must! You have to!"
"But who are you? What do you want?"
"We are here for a house search."
What Don Bosco had only surmised was now quite clear. "We
have orders to search your Oratory thoroughly," the visitor con-
1 A routine letter of thanks for having accepted a boy. Omitted in this edition.
[Editor]
316

35.5 Page 345

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
317
tinued, "and to report whatever may endanger the safety of the
State. We regret the inconvenience, but we have orders."
"You really think Don Bosco meddles in politics?"
"That's beside the point. We have orders. Please show us to your
room."
"You still have not identified yourself!" Don Bosco fim1ly
replied.
"Identify myself? Are you serious? We have known each other
for years. We are not strangers."
"Sorry, but I don't know you or these other gentlemen."
"Well, then," the visitor curtly replied, "my name is Grasso. I
am chief of police, and these two colleagues of mine are Captain
Tua and Captain Grasselli of the Bargo Dora and Moncenisio
precincts."
"Have you a search warrant, as the law prescribes?"
"No!"
"Then you are not authorized to search my premises."
"Authorities don't need authorization."
"Excuse me, gentlemen, you may be honest, but I could be de-
ceived. Unless you produce a search warrant, I don't have to show
you to my room or anywhere else on these premises. I stand by my
rights!"
"What, would you dare resist?"
"I am a law-abiding citizen. I respect authority, and I make
others respect it, but I will not be bullied!"
"There is no bullying here, unless you compel us to use force."
"You will do no such thing. The Constitution guarantees in-
violability of domicile. If you use force and violate my constitu-
tional rights, I will sue you."
The police chief and his two colleagues exchanged glances.
Perhaps they had thought their presence alone would be enough
to browbeat a simple priest to submit to their will, or they may
have been told to go ahead without a search warrant.
"So," they replied, "you still refuse to believe that we are autho-
rized to search your premises?"
"That's not the point. If you want to search my premises, you
must show me a warrant."

35.6 Page 346

▲back to top


318
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
While this argument was going on, eighteen plainclothesmen
and uniformed policemen were scattering about the playground
and stairways, and another platoon was being deployed outside the
Oratory gate. A peaceable hospice seemed to have become a for-
tress about to be stormed. Chief Grasso, impatient with this un-
expected delay and, perhaps, hoping to intimidate Don Bosco,
called for several policemen and loudly and sternly asked Don
Bosco, "Will you show us to your room?"
"Not till I see the search warrant! And beware of using force,
because I'll call for help. I'll have the bells sound the tocsin and
my boys and neighbors will throw you out as intruders. Yes, you
might attempt to arrest me, but you would stand condemned by
both God and men."
Don Bosco had spoken calmly. At this point a policeman stepped
forward to seize him, but the two captains remarked that Don
Bosco was within his rights. Yielding to them, Chief Grasso dis-
missed the policeman. "As far as possible," he said, "let us avoid
unpleasantness." He then sent an aide to secure a search warrant at
the police station. A good half hour went by before he returned.
Meanwhile, Don Bosco finished talking with the new boy and
his mother, who had stood there bewildered by what had gone on.
On his part, Don Bosco could not see how the Minister of the
Interior would recommend a boy - about whom they had already
exchanged letters - and still order a house search which could
end in arrest and imprisonment. Was this an instance of double-
dealing? A trap? Could it be that the house search had been or-
dered by some lower official without his superior's knowledge?
Whatever the case, after setting terms with the mother, Don Bosco
promptly accepted that boy, telling him, "Son, you are welcome to
stay with me and share my bread." He was glad of Divine Provi-
dence's gift of a chance to render good for evil to people who,
rather than thank him for his efforts to lessen society's number of
unruly youths, repaid him by treating him as a conspirator and
troublemaker.
Meanwhile, at two o'clock, the boys had gone to their class-
rooms and workshops but soon a few, who had lingered outside or
had come out, sensed that something important was happening. The

35.7 Page 347

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
319
presence of so many policemen augured no good. Like lightning,
the word got about that they had come to arrest Don Bosco. In
fact a police wagon was drawn up at the gate. The whole house
was thrown into consternation. Shouting and crying, the boys
wanted to leave their classrooms and shops to defend Don Bosco
or go to prison with him. For a time emotions ran so high that
even to this very day the mere remembrance moves former pupils
to tears. Teachers and craftsmasters had a hard time calming the
boys and convincing them that Don Bosco was not in danger, and
that if the worst happened they themselves would lead them to his
rescue. John Cagliero did his share in going from room to room,
urging them to keep calm and pray. Still, some of the bigger youths
were allowed out. They kept close to Don Bosco, and one of them
whispered, "Shall we rid you of these ruffians?"
"No," Don Bosco replied. "I will not allow you to say or do
anything offensive to them. Don't worry. I'll settle everything
nicely. Go back to your chores, and tell your companions not to
be afraid."
Had he not spoken thus, something tragic would certainly have
happened that evening. The boys were so upset and angered that,
to save Don Bosco, they would have let themselves be tom to
pieces.
Most worried of all was Father Victor Alasonatti, Don Bosco's
well-loved vicar and right-hand man. He feared Don Bosco's
arrest for this reason: "Possibly," he explained, "his morning mail
might have brought him a letter criticizing the government's annex-
ation of Romagna. Such a letter, though not written by him, could
put him in trouble. Woe to me if such a misfortune should happen!
What could I do without Don Bosco? They had best put me in
jail." He was deeply moved and determined to go to prison him-
self in Don Bosco's place.
Meanwhile, policemen had stationed themselves on all floors, at
all landings, at hallway comers, and especially at restroom en-
trances, lest documents be flushed away. This of course led to
amusing or irritating incidents. Other policemen closely scanned
the various clusters of boys forming in the playground, while keep-
ing their eyes on Don Bosco. Young apprentices returning from

35.8 Page 348

▲back to top


320
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
their jobs in town and lads who had to go out on errands were
carefully searched.
When the chiefs aide finally returned with a search warrant, the
chief donned the insignia of his office - a tricolored scarf - and,
backed by five policemen, sternly declared: "In the name of the
law, I order a search of Father John Bosco's quarters." So saying,
he handed him the warrant, which also authorized a search of the
premises of Canon [Joseph] Ortalda, Father [Joseph] Cafasso, and
Count [Charles] Cays. The search of the first two took place a few
days later, while Count Cays' tum came in February 1862. The
search warrant might have been deliberately left behind so that
Don Bosco would not know of the other impending searches.
The order concerning Don Bosco was worded as follows:
By order of the Department of the Interior, a diligent and thorough
search is to be made of the quarters of Father John Bosco, doctor of
divinity. He is suspected of compromising relations with the Jesuits,
with Archbishop Fransoni, and with the Holy See. If anything is found
seriously affecting the security of the State, the aforesaid priest is to be
arrested immediately.
Don Bosco read the document, returned it to the police chief,
and said: "I have no choice but to let you carry out your orders.
I'll show you to my quarters. Let me point out, however, that
legally I may still refuse because of an error in identity. The war-
rant concerns Father John Bosco, doctor of divinity. Gentlemen,
I am not that man. There is another priest in Turin with that very
name, and he is a doctor of divinity."
At that very moment, Police Commissioner Chiapussi - per-
haps informed of the delay - arrived. Hearing Don Bosco's last
words, he exclaimed: "Doctor or no doctor, go ahead!" And so
they did. Escorted by three policemen they all followed Don
Bosco upstairs.
Above the door opening into [a little room housing] the library
and leading to Don Bosco's room was the inscription Lodato sem-
pre sia il Santissimo Nome di Gesu e di Maria. [Praised forever be
the most holy names of Jesus and Mary.] Captain Tua read it
aloud mockingly. Don Bosco stopped him short and added: "And

35.9 Page 349

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
321
ever praised be the name of Jesus, Word Incarnate." But, before
concluding this invocation, which we customarily sing and which is
also written over the door of Don Bosco's bedroom, he turned and
ordered them to take off their hats. Seeing that he was not obeyed,
he repeated: "You began mocking this prayer, but you'll have to
end it with respect. Take your hats off!" At these resolute words,
they complied.
Don Bosco entered his room with those three officials and two
guards and let them take over. Then the shameful search began.
Most minutely they frisked him, even searching the tassel of his
biretta. As they were going about this task very uncivilly, pushing
and turning him about, Don Bosco could not help murmuring:
"Et cum sceleratis reputatus est." [And He was counted among the
wicked.]
"What are you saying?" one of them asked.
Riveting his piercing eyes on them, he replied: "I am saying
that you are doing to me what others once did to Our Divine
Savior."
After frisking him, they began on his quarters - two rooms,
one of which housed his little library. The first thing to attract
their attention was a large wastepaper basket. Spotting an envelope
with a papal postage stamp, Captain Grasselli immediately ex-
claimed, "Let me have this. I'll handle it."
Then, hoping to discover a letter from the Pope, he began to
examine envelopes, paper scraps, and whatever else was in the
basket, item by item, with the assistance of his chief and of his
colleague. In the process they got messed up.2
After searching in vain in the wastebasket, the three moved on
to the desk . . . cupboards, chests, cabinets, and cashbox, inspect-
ing everything with a diligence worthy of a better cause. A drawer
of a dresser was locked.
"What's in here?" they eagerly inquired.
"Confidential papers,., Don Bosco replied. "I don't want any-
body to see them."
"Confidential or not, open this drawer at once!"
2 We are omitting here and there some trivial details. [Editor]

35.10 Page 350

▲back to top


322
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"I absolutely refuse. Every man has a right to some privacy.
You must respect family secrets."
"Secrets or no secrets, open this drawer, or we'll smash the lock."
"Very well, I'll yield to violence." So saying, he snapped the
lock open. Sure that they had at last come upon incriminating
evidence, all eagerly crowded around the drawer as if afraid it
might be spirited away. Triumphantly Captain Tua seized a bundle
of papers - the long-sought corpus delicti. He pulled out one sheet
and read aloud, "For bread supplied to Don Bosco, amount due:
7,800 lire. Magra."
"This hardly interests us," he remarked. He took out another
sheet: "For leather supplied to Don Bosco's cobbling shop, amount
due: 2,150 lire."
"What's all this?" he asked Don Bosco.
"Keep going and you will find out."
To their embarrassment, all they found was a bundle of unpaid
bills, mostly for groceries.
"Are you making fools of us?" asked the chief of police.
"By no means," Don Bosco replied. "It's just that I didn't want
you to know my debts, but you insisted. At least, if you were good
enough to pay some of these bills, you'd contribute to a very good
cause. I would even suggest that you show them to the Minister of
the Interior."
They laughed and continued their search. When they came
across the previously mentioned brief of Pius IX,3 they insisted
on seizing it.
"I won't let you have it," Don Bosco said, "because it is an
original text."
"That's exactly why we want it," the police chief replied.
"I will give you a copy."
"Let's see it."
"It's right here in this issue of Letture Cattoliche."
"We'd rather keep the original."
"But this copy is exactly the same!"
"It's a translation."
"But the original text is also here."
s See pp. 304f. [Editor]

36 Pages 351-360

▲back to top


36.1 Page 351

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
323
"Let me see," Captain Grasselli said. And he began to compare
it with the translation word for word. Seeing that it was faithful,
he concluded: "We are better off with the copy and translation."
Don Bosco kept the original as a precious memento.
Disappointed by their search of Don Bosco's room, but still de-
termined to find something that might enhance their standing, the
searchers began to rummage through an adjoining room that served
as a library. They went through all the books to make sure that
there were no concealed secret papers; in the process they raised
a cloud of dust. ... "Well done, gentlemen!" Don Bosco exclaimed.
"Thanks for dusting my books - a job long overdue! Were it not
for you, months and maybe even years might have gone by before
it could be done."
The inquisitors bit their lips. Yet, they could not help feel Don
Bosco's sway over them. One of them found a paper with a sen-
tence that sounded far too clerical: "At all times when the enemies
of religion planned to destroy it, they all started by persecuting its
ministers." They were already rejoicing over their discovery, when
one noticed the author's name: Marcus Aurelius.
"Who was he?" he inquired of his colleagues. There was some
muttering, but no answer.
"If you want to see the volume from which this sentence is taken,
there it is," Don Bosco said, pointing it out.
One of them at once pulled it off the shelf, asking aloud, "Who
was he?"
"Gentlemen," Don Bosco replied, "Marcus Aurelius was one of
the persecutors of the Church. He used force to crush the weak
and the innocent."
"Is that what the book is about?"
"See for yourself. You will find that Marcus Aurelius had Chris-
tian homes and catacombs searched in order to find pretexts to
condemn them."
Their curiosity aroused, the inquisitors crowded around the book
for a closer look, muttering, "Well said!"

36.2 Page 352

▲back to top


CHAPTER 41
A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
a T 4 P.M. Joseph Reano finished teaching his class of
day students and went up to Don Bosco's room to see how things
were getting on. He wrote:
Don Bosco was standing and proofreading [the forthcoming issue of]
Letture Cattoliche. I heard him exclaim: "What do you expect to find
in a poor priest's home?" To which the chief of police replied, "Don't
you realize that incriminating evidence could lie about here without
your knowledge? You are not the only person in this Oratory, are you?
Anyway, how is it that you don't even have the king's picture in your
rooms?"
"Because there is no law that I must," Don Bosco replied. "After all,
there is no picture of the Pope here either."
After I left Don Bosco's room, Father Alasonatti sent me to town to
bring two hundred lire to Mr. Delponte, our contractor. I found guards
everywhere - in the playground, at the gate, under the mulberry trees,
in the meadow facing the Oratory. I was stopped at the gate but, after
insisting and explaining that I had to make an overdue payment, I
finally managed to get through, aided by a well-timed shove. On re-
turning half an hour later, I again went up to Don Bosco's room. The
search team was still questioning Don Bosco.
[Thus reads the witness of Joseph Reano.] While this was going
on, one of the most esteemed city notables - Canon Louis An-
glesio, superior of the Little House of Divine Providence - made
a very fine gesture in Don Bosco's favor.
As a next-door neighbor, this saintly priest got wind of what
was going on and instantly walked over to the Oratory to speak to
Don Bosco. The guards would not let him in, and so he asked the
324

36.3 Page 353

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
325
doorkeeper to inform Don Bosco that he had an urgent message
for him. The doorkeeper agreed, but Don Bosco was still with the
inquisitors and could not ~hake them off. The chief of police would
not have let him out of his sight anyway. The doorkeeper reported
the matter to the canon and asked him to wait.
"I can't," the latter replied. Then, spotting the cleric John
Boggero, he called him. "Tell Don Bosco," he said, "to take cour-
age and not worry. Today the Lord is putting the Oratory to a
test, but from this moment He has also blessed it in a special
manner, and it will wax stronger. From now on it will so develop
and expand that its wholesome influence will spread beyond Turin
to many parts of the world." Canon Anglesio proved to be a
prophet.
Meanwhile the investigators were still busily pulling books from
the shelves. One of them, picking up a bulky volume of the Bol-
landists,1 asked Don Bosco: "What are these awesome volumes?"
"Jesuit books. There is nothing in them that could interest you."
"Jesuit books? We must seize them all!"
"No!" said the police chief. "They are too bulky. We would
need a mule to carry them. Let's first see what they are about." 2
"They are lives of saints," Don Bosco replied. "This volume is
on St. Simeon Stylites, an extraordinary man. Terrified by the
thought of hell, realizing he had but one soul, and fearing to lose
it, he left country, parents, and friends and withdrew into the
desert to live a holy life. He lived there and spent many years on
top of a pillar, crying out against worldlings whose only concern
was pleasure with never a thought to the eternal sufferings await-
ing sinners." Turning to other pages, Don Bosco continued: "Look,
this tells of other good people who, to avoid hell, obeyed the com-
mandments of God and the Church. For example, this saint," and
he pointed to the heading of the page, "went to confession once a
week. This other one," and he pointed to another page, "went
twice a week; and there were others who went every day."
1 A small group of Jesuits in Antwerp, Belgium, organized into a society by
Jean Boland (1596-1665) for the critical study and publication of the lives of the
saints. Jean Boland edited the first volume. His collaborators and successors were
named after him. [Editor]
2 We are omitting here and there in this chapter some trivial details. [Editor]

36.4 Page 354

▲back to top


326
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"That's enough, Don Bosco!"
"All right then, but remember that all the people whose lives are
narrated in these volumes did their Easter duty every year. I hope,
gentlemen, that you too will do likewise."
"Of course, of course! You must not think we are so remiss ... "
His unexpected, broad hint had thrown them off. While replac-
ing the Bollandist volumes, one of the inquisitors remarked, "Don
Bosco, if you keep preaching to us a little longer, we shall all have
to go to confession."
"Wonderful!" Don Bosco replied. "Today is Saturday, vigil of
the most solemn feast of Pentecost. Confessions for my boys will
start around five o'clock. What a fine example you would give them
if you were to go first!"
"It would indeed make history," Captain Tua remarked, "if our
search were to end up in the confessional!"
"That's great, just wonderful. Prepare yourselves, gentlemen,"
Don Bosco went on. "I shall most willingly reserve the whole eve-
ning for you, and it will be far better spent than searching around."
"Count me out," the chief of police remarked. "Confession is
useless for me, because I am not sorry."
By now their clothes were smeared with dust, cobwebs, and
whitewash. The investigators wiped their hands on their handker-
chiefs, craned their necks to look over their shoulders, and lightly
flicked their coats.
At that moment the mailman came in with a large bundle of
letters. They were immediately seized and one of them was opened.
That very letter was from the Department of the Interior recom-
mending another boy to Don Bosco. This was the third time that
Luigi Farini, who feared that Don Bosco might jeopardize the
future of Italy's kingdom, had directed boys to him.8
"Now see this," exclaimed the one who had opened the letter.
"They send us here on a house search, make our lives miserable,
and then they themselves deal with the persons they investigate."
"There you have it, gentlemen!" exclaimed Don Bosco. "You
8 This letter, signed by a secretary on behalf of the Minister of the Interior,
recommended a ten-year-old boy whose father had died and whose mother was
mentally ill. Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

36.5 Page 355

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
327
have seen the letter. Now, do you think this is fair? We already
have fifteen boys that ha\\\\e been recommended by the Department
of the Interior and by municipal authorities. But I forgive all, and
in return for this unjust search I shall do another act of charity
and accept this boy."
Without bothering with the rest of the letters, the investigators
dropped them unopened on Don Bosco's desk. Had they opened
them, they would have found one from Rome which, though most
legitimate in itself, might have been twisted into a corpus delicti
and aroused suspicions of heaven knows what plots against the
State! How good is the Lord, and how playfully He rescues His
beloved ones!
The useless search had now lasted some three hours. The inves-
tigators and the guards, what with the work, the dust, and the heat,
were tired and thirsty. Don Bosco noticed it and felt pity for them.
Joseph Buzzetti 4 had just entered the room under the pretext of
giving Don Bosco a message but really to see if he needed help.
Don Bosco told him to bring up some refreshments.
At that hour the students were taking their after-school recrea-
tion. Worried, they stood almost in silence. Scattered groups talked
in a subdued manner, afraid and hopeful; others went in and out
of church to pray that all might end up well; all were longing to
see the visitors go. When they saw Buzzetti carrying refreshments,
they were elated and gave vent to their joy, realizing that the dan-
ger was over.
By now the investigators were convinced that the government
had nothing to fear from Don Bosco. Grateful for his goodness
and courtesy throughout their odious task, they could not help
esteeming and admiring him. They all thanked him and cheerfully
drank to his health.
The refreshments, the previous amenities, and the kind words
with which he had now and again addressed them won over their
4 Buzzetti and his brother Charles had been among the first to attend the festive
oratory while it still lacked permanent quarters. In 1847, Don Bosco persuaded
Joseph to study Latin and prepare for the priesthood. He donned the clerical habit
in 1852, at the age of twenty. The loss of his left finger shortly afterward dis-
qualified him from priestly ordination. He remained with Don Bosco and greatly
helped him in many tasks. In 1877 he took his vows in the Salesian Society as a
coadjutor brother. He died at Lanzo in 1891. [Editor]

36.6 Page 356

▲back to top


328
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
hearts. When the toasts were over, he told them that he had to
hear confessions as usual on Saturdays, and either they should let
the boys come to his room as they regularly did, or they themselves
should set the example.
"I need confession badly," one of them remarked.
"I too," said another.
"And I most of all," Captain Grasselli concluded.
"Well then, let's get started," Don Bosco said.
"What would the newspapers say if we did that?" asked the
chief of police.
"And if you go to hell," Don Bosco replied, "will the news-
papers pull you out?"
"You're right, but . . . well, some other time . . . "
It was now six o'clock. The diligent search of Don Bosco's room
and adjoining library had unearthed nothing. The investigators
were now not only thirsty, but hungry too. Besides, Don Bosco
was insistently sought by various members of the community for
various reasons, and the boys who usually went to confession to
him insisted on coming to his room, the guards notwithstanding.
The inquisitors thought it best, therefore, to call the search off. At
this point Don Bosco interrupted them. "Before you go," he said,
"I want you to draw up a report."
"We will do that in our office," the police chief replied.
"That won't do."
"Why not?"
"Your report could be biased. I insist that it be drawn up right
here."
"But we have found nothing."
"Make a statement to that effect."
"Will you also sign it?"
"Draft it truthfully, and I will sign it." The report ran as follows:
Turin, May 26, 1860
Location: A hospice for students and artisans,
directed by Father John Bosco in Via Cottolengo.
In accordance with the orders of Police Commissioner Chiapussi, a
thorou~ house search of the aforesaid premises was carried out by the
undersigned Stephen Tua, captain of the precinct of Borgo Dora;

36.7 Page 357

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
329
Anthony Grasselli, captain of the precinct of Moncenisio; and Savino
Grasso, chief of police, with a number of patrolmen. The above-men-
tioned went to the said premises and served Father John Bosco with the
search warrant. In his presence they proceeded to a diligent inspection
of every corner and closet, including papers and books, in the two
rooms which make up his personal quarters. Despite the most minute
search, nothing was found of any interest to government authorities.
This report was approved and signed by all participants in this house
search. A copy of the same was given to the above-mentioned priest
at his request.
Savino Grasso, Chief of Police
Stephen Tua, Captain
Anthony Grasselli, Captain
At about 6:30 P.M. the investigators and the police left the
premises. No sooner had they gone than Don Bosco became the
center of the most loving demonstrations. His beloved boys flocked
to him as angels flocked to Our Savior after a certain inquisitor
departed, as the Gospel narrates. Some asked him if he needed
anything or wept for joy at seeing him free, others wanted to know
what those men had done to him during those long hours, and still
others expressed their indignation at such a hostile measure. Serene
and smiling, Don Bosco answered questions, consoled the fright-
ened, silenced the critics, and invited all to thank God for having
made them worthy to suffer something for His sake.
This first house search only managed to satisfy the greed of
some government spy and the revenge of some informer. Though
it caused considerable trouble to the house, it also clearly proved
the innocence of Don Bosco and of all the Oratory residents. This
report ( a copy of which was kept in our archives) should have
persuaded certain government officials to leave Don Bosco in
peace. Unfortunately that was not to be.
Don Bosco emerged unscathed from this harrowing experience.
The specific purpose of the house search was to find a pretext for
uprooting his work, but the prayers of thousands of good people
foiled the evil attempt. Mr. [John Baptist] Coriasco, a carpenter
better known as "Johnny," whose little house stood close to the
Oratory on the spot where now we have our bookstore, on seeing
the guards, had run excitedly and in tears to the Rifugio, to St.

36.8 Page 358

▲back to top


330
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Peter's Home, to the girls' orphanage, and to other religious in-
stitutions, exclaiming, "Pray, pray! They are making a house search
at the Oratory. They want to arrest Don Bosco."
On returning home, he spied about to get news of Don Bosco
and again made the rounds every half hour, saying: "Pray, pray!
The police are still there!" Finally, sometime before sunset, he
announced, "Thank God! The guards are gone and Don Bosco's
free!"
Truthfully this was a signal favor from Our Lady. It was quite
clear that Don Bosco's arrest had been taken for granted. In fact,
that very morning La Perseveranza had blared out the great news
that Don Bosco had been jailed in the basement of Palazzo
Madama. The news caused a moving incident. Charles Gastini,5
who, like other Oratory boys, had a job in town, had returned to
work after lunch, never suspecting that within minutes the enviable
peace of the house would be so terribly upset. While he was at his
job, a fellow worker went up to him and said: "I've got news for
you! Your Don Bosco is in jail!" Gastini dropped his tools. "What
did you say?" he cried in anguish.
"Don Bosco is in jail! It's in the paper!" And he handed it to
him.
Gastini glanced at it, paled, and dashed out to the Oratory. He
rushed in, his eyes almost out of their sockets, shouting, "Where is
Don Bosco? Where is Don Bosco? I want to see him."
Don Bosco was still on the porticoes, but Gastini did not see
him in his excitement and kept asking, "Where is Don Bosco?
Where is Don Bosco?" His companions pointed him out and even
led Gastini to him, but the youth was still so upset that he did not
recognize him. When he eventually calmed down, he burst into
tears and threw himself into Don Bosco's arms, exclaiming: "Don
Bosco! Is it really you?"
The next morning, Pentecost Sunday, John Villa,6 alarmed by
the rumors and press reports of Don Bosco's arrest, also hastened
5 Gastini was one of the pioneers of the Oratory. He had begun frequenting it
at the age of eleven in 1848 at Don Bosco's invitation. See Vol. III, pp. 243ff.
[Editor]
6 Villa had begun attending the Oratory in 1855 and continued frequenting it
till his death in 1870. [Editor]

36.9 Page 359

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
331
to the Oratory. He found Don Bosco in church hearing confes-
sions. He returned in the afternoon and saw him surrounded by
more than two hundred boys. Approaching him, he remarked, "In
town they say that Don Bosco is in prison. I see he is only im-
prisoned by his boys."
On Monday [May 28, 1860], Don Bosco hurried to Father
Cafasso to warn him of the impending search. When Don Bosco
reported the exact words of the search warrant, Father Cafasso
quietly remarked, "They have crucified Our Lord. Why should
they spare us?"
People were surprised to see Don Bosco in the streets. They all
thought he was in jail. In fact, while Don Bosco was in town with
John Garino,7 at the comer of Via San Maurizio and Via Santa
Teresa, they heard newsboys shouting, "Don Bosco in jail!" The
little paper was selling briskly. Don Bosco gave two soldi to Garino
to buy two copies and had a good laugh. The news vendor never
even suspected that Don Bosco himself was right there in the street.
As the news of the Oratory house search spread through town,
people of every rank and condition flocked to Don Bosco, anxious
to show their solidarity and offer their congratulations on the happy
outcome. Marquis Fassati was among the first to arrive. The flow
of visitors continued for several days, and their severe condemna-
tion of such a high-handed measure was unanimous.
L'Armonia commented in its issue of Tuesday, May 29 [1860]:
House Search of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales
In this vaunted land of liberty, no day goes by without some priest,
bishop, or cardinal being arrested, or some clergyman being tried in
court or subjected to a house search.
Last Saturday [May 26], at two in the afternoon, it was the turn of
that "conspirator" Father John Bosco. As everybody knows, he plots
against the State by helping the needy, housing and educating poor
boys, and wearing himself out in works of charity and priestly duties.
The Department of the Interior hoped to find incriminating docu-
7 Garino, born in 1845, had entered the Oratory in 1857. A few years later, in
1862, he took triennial vows in the Salesian Society, was ordained a priest in 1869,
and distinguished himself as a Latin and Greek scholar and a fervent religious.
He died in 1908. [Editor]

36.10 Page 360

▲back to top


332
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ments in his possession. A platoon of policemen, led by their chief and
two captains, was dispatched to make a minute house search.
These unexpected visitors arrived just as Don Bosco was in the act of
accepting a poor boy recommended by the Minister of the Interior. He
received them affably, as he always does, and though he had very good
reason to question the legality of the proceedings, he gave them free
access to all they wanted to see.
The search went on from two till past six. As it was a Saturday and
the vigil of Pentecost, Don Bosco would normally have been busy with
confessions. Instead, he had to watch a police operation, and he did so
with the cheerfulness that stems from a tranquil conscience, trying to
make the best of those hours of involuntary idleness by suggesting suit-
able Christian reflections to the guards and pointing out to the inquisi-
tors the abject character of their task.
Needless to say, the search was an utter failure. Priests are no con-
spirators, and the government knows it. Two papers aroused suspicions.
One contained a sentence sounding somewhat too clerical, but it was
found to be from Emperor Marcus Aurelius; the other was a brief of
Pius IX to Don Bosco, which had already been published.
When the police withdrew after six, they left Don Bosco the following
declaration . . .
That declaration was the same one we gave earlier in this chap-
ter. Other papers gave reports similar to that of L'Armonia, but the
anticlerical press continued to inveigh against Don Bosco and the
Oratory, hoping to set public opinion against him. More vicious
was La Gazzetta del Popolo. "The Department of the Interior," it
published, "has made a house search of Don Bosco's premises -
that hotbed of goody-goodies in Valdocco. Reportedly, nothing
incriminating was found. What of that? Is not Storia d'Italia by this
modern Loriquet 8 enough proof of how dangerous this man can
be to the State?" Other articles were in the same vein, always
portraying the Oratory as a reactionary center because of its large
number of priestly vocations.
On his part, Don Bosco, realizing how true was the promise: "I
s Jean Nicholas Loriquet, a French historian, entered the Reims seminary in
1778, was imprisoned during the French revolution, and only in 1814 was able to
join the Jesuits. His History of France (1814) aroused violent opposition from
anticlericals, who accused him of having distorted history and made him their
favorite target. [Editor]

37 Pages 361-370

▲back to top


37.1 Page 361

▲back to top


A House Search at the Oratory (Continued)
333
will deliver you from those who afflict you," made up his mind to
expand his premises. His serenity evidenced his unalterable hope
in heavenly protection.
Some time previously he had already discussed with Father
[Louis] Anglesio the purchase of buildings and land adjacent to
the Oratory in order to double its capacity. One evening, therefore,
he convened the house chapter and said, "The search of our prem-
ises has given us free advertising with friend or foe. Now is the
time to expand. The house search was a godsend. Let's make the
most of it. The person most responsible for our trial is one who
benefited most by our charity. He turned against us to appear to
be a freethinker and have a chance at promotion. Our enemies
have tried to shut us down. So, tomorrow we will purchase the
adjacent Filippi property for eighty thousand lire. Don't worry!
Next year we shall have a large number of boys!" Father Michael
Rua, Father Angelo Savio, and others present guarantee that this
is what Don Bosco said.
Divine Providence smoothed the way for this purchase. East
of the Oratory was a silk mill belonging to the son of the Filippis.
Don Bosco had several times tried in vain to buy it, hoping also
to rid the Oratory of the nuisance of girls working at the mill.
After the Oratory house search, the owner himself asked Don
Bosco to bid for the mill.
"I have no money now," Don Bosco replied.
"Do not worry about that," the owner replied. "I'll give you
credit. I am in no hurry." Then and there they signed an option.
Shortly afterward, Chevalier [Joseph] Cotta visited the Oratory,
and Don Bosco told him of the purchase. The gentleman approved,
and without further ado told Don Bosco, "Go ahead! I'll contribute
half the money." Moreover, he put his promise in writing in the
presence of [John Baptist] Francesia and [Francis] Vaschetti.
However, the building needed alterations. Speaking of this with
two of his older pupils, Don Bosco remarked that the outlay would
come close to a hundred thousand lire. One of them, knowing that
Don Bosco was far from possessing such a sum, observed: "Don
Bosco, buying that building and altering it to our needs is fine, but
where is the money?" Don Bosco replied: "You are really materi-

37.2 Page 362

▲back to top


334
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ally-minded! Don't you know that it is just as easy for God to
inspire a good idea as to give the means to realize it? If anything,
giving the idea might be more difficult. In all my undertakings, I
follow this rule: First, I try to make sure that the new project is
for God's glory and the salvation of souls. Once that is settled, I
go ahead without fear, as Our Lord will not fail to help. And if
such an undertaking turns out differently from what I expected it
to be, then I have no regrets in seeing it fade away."
While good people worried about him and some even found
fault with him for being too daring, Don Bosco was quite hopeful.
As Canon [John Baptist] Anfossi wrote, "He went ahead, calmly
and smilingly. I lived with him many years and gradually became
convinced that every decision of his stemmed from advice received
from on high. We fly to Thy protection, 0 Holy Mother of God."

37.3 Page 363

▲back to top


CHAPTER 42
Oratory Family Life
{QE shall now resume our narration with a few candid
excerpts from Father Ruffino's chronicle:
May 27 [1860], Pentecost Sunday. Canon [Louis] Anglesio called on
Don Bosco to comfort him for the harassment to which he had been
subjected.
"Rejoice in the Lord, my dear Don Bosco," he repeated. "Your
work has been tested. When persecution struck the Apostles, they left
Jerusalem and carried the faith to other towns and countries. You will
do the same with your work."
Today two plainclothesmen listened in to the morning sermon 1 and
two others to the evening instruction. Among today's callers was Canon
[Louis] Nasi, whom Don Bosco pressed to give the morning homily ...
After the afternoon services, at which Don Bosco preached on the
Holy Spirit's descent upon the Apostles, other distinguished visitors
came, among them two solid pillars of the Church: Father James Mar-
gotti, director of L'Armonia, and Father Ferrando, director of Il Cam-
panile. Unbounded joy reigned throughout the house, which resounded
with shouts of Viva Don Bosco. In addition, a general amnesty was given
to all who had received unsatisfactory marks in conduct or study. There
was a delirium of joy. A sense of triumph was the more heartily felt
because a traitor who had posed as our friend and was a frequent
visitor had lied outrageously about Don Bosco to officials of the De-
partment of the Interior, and the house search had backfired, proving
him to be a liar.
At the "Good Night," after telling us that our patron saints watch
over us, Don Bosco added, "The king of Naples saw his deceased
1 On Sundays and feast days, Oratory church services included a second morn-
ing Mass as well as Vespers and Benediction in the later afternoon. [Editor]
335

37.4 Page 364

▲back to top


336
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
saintly mother in a dream. 'Take courage, my son,' she told him. 'There
is peace in Naples. Tomorrow, Friday, keep a strict fast.' The following
morning, he refused his usual coffee and milk. When it was later brought
to him again, he still refused to take it. His staff was surprised. Noticing
that some were disappointed by his refusal, the king became suspicious
and said, 'Let someone else drink this coffee.' Since all declined, alleg-
ing that they had already eaten, the king demanded a chemical analysis.
The coffee had been poisoned."
On Tuesday, the conversation having turned to Garibaldi in Sicily,
Don Bosco remarked: "Unless God or some foreign power intervenes,
Naples will fall."
May 28. The secretary of Cosimus Cardinal Corsi, archbishop of
Pisa, and Father [Cajetan] Tortone 2 paid us a visit. The secretary
assured Don Bosco that the cardinal would also visit the Oratory if and
when he obtained his freedom.
June 2. Father Angelo Savio was ordained a priest in the Church of
the Sisters of St. Joseph by [retired] Archbishop Baima, titular of
Ptolemais, now residing in Turin. It was a solemn event because Father
Savio was the second Oratory pupil who stayed with Don Bosco after
ordination.
June 4. Don Bosco had all the Oratory clerics pay a courtesy call on
Cardinal Corsi. On their return the conversation centered on the Church
crisis. "The troubles were short-lived," Don Bosco remarked, "but
much more acute than formerly."
Thus reads Father Ruffino's chronicle. Don Bosco's concern for
the ever growing troubles of the Church was painfully aggravated
by more worry, as can be seen from the following words he wrote:
Father Cafasso was almost fifty, an age at which a man knows quite
a deal about life. Though frail and tirelessly busy, he enjoyed fair health
and had hardly ever been ill. Even these last few months, though ex-
hausted by work, penance, and fasting, he carried on his priestly minis-
try. Suddenly, a marked change came over his thinking, speaking, and
acting. He sent for the priest with whom he was to give a spiritual
retreat at St. Ignatius' Shrine. Father Cafasso told him that he himself
had to withdraw. When asked why, he only replied, "You will know the
reason later." He gave up all priestly activity outside the Convitto
2 Father Tortone was the Holy See's unofficial representative to the Piedmontese
government. [Editor]

37.5 Page 365

▲back to top


Oratory Family Life
337
Ecclesiastico, even his highly cherished sick calls, which he asked an-
other priest to cover. Then, withdrawing almost completely to his room,
he made his will and put his affairs in order as though he were ready
to die.
Don Bosco was concerned. He prayed and asked others to pray.
Meanwhile, he too was being prayed for by his numerous friends
throughout Italy who feared the worst in the wake of the Oratory
house search. Many believed that he had been imprisoned. To
allay their fears and show up the lies of the anticlerical press, L'Ar-
monia ran the following notice on June 3 [1860]:
Rumor has it that Don Bosco has been arrested. We can assure our
readers, as of now, that it is not true. We say "as of now" because by
the time this gets into print, Don Bosco may very well be in jail. Not
that there is any basis for it. Everybody knows who Don Bosco is, but
today a priest is an outlaw just because he is a priest, and everything
and anything in his disfavor is considered lawful.
Obviously this notice was not a full reassurance to the Oratory
benefactors. They imagined its young residents living in great anx-
iety for their future. Actually, the boys were undisturbed. They
trusted Don Bosco's assurance since they saw him as a saint en-
dowed with prophecy. As Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio remarked,
"This spirit did not seem to be the flash of a moment but a per-
manent condition. He prophesied in praying, conversing, or even
joking. He was unaware of it and did not know that others noticed
it." The reader may judge the truth of this for himself as we con-
tinue our narrative.
The boys' firm trust in Don Bosco was based not just on his
gift of prophecy but on other charisms as well, as we gather from
a letter of a very fine, sickly young cleric:
Oratory, June 3 [1860]
Very Reverend and dear Father,
I want to tell you of my illness and ask your help. I was hoping I'd
get well soon, but unfortunately I see I am getting worse. I try to be
cheerful, and smile, but my smile is only a cover-up. Will it always be

37.6 Page 366

▲back to top


338
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
like this? Dear Father, you have already helped so many others; can't
you obtain a cure for me too? I know I don't deserve it; but I also know
that God grants even the greatest favors to one who prays as he ought.
About two months ago, I told you, "Don Bosco, won't you please
dream about me?" You replied, "Tonight I will come to you in spirit."
That night I awoke and, if I remember well, I prayed that you would
dream. I felt I had to talk to you, but somehow I did not want to do
so. I hoped you would know through a dream what I had not disclosed
to you. I reasoned thus, "If Don Bosco dreams, he'll know everything;
if he doesn't, he won't know. So I will say nothing."
But you did dream. You called for me and, after telling me of a
strange incident - namely, that I was walking with you along the Po
riverbed - you said, "Donato, don't worry."
These were cheering words, though I expected something else. But
you went on, "As for what you want to know, I will only say, 'Do not
fear where there is no reason for fear.'" Those words consoled me.
A recent event gives me good reason to hope that things will go well
for me. Just four weeks ago, you asked someone who was ill, "Do you
want to get well?" When he said yes, you continued, "How soon?" And
within that time he was cured.
These and similar incidents tempt me to try the same and seek your
help. I tell you truthfully, I felt so sure of your help that the mere
thought cheered me. Once, when I broke down in my grief, I felt deeply
relieved by the mere thought that I was going to seek your help. Indeed,
what greater comfort can a child have than to pour out his grief to his
father? But this affliction of mine will at least help me to learn God's
will in my regard. If He grants me a cure, I will thank Him with all my
heart and dare to promise that I will prove worthy of so great a favor.
Should He will otherwise, patience! Unpleasant as it may be, I wiJI stiIJ
be glad to know that God allows this for my own good.
I say no more. You know what I should ask for and what God wants
me to do. I beg you to charm me as only you can, to pray for me, and
to find some way to cheer me. Please forgive me if I have been overly
familiar.
Your loving son,
Cleric Edward Donato
Peaceful joy, unmarred by worry, ruled the Oratory, and family
spirit brightened its life. The boys were given all the freedom

37.7 Page 367

▲back to top


Oratory Family Life
339
compatible with discipline and good conduct. When the bell sum-
moned them to school, they were not required to line up; in the
hot season they could remove coats and ties in the study hall. Assis-
tants often reminded Don Bosco that order and decorum demanded
otherwise, but he was loath to yield to this, so anxious was he to
avoid all regimentation. Only years later did he agree when en-
rollment had grown to extraordinary size.
Former pupils still remember with emotion those happy years
when life at the Oratory seemed no different from their own home
life. They in turn reciprocated Don Bosco's fatherly care with
attentions that bespoke filial affection.
When, for example, Don Bosco one day sat in the confessional
for five consecutive hours while an endless line of penitents awaited
their turn, a boy named Merlone, realizing that Don Bosco could
use some refreshment, went to the kitchen and asked the cook for
a cup of camomile, which he took to Don Bosco. The good Father
appreciated this gesture and amiably told him, "May the Lord
repay you for your thoughtfulness and give you 'good measure,
pressed down, shaken together, running over ... 'in this world and
in the next." [Luke 6, 38]
He was all eyes to provide for his pupils' needs. Peter Enria
wrote:
If anyone looked sick, Don Bosco would anxiously ask, "How do you
feel? Do you want a doctor, or should I tell Father Prefect to have better
food served to you?" I remember that the doctor had advised a com-
panion of mine, a young cleric, to return to his native air. When he
called on Don Bosco to say good-bye, the latter asked him, "Do you
have money for your fare?"
"Yes," the cleric replied. "Father Prefect gave it to me."
"Did he give you anything more?"
"No, Father, just my fare."
"How long will you stay home?"
"The doctor said at least two months, but I doubt that it will be
enough."
"Your parents are not well off. How will you manage to get what
you need? I don't want you to burden them. Take this." And he gave
him two hundred and fifty lire. "As soon as you run out of this," he

37.8 Page 368

▲back to top


340
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
added, "let me know, and I will send more. Be sure to do all the doctor
said. Take care of yourself and do not tire yourself out. Remember me
to your parents. I will pray for you every morning at Holy Mass."
Father John Garino also declared:
It is remarkable how, regardless of many pressing occupations, Don
Bosco could solicitously look after his clerics' well-being. Unfailingly,
every month or every other month, he would ask those whose parents
could not provide for them whether they needed clothes or personal
items. Then he would ask a wealthy benefactress to supply what was
needed. He did the same in finding benefactors to pay seminarians'
board and tuition fees.
On seeing a pupil distressed by his parent's grave illness or death, he
would comfort him by saying, "From now on I will be your father." To
a young Salesian cleric who had already lost his father and tearfully
told him that his mother too had died, he said reassuringly, "Don't
,vorry. The Salesian Congregation will be a mother to you."
Dear Don Bosco! His love cheered the spirit, nourished the soul,
and strengthened the body. To him we may well apply Scripture's
words: "The heart of the wise man shall instruct his mouth and
shall add grace to his lips. Well-ordered words are as a honeycomb,
sweet to the taste, and healthful to the body." [Prov. 16, 23-24]

37.9 Page 369

▲back to top


CHAPTER 43
New Undertakings
eVER since rumors had it that a possible house search
might be made at the Oratory, Don Bosco had fearlessly put his
mind to new plans. The first involved construction. As we have
already mentioned,1 between the main gate and the Church of St.
Francis de Sales stood two classrooms for day students and a small
doorkeeper's room. A suitable parlor for visitors was unquestion-
ably needed, and Don Bosco built it toward the end of 1859.
Located on the eastern side of the main gate, just a few yards from
the old Visca shed,2 it was larger than the classrooms. This addition
consisted of a vestibule, doorkeeper's quarters, and a reception
room. Between the classrooms and this new unit ran an uncovered
vehicular passageway to the main gate. Don Bosco decided to roof
it over 3 [and gave the job to Joseph Buzzetti's brother Charles,
then a bricklayer. He soon got started on it and completed it within
a short time].
The whole construction was financed by Father Cafasso, who
had given Don Bosco a large sum, probably to purchase the Filippi
property. According to the [periodical] L'Apologista Cattolica of
September 1860, the sum amounted to more than forty-five thou-
sand lire. Don Bosco mentioned this generous gift several times to
Father John Cagliero, adding that Father Cafasso had demanded
he keep it secret. He often told his boys that Father Cafasso was a
great benefactor of the Oratory and had on several occasions given
him substantial donations. On his last visit to the Oratory Father
1 See Vol. V, pp. 349f. [Editor]
2 See Vol. II, p. 418. [Editor]
3 We are omitting details about its construction and cost. [Editor]
341

37.10 Page 370

▲back to top


342
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Cafasso observed the work in progress (he had seen the blueprints
previously) and gave his blessing to Don Bosco's apostolate. Until
then he had rarely come to the Valdocco neighborhood.
Once the new addition was ready and the parlor had been
opened to visitors, Don Bosco drafted a set of rules and had them
framed for display.4 He also had Charles Buzzetti build a small
sacristy alongside the sanctuary on the west side of St. Francis de
Sales Church. This, with an upper room, was to be used by the
altar boys. The land on which it was built had been part of a small
vegetable garden owned by Don Bosco which extended toward
the boundary wall on Via della Giardiniera.
Buzzetti finished the sacristy during the same year, 1860.5 For
the next thirty years Don Bosco entrusted him with all construction,
and Buzzetti became one of Turin's foremost building contractors.
Don Bosco's next plan was to raise the enrollment, with the
particular aim of increasing priestly vocations. To meet Piedmont's
widespread shortage of priests he decided on a new tack. He in-
vited wealthy, charitable families to send him boys who were prop-
erly prepared to study Latin, and assumed the obligation of giving
them a complete secondary school education for an all-inclusive
payment in advance of five hundred lire. At the same time, so as
to give their charity a double impetus, his plan was to assure them
that part of their payment would go toward the erection of a new
building.
Some tried to dissuade him from this project as a bad risk,
Father Cafasso among them, but when he heard Don Bosco's rea-
sons and sensed that it seemed to accord with God's will, he said,
"No use! He wants to do things his own way. We had better leave
him alone. Even when a project seems impractical, Don Bosco
somehow manages to carry it through." Accordingly, Don Bosco
prepared a circular 6 in which he enlarged his original plan and
also included boys wishing to learn a craft or a trade.
In promising to provide a complete secondary school education,
trade or academic, for the single payment of five hundred lire,
4 See Appendix 14. [Editor]
5 We are omitting some details about Charles Buzzetti. [Editor]
6 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

38 Pages 371-380

▲back to top


38.1 Page 371

▲back to top


New Undertakings
343
Don Bosco also had in mind to create a situation which would
make it almost impossible for the authorities to close the Oratory.
He was convinced that the rights of a third party [the parents]
would make his enemies hesitate before carrying out their hostile
plans.
This undertaking - like many others we shall have occasion to
mention - was criticized by some who trusted in their own judg-
ment, but was approved by others. As Father [John] Turchi relates,
a pious, distinguished, scholarly priest used to remark, "It's easy
to criticize but, meanwhile, we can't do a fraction of what Don
Bosco does without dependable means. Don Bosco is an extraor-
dinary man and should not be judged by ordinary standards."
To those who found fault with his enterprising spirit, Don Bosco
himself would often reply, orally or by letter; "When I see the devil
has stopped ensnaring souls, I too will cease looking for new ways
to save them from his wily deceits."
Don Bosco's third plan - to expand his fledgling congregation
beyond Turin in a boys' school - was most daring, considering
the times. Divine Providence saw to it that the municipal author-
ities of Cavour 7 offered him the management of an old boarding
school which had been closed for some time but was being con-
sidered for reopening. At the same time Canon Celestine Fissore,
provicar general of Turin, later archbishop of Vercelli, had in-
formed Don Bosco of his desire that he consider taking over the
junior diocesan seminary in Giaveno. Opened shortly after the
Council of Trent had issued its wise decrees, this seminary had
been a nursery of priestly vocations for some three centuries, first
for St. Michael's Abbey and Shrine,8 to which it belonged, and then
for the archdiocese of Turin into which it had been incorporated at
the beginning of the 19th century. Long flourishing as a secondary
school - the only one specifically intended for priestly vocations
- the school had recently seen its enrollment decline so badly that
it was in danger of being closed down and taken over by the
government. When John Baptist Anfossi visited there as a young
cleric in 1859, he was astonished by its pervading silence and was
7 A small town near Turin. [Editor]
s See Vol. I, p. 368; Vol. IV, pp. 83f. [Editor]

38.2 Page 372

▲back to top


344
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
told that it held no more than twenty pupils, that studies were
neglected, and that the vicar and purser, Father Alexander Pogo-
lotto, resided nearby but off the premises. The rector, who repre-
sented the chancery and had full authority over the seminary, was
a canon and rector of the collegiate Church of St. Lawrence.
Student admission, general discipline, management of seminary
property, and pupils' fees were all under his control. The seven
teachers who made up the staff resided on the premises but had no
other duty beyond teaching; they had been unpaid for an entire
year because seminary revenues were insufficient. Two young
clerics were in charge of supervision; one of them also substituted
grammar school teachers whenever necessary. The seminary prem-
ises also housed three elementary grades, mainly made up of day
students from town. The grammar school teachers were paid by
and were dependent on the municipal authorities. Furthermore, the
local clergy made it a practice to meddle in seminary affairs, to the
detriment of discipline. Too often the vicar had to bow to the will
of outsiders. Besides the baneful influence of the times, this was
one cause of the seminary's present sad plight. It was dead. Its
reputation had fallen so low that parents no longer sent their chil-
dren there. And no hope was in sight. We ourselves heard all this
from one of the professors who taught there in those years.
The chancery of course was considering shutting it down rather
than pay teachers to talk to empty seats, but before implementing
its decision, Canon Vogliotti, provicar general and rector of the
major seminary, called on Don Bosco and asked him to inject some
life into that lifeless institution. Would he at least assign a priest
as director and a young cleric as assistant?
Don Bosco asked for time to think it over, since the offer of a
school at Cavour was still standing. He consulted Father Cafasso,
but the latter hesitated to suggest a solution, probably because he
was aware of certain intrigues which Don Bosco also knew. Finally
he asked Don Bosco, "Whom would you send as director?"
"I have no priest to spare," Don Bosco replied, "and so I have
thought of a diocesan priest - Father so and so, a seminary class-
mate of mine. He is good, learned, and unimpeachable in
reputation."

38.3 Page 373

▲back to top


New Undertakings
345
"He is not for you!" replied Father Cafasso, who had insight
into people. "He is too quick-tempered and cross-grained."
Meanwhile municipal authorities were eagerly awaiting the
seminary's closing so as to take possession and convert it into a city
school. Assertedly they had a right to it if the seminary could no
longer serve its original purpose. Having been informed of the plan,
the chancery was quite worried over the imminent danger of losing
a magnificent building.
Giaveno's mayor, Joseph Schioppo, had even more ambitious
aims - a secondary school to be directed by Don Bosco. He had
made the proposal in May [1860] and Don Bosco had duly in-
formed the chancery. In an effort to retain possession of the semi-
nary and still meet the town's desires and pretensions, Canon
Vogliotti sent for Don Bosco and, after briefing him on all points
and making generous promises, urged him to accept.
Don Bosco raised no difficulties, since it was for the good of
the diocese, and he assured the canon that, should the municipal
authorities of Giaveno offer him acceptable terms, he would find
a way to satisfy his wishes.
He then wrote to the mayor of Giaveno for a contract, clearly
spelling out what financial contribution the municipality would
have to make for this secondary school that was to benefit the
town, though he had not yet declined the offer of the municipal
authorities of Cavour.
Canon Vogliotti was understandably impatient for Don Bosco's
reply, which gives us an idea of Canon Vogliotti's letter. In this
letter, as in all others, Don Bosco pleads the cause of his dear
children:
Turin, June 5, 1860
Very Reverend Father,
First, let me thank you for all you have done and will do for the<;e
boys of mine. According to our agreement, I was to keep the cleric
Ruffino at the Oratory gratis and you would extend the same charity to
the cleric Berutto in the Chieri seminary. While there, Ruffino could not
afford even a cent, but I gladly kept him without charge because of his
genuine good will. An aunt of his provided, and still provides, him with

38.4 Page 374

▲back to top


346
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
clothing. In case you cannot keep the cleric Berutto entirely gratis, do
what you can for him, and I will beg for the rest.
I will wait for a reply from Giaveno before committing myself to
Cavour. Many thanks for the green chasuble you have promised us.
I am still out of jail. Be sure that you and the vicar general do
likewise.
Respectfully and gratefully yours,
Fr. John Bosco

38.5 Page 375

▲back to top


CHAPTER 44
A Second House Search at the Oratory
~EANWHILE the government resumed its harassment
of the clergy. In a steady flow of accusations the Minister of the
Interior ordered the resumption of house searches in Turin in the
hope of finding evidence of anti-government activities. The public
at large could hardly believe that a few priests, dedicated to charity,
could so frighten a government with all its might, yet it is histori-
cally true.
Canon [Joseph] Ortalda 1 had just been arrested after a futile
house search, whose pretext had been, as Don Bosco reported,
that without a license he had transferred a small press from the
Falletti printshop to another location in order to print his periodical
Il Museo delle Missioni [Museum of the Missions].
On June 6 [1860] came the turn of the Convitto Ecclesiastico.
Since Father Cafasso had heeded Don Bosco's precautions, the
search uncovered nothing.2 Disappointed, the police hoped for
better success at the Oratory. Don Bosco left us this report:
I thought that the Oratory's first house search had made it clear that
only a fool would believe we were reactionaries, and that consequently
no one would again disturb our peace. Apparently, some government
officials must have enjoyed this kind of activity. They came back ten
times, always with different agents. I shall briefly report the more im-
portant incidents of the second house search, always blessing the Lord
for having protected us so visibly in those trying circumstances. "As
1 At this time Canon Ortalda was director of the Society for the Propagation of
the Faith. [Editor]
2 We are omitting here some unimportant details. [Editor]
347

38.6 Page 376

▲back to top


348
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
chicks, when threatened by the hawk, hasten to their hen's wings, we
likewise seek the cover of thy wings."
We shall base ourselves on Don Bosco's report and add other
testimonies to it.
On June 9 [1860], just fifteen days after the first house search,
three gentlemen showed up at the Oratory at ten in the morning
with a police posse. They were Mr. Malusardi, secretary of Minis-
ter Farini; Chevalier [Stephen] Gatti, chief inspector of the De-
partment of Education; and Professor Petitti, a lay theologian. The
first was to audit the books and inspect the premises, the second
to visit the classrooms and question the pupils, the last one to act
as stenographer. A few other officials also came along, and a guard
was set up at the Oratory main gate.
Unfortunately Don Bosco had just gone to town before their
arrival and had left no word of his whereabouts. Joseph Buzzetti
and several boys were immediately sent to look for him, but in
vain.
The inquisitors first visited the nearly ninety day students, mostly
rejects of municipal schools because they were too unruly or too
dirty. They were only beginners at reading and writing and taxed
their teacher's patience to the utmost. In his written report Reano
declared:
A gentleman from police headquarters came into my classroom and
asked whether I had certification. I replied in the negative. Then he
questioned me minutely on the curriculum. I described it to him and
also showed him a notebook in which I had collected a number of
maxims which I used to dictate to these poor boys to help them become
good Christians and citizens. The gentleman asked what punishments I
used, and I replied: "None."
"Is that possible?" he exclaimed.
"Of course," I replied. "All these boys come from needy families.
On appointed days, as my superior bids me, I give out bread stamps
to those whose conduct is good. These stamps can be redeemed at the
Magra bakery in Via Pellicciai. Those who have misbehaved get no
stamps. This is their only punishment. Moreover, to entice them to
school, Don Bosco at times offers them clothing." The gentleman left
apparently satisfied.

38.7 Page 377

▲back to top


A Second House Search at the Oratory
349
Crossing the playground, the three inquisitors went up to the
second floor. Since Don Bosco was out, they called on .father
Victor Alasonatti, his vicar, introduced themselves, and disclosed
the purpose of their visit. Mr. Malusardi took the initiative.
"Please show us the books."
"Here they are," Father Alasonatti replied. "This is the pupils'
register, this is a journal, and this lists the conditions of admission
of each pupil."
The men glanced through them. After a few minutes, the sten-
ographer remarked, "I can't make head or tail of this sort of
bookkeeping."
"Too bad," Father Alasonatti replied, "but, if you have a little
patience, I will explain it all."
"Yes, we want to know everything, but briefly. First, tell us how
many boys board here."
"Three hundred, between students and artisans. Forty are or-
phans; one hundred and twenty-seven have lost one parent. Besides
these, seven hundred boys frequent the Oratory every day."
"How much do the boarders pay?"
"Only seventeen boys and two clerics pay regular fees. Most
boys pay nothing because they are too poor. In fact, we have to
give them shoes and clothes. The rest pay a little, according to
their families' means."
"What is this 'little'?"
"Ten or twelve lire a month, a cask or two of wine a year, or
some bushels of rice, maize, chestnuts, and the like."
"You certainly cannot feed so many boys the whole year on this!
How do you manage?"
"The city gives us a subsidy of three hundred lire annually, the
Order of SS. Maurice and Lazarus five hundred, and the diocese
one thousand."
"These donations only amount to eighteen hundred lire, far
short of the need. What other means do you have?"
"In the beginning Don Bosco and his mother used to make up
the deficit partly by selling their personal property and partly by
obtaining charitable donations. But now we may admit that our
main support comes from benefactors."

38.8 Page 378

▲back to top


350
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Who are these people?"
"Many I don't know. Others do not wish to be identified. I'm
sorry, but I cannot answer your question."
"Where do you keep the money?"
"Nowhere. We don't even have a safe. No sooner does money
come in than it goes right out to pay overdue bills."
These conscientious, truthful replies did not quite suit the three
inquisitors. Indoctrinated by their bosses, they were convinced that
Don Bosco had vast sums of money at his disposal sent to him by
the Pope and by dispossessed princes, ostensibly to provide for his
boys, in reality to recruit soldiers and promote anti-government
activities. This absurd obsession was fed by the anticlerical press
which broadcast the false rumor that a house search of the Jesuits
in Turin had uncovered huge sums of money and important docu-
ments revealing the existence of a vast conspiracy. According to
their logic, since Don Bosco was in contact with the Jesuits, a
corpus delicti had to be found at the Oratory. Obsessed with this
idea, the three searchers demanded that Father Alasonatti show
them the treasure. In an attempt to frighten him, Malusardi cut-
tingly cried, "You're a liar! You have money, and you are hiding
it from us. You are a Jesuit. But we know how to handle people
like you."
They seized him by the arms, shook him, and shoved him about
with no regard for his priestly character. Under such rough villain-
ous handling, Father Alasonatti, already in poor health and ex-
hausted by work, fainted. "Gentlemen, I am doing you no harm,"
he said and blacked out. This unexpected occurrence shamed the
inquisitors into realizing that they had acted not as honest officials
but as bullies. Trying to remedy the situation, they propped him up
and helped him to a chair.
Where was Don Bosco? He had gone to town, calmly absorbed
in reading the [latest] government decree on education. He had
two errands to do -- one in court to clear up some matters on the
purchase of the Filippi house, and one at Marquis Fassati's, where
he was expected for dinner and a promised donation. But a strange
thing happened. As he left the court building to keep his appoint-
ment at the marquis' home, he lost his trend of thought and, instead

38.9 Page 379

▲back to top


A Second House Search at the Oratory
351
of walking downtown, aimlessly went in the opposite direction
and soon came to Via Cottolengo. Only after going some distance
on that street did he realize where he was. "My goodness," he
exclaimed. "What a pickle I'm in! If I go back to the Oratory, I
will miss my appointment. If I tum back, I'll certainly be late.
Tomorrow is Sunday, and tonight I must start confessions very
early." As he pondered, he kept walking and finally made up his
mind. "Happen what may, I am near home and home I will go!"
he declared.
At that moment he spotted three boys - Duina, Martano, and
Mellica - who ran up to him. "Hurry," they cried. "Another house
search is on. The Oratory is full of police!"
"Now I see . . . " Don Bosco thought. "It's the all-knowing
Divine Providence that led me here." Hurriedly he went in just as
everybody was anxiously looking to him as to a delivering angel.
At that moment Father Alasonatti was undergoing the painful
experience we have mentioned. The Oratory boys were terribly
upset, especially when they saw guards rudely keep John Cagliero
from leaving the Oratory for his music lessons in town. Some boys
were praying in church, as were thousands of people in the Cotto-
lengo Hospital at the request of Canon Anglesio, who anxiously
awaited the outcome of this high-handed abuse of power.
As soon as Don Bosco got to the second floor, a number of
husky artisans blocked the stairway to prevent his arrest at all
costs. The cleric [John Baptist] Anfossi could not resist following
Don Bosco into Father Alasonatti's office just as the latter fainted.
Seeing his dear companion in such a pitiful condition, Don Bosco,
deeply pained, took his hand and kept calling him by name. Hear-
ing Don Bosco's voice, Father Alasonatti rallied a bit and faintly
murmured, "Don Bosco, help!"
"Don't worry." he replied. "I'll take over. Just relax ... "
"Vim patior" [I suffer violence], the good priest painfully
muttered.
"I see too well that you suffer violence," Don Bosco went on,
"and I feel for you, but remember that 'the kingdom of God suffers
violence . . . ' "
He turned to the inquisitors and demanded what they wanted.

38.10 Page 380

▲back to top


352
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
One of them (Anfossi told us) answered, "We want an exact ac-
count of your finances and of the cash in your possession. If you do
not comply, we have orders to arrest you."
Don Bosco replied, "Wait a moment till I give Benediction of
the Blessed Sacrament, and then I'll be with you. You want what I
haven't got. We depend entirely on Divine Providence."
As he was speaking, Father Alasonatti seemed to faint again.
Justly indignant, Don Bosco turned to the searchers and took them
to task.
"You are abusing your power. Are you investigators or execu-
t1nners? Your conduct will earn you the condemnation of both
God and men. If you have orders for a house search, go ahead and
search, but don't terrorize law-abiding citizens in their own home!
I will formally file a complaint with the government and the king
himself. I trust I will be listened to."
At such resoluteness Chevalier Gatti meekly and courteously
replied, "Excuse us, Father, we did not come to harm anyone. All
we did was to ask questions."
"You should have asked them of the right person. I am the
superior. Ask me. Leave my dependents alone."
"We are sorry," the other two apologized, "and we want to
assure you that this was unintentional." Thus this incident was
closed.
After making sure that Father Alasonatti was cared for, Don
Bosco took the officials into the next room to get them away from
Father Alasonatti. There they told Don Bosco of their orders to
inspect the premises and visit the classrooms, but in a friendly,
courteous way.
"If that's the case," Don Bosco observed, "why the platoon of
guards to frighten my boys?"
"Be assured," Malusardi replied, "that the guards will not hurt
anyone in the least. They are only here for appearances' sake."
"Parade grounds are the place for that," Don Bosco rejoined.
"When police show up at private homes it is to arrest evildoers. It
seems incredible that liberal. intelligent cabinet ministers should
gratuitously believe that this hospice harbors evildoers and should

39 Pages 381-390

▲back to top


39.1 Page 381

▲back to top


A Second House Search at the Oratory
353
not hesitate to trample constitutional guarantees of inviolability of
domicile and personal immunity."
Don Bosco's firm stand somewhat disconcerted the inquisitors.
They seemed to be doing many things on their own, because the
guards soon unobtrusively slipped away to post themselves in the
empty fields encircling the Oratory.
Don Bosco stayed with the officials for over half an hour. After
their attempts to trap him into contradicting Father Alasonatti's
statements failed, Don Bosco thoroughly briefed them on the Ora-
tory's financial situation. They should have been convinced that
the Oratory posed no threat to the government.
"Anyway," one inquisitor asked, "what do you think of the
recent annexation of the papal provinces to Piedmont?"
Raising his voice, Don Bosco firmly replied, "As a citizen I am
ready to defend my country with my life, but as a Christian and a
priest I shall never approve of that."
The cleric [Charles] Ghivarello, who was in the next room, dis-
tinctly heard his words.
Then, hoping to find something to boast of to their superiors,
the searchers asked to visit the classrooms. Don Bosco consented.
Father Alasonatti, now fully recovered, led the way. Of the hun-
dred and eighty-six pupils, ten were day students.
We must remark here that Chevalier Gatti, whose special assign-
ment as chief inspector of the Department of Education was to
check the Oratory classrooms, was scarcely versed in Latin and
Greek. Since his teaching experience had been limited to history
and geography in the Collegio Nazionale, his questions were con-
fined to these subjects but were slanted and sly. Meanwhile, Mr.
Malusardi had taken a front seat and was privately questioning
nearby students, while Professor Petitti took notes or examined
pupils' notebooks. The inquisitors seemed to be trying to elicit
answers or discover some phrase in the boys' compositions which
could be construed as critical of the king or the government. Don
Bosco would then be accused of giving his boys an education that
was harmful or dangerous to the State.
They checked all books and asked for Don Bosco's teaching on

39.2 Page 382

▲back to top


354
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
the Constitution, the army, and ltaly. Even the catechism served
them well for the strangest and trickiest questions. They wanted to
find out what ideas were being instilled into the boys' minds in
order to trick them into compromising answers.
Latin I was being taught by Celestine Durando, a young cleric.
Chevalier Gatti, while questioning a pupil named Ricchiardi on
Italy's frontiers, asked, "How many kinds of monarchical govern-
ments are there?"
"Two," the boy replied, "absolute, and moderate or constitu-
tional."
"Which is the better of the two?"
The pupil did not know how to answer a question beyond his
knowledge. Gatti realized it and, as though hoping for an answer
critical of constitutional government, prompted, "Don't you think
that an absolute monarchy, in which a king does what he pleases,
is better?"
At this suggestion the teacher felt he had to point out that this
was no question to ask a First Year Latin student. "This question,"
he remarked, "would be hard even for a mature politician."
But the pupil, as if prompted by an angel, replied, "I would say
that any form of government is good, provided that those at the
top are good people."
This very sharp answer dumbfounded Gatti and was the Ora-
tory's conversation piece for many days.
The inquisitors then asked the teacher if he were certified. He
was not. They took his name down and used this as a pretext for
continuing their classroom investigation. Before leaving, they ex-
amined his books and took along a copy of Dominic Savio's
biography.
The most subtle questions were asked in Latin IV and V, taught
by John Baptist Francesia, a cleric.
Chevalier Gatti asked a pupil, "What class do you belong to?"
"Latin V, sir."
"Have you studied Roman history?"
"Yes, sir, but only the part in our program."
"Can you tell me who killed Julius Caesar?"
"Marcus Junius Brutus and other conspirators."

39.3 Page 383

▲back to top


A Second House Search at the Oratory
355
"Brutus certainly did the right thing in slaying that tyrant, didn't
he?"
"Brutus did wrong. A subject ought never to rebel against his
sovereign, much less take his life."
"And what if the sovereign is bad?"
"Then God will judge and punish him, but his subjects must
still respect him."
"Tell me, don't you think it would be a good idea if someone
would take a pot shot at the king? Then monks and nuns, priests
and bishops, and the Pope himself would have peace."
"Sir," Father Alasonatti interrupted, "these are no questions to
ask young pupils. You are trying to trap them. I'll have to forbid
them to answer."
Ignoring the protest, the inquisitor insisted. "No, sir," the boy
replied. "That would be wrong. If a king does wrong, he will have
to render an account to God in due time, but his subjects cannot
in conscience harm him. Rather, they should pray that the Lord
will show mercy, touch his heart, and convert him. Meanwhile
they must be patient."
"If we must ask God to touch his heart and convert him, that
means he is bad, doesn't it?"
"I didn't say that! I was only speaking in general!"
The boy became upset and began to cry.
"Why are you crying?" Chevalier Gatti asked.
"Because you ask me questions which do not concern history,
and I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing."
"Don't cry, lad," Gatti concluded. "You answered well."
Perhaps to his chagrin, he had to admit that much. Gatti then
called on another pupil.
"What's your name?"
"Ropolo. I come from Villafranca."
"What class are you in?"
"Latin IV."
"Do you know the king?'~
"I have never seen him, but I know that Victor Emmanuel is
our king."
"A bad king who persecutes the Church, right?"

39.4 Page 384

▲back to top


356
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"That's not part of our program, and so I don't know what to
say."
"Even if you have not studied these things, you've probably
heard of them. Don Bosco must have talked about them lots of
times, hasn't he?"
"I never heard any such thing. Instead our textbook, Storia
d'ltalia by Don Bosco, speaks well of Victor Emmanuel and of his
ancestors."
"But lad," another of the trio broke in, "those who persecute
religion are evil. Victor Emmanuel persecutes religion. Therefore
he is evil. Isn't that so?"
"You are better informed than I am, sir, and may say so, but I
never said or even heard from Don Bosco or my teacher that the
king is a bad man. I know that some time ago, when the king was
sick, Don Bosco told us to pray for his recovery and the good of his
soul. I too prayed for him."
"You are only parroting what somebody told you."
"No, sir, I'm telling the truth. Nobody could have prompted my
answers because nobody could have imagined you would ask me
such questions."
In Latin III, taught by the cleric John Turchi, the questions
were on Italy's geography, and the examiner appeared satisfied with
the prompt, adequate answers of a pupil named Louis Jarach. The
examiner then turned to the teacher.
"They asked me about punishments," Turchi wrote. "I remember
replying that, aside from some very slight ones, I used none."
The Latin II students, however, taught by the cleric Secundus
Pettiva, were put through the third degree. Here the inquisitors at
last found something to brag about. In examining the boys' com-
position books, they discovered that the teacher had dictated an
extract from a Latin letter of Pius IX which had already appeared
in the press.
"How come you dictate the Pope's letters?" Gatti exclaimed.
"Please notice," the teacher replied, "that this passage is only
an excerpt from a letter, and its Latin would do credit to Cicero."
Chevalier Gatti, who knew little Latin, made no comment but
added, "Well, these are not Latin authors for our schools."

39.5 Page 385

▲back to top


A Second House Search at the Oratory
357
"I wish to point out," John Turchi insisted, "that I only dictated
a few lines as a translation test. There was never any intention of
introducing a new Latin author. For these weekly tests I usually
select material from sources other than textbooks. I came upon this
passage, found it suitable, and dictated it. This does not violate
scholastic regulations."
His explanations did no good. The three inquisitors seized all
the composition books and, thinking they had at last discovered
the thread of the conspiracy, decided to question each pupil. As
it was lunchtime, they postponed the task until the afternoon.
While all the Oratory was having lunch, the inquisitors, accom-
panied by Don Bosco who replaced Father Alasonatti, went about
the house looking for the imaginary corpus delicti. Every corner
and closet was thoroughly searched.3 Then they passed on to the
church, the workshops, the study halls . . . and the dormitories,
minutely examining everything . . .
By now it was two in the afternoon and, their uneasy recreation
over, the boys went back to their shops and classrooms. The in-
quisitors then, abandoning their demeaning task, resumed inter-
rogating the pupils, a task they seemed to relish more. At this point
Don Bosco left them for his own lunch.
To be more at ease, the inquisitors settled themselves in the
prefect's waiting room and had each of the Latin II students sent
to them. They were less numerous than in other classes. A routine
question was: "What did your teacher say before and after dictat-
ing that extract from the Pope's letter?" Some replied that the
teacher had said nothing; four could not answer because they had
been absent that period; the rest said nothing of interest to the
investigators.
"Are you sure," they asked a boy named Rebuffo, "that the
teacher said absolutely nothing? Didn't he comment on the 'ma-
chinationibus' [intrigues] and on the Pope's 'affiictionibus' [tribu-
lations]? And what about the verb 'patrare' [to achieve]?"
"I don't remember," the pupil answered. "I know that he gave
us the Italian word for it very quickly and then left hurriedly."
He was telling no lie. Pettiva, their teacher, being late for a
3 We are omitting here some trivial details. [Editor]

39.6 Page 386

▲back to top


358
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
music lesson one afternoon, had hurriedly dictated the excerpt of
the Pope's letter for translation into Italian and had then gone out.
Being told of the sort of questions being put to his pupils, he
stalked into the room and said to Chevalier Gatti: "See here, sir,
we don't talk politics in the classroom. You may as well save your-
self the trouble of questioning the boys on that subject."
Afterward, a number of pupils of other classes were also inter-
rogated in such a way as to outdo any inquisition. These were a
few such questions: "To whom do the Legations,4 Marche and
Umbria, belong? What is the Pope's temporal dominion? Who rules
Italy? What textbooks are you using?" Noticing Don Bosco's Storia
d'Italia,5 they even took them to task for it. They stopped at noth-
ing, as is shown in the questioning of a boy named Costanzo.
"To whom do you go to confession?"
"To Don Bosco."
"How long have you been going?"
"For the past two years, since I came here."
"Do you go willingly?"
"Very willingly."
"What does he tell you?"
"He gives me good advice."
"For example?"
"That's private and it's not right to tell it to others. If you want
good advice too, go to confession to Don Bosco, and I'm sure he'll
give you plenty."
"I have no time now. Tell me, doesn't Don Bosco say that the
Pope is a saint?"
"He tells us that the Pope is called 'Holy Father.' I believe he is
a saint, because he is very good, and he is the Vicar of Christ."
"Doesn't he ever tell you that those who have seized portions of
the Papal States are wicked people?"
"These things have nothing to do with confession."
"But aren't these things sinful?"
"If they are, those who are guilty should worry. I've never done
these things, and so I don't have to confess them."
4 Papal provinces governed by the Pope's legate. [Editor]
5 See Vol. V, pp. 322-331. [Editor]

39.7 Page 387

▲back to top


A Second House Search at the Oratory
359
After several hours of fruitless investigation, the inquisitors,
tired or convinced of the futility of the whole thing, gave up their
inglorious task and decided to leave. However, they seized a num-
ber of composition books from various grades for a closer examina-
tion in their office. Chevalier Gatti also took a copy of Dominic
Savio's biography from a pupil in Latin I. For good measure, Don
Bosco gave them a handwritten copy of the house regulations.
"These rules will show government authorities the moral prin-
ciples on which I base the education I give to my boys. They should
realize that, far from creating trouble for the government, this
Oratory contributes to the welfare of families and of society by
forming good sons and upright citizens. I venture to hope that
from now on my poor boys and I will be left in peace."
After they left, Don Bosco went down to his boys and invited
them to church to thank the Lord. However the cleric Durando,
annoyed that his pupil's composition books had been seized, had
the boys put in a claim for them on the grounds that they needed
them for their lessons and final examinations and that they owned
them. The books were returned.
Don Bosco later experienced a great consolation. Two of the
principal instigators of this second house search came to see him
about their spiritual affairs. Thus reads the witness of Canon
Ballesio.

39.8 Page 388

▲back to top


CHAPTER 45
A Plea for Justice
~BOUT the time of the Oratory house searches, far
from losing heart, Don Bosco seemed to gain self-confidence. One
day he gathered his co-workers and told them: "Do not fear. God
will not abandon us. With His help our small Society will forge
ahead. Mary is our salvation, our life, our hope, our guide, our
refuge, and our help."
In fact, as though things were normal, he was readying a docu-
ment that was to be most important for his congregation's further
growth. On June 7 [1860], two days before the second house
search, he called a meeting of the twenty-six members of the Sales-
ian Society. The rules were read, and Don Bosco asked all the
members to sign them at the following meeting, after which he
would submit them for Archbishop Fransoni's approval. Someone
proposed that Don Bosco also have the right to appoint members
of the [Superior] Chapter, but he gave sound reasons why he op-
posed this policy and favored election by the whole Society. After
the meeting was adjourned (we read in Father Ruffino's chronicle),
a few Salesians lingered on. Constantly aware of the strained po-
litical and religious situation, Don Bosco remarked, "From now on
things will be different in Italy." This was a clear hint that Italy
would be united under one sovereign.
Don Bosco called another meeting of his Salesians on June 11,
after night prayers. Once again the angels beheld the wonders of
that Egyptian night when the Israelites, about to depart for the
Promised Land, swore never to separate but to keep faith with
each other and God. "For the just children of good men were
360

39.9 Page 389

▲back to top


A Plea for Justice
361
offering sacrifice secretly; and they unanimously ordered a law of
justice: that the just should receive both good and evil alike, singing
now the praises of the fathers." (Wis. 18, 9)
Father Ruffino's chronicle reads as follows:
One June 11 [1860], we set our signatures to the rules of the Society
of St. Francis de Sales which were to be submitted to Archbishop
Fransoni. We solemnly promised that, should the present troublesome
times prevent us from making our vows, each of us would strive to
promote this Society's growth and, as far as possible, always keep its
rules, even if all its members should be dispersed or if only two, or even
one, should remain.
Here is the precious document:
Your Excellency:
We the undersigned, prompted only by the desire to ensure our
eternal salvation, have joined together in community life in order to
dedicate ourselves more effectively to those things which pertain to God's
glory and the salvation of souls.
To maintain unity of spirit and discipline and avail ourselves of
suitable, effective means to achieve our aims, we have drawn up rules
after the pattern of religious congregations. Our Society shuns all politics
and aims only at its members' sanctification, especially by the practice
of charity toward our fellow men. We have already lived these rules and
have found them suitable to our strength and helpful to our souls.
We are aware, though, that personal judgment is too often open to
illusions and frequently to error, unless it is guided by Holy Mother
Church - the divinely appointed authority on earth. Hence we humbly
ask Your Excellency to read the enclosed rules, and to make changes,
additions, or deletions as the Lord will inspire you for His greater glory
with due regard to our capabilities.
In Your Excellency we see the shepherd who unites us with the Holy
Father. We shall accept your words as a clear manifestation of God's
will.
As we request your blessing, we also ask that you kindly accept this
petition of ours to examine the enclosed proposed rules to which we
have appended our signatures:

39.10 Page 390

▲back to top


362
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Fr. John Bosco
Fr. Victor Alasonatti
Fr. Angelo Savio
Deac. Michael Rua
John Cagliero
John Bonetti
Charles Ghivarello
John Baptist Francesia
Secundus Pettiva
Joseph Bongiovanni
Dominic Ruffino
Celestine Durando
John Baptist Anfossi
Francis Vaschetti
Anthony Rovetto
Francis Cerruti
Joseph Lazzero
Francis Provera
Louis Chiapale
John Garino
Peter Capra
Edward Donato
Gabriele Momo
PaulAlbera
Joseph Rossi
Joseph Gaia
Director pro tempore
Prefect
Economer
Spiritual Director
Consultor, 3rd Year Theology Student
Consultor, 1st Year Theology Student
Consultor, 2nd Year Theology Student
3rd Year Theology Student
2nd Year Theology Student
2nd Year Theology Student
2nd Year Theology Student
1st Year Theology Student
1st Year Theology Student
1st Year Theology Student
2nd Year Philosophy Student
1st Year Philosophy Student
1st Year Philosophy Student
1st Year Philosophy Student
2nd Year Rhetoric Student
2nd Year Rhetoric Student
2nd Year Rhetoric Student
2nd Year Rhetoric Student
2nd Year Rhetoric Student
1st Year Rhetoric Student
Coadjutor Brother
Coadjutor Brother
Archbishop Fransoni answered Don Bosco as follows:
Lyons, July 7, 1860
Very Reverend Father,
Your letter of June 13 and the accompanying Constitutions took
some time to reach me. I have already examined them once, and intend
to study them more leisurely before returning them to you. I think I
will also consult someone better acquainted than I with community life.
This is just an acknowledgment.
I sympathize with you for the harassment you have been subjected to
and thank the Lord that your health has not been seriously hurt.
I write in haste because I am very busy. Wishing you and all the

40 Pages 391-400

▲back to top


40.1 Page 391

▲back to top


A Plea for Justice
363
members of your Society bountiful heavenly blessings, I recommend
myself to the prayers of all.
Your devoted servant,
+ Louis, Archbishop of Turin
Thus did Don Bosco react to the threats of the world, but they
did not abate. A few days after the above-narrated search, Police
Commissioner Chiapussi (it is not known at whose order) sum-
moned several men who he knew had lived or worked at the Ora-
tory - some still there as craftsmasters or handymen, others
holding jobs in the city. He asked all just about the same questions:
What were Don Bosco's political leanings? Had he rec~ived money
from the Pope to recruit soldiers? What were his :financial re-
sources? Who were his main benefactors? No one could say any-
thing that might imperil the Oratory. Consistently they replied that
they had never heard Don Bosco talk of weapons or war, and that
when he needed money he went all over creation searching for
people to help him.
One of those questioned was forty-year-old Dominic Goffi,
former craftsmaster at the Oratory cobbling shop and doorkeeper.
He limped but was not tongue-tied. Though he had never faced
bureaucrats, he was not cowed and candidly replied: "Sir, do you
want to know Don Bosco's politics? I can tell you because I lived
with him many years. His politics is to find food for his boys."
"Didn't he ever try to talk you into volunteering for the papal
army to fight against our king?"
"He certainly never asked me because I limp and would only be
a burden. As doorkeeper I often spoke with my fellow workers and
all the Oratory older pupils, both day and resident, and I can
assure you I never heard that Don Bosco spoke to them about it.
He often speaks of fighting the devil by prayer and the sacraments,
but he never bothers about war or soldiers."
"People say Pius IX has sent him a large sum of money. Do you
know anything about it?"
"I know that in 1858, when Don Bosco was in Rome, Pius IX
gave him money to treat the boys of the festive oratories of Val-

40.2 Page 392

▲back to top


364
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
docco, Porta Nuova, and Borgo Vanchiglia. I don't know, but I
don't believe that the Pope later sent as much money as you say.
If it were true, we wouldn't see Don Bosco going around so often
begging for his boys, nor would we see so many creditors pestering
him. Many times I've witnessed heartrending scenes in the parlor.
When they know that he is going into or returning from town, his
creditors keep a sharp lookout for him. They want to be paid; they
beg, shout, and threaten. All want money. The poor priest promises
to pay and assures them they won't lose a cent, if they will only be
patient because he hasn't got a penny. I know, because when I was
in charge of the cobbling shop, the leather supplier stopped all
deliveries when Don Bosco could not meet his bills on time. Don't
you think, sir, that if Don Bosco had all the money they say he has,
he would first use it to rid himself of such nuisances?"
"But what about the money he sends his brothers? They buy
farms and build houses and mansions. Where does he get all that
money?"
"That's not true. Don Bosco has only one brother still living and
the man is working his farm with his sons."
"And yet I was told that in the summer Don Bosco takes his
boys on vacation to Castelnuovo d'Asti. Where do they stay?"
"At his own house. But far from being a mansion or a big farm-
house, it's so small that he has to have the boys sleep in the stable
and the hayloft, where they are hardly sheltered from bad
weather."
"You may be right, but you can't deny that Don Bosco receives
money. Who are his main benefactors?"
"Surely he must have benefactors, or else several hundred boys
would go hungry or would have to be turned out into the streets.
All good-hearted people help him, but I don't know who they are.
I must admit I wish that all of Turin's people were his benefactors,
including the police commissioner and his subjects. If you can, give
Don Bosco a helping hand, and you may be sure that your money
will be well spent!"
Spoken with candor by that simple-hearted man, these words
provoked smiles. A guard jokingly remarked, "His name is 'Goffi.'
[Italian for clumsy, stupid] but he speaks wisely."
The harassment was really annoying, but, thanks to God, it also

40.3 Page 393

▲back to top


A Plea for Justice
365
had its good side effects, not the least of which was the good will
of upright people - even those who did not share Don Bosco's
religious views but who were known for honesty and fairness.
Those who instigated this second house search, wishing it to
remain secret, imposed silence on those who had been interrogated,
but they obtained the opposite effect. News quickly spread about,
evoking little sympathy for a government which, under the mantle
of legality, presumed to break into the homes of private citizens,
making itself hateful to its own subjects.
Even some deputies did not hesitate to qualify this harassment
as illegal and unwise abuse of power: illegal as contrary to the
Constitution; unwise because it was carried out against an institu-
tion which housed, fed, and educated hundreds of indigent boys,
many of whom - were it not for such provision - would probably
have caused the government grave trouble.
Among others, Urbano Rattazzi - now no longer a cabinet
member but only a deputy - sent for Don Bosco and made him
tell minutely all that the inquisitors had said and done. On hearing
the facts, he became very indignant, declared the searches infam-
ous, and offered to demand a public explanation from the Minister
of the Interior in Parliament. He declared, "I am not overly fond
of clergymen, but when something good is done, I pay no heed to
the person doing it or to his political affiliation. By harassing or
permitting his dependents to harass such an institution as yours,
the Minister of the Interior makes himself guilty of an outrage
against philanthropy and deserves to be censured by all civilized
nations." Don Bosco thanked Rattazzi for his benevolence toward
the Oratory but did not deem it prudent to let him air this harass-
ment in the Chamber of Deputies. He preferred to leave the matter
to God and seek a peaceful approach. To this end he drew up and
sent the following statement to the Minister of the Interior and to
the Minister of Education:
Turin, June 12, 1860
Your Excellency:
I respectfully ask that you kindly read this brief statement concerning
the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales in Valdocco. Last Saturday, June 9,

40.4 Page 394

▲back to top


366
THE BIOGRAPffiCAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
by order of the Department of the Interior, our classrooms, dormitories,
and kitchen were inspected, our books were audited, and our financial
resources were questioned.
So far I have been unable to learn what prompted this government
measure. If Your Excellency will kindly explain it, I assure you that I
shall thoroughly and truthfully acquaint you with all the facts, thus
sparing the authorities further trouble and the oratories irreparable
harm. I humbly beg you to believe that:
1. During my past twenty years in Turin I have dedicated myself
wholly to the priestly ministry in jails and hospitals. I have also searched
about town for boys in order to get them off the streets, give them moral
upbringing, and provide them with a trade or academic schooling.
2. I have always striven to discharge my priestly duties with no re-
muneration whatever. On the contrary, I have used - and would gladly
do so again - all I had to put up the present building and to supportt
the boys now living there.
3. I have always vigorously shunned all politics, never taking sides
in any political issue. Moreover, to forestall even the chance of a political
partisanship in this house, I have forbidden that politics be even dis-
cussed. This house subscribes to no political paper. I have taken these
steps in the firm belief that a priest will thus be free to exercise his
sacred ministry at any time and place and with any form of government.
While assuring you that I have always kept aloof from politics, I can
also with equal truthfulness affirm that I have never said, done, or sug-
gested anything against the government.
4. My schools have never been legally certified because they are
"charity" schools. But the superintendents, inspectors, and Ministers of
Public Education were fully acquainted with them and gave them tacit
approval by visiting them, by presiding at the examinations - as was
done several times by Chevalier [Peter] Baricco [former deputy mayor
of Turin], Inspector [Peter] Nigra, Chevalier [Ferrante] Aporti,1 and
others - by making cash donations or gifts of books, and occasionally
by waiving scholastic fees and by letters of commendation. I hereby
enclose one such letter from Minister [Giovanni] Lanza 2 in which he
encouraged the work of the oratories and of the day schools attached
to them. The commendation of Lanza stemmed partially from two orders
1 Father Aporti (1791-1858) had been one of the foremost educators in Italy.
See Vol. Il, pp. 148f, 165ff, 311f. [Editor]
2 Giovanni Lanza (1810-1882) had been Minister of Education from 1855 to
1858. [Editor]

40.5 Page 395

▲back to top


A Plea for Justice
367
of the day: one of the Senate, the other of the House urging the govern-
ment to uphold and promote such institutions. True, the Casati Law
does require teacher certification, but on this score I can say I had
already taken initial steps during Minister Lanza's tenure. He was and
still is a benefactor of ours. I would certainly have fully complied with
the law (Art. 379) before the start of the forthcoming school year.
5. For the last few years, due to the inadequacy of our workshops
and the need of sheltering a greater number of boys, I have assigned
more pupils to academic courses. A considerable number of them are
now earning an honest livelihood as school or music teachers or as
priests.
If, after reading this statement. Your Excellency should come to
some decision, I shall readily submit. I only ask respectfully that you
do so privately as a father who desires work to be done in the best way
possible and not through alarming measures which may at times cause
irreparable harm.
Having acquainted you with my deep-hearted concern, I now wish to
recommend these poor boys of mine to your benevolence. Please forgive
me for taking up so much of your time. Wishing you God's blessings,
lam,
Respectfully and gratefully yours,
Fr. John Bosco
This statement was accompanied by an exact, detailed account
of the state of the Oratory. Unfortunately all we have is but an
outline. At any rate, it agrees perfectly with Father Alasonatti's and
Don Bosco's answers to the inspectors.
[Through a messenger] Minister Farini's secretary sent the fol-
lowing reply:
Turin, June 13, 1860
Department of the Interior
Office of the Minister
The Minister of the Interior acknowledges receipt of Father John
Bosco's letter. Unable at present to reply in writing, the Minister informs
Father Bosco that he will be pleased to receive him in his office before
5 P.M. today or any time tomorrow morning.
G. Borromeo, Secretary

40.6 Page 396

▲back to top


368
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco kept the appointment, but the clerk's cold reception
and the message that unforeseen official business kept Minister
Farini from seeing him gave Don Bosco to understand that the
storm buffeting the Oratory was not yet fully spent.
He returned to the Oratory with the conviction that more and
greater trouble was ahead. Faced with his enemies' obstinate hos-
tility, he began to ponder possible future complications and be-
came greatly worried. He asked himself: "What will happen to the
Oratory? Can it be that, for a time at least, God may permit its
destruction?" The future loomed dark. Not that Don Bosco doubted
for a moment the final outcome of his mission, but God permitted
this worry to make it clear that He alone was the source of all
strength. Nevertheless, recalling what Canon Anglesio had said at
the time of the first house search, Don Bosco felt greatly buoyed.
Outwardly he looked always serene, but when to his outward calm
Don Bosco added facetiousness, it was a clear sign to Rua [who
knew him well] that his troubles were acute.
Just about this time he received letters 3 from the Department of
the Interior asking him to accept five more boys.
3 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

40.7 Page 397

▲back to top


CHAPTER 46
A Painful Loss
THE death of Father Cafasso in June 1860 brought
grave loss to the entire Church, especially the church of Turin and
Piedmont. He was active to the very end, notwithstanding various
ailments that further undermined his poor health. A certain dis-
taste for this world and a longing for heaven transpired through all
his actions.
On Monday, June 11, a messenger from the Convitto Ecclesi-
astico brought Don Bosco the disquieting news that Father Cafasso
had felt very weak while hearing confessions and at about eleven
had been forced to take to bed. An internal hemorrhage had been
further aggravated by the grief he felt because of the house searches
made at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales and the Convitto Ec-
clesiastico and because of the persecution of the Church in Italy.
In several cities many religious, seminarians, and priests had been
jailed. Cardinal Baluffi, bishop of Imola, and the bishops of Carpi,
Ferrara, and Faenza had fared no better. On June 9, Bishop
Anthony Ranza of Piacenza had been brought to Turin under
police escort. Haled before the Minister of Justice, this good shep-
herd had to suffer the indignity of being lectured on the Gospel by
a sheep, and of then being placed under house arrest in the resi-
dence of the Christian Brothers. These venerable bishops were
being thus harassed because they had refused to have a Te Deum
sung in their churches!
Lay people too felt the government's wrath. Thorough house
searches were made at the country estate of Duchess Laval Mont-
369

40.8 Page 398

▲back to top


370
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
morency - a generous benefactress of Father Cafasso and Don
Bosco - at Borgo Cornalese near Turin, and in the residence of
the count of Collobiano who often visited [Cardinal Corsi], arch-
bishop of Pisa.1 Not the least trace was found of the alleged clerical
conspiracy.
Father Cafasso found comfort in such moral anguish by fre-
quently turning his thoughts to heaven. So clearly did he foresee his
death that he seemed to have received an explicit revelation of the
day, hour, and circumstances, notwithstanding the fact that for an
entire week the best doctors, doing all that friendship and skill
suggested, entertained hopes of his recovery. His calm, patience,
resignation, and lively faith were truly heroic.
Don Bosco visited him daily. On one occasion, Father Cafasso
asked him for special prayers at the Oratory. "We have done so
already," Don Bosco replied, "and will continue. I have also told
the boys that some Sunday you will come and give them Benedic-
tion of the Blessed Sacrament."
"Never mind that," Father Cafasso declared. "Keep praying and
tell your boys that I will bless them all from heaven."
Don Bosco then asked him if he had any errand or unfinished
business that he wished to entrust to him. "None," he replied
smilingly. "It would indeed be strange if after constantly preaching
that a priest should settle his affairs every evening as if he were to
die that night, I should have failed to do so myself. Everything is
taken care of. The only unfinished business concerns paradise, and
I shall indeed soon have that."
Everyone noticed that he welcomed visitors as amiably as usual,
but that after a few minutes he would dismiss them, asking for
their prayers. He did not wish them to stay any longer than strictly
necessary. He longed to be alone, free to converse with God, even
during his last moments on earth. He was not too happy with the
short invocations suggested to him. They seemed to interrupt his
colloquies with Jesus, Mary, his Guardian Angel, and St. Joseph.
The steady attendance of the infirmarian annoyed him, but one
day, when he was alone with him, Don Bosco made bold to point
out that it was quite right to have someone always present to nurse
1 Cardinal Corsi was under house arrest in Turin. See pp. 303f. [Editor]

40.9 Page 399

▲back to top


A Painful Loss
371
and comfort him. "Not at all!" he immediately replied. Then force-
fully he added, "Don't you know that every word spoken to men
is a word stolen from God?"
Occasionally, on going out, Don Bosco left the door ajar and
watched him join his hands, kiss the crucifix repeatedly, and, gaz-
ing intently to heaven, converse familiarly with God.
On Friday, June 22, after solemn Holy Viaticum, he himself
gave the bystanders to understand that he wished preparations to be
made for the Anointing of the Sick and the papal blessing, and that
the twenty-five or so priest-students still at the Convitto Ecclesias-
tico should attend.
That evening Don Bosco asked his spiritual father and bene-
factor for a last blessing. It was a most touching scene. Bishop
Cagliero wrote: "When Father Cafasso was about to die, we met
Don Bosco as he was returning from his last visit. He was deeply
grieved and so were we. To cheer us, he told us we would soon
have Father Cafasso as a heavenly patron. As a saint speaking of
another saint, he told us of Father Cafasso's virtues and charisms
and of his devotion to Our Lady whom he honored every Saturday
by a strict fast. He also confided to us how Our Lady had promptly
granted him any favor he had asked that day."
In the early hours of Saturday, June 23, Father Cafasso followed
the Mass said in the chapel adjoining his room, and as usual received
Holy Communion. Having worked hard for the glory of Mary, he
wished to die on a day sacred to Her. He had often said and
written: "How joyful to die of love for Mary, pronouncing Her
name! To die on a day sacred to Her, in Her most glorious moment!
To die in Her arms, leave for heaven with Her, and be eternally
near Her!"
At about nine that morning he folded his arms. The end seemed
imminent. Shortly after ten, while prayers for the dying were being
said, he shook himself and turned as if he had heard his name
called. Bystanders saw his body rise into the air. Turning to one
side, his eyes open and surprisingly bright with life, Father Cafasso
lovingly stretched out his arms to some unseen, mysterious object.
We have reason to believe that it was the Most Holy Virgin Her-
self, visibly appearing to him to console him in his last moments

40.10 Page 400

▲back to top


372
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
and grant him the favor he had sought for many years - to die in
Her arms.
His last glance was at a framed picture of St. Joseph's death at
the foot of his bed. Moments later he expired. This scene was at-
tested to by Father Allachis and Father Bonino, who were present,
and by Bishop Cagliero who heard it from Don Bosco himself.
A messenger had hurried to the Oratory to tell Don Bosco that
Father Cafasso was dying. Don Bosco immediately went to the
Convitto Ecclesiastico with Francis Cerruti, then a cleric, but he
arrived when Father Cafasso had just expired. Falling on his knees
beside the bed, Don Bosco burst into tears. After night prayers, he
told the boys the sad news, warmly praised the deceased priest, and
promised to write his biography. He also announced that the feast
of St. John the Baptist would be postponed to Sunday, July 1,
after the feast of St. Aloysius which would be kept on June 29.
Father Cafasso's room was converted into a mortuary chapel
and his wake was held on June 23 and 24. Flocks of people came
to pay their respects. They kissed his hands; eager for relics, they
cut snips of his clothes and his hair and touched objects to his body
as cherished keepsakes.
On the evening of the 24th, the coffin was closed and taken to
St. Francis of Assisi Church. Endless throngs accompanied it; very
many kissed the drape covering the coffin. At the crowd's insis-
tence, the coffin was opened once more for a last view of the
remains and then sealed. Early on the morning of June 25, after
recitation of the Office of the Dead, Father [Felix] Golzio sang a
requiem Mass. The church was packed. People wept; some placed
lilies and flowers on the coffin. It was a touching spectacle. Finally,
at the appointed hour, the funeral cortege formed, led by various
confraternities and followed by a delegation of Franciscans, a siz-
able number of Oratory boys and clerics, and some two hundred
priests, among whom was Don Bosco. Crowds walked behind the
coffin and thousands of people lined the route. Praises, prayers, and
sobs could be heard on every side.
When the coffin arrived at Holy Martyrs Church, which was
already thronged, a solemn requiem Mass was sung and exequies
followed. Then, members of St. Roch's Confraternity lifted the

41 Pages 401-410

▲back to top


41.1 Page 401

▲back to top


A Painful Loss
373
coffin on their shoulders and carried it to the cemetery, followed by
a vast crowd reciting prayers and rosaries. The little church of the
Turin cemetery could not hold the multitude. After a last absolu-
tion, the coffin was taken to a mortuary chapel on the premises
where the faithful vied with each other in picking as keepsakes the
flowers that had covered the coffin. During the following days,
many who had experienced Father Cafasso's charity kept visiting
his grave. Don Bosco was one of them. He wrote, "The Christian
cemetery, always an eloquent teacher for those who enter in faith
and prayer, becomes indispensable to the heart when among those
tombs there rest the ashes of our beloved benefactors."
On June 25, Father Cafasso's last will, dated October 10, 1856,
was opened. He left his family patrimony to his relatives and all
he had inherited from Father [Louis] Guala 2 to the Cottolengo
Institute. Among the many legacies, the fourteenth was in favor of
Don Bosco and his boys. It read: "I leave to Father John Bosco of
Castelnuovo d'Asti, resident in Turin, the land and building I own
adjacent to the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales at Valdocco, in this
city, and the sum of five thousand lire. I also cancel whatever debt
he may have with me at the time of my death. All relative docu-
ments should be either destroyed or handed over to him."
By this will Don Bosco became the sole proprietor of the land
and buildings purchased from Francis Pinardi.3
At the "Good Night" that evening, Don Bosco told the boys
how Father Cafasso had left them a token of his love for them in
his will and described his magnificent funeral as a sincere public
tribute to his virtuous life. He also remarked about the salutary
impression a good death produces, and the horror caused by the
death of the wicked. He illustrated the latter point by narrating a
tragic event which had happened during those very days.
In the town of Prato a militant rebel stalked into a tavern and,
brandishing two pistols, shouted, "With one I will shoot Pius IX
and with the other the cathedral rector!" Then, as if to emphasize
the point, he slammed the butt of one pistol upon a table. The
impact triggered it and the bullet hit him in the head. A bystander
2 See Vol. II, pp. 96f. [Editor]
8 See Vol. N, pp. 172, 409. [Editor]

41.2 Page 402

▲back to top


374
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ran for a priest. The first one to be found was the very priest the
poor man had wanted to shoot. The priest hurried, but it was too
late. The man was already dead.
Father Ruffino's chronicle records the celebration of the feast of
St. Aloysius on June 29. On this occasion, medals of the Saint, with
the Guardian Angel on the reverse, were given to all. Boys, clerics,
and priests pinned them on their clothes. The sermon, much liked
by the boys, was preached by Father [John] Ciattino, pastor of
Maretto. He dwelt on the importance of little things. That after-
noon there was a stage play, and in the evening a procession in
which all the boys wore their medals. As on previous occasions,
several boys dressed as various saints - among them St. John the
Baptist. At dusk there was a show of balloons and fireworks.
On June 30, Don Bosco attended a requiem Mass for Father
Cafasso in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The service was
conducted with no outward solemnity.
Don Bosco always found comfort at the Convitto Ecclesiastico.
He had chosen Father [Felix] Golzio as his new confessor and
went to him regularly every week. The latter too was convinced
that God was leading Don Bosco by unusual paths and never op-
posed his method of spiritual direction, even when the Oratory
was packed with resident pupils and young clerics. Father Paul
Albera declared, "Don Bosco greatly revered Father Golzio, and
the feeling was mutual. The latter so esteemed and loved Don
Bosco that he decided to make him his heir."
Father Cafasso's successor to head the Convitto Ecclesiastico
was Canon Eugene Galletti, who for love of God had already re-
nounced his benefice to live with the poor of the Cottolengo Insti-
tute. This worthy priest was also a friend of Don Bosco and
continued to place a room and the Convitto library at his disposal
where he could have a quiet place to write. At Canon Galletti's
request, Don Bosco continued going to St. Ignatius' Shrine [to
help with confessions] at various spiritual retreats.

41.3 Page 403

▲back to top


CHAPTER 47
A Cardinal's Visit to the Oratory
QN Sunday, July 1 [1860], the Oratory boys solemnized
Don Bosco's name day with the customary festoons and an assem-
bly program featuring vocal and instrumental music, prose, and
poetry. In addition, they wanted to show their love by a gift. "Don
Bosco," Peter Enria wrote, "never cared whether or not his cassock
was well-fitted and seasonal, as long as it was clean and neat, and
so in the Oratory's early years, boys occasionally used to chip in to
give him some suitable article of clothing as a token of their affec-
tion and gratitude."
We now draw again from Father Ruffino's chronicle:
July 4 [1860]. Today the cleric Louis Castellano was cured. It hap-
pened this way. His doctor, who had given him up, seldom even visited
him. A second and a third doctor were summoned, and they too gave
no hope of recovery. Don Bosco himself agreed with them. Even as far
back as April 25 [1860] he had remarked, "Two things are certain: the
fall of the Two Sicilies and Castellano's departure for heaven." Never-
theless, after hearing the young cleric's confession, Don Bosco blessed
him and exclaimed, "If Dominic Savio cures him, it will be a sure proof
of Dominic's sanctity." That very day, Castellano's temperature dropped
to normal and shortly after he returned to the Oratory.
As we shall see, though, Don Bosco's prediction was to come
true.
The Oratory meanwhile again honored the memory of Father
Cafasso. The boys had felt keenly the loss of their generous bene-
factor and kept offering prayers and suffrages for the repose of his
375

41.4 Page 404

▲back to top


376
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
soul. Not content with this, however, they all wished to pay him a
public tribute of gratitude on July 10, the seventeenth day after
his death, with as solemn a requiem Mass as their humble condition
could afford. The church was draped in black and two inscriptions 1
were placed over the entrances, while others were put around the
catafalque. These latter were placed as follows:
At its foot:
Vere sal terrae et lux mundi fuit.
He was truly the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
[Cf. Matt. 5, 13]
On the right:
Quia ad iustitiam erudivit multos, fulgebit quasi stella in per-
petuas aeternitates.
Because he led many to justice, he shall be like a star forever.
[Cf. Dan. 12, 3]
On the left:
Labia Josephi custodiere scientiam et legem requirebant ex ore
eius.
The lips of [Father] Joseph kept knowledge, and the people
sought the law of his mouth. [Cf. Mal. 2, 7]
At the head:
Corona senum filii eius, et gloria filiorum pater eorum.
Children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are
their fathers. [Prov. 17, 5]
Each inscription near the catafalque carried a symbol of his
virtuous deeds. The Oratory choirboys lovingly rehearsed the musi-
cal program. Prayers preceded and followed the solemn requiem
Mass celebrated by Father [John] Borel at 6:30 in the morning.
As usual, the boys received Holy Communion, which certainly is
one of the most effective means to aid the souls of the faithful
departed. The church was filled with youngsters, distinguished
guests, friends, and admirers of Father Cafasso.
After Mass, before the exequies, Don Bosco read an appropriate
biographical sketch of the deceased which was published the next
1 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

41.5 Page 405

▲back to top


A Cardinal's Visit to the Oratory
377
month.2 Several times he could not hold back his tears, while his
audience was so taken up by his words that they did not want him
to stop.
At about this time Don Bosco was also busy readying the Aug-
ust, September, and October issues of Letture Cattoliche.
The first - authored by Don Bosco and entitled The Pontificate
of St. Sixtus II and the Glories of St. Lawrence, Martyr-be-
longed to his series of the lives of the popes. . .. The second - by
Father Joseph Frassinetti, a dear friend of Don Bosco - con-
cerned a saintly maiden, Rosina Pedemonte . . . and the third, by
Father Charles Filippo, a Capuchin, was entitled Confession, the
Gate to Heaven.
As recorded in Father Ruflino's chronicle, on July 14 [1860] the
government allowed Cosimus Cardinal Corsi, archbishop of Pisa,
to return to his see. As soon as he was free, the cardinal visited the
Oratory. Accompani~d by his secretary and his valet, he arrived
at the church at 6: 30 in the morning and said Mass, assisted by
Canon [Joseph] Ortalda, Canon Alasia, Father Dadesso, Father
Corsi, and Father [Victor] Alasonatti. The cardinal gave the Gospel
homily and also a very touching short talk before Communion.
Mass was followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament im-
parted by the cardinal. After treating the boys at breakfast, the
cardinal sat on a makeshift dais in the porticoes for a brief recep-
tion. He graciously listened to the choir and band, to the poems of
the clerics John Baptist Francesia and Joseph Bongiovanni, and to
an address read by Michael Rua and written by Don Bosco him-
self.3 In responding, the cardinal told the Oratory boys, clerics, and
priests that from that moment he included them all in the prayers
he would order offered up in his archdiocese, and that he would
speak of them to the Holy Father when he next saw him.
Then three boys offered him a complete set of Letture Cattoliche.
In the presentation, one of the lads noted that since the Holy
Father highly recommended Letture Cattoliche, he respectfully re-
quested His Eminence to make this publication known in his arch-
2 We are omitting a description of its contents and a review by L'Armonia.
[Editor]
3 A routine address of greeting and good wishes. Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

41.6 Page 406

▲back to top


378
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
diocese, if he felt it would contribute to God's greater glory and the
salvation of souls. "We shall be honored," the boy concluded, "if
Your Eminence will accept this gift." The cardinal nodded ap-
proval and consent. Then he visited the dormitories, study hall,
workshops, dining room, and kitchen, which he blessed, saying,
"May the Lord provide abundantly for all."
He left the Oratory at 10: 30 amid shouts of "Long live Pius IX!
Long live Cardinal Corsi!" As he walked through the double line
of boys from the porticoes to the gate where his carriage awaited
him, he blessed all with heartfelt warmth. Canon Alasia remarked
that he had never seen anything like that before and that he had
been deeply moved. Canon Ortalda agreed.
On leaving the Oratory, the cardinal informally called at the
Rifugio.4 He did not address the community but gave Benediction
of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Later, escorted by Marchioness
Barolo, he paid a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation
to thank the Most Blessed Virgin for his deliverance. On July 21
he left for Pisa.
4 An institution for wayward girls where Don Bosco had been a chaplain. See
Vol. II, pp. 184f. [Editor]

41.7 Page 407

▲back to top


CHAPTER 48
A Stand for Survival
THE troubles of Pisa's archbishop had come to an end,
but not Don Bosco's. Normally, his explanation to the Minister of
the Interior and his acceptance of so many boys into the Oratory
at the request of government officials ought to have allayed the
latter's fears and ended the Oratory's harassment, but the times
were not normal. An anticlerical press daily maligned Don Bosco,
inventing and spreading the wildest accusations in an effort to tum
public opinion and civil officials against him. They certainly suc-
ceeded in arousing the hostility of the rabble because one day, as
Don Bosco was crossing Piazza Savoia with John Garino [then a
boy], two passersby shouted to his face, "All priests should be
hanged!" With a smile Don Bosco replied, "Yes, if they were as
deserving as you!"
True, there were also honest newsmen who came to his defense.
They exposed the absurdity of the accusations and the injustice
and meanness of such attacks, but the anticlerical papers ignored
the rebuttals as a matter of policy and kept on repeating their lies
while prodding the government to close the Oratory down. Un-
fortunately, with the type of men then in power, there was little
hope for a fair deal. Cabinet ministers had misgivings about the
success of their goal [the unification of Italy] and were easily mis-
informed by their aides. Often, they saw enemies and dangers
where there were none and, in their own fear, tried to scare off
those whom they regarded as possible rivals. There was sound
reason to fear that some day they might order the Oratory shut
down. Don Bosco knew that it had already been decided to move
379

41.8 Page 408

▲back to top


380
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
him out and put him under house arrest, but that influential per-
sons had prevented it.
He therefore had to take defensive measures, but which? "It's
useless to write," Don Bosco mused, "because they never answer.
An audience with Minister Farini would easily prove my innocence,
but he won't grant me one. Yet I must try!"
He had unsuccessfully sought an audience three times before.
His sway over people - even those less friendly - was such that
government officials were quite fearful that, granted an audience,
he would win his point, and so they had taken all precautions to
prevent that from happening. But Don Bosco was calmly and
bravely determined to overcome every obstacle. He was ready to
sacrifice his very life and move heaven and heart rather than let
his little ones be torn away from his side. Without him, humanly
speaking, the Oratory was lost.
Unable then to get a hearing from Farini, Don Bosco turned to
Chevalier Silvio Spaventa, head secretary of the Department of the
Interior, but this gentleman too had no intention of seeing him. To
tire Don Bosco out, he kept putting him off day by day, morning to
night to morning again. Finally, however, Chevalier Spaventa had
to give in. He gave Don Bosco to understand that hopefully he
might receive him on July 14 at eleven. While the Oratory boys
worried about their fate, Don Bosco, sad but not perturbed, called
the cleric John Cagliero and told him, "Please come with me to
the Department of the Interior."
As they reached Via Palatina, Don Bosco exclaimed, "What a
wicked world this is! Some government officials can't wait to shut
the Oratory down and destroy it. Poor men, how misguided they
are! They shall not succeed. They think they are dealing with Don
Bosco alone. They don't realize they have pitched themselves
against the Blessed Virgin and God Himself. He will shatter their
plans. No, they shall not succeed in closing the Oratory!"
At the appointed hour Don Bosco arrived at the ministry and
was announced, but Chevalier Spaventa had either forgotten or
regretted his promise. His aide informed Don Bosco that very
important matters kept the secretary from receiving him. Don
Bosco's reply was, "I'll wait!" Determined to see the secretary, he

41.9 Page 409

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival
381
stayed on till six that evening, unruffled, despite the heat, hunger,
and thirst. During those seven hours a steady flow of all sorts of
people were ushered into Chevalier Spaventa's office, but Don
Bosco's tum never came. The ushers paced to and fro and as they
passed each other would grin and wink mockingly at Don Bosco.
People awaiting their tum gazed in astonishment at the poor priest
seated in a comer, accompanied first by the cleric Cagliero, and
later by Father Angelo Savio, who had come to relieve Cagliero
for lunch. Now and again Don Bosco would walk up to an usher
and insist upon being admitted; then he would patiently return to
his place. Chevalier Spaventa's deliberate snub was so demeaning
that even the ushers began to sympathize with the priest.
At last, perhaps ashamed of the way he was treating a citizen
who, though a priest, had civil rights like anyone else, the secre-
tary decided at least to show himself. "What does this importunate
priest want of me?" he asked from within his office loudly enough
to be heard by Father Savio. He opened the door and, facing Don
Bosco, asked peevishly, "Why do you keep pestering me?"
"I must speak with you, sir, for a few moments."
"What do you want?"
"May I speak to you privately?"
"Say what you want right now, as long as you are brief. These
people can all be trusted."
Disregarding such discourtesy, Don Bosco replied loudly and
clearly, "Chevalier, I am caring for five hundred boys. From this
moment on, they are yours. You take care of them and their
future!"
"Who are these boys?"
"Boys whom the government has entrusted to me and now is
willing to throw back into the streets. They are orphans and aban-
doned children."
"Where are they now?"
"At my house."
"Who provides for them?"
"Charitable people!"
"Doesn't the government pay for their keep?"
"Not a cent!"

41.10 Page 410

▲back to top


382
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
This brisk dialogue drew the bystanders gradually closer to
Don Bosco as they wondered how the affair would end. They were
also indignant at the treatment given this worthy priest. Sensing
their change of mood, Chevalier Spaventa thought it best to mol-
lify his approach, all the more so when Don Bosco, drawing closer,
whispered, "Please give me an audience and soon, or you'll regret
it before tomorrow night."
Courteously, the secretary invited him in. Later, Father Savio
narrated: "As the door closed, I no longer heard or saw anything,
but a few moments later Spaventa reappeared. He was quite per-
turbed and told the bystanders, 'Gentlemen, I have very important,
pressing business at hand. Please return tomorrow.' Then he again
withdrew into his office. Don Bosco remained closeted with him for
a very long time. What he had said to Spaventa to produce such a
change has never been revealed."
Later on Don Bosco acquainted his co-workers with that part of
the interview which concerned the Oratory. From what he said we
can reconstruct the gist of their dialogue. After inviting Don
Bosco to sit near him, Chevalier Spaventa courteously and kindly
said, "I know you are doing much good. Tell me what I can do for
you and I'll be happy to oblige."
"I respectfully ask for the reasons of the house searches and for
the harassment I have been subjected to by the government."
"Your leanings, your ideas. . . . I cannot tell you more. I leave
that to the Minister of the Interior. You should speak with him.
One thing I can tell you, though. All your troubles would end at
once if you would make a clean breast of everything."
"I don't know what you mean, Chevalier."
"I'm referring to your secret dealings with the Jesuits. That's
why your premises were searched."
"I still don't know what you're talking about. Come to the point
clearly if you want me to tell you what you wish to know. Be honest
with me and I'll be equally honest."
"I can't get into this matter. Ask the Minister of the Interior. He
will tell you everything."
"In that case, be good enough at least to make an appointment
for me."

42 Pages 411-420

▲back to top


42.1 Page 411

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival
383
"Very well, I'll do my best, although it's rather late to arrange
one today. I'll try, but keep this to yourself lest it be misunderstood,
or, worse yet, misinterpreted and twisted against you. Wait a few
moments."
Chevalier Spaventa then left to confer with the Minister of the
Interior. Half an hour later, he returned and said to Don Bosco:
"He is busy and cannot receive you now. He will send you word
of an appointment tomorrow."
Don Bosco thanked the secretary; tranquil and smiling, he was
escorted by him to the stairs. The secretary was grave and respect-
ful. Impressed by this change of manners, the ushers bowed to Don
Bosco and crowded around him as soon as the secretary was out of
sight. Some kissed his hand in respect and one of them escorted
him downstairs to the exit.
Don Bosco and Father Savio were back at the Oratory at eight
that evening. Don Bosco had as yet had no lunch. Before retiring
for the night, he looked through the day's mail and found a re-
quest from the Department of the Interior to admit an orphan
named Albert Lasso from Oneglia to the Oratory. The request,
No. 2091, dated July 13 [1860], was signed by Chevalier Salino
[secretary of Minister Farini]. On July 10, Don Bosco had re-
ceived requests on behalf of two other boys - Reydet and Penchie-
natti - who had recently lost their fathers.
These requests, like previous ones, contained the following
thought: "I make bold to ask Your Honor kindly to have this
charge of ours received in a charitable institution of this city - for
example, in the one directed by Father John Bosco who, on request,
would have no difficulty in accepting him and taking good care of
him."
Don Bosco jotted down on the application "Accepted," though
it was not likely that his compliance would avert the danger which
threatened him. Most probably, that night he heartily prayed to
God in the words of Esther to King Ahasuerus: "If I have found
favor in thy sight, 0 king, give me . . . my people for which I
request." (Est. 7, 3 )

42.2 Page 412

▲back to top


CHAPTER 49
A Stand for Survival (Continued)
ON July 15 [1860] Don Bosco received a note from
Count Guido Borromeo informing him that Minister Farini would
see him the next morning at about eleven.
At the "Good Night" Don Bosco urged all to pray, to hear Mass
the next day with greater devotion than usual, and possibly also
to receive Holy Communion the next morning for the success of a
very important matter. His added request that all the boys take
turns in making visits to the Blessed Sacrament till his return did
not go unheeded.
The following day, July 16, feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
Don Bosco, fully trusting in the Blessed Virgin's protection, went
to his appointment. Some time previously he had told John Cag-
liero the reason for this confidence. "I never shrink," he said, "from
any undertaking which I know is good and necessary, no matter
what the difficulties. If, for example, I must see some unfriendly,
important person, I don't hesitate, but first I recite a Hail Mary. I
do the same before calling on anybody. Then, come what may, I
do my best and leave the rest to the Lord."
Accordingly, then, Don Bosco said his Hail Mary and punctually
kept his appointment. Shortly before eleven Minister Farini arrived.
The clerics John Baptist Francesia and John Baptist Anfossi ac-
companied Don Bosco and told us that Farini immediately shook
hands with him, courteously greeted him, and then escorted him to
a room where several secretaries were at work. The conference that
followed was most important, because it meant life or death for
the Oratory. Minister Farini was one of those who "speak civilly to
384

42.3 Page 413

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival (Continued)
385
their neighbors, though evil is in their hearts . . . because they
consider not the deeds of the Lord." [Ps. 27, 3-5]
"So you are Don Bosco!" Farini began. "We met once before at
Stresa as guests of Father Rosmini,1 and I am delighted to see you
again. I am acquainted with your work for poor boys. The govern-
ment is grateful for your philanthropic, social work. Tell me now,
what can I do for you?"
"I'd like to know why repeated house searches were carried out
against me in the past four months."
"Good, I will be frank and expect you to be as frank as I am.
As long as you busied yourself with helping poor boys, you en-
joyed the government's favor, but once you strayed from charity
into politics, we had to be on the alert and watch you."
"Your Excellency," Don Bosco replied, "I have constantly kept
aloof from politics. I am anxious to know what could have possibly
compromised me in this."
"Your articles in L'Armonia, the reactionary meetings held at
your house, and your correspondence with State enemies. These
are things which make the government uneasy about you."
"Let me comment on what you have been good enough to tell
me, Your Excellency. I will speak frankly as you asked me to.
First, let me say I know of no law forbidding anyone to write for
L'Armonia or any other paper. Moreover, I can assure you that I
have never written for any paper. As a matter of fact, I don't even
subscribe to one."
"You may deny everything and anything, but the fact is that a
good many articles appearing in L'Armonia are from your pen.
Intrinsic evidence dispels all doubts."
"I fear nothing on that score. There is no evidence!"
"Are you insinuating that I am lying?"
"Not at all! You state what has been reported to you, but if the
report is false, the facts reported are naturally also false. In this
case the reporter is to blame, not he who receives it in good faith."
"I want to assure you that our staff members are honest and
dependable. They are your accusers."
"But they are mistaken."
1 See Vol. IV, pp. 90ff. [Editor]

42.4 Page 414

▲back to top


386
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Do you accuse the government of employing dishonest persons
who are not above making false reports and charges?"
"I'm not saying that. I only hold that people have lied about me."
'!In other words, Father, you are finding fault with public and
private functionaries and with the government itself. I would ask
you to amend your remarks."
"I will retract and amend if Your Excellency can prove to me
that I have not spoken the truth."
"It ill becomes a good citizen to criticize and malign public
authorities."
"Your Excellency, I have no intention at all of criticizing au-
thority. All I want to do is tell the truth as any honest person would
do in defending himself against false accusations. A loyal citizen
must also have the courage to alert his government lest it be be-
trayed into unjust judgments and acts against its loyal subjects,
ruining their reputation. As an honest man and loyal citizen, I
must say - and shall always say - that it is defamation to hold
me up as the author of newspaper articles which I have never even
dreamed of, to call my charitable hospice a den of revolutionaries,
and to make me out as one who corresponds with enemies of the
State. Such accusations are sheer fabrications of ill-intentioned
people who want to deceive the authorities and push them to colos-
sal blunders to the dishonor of justice and liberty."
Minister Farini could not help but be impressed by Don Bosco's
frankness. Astonished and somewhat put out, he tried to intimidate
him. Scowling and asserting his authority, he went on, "Don Bosco,
don't let yourself be carried away by excessive ardor and indiscreet
zeal. You may get hurt if you forget that you are talking to the
Minister of the Interior."
"Your Excellency, I am not afraid of you."
"Don't you realize that I could have you jailed right now?"
"Even so, I am not afraid."
At this point, Farini turned to his private secretary, Count Bor-
romeo, and to others who, interrupting their work, were listening
intently to the dialogue. "Borromeo," he said, "listen to what Don
Bosco says." The secretary and the others drew closer.
"Yes," Don Bosco continued, "I do not fear at all what men can

42.5 Page 415

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival (Continued)
387
do to me for speaking the truth. I only fear what God would do if
I were to lie. Besides, Your Excellency is too honorable and upright
to commit the infamy of jailing an innocent citizen who for the last
twenty years has been giving up his life and property for the good
of his fellow human beings."
"What if I did just that?"
"I would hardly believe that an honest man like you could tum
into a villain, but if it should happen, I have means to assert my
rights."
"How?"
"By imitating your example."
"What do you mean?"
"You have written on history 2 and have singled out for public
reprobation certain persons you considered guilty. I have written
Storia d'ltalia.8 All I need to do is to add but one chapter about
what has occurred here."
"You would never do that!"
"Why not?" Don Bosco added smilingly. "Why couldn't I do
what you have done and perpetuate the memory of the house
searches at the Oratory? I could tell the whole world about a cab-
inet minister who abused his power and attempted to destroy a
charitable institution, frightening all the children sheltered there."
"You will not dare do that!"
"Won't I? It's my decision. Your Excellency, let me say that you
have not conducted yourself as the accomplished, talented gentle-
man I know you really are. The blow you aim at me would fall on
the poor boys whom you yourself befriended by asking me to ac-
cept them into the Oratory. I did not expect to be so repaid for my
cooperation.... I'll say no more. God is just and almighty. In due
time He will avenge the innocent."
The secretaries were astonished. Some were smiling, others were
pensive.
"Don Bosco," Farini continued, "you're out of your mind. If I
send you to jail, you'll have no chance to write or publish anything."
2 Farini had authored Lo Stato Romano dal 1815 al 1850. This four-volume
work was published in 1850 and 1851. [Editor]
a See Vol. V, pp. 322-331. [Editor]

42.6 Page 416

▲back to top


388
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Your Excellency, I should like to believe that you would be
decent enough to allow me the solace of writing. Should you de-
prive me of that or even life itself, other writers would rise up in
due time to take my place."
"Would you dare defame a minister and a whole government in
the name of history?"
"Those who wish to uphold their reputation should act honor-
ably. I believe that telling and proclaiming the truth is the right and
duty of every good citizen and a service rendered to society. Far
from being blameworthy, it is most commendable, something to be
proud of. I myself like to believe that these motives induced you to
write your various works, especially Lo Stato Romano."
For a moment, Farini remained silent and pensive. Then he
went on in a friendly tone: "But can you sincerely affirm that no
reactionary meetings took place in your house and that you do not
correspond with the Jesuits, with Archbishop Fransoni, and with
the Holy See on political matters?"
"Your Excellency, if you stand for truth and sincerity, let me tell
you I am very indignant - not at you, whose authority I respect,
but at those who have slandered me to you, at those cowardly
wretches who, for the sake of filthy lucre, have trampled underfoot
honesty and conscience and bargained away the reputation and
tranquillity of peaceful citizens. Yes, I tell you again unequivocally
that I have not done any of the things that I or the Oratory stand
accused of. I challenge you to produce even a single proof to the
contrary."
"But the letters.... "
"There are no letters."
"And your political dealings with the Jesuits, with Archbishop
Fransoni, and with Cardinal Antonelli. . . . "
"Pure fiction! I do not have nor ever have had any such deal-
ings. As regards the Jesuits, I don't even know where they live
in Turin. As for Archbishop Fransoni and the Holy See, I have
had no relations with them beyond such as a priest must maintain
with his ecclesiastical superiors in matters concerning the sacred
ministry."
"And yet we have letters and sworn statements."

42.7 Page 417

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival (Continued)
389
"If that's the case, why not show me the evidence? At this stage
I'm not asking for favors. I want justice. I demand justice from you
and from the government, not for myself, but for so many poor
boys frightened by repeated house searches and the presence of
police. They are scared and fear for their future. I no longer have
the heart to see them so upset, especially when even the press sin-
gles them out for public blame. For them I demand justice and
redress lest they be deprived of their very livelihood."
At these last words Farini looked worried and even moved. He
rose and silently paced the room. He had with him Archbishop
Fransoni's 4 letter which government agents had intercepted, but
perhaps the shame of having tampered with the mail dissuaded
him from confronting Don Bosco with it. On the other hand, that
letter, written by the archbishop and not by Don Bosco, proved
nothing. Besides, Farini would have had to admit that one reason
the government had to suspect Don Bosco was something he had
nothing to do with.
A few minutes later, who should walk in but Count Camillo
Cavour, then Minister of Foreign Affairs and Premier. Rubbing
his hands, he smilingly approached Don Bosco as if he were totally
ignorant of the situation. "What's the trouble?" he asked. Then in
a good-natured tone, he went on: "Let's be easy on Don Bosco.
Let's settle things in a friendly way. I've always liked Don Bosco
and still do. What's the trouble, then?" he repeated, taking Don
Bosco by the hand and asking him to sit down.
The sight of Cavour and his benevolent expression told Don
Bosco that things would end well, not because Cavour's policy was
any better than Farini's, but because he and Don Bosco had been
on friendly terms, and Cavour knew the nature and scope of the
Oratory. Quite confidently, Don Bosco rejoined, "My dear count,
the Valdocco oratory which you so often visited, praised, and
helped is now marked for destruction. Those poor children gathered
from the streets and trained to earn an honest living, as you your-
self saw to your satisfaction, are now in danger of being thrown
back into the streets. The same priest whom you - undeservedly,
no doubt - so often praised to the sky is now accused of being a
4 See p. 311. [Editor]

42.8 Page 418

▲back to top


390
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
rebel and revolutionary leader. What grieves me most is that, with
no explanation, I have been searched, harassed, and publicy de-
famed to the great harm of my institution, which so far has been
able to operate through public charity because of its good name.
Moreover, my faith and my religious beliefs and practices were
derided by government agents in my own house and in the presence
of my boys, who were scandalized by such conduct. I omit other
very serious things which I cannot believe Your Excellency con-
sented to. I don't know what will happen to me, but these things
cannot be long suppressed from the public, and sooner or later will
also be avenged by God.
"Calm down, Don Bosco," Cavour interrupted. "Rest assured
that none of us is against you. Besides, you and I have always been
friends, and I want our friendship to continue. But, my dear Don
Bosco, you have been deceived. People have taken advantage of
your goodness and lured you on into a kind of politics that leads to
sad consequences!"
"What politics, what consequences!" Don Bosco interjected. "A
Catholic priest has no politics but the Gospel and fears no recrim-
inations. Meanwhile cabinet ministers hold me guilty and proclaim
me as such to the four winds without offering a single proof of the
accusations tossed out against me and my institute."
"Since you press me," Cavour went on, "I will speak up and
tell you clearly that the spirit you and your institution have exhibit-
ed of late is incompatible with the government's policies. You are
with the Pope, and the government is against the Pope. Therefore,
you are against the government. It's as simple as that."
"Not quite so," replied Don Bosco. "First, I want to point out
that if I am with the Pope and the government is against the Pope,
it does not follow that I am against the government, but rather that
the government is also against me. But that's a minor point. What
I want to say is this: In matters of religion I stand with the Pope,
and, as a good Catholic, I intend to stand with him until death.
But this does not in the least keep me from being a good citizen.
Politics is not my field. I avoid it and do nothing against the gov-
ernment. I have now lived in Turin for twenty years. I have written,
spoken, acted openly and publicly, and I challenge anyone to pro-

42.9 Page 419

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival (Continued)
391
duce a single line, word, or deed of mine deserving the govern-
ment's censure. If this is not so, let me be proved guilty, and I will
accept my punishment; otherwise, let me work in peace."
"Say what you like," Farini interjected, "but you will never con-
vince me that you share our ideas, the ideas of oµr government."
"For heaven's sake, do you mean to say that at a time when
freedom of opinion is so much extolled you would find fault with
a citizen for privately holding opinions of his own? Would you
exercise such tyranny as to dictate to a citizen's mind or chain it?"
"I simply cannot believe," Farini replied, "that, living as you do
in a country where laws run altogether contrary to your opinions,
you can remain silent."
"Why not? A person may believe that someone is acting wrongly,
and yet say and do nothing against him either because it would be
useless or dangerous, or even because it's none of his business.
Whatever I may think of the government's handling of certain
matters, the fact is that neither in nor out of the Oratory have I
ever said or done anything that could warrant treating me as an
enemy of the nation. This should satisfy the government. But, Your
Excellency, I do more than that. By sheltering hundreds of poor,
forsaken boys and teaching them a craft or trade, I cooperate with
the government for the well-being of many families and of all
society. In this way I lessen the number of idlers and vagrants, and
I increase the ranks of hard-working, educated, upright citizens.
This is my only politics."
The two cabinet ministers could find no fault with Don Bosco's
position, all the more so as it was bolstered by facts, but Cavour,
priding himself on his knowledge of religion and the Gospel, like
a good sophist, kept quibbling: "Doubtlessly, Don Bosco, you
believe the Gospel, and the Gospel says that he who sides with
Christ cannot side with the world. Therefore, if you side with the
Pope, that is, with Christ, you cannot side with the government.
As the Gospel says, let your speech be 'yes, yes; no, no.' Don Bosco,
let us be frank: we are either with God or with the devil."
"This kind of reasoning," Don Bosco replied, "would lead us to
believe that the government is against not only the Pope but also
the Gospel, that is, against Jesus Christ Himself. I cannot imagine

42.10 Page 420

▲back to top


392
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
that you and Minister Farini have become so impious as to cast
away the faith in which you were born and raised, and for which
you have several times in word and writing shown great respect
and admiration. However, since you have quoted the Gospel, I
may add that it answers your objection most perfectly in the words:
'Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs
to God!' Therefore, according to the Gospel, any citizen can be a
good Catholic - that is, side with Jesus Christ and the Pope and
do good to his fellow men - and at the same time side with
Caesar, namely, observe the laws of the land, except when the
rulers persecute religion or tyrannize the consciences and minds of
citizens."
"But doesn't the 'yes, yes; no, no' of the Gospel oblige a Catholic
to declare openly what party he belongs to, whether he stands for
Christ or against Him?"
"As a priest, I am in a better position to explain those words.
They have nothing at all to do with politics. Their meaning is that
though an oath is lawful in confirmation of truth, yet it must not
be used without necessity. Simply, to be believed an honest person
needs but to assert that a thing is or is not true, without need of an
oath. Honest, educated people should accept the word of another
without requiring an oath. To act otherwise would be a sign of
mistrust in one party and of bad faith in the ~ther. It would also
show little or no respect in both for the Holy Name of God, which
must never be taken in vain. ~et us now come to our case. Con-
sidering what I have stated, do you perhaps believe that I am a
conspirator, an enemy of the State, or a liar?"
"By no means! On the contrary, I have always held you as a
model of honesty and sincerity. I intend therefore that from this
moment you be no longer bothered."
"Yes," Farini joined in, "let this end it all! Go home and take
care of your boys without any worry. By so doing, you will not
only be spared further vexation, but you will earn the gratitude
and protection of the government and the king. But prudence,
dear Father, prudence! Times are difficult, and a gnat may look
like a camel."

43 Pages 421-430

▲back to top


43.1 Page 421

▲back to top


A Stand for Survival (Continued)
393
"Can I then be sure of no further harassment?" Don Bosco
asked. "Can I believe that the government has changed its opinion
in my regard and is convinced there never was or is anything in
my institute to cause it alarm?"
"Yes, we assure you," Farini replied, "that no one will ever
bother you again. We are all convinced of your personal honesty
and of the charitable nature of your institute, but be on your guard
with certain individuals who pose as friends but are traitors."
"Your Excellency," Don Bosco went on, "if at any time you wish
to give me advice or suggestions, please do so as a loving father but
not with threats, because that would irreparably injure a work
which has benefited by the solicitude of the government and of
private citizens. In fact, in extraordinary circumstances I have
always appealed to cabinet ministers and obtained their friendly
assistance."
"We are agreed, then. Always keep away from politics."
"I have no worry on that because I have always shied away from
it. I have no political affiliation."
"Then we are in perfect agreement," Cavour concluded. Both
men rose and shook hands with Don Bosco. "We shall always be
friends," continued Count Cavour. "Pray for us."
"Yes, I will ask God to help you in life and in death," Don
Bosco concluded. He then left, most grateful to God for having
assisted him in an ordeal which might have had fatal consequences
not so much for himself as for the boys who depended on his
charity. He got back to the Oratory at about two in the afternoon.
On the same day when the Oratory's very existence had seemed
at stake, the Lord seemed to take delight in defeating the ill will
of men. We read in the chronicle of the Oratory:
By a deed of July 16, 1860, drawn up by the notary Lomello, Mrs.
Lucy Ganna, widow of Mr. Filippi, and her children Cajetan and Rita
sell to Don Bosco approximately three acres of land, with house, yard,
sheds, vegetable garden, and meadow for the price of 65,000 lire.
That evening Don Bosco made the following announcement to
his boys after night prayers: "See the first effects of persecution.

43.2 Page 422

▲back to top


394
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
For the past several years I tried to buy the Filippi house. I made
good offers to the owners, but they always refused to sell. Now,
without my asking, Mr. Filippi came to discuss the sale of the
house at a considerably lower price than I had previously offered.
I told him I had no money at present, but he assured me that he
was in no hurry for it and would wait. Therefore we made a con-
tract. This is a sign of Our Lady's protection."

43.3 Page 423

▲back to top


CHAPTER 50
Good out of Evil
IN Don Bosco's ample memorandum [of his audience
with Farini and Cavour] and in Father [John] Bonetti's and Father
Dominic Ruffino's chronicles we have a thorough account of the
memorable conversation of our founder with both cabinet minis-
ters. Father Ruffino adds a comment: "Don Bosco knew how to
endure persecution, but he was also brave enough to face any man,
no matter what his position - a trait more unique than rare. He
would not let himself be browbeaten or dismayed. Mincing no
words, he argued, pleaded, rebuked, and even threatened when
necessary. He was always firm but calm; sometimes serious, though
always benign; never offensive, often smiling. His very voice never
changed tone."
These traits along with his practical knowledge of his legal rights
and his constant efforts not to avoid whatever might worsen a
situation enabled him to tum to his own advantage the very ob-
stacles that cropped up against his institution. All that he managed
to overcome in the course of so many years is a clear proof of this.
We have often heard both strangers and friends remark: "He is
quite a man. He never fails." At other times they would exclaim:
"Isn't he shrewd! What a diplomat! Saints are truly smart!"
This time too he managed to tum opposition to his own advan-
tage. The popular saying, "Even misfortunes can bring some good,"
and St. Paul's dictum, "For those who love God, all things work
together unto good" [Rom. 8, 28], proved true for him and the
Oratory because the government's harassment and the cowardly
attacks of a hostile press turned out to be blessings in disguise.
395

43.4 Page 424

▲back to top


3 96
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
The odious, well-publicized house searches spread Don Bosco's
name and his work far and wide, while they answered public au-
thorities that they had nothing to fear from Don Bosco's activities.
As an added benefit, hundreds of boys were directed to him from
all parts of the country, so that in a short time the Oratory's en-
rollment soared to six hundred, to seven hundred, and even to a
thousand. The Oratory became, as it were, a settlement of boys
who were the best hopes of the Church and civil society. Parents
and pastors alike, as well as local and regional civil authorities,
started to send Don Bosco more sons of their deceased employees
and of needy people who had sought their aid in getting their
children into a charitable institution. Some government officials
thought so highly of Don Bosco and his Oratory that they could
think of no better person or home in the land to whom to entrust
their charges.
Minister Farini himself resumed, or rather continued, to direct
boys to the Oratory. On July 18 [1860] he had his secretary, Che-
valier Salino, forward an application (No. 2155) on behalf of
thirteen-year-old Paul Bertino of Levone. The request had been
drawn up by the town officials and endorsed by the pastor and the
town deputy, and had been then channeled to Minister Farini to
enlist his support in getting the lad into the Oratory as a free
student.
Many other similar requests,1 couched in terms of high praise
and promises of financial assistance, kept pouring in. The Oratory
needed such solid support in those days, when any institution, no
matter how reputable, once it lost government favor or fell under
suspicion, would find itself open to fierce attacks and even to des-
truction from those who wielded sword or pen. That is why Don
Bosco very prudently shied away from all kinds of politics, all the
more so when later it became Catholic policy to shun political
life.2 He realized that priests had to be catholic in their love and
must necessarily keep all doors open, so that, whether called or not,
they could bring spiritual comfort to all.
Bishop [Jeremiah] Bonomelli wrote: "One day, not many years
1 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]
2 On February 29, 1868, Pius IX's decree Non expedit forbade Italian Catholics
to participate in political life, especially in the election of representatives of the
new kingdom of Italy. [Editor]

43.5 Page 425

▲back to top


Good Out of Evil
397
ago, I was speaking familiarly with Don Bosco, a man of God and
a true apostle of youth whose name is regarded with reverence.
Characteristically simple and practical, he told me these exact un-
forgettable words: 'In 1848 I realized that if I wanted to get any-
where in doing some good, I had to put all politics aside. From
then on, I always shied away from politics and managed to do
good without interference. In addition I found help where I least
expected it.' This rule is the fruit of experience and needs no
comment." ( Questioni religiose-morali-sociali del giorno, Vol. I,
p. 310)
If Don Bosco's prudence did not save him from bitter, anti-
clerical harassment, it was not because of politics but because of
his courageous stand for the sacred rights of the Church. His per-
secutions earned him God's blessings, but it was not so with those
who had twice ordered and carried out a search of the Oratory.8 As
Holy Scripture states: "They shall be turned back, overthrown, and
destroyed before You. For You upheld my right and my cause."
[Ps. 9, 3-4]
On his own part, Don Bosco had nothing but lasting compassion
for his foes, whether public officials or private individuals, as we
have been assured by witnesses in word and writing. For example,
Father John Bonetti testified:
In those very days when we were harassed most bitterly by our
enemies, Don Bosco assured us that things would end well. He kept
urging us to pray that they might realize the harm they were doing, cease
their attacks, and thus merit God's mercy.
Bishop John Cagliero tells us:
Amid struggle and persecution Don Bosco kept always calm, serene,
and trusting in God, saying, "If God permits these trials and tribulations,
it is because He wants to draw great good from them. We must be brave,
unselfish, and patient. We must keep going with trust in Him." He bore
no grudge against his adversaries and persecutors; to my knowledge, he
never spoke ill of them. I recall that some of us, indignant at the mean-
ness of public officials, like Zebedee's sons wanted to call down fire from
heaven upon them, but Don Bosco would calmly smile and reply, "You
are still too young! Leave that to God. He lets all this happen and then
8 We are omitting a detailed description of the misfortunes that befell Minister
Farini and others responsible for Don Bosco's harassment. [Editor]

43.6 Page 426

▲back to top


398
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
will foil their evil plans. Let us just pray and have no fear." When the
conversation drifted to the misfortunes and the bad end that befell those
who had opposed his festive oratories, he would look heavenward and
remark, "How frightfully severe has God been with our persecutors.
Let's hope He has been merciful to their souls!" When newspapers like
Turin's La Gazzetta del Popolo slandered him, he would allow no one
to send in a rebuttal. Likewise he did not want anyone to hold any
grudge against its shameless writers or voice uncharitable feelings toward
them or their instigators. Indeed, he was content to remark, "Oh well,
let's be patient. This can't last forever. Poor men! They pick on Don
Bosco who only tries to do good! Should we let souls be lost on that
account? They unwittingly oppose God's work. He will surely foil their
plans!"
Canon [John Baptist] Anfossi stated:
Several times I warned him about certain people who posed as friends.
"Look out, Father," I would say; "so and so is not a friend." He would
reply, "I think you are wrong, because more than once he has recom-
mended boys to me, and I did all I could to oblige him." When we spoke
of his slanderers, he tried to excuse them by saying, "They talk like that
because they do not know Don Bosco. Most of them have never visited
the Oratory. If they came around, they would stop fighting us." If some-
one would tell him that some person was hostile to him, he rarely
believed it.
Father Francis Dalmazzo declared:
I often marveled at his friendly, very charitable conduct toward
persons notoriously hostile to him, who had slandered him and his work
in word and writing. Asked once why he acted so kindly to them, he
replied, "Because we must love all, even our enemies." If they were
men in authority, he would add, "Also lest they harm me more!"
I noticed too that he reacted ,the same way to certain ungrateful pupils
of his whom he had fed, housed, and clothed for years. After receiving
a good education and sometimes even earning academic degrees, they
left the Oratory and unjustifiably turned against him. Don Bosco always
spoke well of them, welcomed them generously whenever he met them,
and even got some of them honorable well-paid positions, regardless of
their ill-treatment of him.

43.7 Page 427

▲back to top


Good Out of Evil
399
One young man, who for years had done him great harm and had
shunned him, called on him one day toward the end of dinner time, not
to apologize but to transact some business. When the boy serving at
table announced him, we were surprised and anxious to witness the
encounter. On hearing the mail's name, Don Bosco calmly remarked,
"What is he after now? ... Tell him to leave me in peace."
Meanwhile, the man had walked in unobserved. Standing behind Don
Bosco he called his name. Don Bosco was not taken aback. He gave no
sign of embarrassment or impatience. He simply said, "Oh, is that you?"
and he went on talking with him as if they had always been on the best
of terms.
Father Francis Cerruti asserted:
Those who know him well are convinced that resentment and revenge
were totally alien to him. His revenge was to help his enemies and he
happily did so at any opportunity. Thus he won over many enemies and
even turned them into friends and benefactors.
Father [Michael] Rua, Father [Joachim] Berto, and Father
[John] Turchi unanimously declared:
Don Bosco manifested his boundless charity by forgiving public and
private offenses, by dealing kindly with his offenders, by praying for
them, and by willfully forgetting their most bitter insults. To his pupils
he gave these norms among others: "Always tend to think well of other
people. Give them credit at least for their good intentions. Never throw
back into their face wrongs already forgiven. Do good to all; harm no
one." On his part, when harm was done to him, he took it meekly. He
defended his rights but bore no grudges; on the contrary, when asked,
he helped those who had hurt him. If one of his helpers felt resentment
at such ill-treatment and wanted to retaliate, he would say: "Be not
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." [Rom. 12, 21]
This heroic meekness of his gave him a deep, lasting tranquillity of
soul which enabled him to concentrate on each task as the only thing he
had to do, and helped him succeed in his projects to the astonishment
of all. Praise and blame left him unaffected, the latter especially. One
day in our presence he exclaimed, "You may either praise or speak ill
of me as you wish, as long as it may help someone spiritually. In that
case both praise and blame mean the same to me."

43.8 Page 428

▲back to top


CHAPTER 51
Plans for Expansion
JN July [1860] matters of great importance for the new-
born [Salesian] Society began to develop. Of the many requests he
had received for foundations outside the archdiocese, Don Bosco
favored a boarding school in Monferrato,1 if financial help could
be found. Meanwhile he left it to Divine Providence to determine
the time and place. Presently, Father Felix Coppo, a pastor in
Mirabella in the Casale diocese, called on him and insisted that he
open a school in his parish. The pastor's arguments - supported by
the cleric Francis Provera [a native of Mirabella] - persuaded
Don Bosco and he agreed to consider such a project, though at the
time he was physically worn out by the cares and fatigues of the
past school year. Furthermore, a large boil on his neck was giving
him discomfort and pain. Father Coppa noticed it and remarked,
"You have cured many through Our Lady's intercession. Why not
ask Her to cure you too?"
"Even if it took but one Hail Mary, I would not say it. Let
God's holy will be done!"
After disposing of the school project, Don Bosco went to St.
Ignatius' Shrine for his yearly retreat and a share of priestly minis-
try, regardless of the pain he was in. The clerics [John] Boggero,
[Celestine] Durando, and [John Baptist] Francesia went along with
him. As soon as the bell sounded the retreat's start, Don Bosco went
into the church. A young adult, a slight acquaintance of his, sat
next to him. This young man had mostly kept busy in having fun
and had agreed to make a retreat just to please his brokenhearted
1 A most fertile, hilly region of Piedmont, renowned for its vineyards. It was
also Don Bosco's native district. [Editor]
400

43.9 Page 429

▲back to top


Plans for Expansion
401
mother inasmuch as she had promised to pay his debts. While Don
Bosco was kneeling, his boil suddenly burst and in weakness he
fainted. With a sense of pity such as he had never felt before, the
young man picked him up in his arms and gently carried him to
his room. He soon managed to bring the priest to consciousness. On
opening his eyes and seeing his young friend in tears at the foot of
the bed, Don Bosco called him, clutched his beard, and gently
drew him down to his chest. Then in fatherly tones he said, "Now
you are in my hands. What shall I do with you?" And he whispered
a few more words. The young man was won over. Yielding to the
impulse of grace, he made his confession and resolved sincerely and
perseveringly to tum over a new leaf.
While at St. Ignatius' Shrine, Don Bosco answered his boy's
letters which they had written to him from the Oratory or from
home. Here are a few of them:
St. Ignatius' Shrine near Lanzo, July 25, 1860
Master Stephen Rossetti
First Rhetoric Class
Montafia
My dearest son,
Your letter was a delight because it showed that you correctly under-
stand my feelings for you.
Yes, son, I love you with all my heart, and my love prompts me to do
all I can to make you grow in knowledge and piety, and guide you to
heaven.
Keep in mind the many suggestions I gave you at different times. Be
cheerful, but let your cheerfulness be genuine, stemming from a con-
science free from sin. Study to become very rich, but rich in virtue.,
because the greatest of all treasures is the holy fear of God. Shun bad
companions, associate with good ones. Place yourself in your pastor's
hands and follow his advice. All will then go well with you.
Remember me to your parents and pray for me. While God wills that
we be far from each other, I beg Him to keep you in His grace until we
shall be together again.
Affectionately yours,
Fr. John Bosco

43.10 Page 430

▲back to top


402
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Sancti lgnatii apud Lanceum, 25 lulii 1860
To Dominic Parigi
Parigi, fili mi,
Si vis progredi in viam mandatorum Dei, perge quemadmodum aliquo
ab hinc tempore cepisti. Quod si volueris animam tuam pretiosis mar-.
garitis exornare, amicitiam institue cum humilitate, caritate et castitate.
Eo sanctior eris quo strictior erit haec amicitia. Ora pro me. Vale.
Sac. Bosco Giovanni
St. Ignatius' Shrine near Lanzo, July 25, 1860
My dear Parigi,
If you want to advance in the way of God's commandments, continue
as you have started some time ago. But if you want to adorn your soul
with precious jewels, make friends with humility, charity, and chastity.
The stronger this friendship, the holier you will be. Pray for me. Good-
bye.
Fr. John Bosco
Sancti lgnatii apud Lanceum, 25 Iulii 1860
To the cleric John Baptist Anfossi
Dilecto filio Anfossi salutem in Domino.
Ut recipiam fratrem tuum domi apud nos per epistolam postulasti.
Hie et nunc absolutum responsum dare non possum; sed cum venero ad
te disponam quomodo satius in Domino fieri potuerit.
Interim, fili mi, praedica Verbum importune et opportune, argue,
obsecra, increpa in omni patientia et doctrina. At cave a magistris, et
sunt, qui a verbo Dei auditum avertunt, ad fabulas autem convertuntur;
hos devita. Audi constanter verba oris mei et spera in Domino esse
futura verba et monita salutis. Ora pro me. Vale.
Sac. Bosco Giovanni
St. Ignatius' Shrine near Lanzo, July 25, 1860
To my beloved son Anfossi, health in the Lord.
Your letter asked me to accept your brother into our house. Just now

44 Pages 431-440

▲back to top


44.1 Page 431

▲back to top


Plans for Expansion
403
I cannot give you a definite reply, but when I come back, I shall decide
what is best in the Lord.
Meanwhile, son, preach the Word both when convenient and incon-
venient, correct, exhort, rebuke in all patience and doctrine. Beware of
those teachers, and there are some, who shut their ears to the Word of
God and turn to fables. Avoid them. Always hearken to my words and
trust them to be words and counsels of salvation in the Lord. Pray for
me. Good-bye.
Fr. John Bosco
Sancti lgnatii apud Lanceum, 25 Iulii 1860
To John Garino
Garini, fili mi,
Magnam rem, fili mi, obtulisti per epistolam tuam,· in manus meas
voluntatem tuam commendasti; hoc frustra non erit. Praebe mihi etiam
cor tuum,· et ego duo tibi promitto. Rogabo Dominum ut quotidie in-1
tendat in adiutorium tuum, et totis viribus agam ut cor tuum semptm
immaculatum coram Domino permaneat.
Bono animo esto; res magni momenti te expectat: cum venero apud
te nexum resolvam.
Ora pro me ne in vacuum gratiam Dei recipiam. Vale.
Sac. Bosco Giovanni
St. Ignatius' Shrine near Lanzo, July 25, 1860
My dear Garino,
You have offered me a great gift in your letter: you have placed your
will into my hands. It shall not have been done in vain. Give me your
heart too, and I promise you two things: I will ask the Lord to come to
your aid every day, and I will do all I can to help you keep your heart
always pure in the sight of God.
Be of good cheer; something very important awaits you. On my re-
turn, I will solve the riddle.
Pray that I may not receive God's grace in vain. Good-bye.
Fr. John Bosco

44.2 Page 432

▲back to top


404
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Sancti lgnatii apud Lanceum, 25 Iulii 1860
To the cleric Charles Ghivarello
Dilecto filio Ghivarello salutem in Domino.
Si propter dentis deficientiam verborum articulatio et pronuncia~io
impeditur, utique tibi concedo ut eidem alium ab artis perito substituere
valeas. Cave tantum ne res meUoris boni gratia incoepta in peius vertatur.
Interim, fili mi, praebe teipsum exemplum bonorum operum. Cura ut
scientia, gratia, et benedictio Dei quotidie augeatur in corde tuo, adeo
ut eas de virtute in virtutem donec videas Deum deorum in Sion.
Ama me in Domino, sicut ego amo te. Vale.
Sac. Bosco Giovanni
St. Ignatius' Shrine near Lanzo, July 25, 1860
To my beloved son Ghivarello, health in the Lord.
If the loss of a tooth keeps you from speaking and pronouncing cor-
rectly, I surely permit you to have your dentist put in another tooth.
Only take care that what is done for the better may not turn out to be
for the worse.
Meantime, my son, be an example of good deeds. See that knowledge,
grace, and God's blessing daily grow in your heart, that you may stride
from virtue to virtue, until you see the God of gods in Sion.
Love me in the Lord as I love you. Good-bye.
Fr. John Bosco
Sancti Jgnatii apud Lanceum, 27 Iulii 1860
To the Deacon Michael Rua
Dilecto filio Rua Michaeli salutem in Domino.
Litteris Gallicis conscriptam epistolam ad me misisti; et bene fecisti.
Esto Gallus tantum lingua et sermone; sed animo, corde et opere
Romanus intrepidus .et generosus.
Scito ergo et animadverte sermonem. Multae tribulationes te ex-
spectant; sed in his magnas consolationes dabit tibi Dominus Deus
noster. Praebe teipsum exemplum bonorum operum; vigila in petendz1s
consiliis; quod bonum est in oculis Domini constanter facito.
Pugna contra diabolum; spera in Deo: et si quid valeo totus tuus ero.
Gratia Domini N. J. C.. sit semper nobiscum. Vale.
Sac. Bosco Giovanni

44.3 Page 433

▲back to top


Plans for Expansion
405
St. Ignatius' Shrine near Lanzo, July 27, 1860
To my beloved son Michael Rua, health in the Lord.
You sent me a letter in French, and you did well.
Be French only in tongue and speech; in mind, heart, and deed be a
courageous and gen~rous Roman.
Listen then and in.ind my words: Many tribulations are in store for
you, but through them the Lord our God will give you many consola-
tions. Be a model of good deeds; be cautious in seeking advice; con-
stantly do what is good in the Lord's sight.
Fight against the devil. Trust in God. For whatever I am worth, I
am entirely at your service.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be always with us. Good-bye.
Fr. John Bosco
In those very days, the deacon Michael Rua was on retreat at
the Vincentians' house in Turin, preparing for his priestly ordina-
tion. Canon [Alexander] Vogliotti [diocesan provicar] paid the
retreat fee as he had already done when Rua received the sub-
diaconate. He had also paid most of the rather substantial govern-
ment fee for its place! to the dispensation obtained from Rome. We
derive this from Rua's letter of thanks to the canon. The latter's
gesture was not just a thoughtful act of charity. It was also meant
to sway Don Bosco in favor of [accepting the direction of the sem-
inary of] Giaveno.
As yet Don Bosco had not made up his mind on this point.
Toward the end of the school year 1859-60, even before the official
closing date of August 12, the seminary had very few pupils. As
they left for their summer vacation, they were told that probably
school would not reopen in the fall.
Seemingly there was no hope at all to revive this school where
so many priests had received their early training. Archbishop Fran-
soni was deeply grieved but, unable to solve the problem because
of exile, had left it entirely to his vicar general, who personally
could see no other solution than to again press Don Bosco into
taking it over. Hopefully, Don Bosco's name and the efforts of his
spiritual sons could breathe new life into that seminary and save it
for the Church. Accordingly, interpreting his archbishop's mind,

44.4 Page 434

▲back to top


406
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
he again asked Don Bosco to accept the responsibility. Don Bosco
yielded to his ecclesiastical superior's wish and obliged, quite con-
tent to keep contributing to the good of the archdiocese. Yet he
had his prudent reservations, as we shall see.
Because of this, he broke off negotiations for the Cavour board-
ing school, putting that project off to some other time, but he had
to wait over a month for the reply of the Giaveno municipal author-
ities. Without that, it would have been imprudent to make a de-
cision. Finally the authorities replied and submitted a tentative
contract to the chancery, as Don Bosco and the mayor had agreed.
After studying it, Canon Vogliotti forwarded it to Don Bosco at
Lanzo. He returned it with the following remarks:
Lanzo, July 18, 1860
Very Reverend and dear Canon:
I have attentively read the reply, or rather the tentative contract sub-
mitted by the Giaveno municipality. I appreciate their good will and am
ready to do all I can, but I find it impossible to accept all the burdens
to be placed on me for the sum of a thousand lire.
The only possible solution I can see, for which I would do all I can
in the Lord, is to try to set up a seminary exclusively for young men
with a priestly vocation. I would also break off negotiations with mun-
icipal authorities so as to regain freedom of action in choosing teachers.
We should limit ourselves to a few certified ones.
We could try this plan for a year, and see what Divine Providence
will do for us. On Friday, July 27, I shall be back in Turin and will
hasten to call on you.
God grant you health and grace.
Gratefully yours,
Fr. John Bosco
Canon Vogliotti, a gentle soul, fearing that the municipal author-
ities would take it hard if these negotiations did not succeed, de-
cided to go to Giaveno himself and try to reach a compromise. This
step was necessary because the city officials had already applied
formally to the Department of Public Education for authorization

44.5 Page 435

▲back to top


Plans for Expansion
407
to take over the seminary and had also gained the support of the
Minister of Justice. Rumor had it that the necessary decrees were
ready. The canon therefore wrote to Don Bosco, inviting him to
go with him to Giaveno. Don Bosco replied as follows:
[No date]
Very Reverend and dear Canon:
I will very willingly accompany you to Giaveno, but I think very
little will be accomplished.
The main reason is this: Don Bosco has already gone through two
house searches and so in the government's eyes he is suspect. In view
of this, the municipality might like to find some face-saving way of with-
drawing the offer.
Even if I did go to Giaveno and the seminary were entrusted to me,
we would perhaps continually clash with all those who ...
I thought I should point this out to you. But I am ready to do all I
can to cooperate with you in everything which seems to be for God's
greater glory and the good of souls.
With esteem and gratitude, I am,
Your servant,
Fr. John Bosco
On July 27, accompanied by his three clerics, Don Bosco left
St. Ignatius' Shrine to go with Canon Vogliotti to Giaveno. No
agreement was reached, because the municipal councilors stuck
firmly to their tentative contract, alleging financial difficulties. Don
Bosco therefore broke off negotiations.
On Sunday, July 29, Michael Rua was ordained a priest by
Bishop Baima at Caselle in St. Anne's Villa, the country home of
Baron Bianco of Barbania, a distinguished benefactor and dear
friend of Don Bosco. The clerics [Celestine] Durando and [John
Baptist] Anfossi served at the ordination ceremony.
On the following day, July 30, Don Rua said his first Mass at
the Oratory without special solemnity, and in the evening he took
Don Bosco's place in giving the "Good Night." Deeply moved and
grateful for the warm demonstrations of respect and affection, he

44.6 Page 436

▲back to top


408
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
urged all to pray that he might worthily carry the burden laid on
him by his new dignity. That day, in fact, the pupils kept con-
tinuously crowding around him, affectionately kissing his hand.
This dutiful greeting sparked a discussion among the clerics on the
custom of kissing relatives or friends on certain occasions. In this
regard, the chronicle carries the following entry:
On July 31, as Don Bosco was returning from town, he was ques-
tioned on this matter. He replied:
1. We can kiss and be kissed by father, mother, or another person
bound by similar ties.
2. We may kiss when it is useful or convenient, as, for instance, when
by doing so we can end feuds or show we have no ill will. Women should
always be excluded, however.
3. A kiss is also proper on meeting a friend after a long absence.
However, all superiors of communities and all who teach young people
generally forbid laying hands on one another, kissing, or touching hands
except when leaving for a long journey or meeting again after a long
absence.

44.7 Page 437

▲back to top


CHAPTER 52
A Dream: Fourteen Tables
ON August 3 [1860] the Oratory observed Father Victor
Alasonatti's name day.1 This yearly tribute of gratitude was offered
immediately after dinner 2 as the good Father had to leave for St.
Ignatius' Shrine to hear confessions of pilgrims flocking to the
shrine.
On Sunday, August 5, feast of Our Lady of the Snow, Father
[Michael] Rua sang his first solemn high Mass assisted by Don
Bosco. Knowing how delighted the newly ordained priest would be
if they went to Holy Communion, all the boys received at the
Community Mass, earlier in the morning. No one who was not
present can imagine the intense joy of all. The youngsters were
very excited and could not find enough ways to express their affec-
tion for Father Rua. The festive oratory boys too offered greetings
and congratulations. At the assembly program in his honor twenty-
seven compositions were read - among them a most warmly
applauded Petrarchan sonnet by the cleric [John Baptist] Fran-
cesia. The recurring theme of all the compositions was nicely
worded by the cleric Francis Vaschetti as follows: "You are the
Oratory's model for priests, the clerics' teacher in virtue and
knowledge, the students' counsel, the artisans' guide, solace for the
sick, comfort for the afflicted, everyone's joy. All love and admire
you because you are another Don Bosco. All of us even now see
you as his worthy successor."
1 In Italy, as in many other countries, the name day is observed with greater
festivity than the birthday. It is a reminder that the child at Baptism - his spiri-
tual birthday - is placed under the protection of a saint whose virtues he should
imitate. [Editor]
2 In several European countries the main meal is at noon. [Editor]
409

44.8 Page 438

▲back to top


410
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
All day long, as vivas were shouted to him, he kept trying to
divert the cheers to Don Bosco. The celebration was a wonderful
display in real life of brotherly love. Closing the entertainment,
Father Rua addressed the boys as brothers, thanked them, and
asked for their prayers as well as their pardon if he had to repri-
mand them for their own good. He promised a firm, lasting affec-
tion, begged them not to hesitate to tell him if he should seem to
fail in his promise, and ended with a warm eulogy of Don Bosco
- his and their beloved father.
At this time, Father Rua was already managing in great part all
1
the oratories by his unyielding, firm character and by his many
talents crowned by deep humility. He was the most straightforward,
practical man one could ask for. Knowing his capability, Don
Bosco soon gave him wide freedom of action, though Father Rua
never swerved from a most rigorous obedience. This outstanding
trait of his prompted Don Bosco to say, "Father Rua could work
miracles, if he so chose!"
That same day Don Bosco gave a solemn token of gratitude to a
family of illustrious benefactors who had joined in the joyous cele-
bration of Father Rua's first solemn Mass. He conferred upon
Marquis and Marchioness Fassati and their descendants the patron-
age of Our Lady's Chapel 3 in the Church of St. Francis de Sales.4
The marquis responded with a substantial sum for its eventual
needs.
Don Bosco closed the celebration by telling the following dream
at the "Good Night":
I saw my boys in a most gorgeous garden, seated at fourteen long
tables arranged amphitheater-wise at three different terrace-like levels.
The topmost tables were so lofty that they could hardly be seen.
At the very bottom, a certain number of boys were seated at a table
which was bare except for bits of rancid, moldy bread mixed with
garbage and husks. These poor boys looked like swine at their trough.
I meant to tell them to throw that rubbish away, but instead I just asked
them why they were served such loathsome refuse. They replied, "We
a See Vol. IV, p. 417. [Editor]
4 We are omitting the declaration conferring such patronage. [Editor]

44.9 Page 439

▲back to top


A Dream: Fourteen Tables
411
have to eat the bread we have provided for ourselves. It's all we have."
This table symbolized the state of mortal sin. As Holy Scripture
states: "They hated knowledge and chose not the fear of the Lord; they
ignored My counsel, they spurned all My reproof ... Now they must
eat the fruit of their own way, and with their own devices be glutted."
[Prov. 1, 29-31]
As for the tables set on higher levels, the boys seated at them looked
happier and ate better bread. They were.. very handsome, with a come-
liness and radiance constantly increasing. Their tables too were richly
set with special linen, glittering candelabra, sparkling chinaware, and
indescribably gorgeous flowers. The platters held delicious foods and
rare delicacies. The number of these boys was very great. These tables
symbolized the state of repentant sinners.
Lastly, the tables at the top had a sort of bread I cannot describe. It
looked gold and red, as did the boys' garments and faces, which shone
with brilliant light. All these boys looked radiantly happy; each one tried
to share his joy with the others. Their comeliness and the glitter and
splendor of their tables far surpassed all the others. These tables sym-
bolized the state of those who had retained their baptismal innocence.
As Holy Scripture says of the innocent and of the repentant sinner:
"He who obeys Me dweIIs in security, in peace, without fear of harm."
[Prov. 1, 33]
The most surprising aspect of this dream is that I knew each of the
boys, so that as I see one of them now, I immediately seem to see him
seated at one of those tables.
As I was entranced by that exceptional sight, I noticed a man some
distance away. I ran to him to ask him questions but tripped on the way
and awoke in my bed. You asked me to tell you a dream and I obliged.
Give it no more importance than dreams deserve.
The following day Don Bosco told each boy privately at which
table he was seated in the dream. To show them how high or low
they stood, he graded them from the topmost table to the lowest.
Asked if one could move from a lower to a higher table, he replied
in the affirmative except for the topmost table. Those who fell from
that could not return, because that table was exclusively for those
who had kept their baptismal innocence. Their number was small,
whereas very many boys sat at the other tables.
Father Dominic Ruffino and Father John Turchi, who were

44.10 Page 440

▲back to top


412
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
present at Don Bosco's narration of this dream, took it down and
wrote the names of some who were seated at the topmost table.
On August 15, Don Bosco left for Strambino [a small town in
Piedmont], accompanied by Joseph Reano to whom we are in-
debted for a description of that trip.
No sooner had Don Bosco taken a seat in the train when a man
- probably a prosperous merchant - walked in. He soon lit a
cigar although he was in a "No Smoking" compartment. Before
doing so, however, he asked Don Bosco's permission, which the
latter granted on condition that he would not smoke too long. On
finishing one cigar, the merchant was about to light another when
Don Bosco stopped him, saying with his usual friendliness, "Excuse
me, sir. Up to now I have done penance and put up with your
smoking. Now it's your turn to do penance and abstain from it."
"Quite right, Father," the merchant replied, putting away his
cigar. The two then began to make small talk about Turin and
other things. Finally, the man brought up the subject of charitable
institutions, the generosity of priests, and finally Don Bosco and
the Oratory, declaring that this good priest sheltered over three
hundred boys and gave them a sound physical, intellectual, and
moral education. "One of these days," he said, "I am going to visit
that school." Don Bosco listened smilingly and said nothing. Pres-
ently the train arrived at Montanaro, the merchant got off, and an-
other passenger walked in. He too at once struck up a conversation
with Don Bosco and soon steered it to the subject of priests, remark-
ing that they were useless creatures, enjoying fat incomes and caring
nothing for the Gospel's teachings. At this point Don Bosco cour-
teously interrupted him.
"Excuse me, sir, but are you of the opinion that there should be
no priests at all?"
"Oh, not that! Religion is necessary, I know."
"Then what would you do?"
"I would get rid of half of them."
"Which half? The good or the bad?"
"The bad, of course."
"And what do you suggest should be done with them?"
"Put them to work."

45 Pages 441-450

▲back to top


45.1 Page 441

▲back to top


A Dream: Fourteen Tables
413
"Do you know many priests?"
"More than fifty."
"Do you know any bad ones among them?"
"Half of them."
"Could you tell me their names?"
"Oh, yes! Quite a few!"
Don Bosco pulled out his notebook and pencil.
"All right," he said, "tell me the names of these bad priests, and
I promise to have them all suspended from their priestly duties."
At this challenge, the other passengers became very attentive,
curious to see its outcome. Many obviously sided with the priest.
"Well?" Don Bosco repeated, still poised to write. The man
hesitated. Don Bosco insisted, "Who are these priests?" Stroking
his mustache, his opponent falteringly said, "I know one who is ...
well, he is said to be a real, diehard reactionary, sending money to
the Pope instead of giving it to the poor."
"Any other?"
"Yes, I know another one who doesn't agree with government
policies. He criticizes laws passed by Parliament. . . . He is an en-
emy of the State."
"But these are not crimes," Don Bosco replied.
Perhaps the poor fellow had never talked to a priest and all he
knew was what he had read in anticlerical papers. Not knowing
what else to say and annoyed by Don Bosco's prodding, he brus-
quely concluded, "Let's talk about something else." However, Don
Bosco made a few timely remarks, and they were well received by
all his fellow passengers.
At Strambino Don Bosco preached on Mary's heavenly glory.
The following day his sermon was on St. Roch and he delivered it
outdoors in front of the Saint's chapel. The confraternity officers
asked him what his stipend would be, and he replied that since
that chapel was so poor, he would take none. After services, they
asked him to join them in some refreshments. Always obliging,
Don Bosco willingly went along with them. They first went to the
house of one of the officers where they sampled a variety of pastry
and choice wines; then they proceeded to another place for more
of the same. Finally the group walked to a third house where a

45.2 Page 442

▲back to top


414
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
table was sumptuously laid in the center of a large room. This time
Don Bosco told them that he wanted to say a few words. "I thought
I was dealing with poor people," he remarked with innate simplic-
ity, "but I see you are well off. I'll ask you then kindly to give me
the usual stipend you have given these past years on this occasion.
It would not be fair for me to neglect asking for a contribution for
my poor boys." His unexpected remark provoked some laughter,
and Don Bosco was given his remuneration.
In Turin, meanwhile, a committee had been formed to arrange
for a solemn Month's Mind Mass in the Church of St. Francis of
Assisi on the thirtieth day of Father Cafasso's death. Contributions
came to five thousand lire. For the funeral oration, some favored
asking Canon John Baptist Giordano [a renowned orator], while
others preferred Don Bosco. The latter choice prevailed, because
Don Bosco had known Father Cafasso· since his youth and had been
close to him all his life.
Father Ruffino's chronicle carries this entry:
On August 30 [1860] a solemn requiem Mass was celebrated in St.
Francis of Assisi Church for Father Cafasso. Tastefully draped in
mourning, the church presented a very impressive sight. Eight inscrip-
tions - the art work of Professor Charles Ferreri - stood over the
church door and around the catafalque. Many Masses were said through-
out the morning, while very many people received Holy Communion for
the repose of his soul. The Oratory boys too received Communion there.
The Mass was sung by Canon [Louis] Anglesio and attended by three
hundred priests; many, wearing surplices, were lined in double rows
from the sanctuary to the door. Maestro Rossi directed the great orches-
tra which rendered selections from the maestro's own repertoire. Crowds
flocked to the church from all over Turin. After Mass, Don Bosco read
the funeral sermon and many wept with him. His text came from the
Second Book of Paralipomenon: "He wrought that which was good and
right and true . . . in all the service of the ministry of the house of the
Lord." [2 Par. 31, 20-21]
His eulogy was a truthful description of Father Cafasso's virtues and
eminent qualities.
L'Armonia reported the Mass, referring to the eulogy in these

45.3 Page 443

▲back to top


A Dream: Fourteen Tables
415
terms: "Simply charming, movingly delivered by Father John Bosco,
one of the most intimate disciples and friends of the deceased."
The article concluded: "Hopefully this funeral oration and the in-
scriptions set over the door and about the catafalque will be pub-
lished soon."
A little pamphlet which Don Bosco was readying 5 was the sec-
ond publication in memory of his incomparable master. In going
through it one can see how Don Bosco looked upon Father Cafasso
as a great saint.6 He planned to write a more expanded biography
and tried to gather more depositions on Father Cafasso's extra-
ordinary deeds and virtues. Since he could not do this himself
because of too many undertakings, he asked several other priests
to take up this labor of love, but for one reason or another could
find no one.
Don Bosco himself always treasured the regulations of the Con-
vitto Ecclesiastico; they were a keepsake, comfort, and guide to
him. Always a master and model of gratitude, he graced his room
with a treasured picture of Father Cafasso, out of veneration as
well as gratitude for benefits received. How often the boys heard
him speak with feeling of Father Cafasso as a second father! He
proposed him ·to them as a model, and repeated to them his wise
counsels, especially that of conforming one's will to God's. "In all
circumstances," Father Cafasso used to say, "we must be so minded
to do God's will that as soon as we realize something does not
accord with it, we will be ready to drop it and take up something
else, regardless of difficulties. To know God's will, we must pray,
wait, and seek advice."
[We shall now resume our narrative.] We have already said 1
that Father Ruffino's chronicle bears this entry: "On April 12, Don
Bosco publicly remarked: 'In January, I said, "Let's wait and see
what March will bring us!" Now I say, "Let's. wait and see what
August will bring us!"'" That had been his answer to those who
wanted to know the outcome of events then agitating Italy and
posing a threat to the Papal States. While all at the Oratory were
5 The first one had already been published in August. See p. 376. [Editor]
6 Father Cafasso was proclaimed a saint by Pope Pius XII in 1947. [Editor]
7 Seep. 288. [Editor]
·

45.4 Page 444

▲back to top


416
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
apprehensive, Garibaldi left Sicily and on August 19 invaded the
mainland.8
[Naples fell, leaving Rome and its territory open to attack. Soon
afterward, Marche and Umbria were annexed to Piedmont, and in
those regions too religious orders were suppressed and their build-
ings confiscated.]
In those critical days Don Bosco had to be most cautious. Hon-
estly and not so honestly, many kept asking him whether Piedmon-
tese soldiers could in conscience fight against the Pope and whether
draftees should refuse to serve or could desert. Don Bosco's answer
was, "My best advice is to make a good confession."
Amid this turmoil, bishops, priests, and religious suffered very
grave injustices. On September 28 [1860], [Philip] Cardinal De
Angelis, archbishop of Fermo, was arrested and deported to Turin,
where he arrived on October 5. He was confined to the residence
of the Vincentian Fathers and took over the rooms vacated by
Cosimus Cardinal Corsi.
Meantime the Piedmontese army passed from the annexed Papal
States to the kingdom of Naples to help Garibaldi, hard pressed by
Bourbon forces. On November 2, the latter were defeated on the
banks of the Garigliano. After a second stand at Capua, they were
again repulsed. Part of the army disbanded, while the rest with-
drew to Gaeta with their sovereign, Francis II. The latter, be-
trayed by Napoleon, and abandoned by Russia, his ally, had no
hope of receiving help from Austria.
Don Bosco had expressed an opinion of his on the future of the
last-named empire, but we have been unable to discover it, in spite
of our persistent inquiries to alumni and Don Bosco's most inti-
mate friends. This appears from an entry in Father Ruffino's
chronicle in these terms:
September 19, 1860. Don Bosco had the following dream:
Ecco una gran vittoria
Segue il valor dell'Austria!
Ma poi con essa gloria
1l trono insiem cadra.
8 What follows in brackets is a summary of the military and political events of
that time. [Editor]

45.5 Page 445

▲back to top


A Dream: Fourteen Tables
417
[Behold a brilliant victory
ls wrested by Austria's valor!
But then her glorious throne
Shall fall with all its glamor.] 9
9 Perhaps this prediction was fulfilled when Austrian troops broke through at
Caporetto toward the end of the First World War. This victory, however, was
eventually followed by the disintegration of the Austrian empire and, finally, the
absorption of Austria by Germany in 1937. [Editor]

45.6 Page 446

▲back to top


CHAPTER 53
A Providential Takeover
aFTER Don Bosco broke off negotiations with Gia-
veno's city officials, the diocesan authorities of Turin had reason to
fear that the mayor of Giaveno might try to make a deal with some-
one more pliable than Don Bosco and more acceptable to the
party then in power. They therefore decided to latch on to Don
Bosco as their only hope.
Canon [Alexander] Vogliotti and Canon Innocent Arduino, the
pastor at Giaveno, had come to the Oratory in August to beg him
most earnestly to hurry to the seminary's rescue. Don Bosco de-
clared that he was ready to do all he could but first wanted to
know what conditions they would set. "None at all," they replied.
"You will have complete freedom of action. You will run the place
as you wish. You will choose both director and staff, you will
admit students, and you will set up the regulations. Just make a go
of this place, that's all!"
On those terms Don Bosco accepted, and the two canons again
warmly thanked him and confirmed his full authority. "And now,
how do you plan to succeed?" they asked.
"Leave it to me," Don Bosco replied. "You will see. We will
open the school in November with at least a hundred pupils."
Canon Vogliotti was outspokenly skeptical of having so many
pupils at the very onset of the school year, but Don Bosco re-
stated his promise and explained his plan. He would reserve the
direction of the seminary to himself- as Father Francis Vaschetti
declared - without, however, assuming the office personally. This
he never did. He made it an absolute requirement that the director
418

45.7 Page 447

▲back to top


A Providential Takeover
419
be independent of the pastor and of all local priests, answering to
no authority but the archbishop. Further, he asked for a statement
from the chancery to that effect. Canon Vogliotti accepted the
conditions.
Don Bosco had hoped to be able to send Father Victor Alaso-
natti to Giaveno as director, but since he could not spare him from
the Oratory, he suggested Father John Grassino, a friend of his
who was the assistant pastor at Cavallermaggiore. He had spent six
months at the Oratory and was well acquainted with Don Bosco's
method of education. Canon Vogliotti, the diocesan provicar, con-
sented, and shortly afterward, Father Alexander Pogolotto - the
seminary's former vice rector and administrator - was made a
canon at Chieri.
As soon as Father Grassino learned of the important but heavy
responsibility that was in store for him, he went to the Oratory to
decline the assignment, but he accepted after hearing Don Bosco's
reasons. Don Bosco also promised to give him some excellent young
clerics for supervision and an experienced prefect to handle admin-
istration, discipline, and preaching. He further promised constant
aid and guidance of his own.
Having settled this, Don Bosco next gave some thought to per-
sonnel. Giaveno was quite a topic of conversation at the Oratory,
and several young clerics told Don Bosco that they would like to
be sent there. However, knowing their strengths and weaknesses,
as well as God's designs for them, he kept forestalling those he
considered unsuitable for that work. One of these was John Bara-
valle, a very fine cleric, who told Don Bosco that he was quite
concerned about his future and wanted to go to Giaveno the follow-
ing year. He fully trusted Don Bosco because, at their first meeting.
when he told Don Bosco he wanted his advice on a matter that was
of great importance to him, Don Bosco, though he hardly knew the
cleric, astounded him by replying, "For some time now I too have
been anxious to speak to you about the same thing." The cleric
admitted that Don Bosco was fully acquainted with his problem.
To his request for a transfer to Giaveno in the fall, Don Bosco
evasively replied, "Another year! Another year! Wouldn't you be
glad to go to heaven this year?"

45.8 Page 448

▲back to top


420
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Yes!" the cleric answered.
"Why worry then?" Don Bosco concluded. He said no more.
Baravalle confided this to a friend, Dominic Ruffino, who en-
tered it in his chronicle. Baravalle's vocation was to become a
Franciscan. In due time he joined the order and became one of its
stalwart leaders.
On September 6 [1860], while he was quite busy with plans for
Giaveno, Don Bosco called a meeting of the Salesian Society and
thus made his position clear to them:
Should it tum out that our rules and our very congregation do not
promote God's greater glory, then I will be the first to ask Our Lord to
raise up obstacles to keep our congregation from being approved. For
now, let me say: Do not introduce innovations in the house, even if
they are obviously better. Let us simply stick to what is good and for-
sake what is better. Let there be no interpretation or twisting of rules.
no leaving off of some practices of piety in favor of new ones. For
instance, some would like to set up the Association of the Sacred Heart
of Mary. I approve of the Association and would like to introduce it,
but since it would hurt the St. Aloysius Sodality which is now struggling
to hold its own, let us put such projects aside, excellent though they
may be, and try just to foster devotion to Our Lady.
Another remark of some slight consequence: When anyone is ad-
monished by his superiors about a shortcoming or fault, he should not
feel that his superior thinks less of him. That's not so at all! We all fail
in one thing or another. The admonition comes from a friend who loves
sincerely, and where there is love there also is esteem. Likewise, let no
one gauge his superior's esteem by a look of his. Sometimes, because
one thinks that a superior has not smiled at him or greeted him or
spoken to him, he is saddened and wonders why. The reasons could
possibly be many, other than dissatisfaction with someone's conduct. It
might just be an oversight or a preoccupation with other matters, but it
never means that he has something against you. If he does not admonish
you, it is only because he has no reason to. It is not our custom to wait
for a fault to be repeated, so as to make a rebuke more effective. By no
means! If we have something to say, we say it.
From now on I wish our conferences to be held on feasts of Our
Lady. I also want to tell you that Father [Maria Anthony] Durando, a
Vincentian, has been appointed to study our rules for approval by our
archbishop.

45.9 Page 449

▲back to top


A Providential Takeover
421
Archbishop Fransoni informed Don Bosco of Father Durando's
appointment in a written reply 1 to a letter of his, although Don
Bosco had already learned of it through confidential sources. In
due time, Father Durando submitted his report on the Salesian
Society's rules to the archbishop. God put Don Bosco's humility to
the test by allowing obstacles to crop up and hinder the rules'
approbation. [Father Durando's report follows:]
Tentative Rules of the Congregation of St. Francis de Sales
A detailed study of each article of these rules would end up in a
host of observations, since some rules are loosely worded, others are
deficient, and some are not even consistent with the aims of the Con-
gregation. But the following general remarks can be made:
1. Though the Congregation of St. Francis de Sales can - and one
day may - be approved by the Church, its civil approbation is hardly
likely at present, since the laws of the land and public opinion are
against anything resembling a religious congregation. Now, these regu-
lations and this constitution make it clear that the Congregation of St.
Francis de Sales does own buildings and various liquid assets and may
come into possession of others. But how can the Congregation own any-
thing if the State does not recognize its existence? How and by what
means can it retain its possessions? Everything is in Don Bosco's name.
What will happen to these goods after the death of any heir Don Bosco
may appoint, especially as the Rector Major is to be changed every
twelve years? This most important point must be well understood and
explained either in these same rules or in a separate constitution.
2. The main aim - or at least one of the aims - of the Congrega-
tion is the intellectual and moral formation of aspirants to the priest-
hood, and yet the extent of the ordinary's authority in their regard is
insufficiently explained. Nothing is said of the relations which must
necessarily exist between rector and ordinary in matters of admission or
dismissal of pupils and reports on their progress, conduct, etc. Nor is
anything said of school curriculum, methods and a plan of spiritual
direction. The articles are vague, leave much to be desired, and give no
assurance for the present, much less for the future.
3. The rules mention boarding schools for poor youths and clerics;
apparently they are to be brought up together and given the same edu-
cation. Yet it is most important that clerics be by themselves with their
1 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

45.10 Page 450

▲back to top


422
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
own spiritual directors, with rules befitting their calling and the decorum
of the priestly state. What can we expect of clerics who have neither
spiritual direction nor rules of their own, and who are merged with a
crowd of poor, uneducated lads whose only ambition is to learn a trade
or handicraft? This is not only apparent from the rules; it is a real and
actual fact.
4. Since the members of this Congregation are bound only by trien-
nial vows and perpetual vows are at their option, they cannot be or-
dained unless they have the required patrimony, inasmuch as ordination
titulo paupertatis or mensae communis is reserved for congregations
having perpetual vows. It can therefore happen that many youngsters
will enter the Congregation only to receive a free education, be ordained,
and leave to become a problem for bishops and perhaps a scandal to
the people.
5. The success, or rather the future, of any congregation depends on
its beginnings. If now in fact there is no separation between young
clerics and others, if there are no fixed norms for each group, if the
Congregation has no distinct novitiate, house of studies, and specific
norms and rules by which to form its aspirants in the spirit of the
institute, we cannot hope that it will either succeed or last.
6. The articles on the vows are inadequate, particularly in the matter
of poverty; doubts are bound to arise.
As for the Congregation's government, the rights and duties of the
Rector Major, local superiors, consultors, and prefects are not at all
clear, and it is hard to grasp the harmony, unity, and interdependence
of superiors, as well as administrative methods. Likewise, the manner
of electing the Rector Major and local superiors is not sufficiently clear.
Fr. Maria Anthony Durando
Obviously, Father Durando's report was not too favorable. He
rejected the rules as a whole, whereas the archbishop had found
fault with only one point, but that was because the saintly and
learned Vincentian did not grasp Don Bosco's spirit, mind, and
work. It was not a question of a religious order but of a congrega-
tion which had to have a special structure to fit the needs of the
times. Pius IX had recognized this.
Don Bosco did believe in a distinct novitiate, but only within
the range of possibility. On the other hand, the spiritual formation

46 Pages 451-460

▲back to top


46.1 Page 451

▲back to top


A Providential Takeover
423
he gave his clerics was in no way inferior to that given in fervent
novitiates, so that those who left the Oratory to become diocesan
priests did not prove a burden, but rather a help to their bishops.
Moreover, the experience and the virtue they acquired while living
with the boys fitted them aptly for the direction of a parish. We
shall elaborate on this matter further in the course of our narration.
Certainly the articles still needed additions and corrections. Don
Bosco knew it and often gave serious thought to the task. His
ideal was that of the Book of Sirach: "The sons of wisdom are the
church of the just, and their generation obedience and love."
[Sir. 3, 1]
Meanwhile he awaited a reply from Rome on the Salesian So-
ciety's rules. It came in October.
Rome, October 14, 1860
Very Reverend Don Bosco,
I have received your packet containing the manuscript on the Society
of St. Francis de Sales with your attached letter and that of the cleric
[John] Boggero. I gladly accept the task of reading over the rules and
making needed observations as you suggested. But I cannot do so now,
because not only am I convalescing from an illness of last July, but a
new ailment has hit me now and I have had to submit to bloodletting
five times already. I feel somewhat better but am still under doctor's
orders to rest for several months. If you are not in a hurry, therefore,
I'll do all I can on the manuscript when I am able to; otherwise, please
feel free to ask whomever you may deem best in the Lord.
Kindly tell the cleric Boggero (we come from the same town) that I
thank him sincerely for his letter, his interest in my health, and his
desire to hear from me. I shall oblige as soon as I am better. Mean-
while, let him continue to pray for me, as I hope you also will, together
with the members of your Society.
With kindest regards and much esteem, I am
Yours affectionately,
Francis Cardinal Gaude
This was the cardinal's last letter to Don Bosco. This trusted
adviser and influential protector passed away on December 14 of

46.2 Page 452

▲back to top


424
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
that year; his death further delayed the approval of the Salesian
Society and its rules.
But the project which took up most of Don Bosco's time during
these months was breathing new life into the Giaveno seminary.
We shall tell the entire story in the words of Father [Francis] Vas-
chetti who dictated them to us in the presence of Father Julius
Barberis. Some further details were given by Father [Michael] Rua,
Father [John] Bonetti, Father [Celestine] Durando, Canon [John
Baptist] Anfossi, Mr. Tamone of Giaveno, and other contemporary
witnesses.
On September 25, the cleric Vaschetti was sent to Giaveno by
Don Bosco to be prefect. He found only bare walls. The building
had been stripped of everything; not a picture, a spoon, or a piece
of firewood remained. The chapel, tiny and wretched, was hardly
fit for divine worship. Only one pupil was left, a very wealthy
orphan from Collegno named Peracchione who had been left there
by his guardian.
Seeing this desolation, Vaschetti returned to Turin the next day
and called on the vicar general, Canon [Celestine] Fissore, to in-
form him of the physical condition of the seminary. The vicar gave
him four hundred lire for emergency needs. Canon Vogliotti later
added another three hundred. Everything was needed, and every-
thing eventually came. Don Bosco began sending to Giaveno
all that was needed for its kitchen, dining room, classrooms and
dormitories, pantry and bookstore, woodshed and cellar.
The task [of supervising the seminary preparations] had been
assigned to Chevalier Frederick Oreglia, a Turinese gentleman well
know for his talent, easy manners, uprightness, and fearlessness. He
had met Don Bosco at a spiritual retreat at St. Ignatius' Shrine
and had been so impressed by his conversation that he had resolved
to consecrate himself wholly to God in a genuine Christian life.
After his retreat, he had spent nearly a month with the Rosminians
at Stresa, but, because of ideological differences with some mem-
bers of that institute, he decided to spend some time at the Oratory,
seeking his vocation while making himself as useful as possible.
Willingly and generously he accepted all sorts of sacrifices and
edified the whole house by his humility and patience. His decision

46.3 Page 453

▲back to top


A Providential Takeover
425
to share the Oratory's life was praised by many, occasionally in
writing. 2
While Chevalier Oreglia was at Giaveno to supervise the semi-
nary preparations, Don Bosco was working out an estimate for
building and equipping a new school. The estimate is in our ar-
chives. It was to serve him in good stead later when he would open
the numerous foundations Divine Providence was entrusting to
him.
He also revised the old seminary prospectus, establishing two
sets of monthly fees: one of thirty lire, the other of twenty-two, to
be paid quarterly in advance, in addition to six lire annually for
chapel expenses, and two and a half lire monthly for laundry. The
last item was optional. The seminary was to remain open during
the summer for the benefit of those who wished to take summer
courses. The syllabus for 1860-61 was limited to the elementary
grades and the first three years of Latin.
Canon Vogliotti, the provicar, had the prospectus printed by
the Paravia Press and mailed to all pastors of the archdiocese.
Applications were to be sent only to the rector of the major semi-
nary or directly to Father Grassino at Giaveno. The response was
nil. Twenty days later, not a single application had been received.
In this predicament, Don Bosco, who had hundreds of applica-
tions for the Oratory, decided to channel a good number of them
to Giaveno. He had all applications answered affirmatively, and
when parents brought their sons to the Oratory, he urged many of
them to go to Giaveno. At first they flatly refused, but when Don
Bosco assured them that from then on the Giaveno junior seminary
would be under his direction, like the Oratory, and that the food
and climate were even better, they yielded and willingly gave their
consent, so great was the trust they placed in him. In most cases,
Don Bosco suggested the move to those who were better off and
could pay full tuition, even though the disadvantage fell to the
Oratory, which retained the poorer boys.
Some time previously, Don Bosco had gone to Giaveno. The
mayor, unaware of the latest chancery decision and believing the
2 We are omitting letters from two friends of his because they are unnecessary
to this narrative. [Editor]

46.4 Page 454

▲back to top


426
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
seminary to be definitely closed for lack of students, dropped in
for a conference with Father [Alexander] Pogolotto [former vice
rector]. He had with him a letter from the Department of Education
recognizing the town's right to take possession of the school. On
meeting Don Bosco, he asked, "Where is the rector, please? I have
an important message for him."
"I am the rector."
"You, Don Bosco? Isn't the seminary closed for good?"
"Not at all! It's still in operation and will continue to be."
"But there are no students!"
"On the contrary, it's full of students. Many will arrive this week.
Come back in a few days, and you will see them crowding the
place."
Dumbfounded, the mayor watched the hustle and bustle prepara-
tory to the school's opening and left. It was quite a shock!
Besides the cleric [Francis] Vaschetti, who was to be the prefect,3
the clerics John Boggero and Philip Turletti came to supervise the
boys and to introduce the Oratory spirit into the school. Father
[Joseph] Rocchietti 4 was appointed to journey from Turin and
visit the seminary at intervals as its spiritual director. Thus, for the
benefit of the diocese, Don Bosco made the sacrifice of excellent
personnel who could have been of considerable help to him at the
Oratory in its steady, rapid growth.
Pupils began arriving at the beginning of October. Vaschetti
brought the first group of twenty-two from Turin, among them
some of the finest Oratory boys picked by Don Bosco from students
who had already spent a year or two there. Other groups of fifteen,
twenty, or thirty followed every week, escorted by Joseph Rossi,
[Joseph] Buzzetti or the cleric [John Baptist] Anfossi. By the mid-
dle of November enrollment had risen to a hundred and ten. From
then on, as the news spread that the Giaveno seminary was under
Don Bosco's direction, applications poured in from everywhere,
so that before the school year ended, registration was one hundred
and fifty.
For that school year- 1860-61 - three teachers who had been
a The superior entrusted with the administration of temporal matters. [Editor]
4 See p. 56. [Editor]

46.5 Page 455

▲back to top


A Providential Takeover
427
on the former staff were hired with Don Bosco's approval. Five
students had asked the chancery to be allowed, exceptionally, to
take their rhetoric course at Giaveno, and Canon Fissore, the vicar
general, granted permission, appointing the cleric Vaschetti to teach
the course. Those youths later turned out to be excellent priests.
School opened on November 4, as scheduled, in an atmosphere
of perfect discipline, good conduct, diligence, and piety. An em-
ployee of the Convitto Ecclesiastico, Mr. Bargetto, heard Father
Grassino exclaim, "But for Don Bosco, the Giaveno seminary
would never have come back to life!" This was Don Bosco's first
test of his system of education outside Turin. The cleric [John]
Cagliero, whom he sent toward the end of November for an official
visit of the seminary, conducted a diligent inquiry and drew up a
most consoling report. The vicar general, the provicar, the cathe-
dral canons, the parish clergy of Giaveno, anµ the whole town
found themselves at a loss for words to praise Don Bosco to the
skies. Among those who were thrilled by this success was Giaveno's
pastor, Father [Innocent] Arduino, who had once sharply deplored
the seminary's decline. He had considered its full recovery so dif-
ficult that, regardless of his esteem for Don Bosco, he had re-
peatedly declared that if Don Bosco could manage to raise the
number of pupils to fifty, he would have his portrait placed with
those of its most distinguished benefactors. Since all expectations
had been surpassed, he exclaimed, "We owe Don Bosco not a
portrait, but a statue!"
Canon Vogliotti, too, visited the seminary once the school year
was well advanced; he was astonished and delighted by the change.
Noticing see-saws, parallel bars, and other athletic equipment in
the playground, he remarked, "It's obvious that Don Bosco was
here."
Meanwhile, anxious that nothing should creep in to disturb the
harmony that reigned there, Don Bosco directed Father Grassino
and the cleric Vaschetti in these terms: "Do not yield an inch of
your authority. It must be total and absolute, or you will get noth-
ing done!" He also warned Vaschetti to assist and advise Father
Grassino if he might somehow be about to yield to pressure from

46.6 Page 456

▲back to top


428
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
influential townsfolk. He also urged him to insist that the chancery
issue the promised statement giving the seminary director author-
ity wholly independent of outside interference.
Vaschetti obeyed, and Don Bosco also kept after the chancery,
but it took six months to get the statement.

46.7 Page 457

▲back to top


CHAPTER 54
Fostering Vocations
n.ESTORING Giaveno's junior seminary to its former
vigor was not Don Bosco's only project to foster priestly vocations
in those months. He was also thinking of the diocese of Casale. The
cleric Francis Provera, ever since his pastor's visit to Don Bosco,1
had unceasingly prayed that a Catholic school would be opened in
his native Mirabello. His generous-minded father was determined
to further this noble aim and, to speed its success, he offered Don
Bosco a small house on a piece of land on the town outskirts which
he had inherited from his father. It had once been Church property,
and though his family had acquired it with the bishop's permission,
the good man wanted it to revert to the ownership of the Church.
After studying the project, Don Bosco saw that it would be feasible
to erect a large building near the existing home, but he would not
commit himself before consulting and obtaining the permission of
Bishop Louis Nazari of Casale, with whom he had been in contact
for the past ten years. With this purpose in mind he traveled to
Casale. On the last lap of his trip, his fellow passengers were a
priest and a Franciscan friar from St. Anthony's Monastery. These
two started talking about priests in Piedmont who were outstanding
for their charitable undertakings, and Don Bosco's name came up
before very long. "As for him," the friar remarked, "he is not the
man that reports make him out to be. He's a sponger and a story-
teller, a master at money-making to enrich his nephews. They used
to be poor peasants at one time, but now they live it up. in the
mansion he built for them in his own village."
1 See p. 400. [Editor]
429

46.8 Page 458

▲back to top


430
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Without disclosing his identity, Don Bosco calmly asked him
whether he had ever met the priest he was judging so severely and
whether he had visited his institution at Valdocco. The friar said
no, but declared that what he had said he had learned from trust-
worthy persons. He took nothing back. Don Bosco merely urged
him to inform himself by a personal visit to the Oratory and meet-
ing Don Bosco. "You see," he said, "I've been in the village where
you say Don Bosco built a mansion, and I've never heard anyone
mention such a thing."
By this time they had reached Casale, where some priests were
awaiting Don Bosco. One of them, Father Oclerio Provera, the
tutor of Countess Callori's children, boarded Don Bosco's com-
partment to help him with his luggage while the others, on seeing
him, called him by name in joyful welcome. The friar then realized
who his fellow traveler was. In shame he begged his pardon, assur-
ing him that he had not meant any offense, inasmuch as he had no
idea of his identity. Busy in exchanging greetings with his friends,
Don Bosco apparently did not hear the friar, but finally, turning
to him, he said with some gravity, "I understand, but in the future
do not talk of things you don't know anything about. Above all,
please remember never to run down your neighbor."
At the episcopal residence, where he was to stay, Don Bosco was
joyfully welcomed by the bishop and by Canon John Baptist
Alvigni, the rector of the seminary and an old friend. After dis-
cussing various diocesan matters, Don Bosco outlined his plan for
a boarding school in Mirabello for the purpose of fostering priestly
vocations, which were then scarce. The bishop was delighted and,
grateful to God, gave the plan his blessing. Don Bosco remained for
a few days, intending to show the bishop in due time how fitting
and advantageous it was to give that school the character of a
junior diocesan seminary.
While at Casale, Don Bosco was invited to a formal dinner at
which the bishop, clergy, and prominent laymen were present. As
he found himself mostly with friends, he happened to learn that
saying grace was not customary on such occasions, much to the
chagrin of more devout guests. Unconcerned and unabashed when
God's honor was at stake, he schemed up a little ruse to put over

46.9 Page 459

▲back to top


Fostering Vocations
431
his point. As dinner was announced, the guests took their seats
and immediately helped themselves to the hors d'oeuvres. De-
liberately coming in somewhat late, Don Bosco went to his place,
briefly excused himself for the delay, and recited Benedicite in a
soft but clear tone. At the end, he turned to the bishop and, with
a slight bow, added a blessing: lube, Domne, benedicere. For a
moment all was silent. The bishop smiled. "Don Bosco, we get the
message!" he replied. Later, when alone with Don Bosco, he re-
marked, "You taught us a good lesson and I won't forget it."
Father John Bonetti entered this incident in his chronicle, no-
ting that in urging his boys to be always frank but respectful and
temperate in speech, Don Bosco would say: "You need only a bit
of courage, that's all!"
After informing Father Felix Coppo, Mirabello's pastor, and
Francis Provera's father of the bishop's approval of their plans, he
left Casale. He was also quite concerned about the diocese of Asti,
still vacant after the death of Bishop Philip Artico in Rome on
December 21, 1859.2 Its seminary had been confiscated by the
government, its few philosophy and theology students had been
dispersed, and its upper classmen of the rhetoric course soon found
themselves in serious danger of giving up their vocation. The chan-
cery had set up classrooms and assigned them teachers, but no one
knew how to forestall further troubles. Some seminarians had al-
ready quit their studies. On learning of this, Don Bosco had written
to the vicar capitular and offered to take his seminarians into the
Oratory. In reply the vicar had asked him to come to Asti to dis-
cuss the matter personally.
Don Bosco obliged and, after offering his program for the for-
mation of young seminarians, he returned to Turin, gratified that
he had done a good deed for the Church. The Oratory had several
Asti boys, among them John Molino, Charles Viale, and Secundus
Merlone, who had finished their Latin courses and, having donned
the cassock, were continuing their studies at the diocesan seminary.
At the time, they were home on vacation. Don Bosco knew that
they did not care to teach or join the Salesian Society. Still he
realized that their good example and supervision would be a big
2 See Vol. IV, pp. 418ff; -vol. V, p. 569. [Editor]

46.10 Page 460

▲back to top


432
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
help to their fellow seminarians who would be coming from Asti,
and he was sure that their close ties would make the Oratory rules
and customs easier for them to follow. Hence he wrote to Canon
John Cerutti of Asti to have them return to the Oratory for one
more year, and to provide them with the same subsidy that had
been agreed upon for the others. The canon replied:
Asti, October 2, 1860
My dear Don Bosco:
I was glad to speak to the vicar general on behalf of the clerics you
mentioned. Though we have not given up hope of getting our seminary
back, the vicar general is quite content to have the three clerics spend
their school year at the Oratory, where they can receive only good
example. He is also very well disposed to grant them a subsidy and has
asked me to tell yoU' that he will be in Turin to see you himself before
All Saints' Day.
The publication of the circular on Letture Cattoliche - which we
had prepared sometime back, as I have already told you - has been
somewhat delayed by more pressing matters, but it will certainly not be
forgotten.
Commending myself to your prayers, I am,
Yours devotedly,
Canon John Cerutti
The vicar general delayed in acquainting Don Bosco with his
decision, perhaps because of problems, financial or otherwise, and,
doubtlessly, because he needed the parents' consent before sending
those clerics to Turin. The awaited reply finally came:
Asti, October 22, 1860
My dear Don Bosco:
In view of our discussions at Asti some time ago and of your recent
letter to my illustrious friend Canon John Cerutti, I have decided to
discontinue our rhetoric class and send you our young seminarians -
about a dozen or so. Some can pay their way; for most the diocese will
send a monthly subsidy. Kindly let me know your minimum fee, so that

47 Pages 461-470

▲back to top


47.1 Page 461

▲back to top


Fostering Vocations
433
I can make the necessary arrangements. Tum these young men into
good, zealous priests'. Pray for me, and consider me always
Yours devotedly,
Anthony V. Sossi
Vicar General Capitular
In due time seventeen Asti seminarians, escorted by the three
previously mentioned Oratory boys, were warmly welcomed at the
Oratory. Not all were rhetoric students. Don Bosco notified the
vicar capitular of their safe arrival and enclosed a list of their
names, which the vicar general acknowledged.3
The Asti seminarians were responsive to Don Bosco's loving
care, although during the first two months a misunderstanding
seemed to threaten their serenity. It was to be expected that, with
all of them being from the same region and forming a close-knit
group of newcomers moving in with others far more numerous than
themselves, some friction would arise engendering ill feelings, as if
they were looked upon as inferior to the rest. By mutually airing
their gripes they turned shadows into realities.
Fortunately, their complete respect for Don Bosco's sense of
fairness came to the rescue. Knowing human feelings, he could
sympathize with them and give them comfort. When they came to
him on January 27, 1861, and complained that their grades in
conduct and diligence were not fair, he soothed them with a few
words. "Do your work," he said, "and don't worry about grades. I
know all of you, not only outwardly but inwardly too." They were
satisfied with this statement, for in those very days the young clerics
had just received convincing proof of Don Bosco's veracity, as we
shall soon see. They had taken warmly to Don Bosco, as he anx-
iously looked after them even at the cost of grave sacrifice, and
they never ceased showing him their affection. They were expected
to stay at the Oratory only for the school year of 1860-61 ; then,
hopefully, they were to return to their own seminary, if the govern-
ment relinquished it. Not all of them succeeded in their vocation.
Three had to give up their studies because of illness; two realized
that they did not have the necessary qualifications and left; the
3 We are omitting the list and the vicar general's acknowledgment. [Editor]

47.2 Page 462

▲back to top


434
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
others did well, returned to their seminary, and were ordained in
due time. Several became pastors and labored zealously and
fruitfully.
Two of the group remained at the Oratory. One, very attached
to Don Bosco and pleased with community life, stayed several years
with him even after ordination, until he decided to accept duties in
the diocese. The second, Father Joseph Fagnano, joined the [Sales-
ian] Society [in 1864] and is now [1907] Prefect Apostolic of
Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Canon Anfossi, one of
many witnesses, personally knew these clerics and confirms all we
have said.
Though he was caring for priestly vocations in three dioceses
during the latter half of 1860, Don Bosco did not neglect his own
pupils during the summer vacation. Father John Bonetti wrote:
"He abhorred idleness and taught by example that our days must
be wholly employed in God's service. Above the door of his room
he kept the inscription, 'Every moment is a treasure.' He was never
seen wasting an instant, either at home in the Oratory or out. Since
he had to go out nearly every day either to visit the sick or to beg
for help, he put that time to good use by taking along a priest, a
cleric, or a coadjutor brother to discuss personal matters with
them. If he took a trip alone, he read his mail, corrected galley
proofs, continued work on a book he was writing, or simply prayed.
This was also his custom when he went out with his boys on hikes
in the fall."
When he sent boys to Becchi a couple of weeks before the feast
of the Holy Rosary, he demanded that they never be idle. He liked
them to take hikes to neighboring villages like Mondonio, Cap-
riglio and Albugnano, or to help his brother Joseph with the grape
harvest. But he also demanded that, besides keeping the Oratory
practices of piety exactly, they should spend an hour or so a day
reviewing school work of the past year or getting a taste of courses
they would have to study during the following school term. They
always had a cleric or a priest to coach them. Occasionally they
were given lessons in French.
The time for the yearly excursion to Becchi was drawing near.
On September 15 [1860] the first contingent of pupils set out.

47.3 Page 463

▲back to top


Fostering Vocations
435
Three days later came the sad news of the battle of Castelfidardo.4
In view of this there was some fear at the Oratory that Don Bosco
might cancel the Becchi trip, but he had no such intention, though
he seemed much grieved by the Pope's afflictions and deplored
what was happening. All at the Oratory shared his sorrow. On
September 27, for example, the cleric John Cagliero, after leading
a group of boys to Becchi, went to visit his mother at Castelnuovo.
He later described what happened: "While I was at Castelnuovo, a
former teacher of mine, a priest, upheld and defended the govern-
ment for its invasion of Marche and Umbria, adding, too, that the
Pope, without harm to religion, could very well leave Rome and
transfer his residence to Jerusalem or anywhere else. Thus, Italy
could be united and independent. I did not remain silent. I opposed
him so heatedly that, the next day, believing I had been disrespect-
ful, I apologized. Waiving apologies, he said, 'I sympathize with
you. Don Bosco so works you up for the Pope that the whole lot
of you would not hesitate to be martyrs for him.'"
Meanwhile, at the Oratory, during playtime after dinner or after
supper, the clerics would crowd about Don Bosco to discuss events
then agitating Italy. Since the main war efforts were directed against
the kingdom of Naples, they were anxious and curious to know how
the war would end. Don Bosco's reply to them is contained in
Father Ruffino's chronicle: "On October 1, Don Bosco said, 'This
crisis will end in 1861. The political future of those regions will
all be settled by 1862.'"
Don Bosco's prognostications proved true.5 First France, and
then England, Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland, Holland, the United
States, Greece, Prussia, and Turkey recognized the new Italian
kingdom. The last to do so was Russia on August 6, 1862. Thus
Don Bosco's predictions were literally fulfilled.
4 Here Piedmontese troops defeated papal forces. [Editor]
5 We are omitting the description of military operations. [Editor]

47.4 Page 464

▲back to top


CHAPTER 55
A Yearly Outing
DON Bosco decided to leave for Becchi on [Friday]
October 5 [with some boys and clerics]. After Mass that morning
[Louis] Jarach, Constantius Rinaudo, [Francis] Cerruti, and [Paul]
Albera set off on foot for Chieri where Canon [Francis] Calosso 1
expected them for lunch. Don Bosco arrived by coach in the eve-
ning and was very warmly hosted by the Gonella family where he
was joined by the four boys. As there was still an hour or two
before supper, they spent the time in pleasant, useful conversation
with Don Bosco. Taking advantage of a moment when the hosts
had excused themselves to look after supper, Don Bosco remarked
to Paul Albera who was sitting by him, "If only I had some writing
material! I could start on the next issue of Letture Cattoliche. But
it can't be helped. We must be sociable." After supper, Jarach,
Rinaudo, and Cerruti went to sleep at Canon Calosso's whereas
Albera had a bed set up for him in the antechamber to Don Bosco's
room. In the morning, with that exquisite respect he always showed
to his boys, he called out, "Albera, are you up?"
"Yes, Father."
Don Bosco then came into the antechamber and said to him,
"Let's go to the chapel. If Cerruti is not there, please lead the
prayers during Mass." Don Bosco always did this whenever he had
boys with him at Mass in order to edify his hosts and others.
That day he visited Canon [Louis] Cottolengo, brother of the
saintly founder of the Little House of Divine Providence, and met
many friends who had come to greet him. He also went to pay his
1 A teacher Don Bosco had known in Chieri in 1832. See Vol. I, p. 206.
[Editor]
436

47.5 Page 465

▲back to top


A Yearly Outing
437
respects to his old rhetoric professor, also named John Bosco,2 who
was then substitute professor of literature and philosophy at the
University of Turin and taught Italian literature at the Royal Mili-
tary Academy. We have already noted that, on discovering his
pupil's rare gifts, this professor had kept up a close, long-lasting
friendship with him.3 While at Chieri, Don Bosco and his young
companions visited the cherished tomb of Louis Comollo 4 in St.
Philip's Church. Then they trekked on to Becchi through Riva di
Chieri and Buttigliera, where they were met by the boys who had
set out before them. After a short rest and refreshments provided
by the pastor, they again took to the road. On the way, one boy
pierced a worm with the point of his stick. Don Bosco noticed it
and remarked, "Why did you kill the poor little thing? Life is all
that God gave them. For them everything ends with death!"
Later that same evening, the Oratory bandboys and choirboys,
who had deserved this special treat, also reached Chieri, along with
other students who needed this encouragement to live up to their
good resolutions.
The next day, Sunday, October 7, the feast of Our Lady of the
Rosary, was marked with customary religious services and evening
entertainment. The following day, the whole Oratory group was
invited to dinner by the pastor of Castelnuovo. Here Don Bosco
met a ten-year-old boy named Bernard Arato. Smilingly he patted
his cheek and with his thumb lightly traced the Sign of the Cross
on his forehead. "Keep being good," he said. "One day you will be
a priest and you will do much good." Don Bosco's words did not
then and there impress the boy, and he forgot them, but when he
later entered the Oratory and again met Don Bosco, he immediately
recalled them. A cousin of his had also come, and so Arato asked
Don Bosco, "Will he become a priest too?"
Don Bosco did not reply at once but, looking intently and kindly
at the boy for a few moments, replied, "No, he will not be a priest,
though he will don and wear the cassock for some time. His voca-
tion is in the world where he'll do much good." Arato did become
2 Ibid., pp. 206, 248. [Editor]
3 Jbid., pp. 268, 270f, 273. [Editor]
4 Jbid., pp. 91, 250ff, 271f, 289, 298ff, 303f, 307, 321f, 330, 332ff, 340f,
364f. [Editor]

47.6 Page 466

▲back to top


43 8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
a priest and a zealous pastor, whereas his cousin, after donning
and then putting aside the clerical habit, took up teaching and is
now [1907] an able, religious-minded teacher.
On Tuesday, October 9, the Oratory boys, each carrying his own
bundle, set off on a trek which was to last just over a week. We
shall describe it briefly, not to repeat ourselves, and refer our read-
ers to our account of the 1859 outing 5 and the shorter ones of
preceding years 6 when the boys would return to Becchi every
night.
This year's first stop was made at Passerano, near Mondonio, at
Count Radicati's summer home. Both he and the local pastor, Fa-
ther John Allaman0, were very good friends of Don Bosco; in the
past the count had often generously hosted the Oratory superiors
and boys. Another stop was made in Primeglio at Marquis and
Marchioness Doando's. The marquis was over ninety. A calf had
been slaughtered for the occasion to afford everyone a delicious,
abundant roast. In the village, the boys were unexpectedly called
upon to sing a requiem Mass without organ and music. Father
Joseph Prinotti, the local pastor, was the celebrant.
The group also spent a whole day first at Montechiaro and then
at Montiglio as guests of both pastors, Father James Belussi and
Father Joseph Alu:ffi, to the great joy of the vicar forane, Father
Vincent Roberto, and, finally, at Marmorito, whose pastor, Father
Charles Valfredo, welcomed them in triumph. After passing
through other hamlets they reached Marmorito. Everywhere Don
Bosco was greeted by extraordinary crowds. Instrumental music,
stage plays, and solemn church services certainly drew crowds, but
what really carried the day was God's Word. For Don Bosco these
outings were true, up-to-date apostolic journeys. He preached most
willingly on every occasion, convinced of his strict obligation. He
had made his own - and this he disclosed on various occasions -
St. Paul's thoughts: "For even if I preach the Gospel, I have therein
no ground for boasting, since I am under constraint. For woe to me,
if I do not preach the Gospel." [1 Cor. 9, 16-17] After preaching
from the fullness of his heart, Don Bosco always made himself
available for confessions.
5 See pp. 143-154. [Editor]
6 See Vol. IV, pp. 445ff; Vol. V, pp. 223ff, 353f, 482. [Editor]

47.7 Page 467

▲back to top


A Yearly Outing
439
In the evening, a most varied hustle and bustle began. Some
boys would erect a makeshift stage or set the supper tables, while
others played instruments, sang, or went to Don Bosco for confes-
sion. The townsfolk, seeing these youngsters devoutly prepare for
confession, were moved to do likewise, and they too knelt by Don
Bosco's confessional.
"What drew you to come?" Don Bosco would query.
"I saw your boys.... I too need confession."
The village youths curiously watched this rare spectacle. For
many of them the good example of the Oratory boys was a spur
to regain God's grace. One evening a youth stopped to look at
Don Bosco and his young penitents. After a while he left, only to
return again. Finally he resolutely approached Don Bosco.
"Father," he said, "I can't stand it anymore. I want to get rid of
my sins!" And he broke into tears.
"What made you come?" Don Bosco asked him.
"These innocent boys," he replied. "I said to myself: Look how
these youngsters are so concerned about making good confessions!
Shall I, a sinner, remain in my misery? I too want to make my
confession." And tears streamed from his eyes. The following morn-
ing crowds flocked to the altar rail. The moral and religious reform
of very many young people was long-lasting.
The townsfolk were full of admiration for the lively, cheerful,
well-behaved Oratory boys who knew how to blend laughter and
piety. In the evening they entertained the whole village, but the
next morning they devoutly went to Holy Communion.
Don Bosco himself, ever concerned about his boys, stayed with
them when they played and when they took to the road. He kept
reminding them of God, the Blessed Virgin, or some virtue to
practice. His deportment was ever that of a saint. The townsfolk,
noticing his boundless fatherly solicitude, felt a great esteem for
priests, and several were spurred to entrust him with their sons'
education. The village youngsters, in tum, enthusiastically trooped
about the Oratory pupils, charmed by Don Bosco's amiable ways
and kind, impressive words. He resembled Our Savior inviting the
little ones to come to Him. Many lads followed the group all day
long, sharing their meals, games, and prayers before returning home

47.8 Page 468

▲back to top


440
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
at night. Others could not break away from their new friends and
stayed through the night. A few tagged along for days at a time,
sleeping in neighboring haylofts if there was no room in the host's
premises. Some even went all the way to Turin with Don Bosco and
could not be persuaded to return home.
"During these memorable outings," Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio
wrote, "Don Bosco caught his fish - the village youngsters -
enticing them to a virtuous life in order to make of them instru-
ments for his holy undertakings. In this he exercised very fine, keen
discernment." This was especially true with the boarders, who vied
with each other in walking alongside him on those long jaunts,
enjoying the opportunity to open their hearts fully to him and can-
didly tell him all they had done, thought, heard, or seen. Occasion-
ally he saved all that time to converse with one boy alone, mostly
about his vocation and the way to discover it. As the Book of
Proverbs says, "The shrewd man's wisdom gives him knowledge of
his way, but the folly of fools is their deception." [Prov. 14, 8]
That is, the fool abandons the right way or takes the wrong one
through passion, vanity, or selfishness.
How many interesting anecdotes we could narrate on this score!
For example, a priest told us that one day, when he was a first-
year cleric, Don Bosco sent the whole group ahead to Passerano to
Count Radicati's summer home but kept him back so that they
could walk there together an hour or two later. As they reached the
top of a hill, Don Bosco remarked that many of his boys were good,
but that very few would stay on at the Oratory. Taking this cue,
the cleric asked: "Shall I always remain?" Receiving no reply, he
insisted, "Will you at least tell me if I shall always remain good?"
Smilingly, then, Don Bosco answered the two questions with a
double yes.
His thoughts often turned to his dire need of co-workers, all the
more so since he shied from extending invitations unless he was
certain the boy had a vocation. If a youngster seemed called else-
where by God, he frankly told him so. For instance, on October
28 of that year, 1860, Don Bosco told Dominic Ruffino, not yet a
priest: "The clerics Duino and Becchio are not called to remain
with us. Their vocation is to become Dominicans and I have ad-

47.9 Page 469

▲back to top


A Yearly Outing
441
vised them so. They thought it over, but did not like the idea.
Therefore I gave Duino a letter of recommendation for his bishop,
who readily accepted him into the Pinerolo seminary."
Those who asked to remain with him he sometimes tested in
different ways. For instance, during one outing, Jerome Suttil 7 [an
able pianist and musician] asked Don Bosco - as he had already
done other times - to take him into the Salesians. Don Bosco
replied, "How will you manage to adapt yourself to the mortifica-
tions, humiliations, and hardships a Salesian must be ready for?"
"Test me," the youth replied, "and you will see that I can take
it."
"You won't make it. I can tell you that!"
"Try me out!"
"All right, I take you at your word," Don Bosco replied.
"It's a deal!" the young man concluded.
Don Bosco made no further allusion to such a challenge, but one
day when he and a group of boys were at Buttigliera for a day as
guests of [Countess Miglino] 8 a benefactress of long standing, he
put him to the test. A generous table had been prepared in a splen-
did hall on the upper floor for Don Bosco and the more important
guests. While waiting for dinnertime, Suttil impeccably played some
difficult piano selections and was warmly applauded.
Dinner time arrived. The boys' tables had been suitably set on
the ground floor. As usual, Suttil sat with the guests. At this point
Don Bosco sent for him.
"Look," he said, "I know I can depend on you. Please go with
the boys and tell them to feel at home and eat all they need, but
not to gorge themselves. I'll feel more at ease if you are there.
Please stay with them."
Without a word, Suttil went down. Sullenly he took a seat, but
soon got up and began pacing up and down between the tables
while the boys merrily enjoyed their meal. He tried to disguise his
feelings, but finally, unable to conceal his disappointment and cha-
grin, he went out into the yard and continued pacing alone.
"What's the matter with him?" the boys asked one another. "Is
7 This talented young musician was a political refugee. (See Vol. IV, p. 292.)
He will be mentioned again in subsequent volumes. [Editor]
B See Vol. V, p. 484. [Editor]

47.10 Page 470

▲back to top


442
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
he sick? Did somebody hurt his feelings? He is not himself this
afternoon!"
After dinner Don Bosco and the other guests joined the boys
downstairs. On being told that Suttil had not touched any food and
seemed dejected, Don Bosco approached him.·
"What's the trouble, Jerome? Don't you feel well?"
Suttil kept silent, but after a few more questions from Don Bosco
he swallowed hard and replied, "I tell you candidly, Father, that I
did not expect to be excluded from the guest table. I just couldn't
take it!"
"Ah!" Don Bosco exclaimed. "Didn't you tell me to put you to
the test?"
Up to this moment the young man had kept his eyes to the ground.
At these words he looked up and, breaking into laughter, ex-
claimed: "Why didn't you tell me? I would have been on guard
and not made a fool of myself."
"If you had known it, it would not have been a test."
"You're right!" Suttil concluded, in good spirits once again.
He was not accepted into the Salesian Society. Later he went to
France, but after many years he returned to die at the Oratory.
After returning to Becchi and visiting Dominic Savio's grave at
Mondonio, Don Bosco went on to Chieri - as in past years -
where Miss Pozzo treated the boys to a good meal. Then he sent
Paul Albera and a companion to Turin to tell Father Alasonatti
that the party would not arrive at the Oratory that evening.
After dinner, with the brass band and the rest of the boys, Don
Bosco took the road to Turin, but shortly before reaching Madonna
del Pilone and the Po River, he turned right, uphill, to Pino Tor-
inese where an old friend of his, Father James Aubert, was pastor.
In 1845 and for many years thereafter, Don Bosco had gone to
this country parish for services and had found and helped a number
of priestly vocations. There he met a boy named Del Mastro, whom
he sent to the Cottolengo Institute to join the "Tommasini," 9 then
numbering only ten. The boy turned out to be a saintly, learned
pastor.
Pino was the home of the Ghivarello family, whose son Charles
9 Junior seminarians at the Little House of Divine Providence. See Vol. V,
p. 254. [Editor]

48 Pages 471-480

▲back to top


48.1 Page 471

▲back to top


A Yearly Outing
443
had entered the Oratory years before [in 1856 and who was now
a member of the Salesian Society 10]. Often, when going to Chieri,
Charles' schoolmates - few or many - used to stop briefly at the
Ghivarello home where they were always welcomed. Among Don
Bosco's friends in this little town was a wealthy old farmer.
Through a misunderstanding of many years' standing, this man
was at odds with his pastor, had severed all connections with him,
and steadily avoided him. Don Bosco had tried for some time to
find a way to reconcile them. Fortunately, this year, the old man,
headstrong but good-hearted, invited Don Bosco and his boys to
spend a day with him. The latter willingly accepted, especially in
view of a plan of his. The old farmer gladly gave all a good supper
during which the bandboys played various selections. Later in the
evening they staged some skits and spent the night there. Mean-
while Don Bosco had done his best to win the man over. Now and
then, he succeeded in steering the conversation to the need and
advantages of settling old grudges. The old man protested that he
was willing to forgive the pastor but did not have it in his heart to
resume relations.
"How long is this to drag on?" Don Bosco asked him. "You
already have one foot in the grave. Are you ready to face God with
this grudge in your heart? Why not make friends again with your
pastor who after all is a good man, is fond of you, and speaks well
of you?" It was all in vain! The old man would not budge.
The next morning, as they were leaving, Don Bosco asked his
host to walk part of the way with him. Before the man could rea-
lize it, Don Bosco had his boys detour to the rectory under the
pretext of having them pay their respects to the pastor by playing
some music in his honor. The pastor came out to meet them, of
course, and invited Don Bosco and the old farmer in. Unwilling as
he was, the latter could not refuse such a cordial invitation. The
pastor treated his old friend with the utmost regard and, after
offering his guests some choice wine, he begged the old man to be
friends again. To these entreaties and Don Bosco's renewed exhor-
tations, he yielded and was thus richly compensated for the hospi-
tality he had given Don Bosco and his boys.
That evening the light-hearted brigade was back at the Oratory.
10 See pp. 157, 181. [Editor]

48.2 Page 472

▲back to top


CHAPTER 56
Heavenly Promptings
ORATORY preparations for the school year 1860-61,
meanwhile, ran into greater expense than ever before.
Beds were badly needed to replace a motley assortment of cots,
pallets, trestles, and ·plain straw mattresses on which the boys slept.
"Action on this was triggered by the mother of a boy named Ro-
polo," wrote Joseph Reano. "While visiting the Oratory, she met
Don Bosco and, after discussing her boy's conduct and diligence,
frankly remarked, 'Don Bosco, I have seen the dormitories. They
are a disgrace! Why don't you put in regular iron beds?'
"'I will as soon as I win the first prize in the lottery,' he replied."
Over four hundred beds were needed. Yet, a few weeks later,
notwithstanding the heavy expense, Don Bosco placed an order for
them with a local factory near the Santa Barbara Fountains. Deliv-
ery was to be made at the rate of twenty a week, so that a few
months later the lady's wish was fulfilled. Don Bosco did not win
the lottery's first prize, but Divine Providence provided. All the
beds were paid for.
This improvement, beginning with the student dormitories, forc-
ed Don Bosco to revise admission requirements.1 Furthermore,
since applicants were many and he needed time to investigate the
parents' means and intentions as well as the youngsters' moral and
intellectual dispositions, he set a fixed rate for the first two months
of residence - a necessary precaution to prevent burdening the
house with boys who did not deserve its charity. Don Bosco knew
1 See Appendix 15. [Editor]
444

48.3 Page 473

▲back to top


Heavenly Promptings
445
of course when to make the exceptions - and such exceptions he
made quite often.
By this time he had taken over both the land and the building
he had bought from the Filippi family 2 - a quadrilateral piece of
land separated from the Oratory playground by a wall. The build-
ing had three floors, but since the first two still had tenants, only
the top floor could be put to use immediately as a dormitory. Then,
inasmuch as the wall between the properties was not razed till over
a year later, a temporary wooden walkway had to be built at the
third-floor level.
Many pupils felt in their hearts that God Himself had lovingly
prepared a shelter for them at the Oratory and said that they could
clearly prove it. Others believed it was the Blessed Virgin Herself
who had won that great favor for them and, as it were, had brought
them there by the hand to shower Her blessings upon them. Others
had been wondrously and irresistibly drawn to the Oratory by the
combined intervention of both Don Bosco and the Blessed Virgin.
Of this third group, we will narrate an incident we came to know
from a good mother; it was variously repeated hundreds of times
in the course of years.
In 1860, Mrs. Rose Rostagno, nee Masino, a resident of Pine-
rolo,3 came to Turin on business with her :fifteen-year-old son Seve-
rino. After settling her affairs, she called on Don Bosco to make
his acquaintance and was enchanted by his friendliness. In the
course of her visit Don Bosco took the boy aside and whispered a
few words, such as work wonders.4 His mother could not hear his
words, but she was astonished at seeing Severino suddenly brighten
up. Both left the Oratory happy. The boy kept Don Bosco's words
to himself and never revealed them, even to his mother.
On bidding him good-bye, Don Bosco had remarked, "Write to
me sometime, and I'll reply." The youngster was not much good at
writing because poor health had hindered his school work and he
kept putting it off.
His mother continued to remind him, but even though he claimed
2 See p. 393. We are omitting here a detailed description of this property.
[Editor]
3 A small town near Turin. [Editor]
4 See pp. 230:ff. [Editor]

48.4 Page 474

▲back to top


446
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
that he had many things to tell Don Bosco, he still delayed. "Don't
be afraid," his mother told him one day. "Imagine you are talking
with him and just write what you would say to him."
Severino finally agreed and Don Bosco replied as follows:
Turin, September 5, 1860
My dear son,
I was glad to hear from you. If you felt so happy to be with me for a
few moments, imagine our joy when, with God's help, we shall be
always together in heaven, praising God, our Creator, with one voice.
Be strong then, son. Be steadfast in the faith, grow ever more in
God's holy fear, and avoid bad companions like vipers; go to confession
and Communion often, be devoted to Mary Most Holy, and you will
certainly be happy.
When I last saw you I thought I detected a special design of Divine
Providence for you. I am not going to tell you what it is now, but if
you will come to see me again, I'll be clearer about it, and you will
know why I spoke to you as I did on your visit.
May the Lord grant you and mother health and grace.
Pray for me.
Yours affectionately,
Fr. John Bosco
Severino was impatient to see Don Bosco again, but this time it
was his mother who kept putting it off because she had no time.
Finally, on the eve of St. Severino's feast, the boy said, "Mother,
tomorrow is my nalflle day. For a present take me to see Don
Bosco." She agreed. After a long talk with Don Bosco, Severino
pressed her to enroll him at the Oratory. Difficulties were cleared
by another letter from Don Bosco.
Turin, October 29, 1860
My dear son in the Lord,
If you can take it like a soldier and be satisfied with our ordinary food,
as Muriana did, I will accept you at the Oratory free of charge. Your
mother will have to pay for books and clothes. As to the outfit to bring
with you, ask someone who has already been here. If you agree, come

48.5 Page 475

▲back to top


Heavenly Promptings
447
soon, and we will work with might and main for your soul's benefit.
God bless you!
Yours affectionately,
Fr. John Bosco
The lad flew to the Oratory. Others too were led there by Our
Lady. Henry Bonetti, twenty-four, from Caprino (Bergamo), had
donned the clerical habit, only to put it aside when a very serious
obstacle barred his way to the priesthood. In need of work, he
came to Turin and found a job, but was unhappy. His longing for
the priesthood, his aversion for the profligate people he lived with,
the unpleasant necessity of working on Sunday, and the obstacles
in the way of his religious duties all combined to make life miser-
able. Whatever free time he could snatch from his many tasks he
spent at Our Lady of Consolation Shrine, begging his heavenly
Mother for the favor of soon withdrawing from the world's dangers.
She granted his fervent prayer. One Sunday evening, more depress-
ed than usual, he wandered along the tree-lined footpath parallel
to the avenue near the Oratory. Loud and happy boyish shouts
reached him. He paused a few moments before the Church of St.
Francis de Sales, sadly bowed his head, and tearfully sighed, "How
happy those boys must be!" He asked a passerby what place that
was and was told that it was Don Bosco's Oratory. Without more
ado, he went in, approached Don Bosco, and opened his heart to
him. He explained how, due to family circumstances, he could not
pay the seminary tuition. Don Bosco accepted him, and shortly
afterward he became one of the Oratory's happy residents. When, a
few months later, Bonetti mentioned his desire to consecrate his
whole life to working for boys, Don Bosco, aware of his virtue,
intelligence, and knowledge, waived his boarding fees and pro-
vided him gratis with books, clothing, and all else he needed. Henry
Bonetti proved a real treasure for the Oratory and became a [Sa-
lesian] priest.5 He often spoke of Our Lady's goodness to him with
earnest gratitude.
Another young man, the same age as Henry but from a different
5 Henry Bonetti was ordained in 1866. A year later he died of cholera. His
passing was greatly lamented by his pupils, fellow Salesians, and friends. [Editor]

48.6 Page 476

▲back to top


448
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
province, one day told a priest of his desire to enter a religious
order or congregation, adding that for one reason or another he
had not yet found one to his liking.
"In that case," the priest replied, "I assure you that Our Lady
loves you so much that if you can't find an order or congregation to
suit you, She will start one for you. You will see."
On one Sunday or holy day this young man, eager to know God's
will in his regard, knelt at Our Lady's altar in his village church
and recited the rosary, entreating Mary for guidance. The next
morning, as the Angelus bell rang at dawn and he was still half
asleep, he heard a voice distinctly saying, "Go to L. . . and there
you'll find Don Bosco." He started up. The words were set in his
mind. He had heard of Don Bosco several times and had once
even gone to Turin to seek his advice, but had been unable to meet
him. He knew that Don Bosco was the founder of the Oratory, but
he had never heard of the Society of St. Francis de Sales. To his
knowledge no one in his village had ever seen Don Bosco, since it
was an out-of-the-way place and the chances of Don Bosco's com-
ing there were even less than the Pope's. Anyway, the young man
confided in three good friends of his. "L. .. is only an hour's walk
from here," they said. "Go and find out!"
And so the following day he set out with one of his friends. Not
knowing the pastor of L. . . he first called on an elderly chaplain
who had taught school in his village. Warmly received, he asked
the priest whether he knew Don Bosco's whereabouts. The chaplain
shook his head and replied that the pastor kept in contact with
Don Bosco. The young man went to the pastor and, on telling him
that he had gone to Turin without being able to see Don Bosco,
was astonished to hear that Don Bosco would be coming to L. ..
within a week.
Overjoyed, he returned home. His two other friends came to
meet him and, imagining his walk to have been a waste of time,
laughingly shouted from afar, "Is Don Bosco coming?"
"You bet he is!" he and his companion shouted back. Their
astonishment increased when Don Bosco did come. As the young
man went up to him, Don Bosco looked intently at him and asked
his name and birthplace. A short conversation followed, termin-

48.7 Page 477

▲back to top


He.avenly Promptings
449
ated by Don Bosco's words, "Tomorrow come to Turin with me."
Without further ado the young man went along. Neither then
nor later did he tell anybody else of the mysterious voice he had
heard while the morning Angelus rang. At the Oratory he found
the congregation which Our Lady had prepared also for him. He
liked it and is happy in it.
Other youngsters, too, found effective incentives to be good as a
result of certain heartening fancies which suddenly popped into
their minds out of a clear sky. For example, a talented lad attend-
ing public school was having difficulties with discipline and studies.
His father, while conversing with friends about his son's unsatis-
factory school work one evening, lamented that he could not af-
ford to place his boy in a boarding school. At this his friends told
him of a priest who had opened such a school in Valdocco where
students achieved excellent results with little expense to their par-
ents. The father then objected that his son - who was present -
would not go along with such a decision, but, to his father's sur-
prise, the boy impulsively retorted, "Dad, put me there. I bet I'll
stick it out!"
Later, though, before going to bed, the boy felt some misgivings
at the thought of soon losing his freedom. That night he dreamed
he was among a crowd of boys in a playground, holding some
papers in his hand. All were applauding a priest who smiled down
on them from a balcony. In the dream he saw himself going to the
balcony and kissing the priest's hand. A few months later, he en-
tered the Oratory. He had completely forgotten the dream and was
finding it somewhat difficult to adjust to this new life. As yet he
had not met Don Bosco, who was out of town. One day, during
playtime, a teacher sent for him and asked him to bring a sheaf of
papers to one of the superiors. While going downstairs, he heard
lively, prolonged applause and cheers. Immediately he ran to the
playground so as not to miss the excitement. Don Bosco, back
from his trip, was standing on the balcony just as in the dream. It
was the same playground, the same boys, the same balcony, the
same priest. All the details of the dream came back to the boy -
he was holding a sheaf of papers. Wishing to see the dream ful-
filled to the last detail, he dashed up to the balcony and kissed

48.8 Page 478

▲back to top


450
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco's hand. That kiss was a pledge of lasting filial affection,
as he himself declared with emotion in his old age, while telling us
of his dream.
Another similar instance occurred at about this time. The one
who enjoyed this heartening experience told us of it in these terms:
I was about ten years old, when I became concerned for a few days
about my future. One night in a dream I saw a priest standing at the
entrance to a gorgeous garden. I approached and the priest, taking me
by my arm, kindly invited me in. "Take heed," he said; "this is where
you will spend your life." The dream made such an impression on me
that for some days - I remember - I was recollected and devout and
went more frequently to church. A good many years have passed now,
but that scene is still vivid in my mind. When I eventually came to the
Oratory I saw that the one who received me with such fatherly care was
the priest of my dream, and I soon understood that our Salesian Society
was the garden.
Can such dreams be dismissed as mere boyish fantasies when we
consider that these boys came from different provinces and that
these dreams showed them the one same path that would lead them
to follow their vocation? The boys concerned thought otherwise!
After many years of priesthood, heartened by the remembrance of
these incidents, they keep working undauntedly among the youths
entrusted to them by Don Bosco.
A fellow pupil of these boys was Joseph Rollini, who boarded
at the Oratory while taking art courses at the Accademia Albertina.
He later was privileged to paint the side chapels and dome of the
Church of Mary Help of Christians. With Rollini there also came
to the Oratory on November 6, 1860, seventeen-year-old Peter
Racca of Volvera. He was a simple-hearted country boy whose
native ingenuity occasionally made him the butt of light-minded
companions. He never complained. His even temper clearly showed
that, far from resenting his deriders, he sincerely loved them and
sought to please them. He was a slow learner, with a slack mem-
ory. Due to these handicaps and his weak grasp of the fundamentals
of Latin, he often did not know his lesson, notwithstanding all his
efforts. Pained by the thought that this might hinder him from
becoming a priest, he often prayed to Our Lady, whom he most

48.9 Page 479

▲back to top


Heavenly Promptings
451
tenderly loved. His prayer was heard. One morning while his school-
mates were waiting for their teacher and reviewing their lessons,
Racca walked into the classroom more cheerful than usual. Seem-
ingly something nice had befallen him. When a boy asked what
had happened, he candidly replied that Our Lady had appeared to
him that night and granted him the gift of memory. At this, some
marveled while others laughed. Racca took no offense and said
nothing. When his teacher, John Baptist Francesia, called on him
to recite the lesson, he astonished all by a faultless recitation. From
that day on he never again had trouble with his studies. Moreover,
he began excelling among his companions as a result of his extra-
ordinary memory. We believe that this sudden change can be at-
tributed only to a singular favor of Our Lady, whose love and
devotion he never ceased to instill and recommend to all he met.
This gift lasted throughout his lifetime and was proven by the
studies to which he later applied himself tirelessly and successfully.
His friends - Father John Garino among them - can testify to
this.
Since we will later have many other occasions to speak of Our
Lady's wondrous favors to Oratory pupils, we shall now return to
the start of the school year 1860-61.
On November 3, twenty-two young Oratory clerics took exams
at the seminary with the following results: two earned egregie
(above excellent) ; sixteen, optime (excellent) ; three, fere optime
(almost excellent); and one, bene (good). All the clerics who
taught regularly were among those rated "excellent" - a clear
proof that their teaching assignments had not interfered with their
theology studies.
To mark the start of the school year, the house regulations, not
as yet in print, were solemnly read to the pupils in the presence of
Don Bosco and all the superiors. Furthermore, in each class, dur-
ing the first period, the teacher would give a short talk on the im-
portance of study, the means to achieve solid, lasting progress, the
necessity and nobility of an upright life, and the obedience required
to cooperate with one's teachers. Other important topics were the
salvation of one's soul, love of the Church, obedience to the Pope,
and priestly vocations. Whatever the topic, the teachers spoke in

48.10 Page 480

▲back to top


452
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
accordance with Don Bosco's spirit with which they were imbued.
He was always mentioned with praise. Once, the cleric John Baptist
Anfossi ended up a talk to his Latin II students by saying, "Boys,
you are fortunate to be in the ark of salvation. The Lord has given
you in this house a servant of His to be father and guardian.
Guided from above, he will keep you from evil, from the yawning
abyss of perdition; by his holiness he will spark your love of God
and His Immaculate Mother and transform you into angels to make
you worthy of heavenly glory. How fortunate you are! To your
good fortune add a firm good will!"
These words neatly summed up everyone's opinion of Don Bosco
at the Oratory. To spur the boys to further efforts to profit from the
new school year, he had scriptural verses printed on the face of
the quarterly report cards he himself signed. The inscription on
the right read: Initium sapientiae timor Domini. [The fear of the
Lord is the beginning of wisdom - Ps. 110, 5] The one on the
left stated: Quae in iuventute tua non congregasti, quomodo in
senectute tua invenies? [The things that you have not gathered in
your youth, how will you find them in your old age? - Sir. 25, 5]
Don Bosco always gave the clerics two good pieces of advice to
preserve good spirit in the house. The first was taken from St.
Vincent de Paul: "A community that observes strict silence at pre-
scribed times is certainly faithful to all its other rules. But if every-
one talks at will, there is a general disregard for all other rules as
well." The second piece of advice concerned the pupils' super-
vision. "If you have no special duties," he said, "make a daily tour
of the stairs and corridors during recreation periods, and you will
gain the merit of having saved a soul."

49 Pages 481-490

▲back to top


49.1 Page 481

▲back to top


CHAPTER 57
Special Charisms
ON November 1, 1860 Don Bosco petitioned the De-
partment of the Interior for a subsidy, and on December 5 he
likewise tapped the War Ministry for surplus clothing and foot-
wear.1 [The latter appeal was granted but the former was put off to
the close of the fiscal year and made contingent on a credit balance.]
Besides clothing, bread was needed. This too was provided - at
times wondrously - by Divine Providence. One such instance was
described to us by Francis Dalmazzo of Cavour [near Turin] who
at this time was a fifteen-year-old secondary school student at Pi-
nerolo. His narration follows:
At the start of my rhetoric year, I read some issues of Don Bosco's
Letture Cattoliche. On inquiry I learned that the writer was a holy priest
who had opened a boys' boarding school in Turin. Then and there I
decided to leave my school and go to Don Bosco's. I entered the Oratory
on October 22, 1860. My schoolmates called Don Bosco a saint and
told of extraordinary, wondrous things he had done. Among others, the
cleric Ruffino told me that Don Bosco had recalled to life a festive
oratory boy in order to hear his confession,2 that he had multiplied
consecrated Hosts and chestnuts,3 and that once, when he had taken
his boys on a pilgrimage to the Madonna di Campagna [Our Lady of
the Countryside Church], the bells had rung of their own accord on his
arrival.4 I became more convinced of Don Bosco's holiness, and this
1 We ore omitting these two routine appeals. [Editor]
2 See Vol. III, pp. 349ff. [Editor]
3 Ibid., pp. 31 lf, 404ff. [Editor]
4 See Vol. II, pp. 327f. [Editor]
453

49.2 Page 482

▲back to top


454
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
belief deepened all the more as I came to know him personally and
witnessed his saintliness and the extraordinary deeds God wrought
through him. Let me give you an example.
Having been brought up on a rather choice diet, after a few days I
could not easily adjust to the far too frugal meals and the Oratory's new
way of life, and so I wrote to my mother to come and bring me home.
I refused to stay.
On the morning of my departure, however, I decided to go to con-
fession once more to Don Bosco. He was seated in the apse of the
church behind the main altar, surrounded by a crowd of penitents. At
that time meditation was made before Mass, usually said by Father
[Victor] Alasonatti. After Mass, each boy received a bun for his
breakfast.
While I was awaiting my tum for confession during meditation, the
two kitchen helpers came in and told Don Bosco, "Father, there is no
bread in the house."
"Well," Don Bosco replied, "go to the baker and get some."
"He won't give us any more. He says he won't deliver bread unless
he is paid, and he really means it!"
"We'll see," Don Bosco replied.
I heard this whispered dialogue and sensed that something extra-
ordinary was about to happen. The two kitchen helpers left. When my
turn came, I began my confession. The Mass had already reached the
Elevation. One of the helpers returned and told Don Bosco, "Mass is
half over already. What shall we give the boys for breakfast?"
"Are you here again?" exclaimed Don Bosco. "Let me hear confes-
sions." Then he added, "Look in the pantry and the dining rooms and
collect all the bread you find."
The boy left and I continued my confession, unconcerned about
breakfast since I would be going home after Mass. I was just through
telling my sins when the same fellow came back a third time and said
to Don Bosco, "Mass is nearly over and all we have is a few buns!"
Don Bosco calmly went on with confessions while the youth kept pes-
tering him for an answer. After telling him not to worry, Don Bosco
concluded, "Put all the buns you have in a basket. In a few moments
I'll come and give them out myself."
In fact, when he was through with the boy kneeling at his side, he got
up and strode past Our Lady's altar to the door opening upon the play-
ground. Here the boys usually got their breakfast as they filed out of
church. The bread basket was standing there. Recalling the great things

49.3 Page 483

▲back to top


Special Charisms
455
I had heard of Don Bosco and curious to see the outcome, I went out
ahead of him and picked a spot where I'd have no trouble seeing every-
thing. At the door I met my mother, who was waiting to take me home.
"Come, Frankie," she said. I motioned to her to stand aside for a
moment. "Mom, I just want to see something," I whispered. "I'll be
right with you." She walked off to the porticoes. I bent over the basket
and picked up a bun. There were some fifteen buns in the basket -
certainly no more than twenty. Unobserved, I placed myself on a step
right behind Don Bosco and alertly watched his every move as he
began to distribute the bread. The boys kept filing past to get their bum
from him and kissed his hand as he smiled and said a kind word to
each. Each lad - some four hundred - received a bun. When the
distribution was over, I again peered into the basket. To my great
astonishment, I saw as many buns in it as there had been before, though
no other bread and no other basket had been brought up. Dumbfounded,
I ran to my mother. "Let's go," she said.
"Morn," I replied. "I've changed my mind. I'm staying! I'm sorry I
bothered you!" Then I told her what I had seen with my own eyes. "I
can't leave this place," I exclaimed. "It is blessed by God! Don Bosco
is such a holy man!"
This was my one reason for remaining at the Oratory and later
becoming a Salesian.
[Francis] Dalmazzo witnessed another surpnsmg incident on
November 10, 1861 - an extraordinary cure described in detail
by Chevalier Oreglia of Santo Stefano as follows:
One evening, shortly after six, a domestic rushed to tell me that a
young apprentice shoemaker named Modesto Davico had suddenly be-
come ill. His companions had carried him to bed and were having a
hard time to keep him there. I hastened to his side and was frightened
by the strange effects of his illness: screams, whinings, moanings, unin-
telligible words, contortions, and repeated struggles to fight those hold-
ing him down. Then for a few minutes he seemed to calm down and
Jet himself be put to bed. All the while, though, he kept complaining of
intense cold along his sides, especially in his feet. We moved him to a
pre-heated bed and loaded him with blankets, slipping a footwarmer
close to him. It was no use. He kept complaining that he was freezing.
Soon he was raving again and struggling to get out of bed. His pulse
began weakening. His illness was a mystery to us all. Some thought it a

49.4 Page 484

▲back to top


456
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
nervous fit; others a case of worms, rather common among youngsters;
others yet a malignant fever or a sudden rush of blood to the brain. To
this day, I for one cannot make it out. The boy kept complaining of
intense cold even though he was perspiring profusely, and he repeatedly
begged for cold water to clear his stomach and throat. Nothing would
relieve him. Two hours passed by, and his condition rapidly worsened.
We were all upset. Someone tactfully mentioned Don Bosco in order to
direct his thoughts to confession. It was a good idea. No sooner was
Don Bosco named than the boy, despite his pain, insisted on seeing
him. Fearing the end, I ran to tell a priest to fetch the holy oil. As I
spoke to Father Alasonatti, Don Bosco came in from town. It was then
about eight in the evening. Father Alasonatti told him, "If you want to
see Davico, hurry. It's a miracle that he's still alive." Smilingly Don
Bosco replied, "Oh no, Davico isn't going yet. I haven't signed his
passport." I took him to the boy's side. Superiors and boys were in the
room praying for him. Seemingly Davico was in the throes of death.
Don Bosco went up to him, noted his critical condition, and, stooping,
whispered into his ear. No one heard what he said. Turning to the
bystanders, he then asked us all to say a Pater, Ave, and Gloria in honor
of Dominic Savio. We all knelt. Don Bosco extended his hands over the
boy and blessed him. Immediately his raving stopped. He sat up, looked
about as if awakening from a long sleep, and calmly and cheerily ex-
claimed, "I feel fine!" Then, turning to Don Bosco, he asked, "What
shall I do now, Father?"
"Get up and have supper with me."
Father Alasonatti tried to help the boy to dress, but Don Bosco said,
"If he wants to be cured, he must get up by himself."
Someone commented that since he had perspired so much he had
better stay in bed.
"Don't worry, Davico," Don Bosco reassured him. "Dominic Savio
does not do things by halves. Get up and have supper with me."
Now we all understood what Don Bosco had whispered in Davico's
ear: he had exhorted him to pray to Dominic Savio for a cure. I too
tried to help him cover up as a protection from the cold, but Don Bosco
told me, "Leave him alone! He can manage by himself." Another sur-
prising thing was that no sooner was Davico out of bed than he vomited
everything he had swallowed. His instantaneous cure can only be attrib-
uted to the intercession of the saintly Dominic Savio.
When Davico got dressed, we took him down to the playground,
happy and grateful to God. His schoolmates were anxious to see him.

49.5 Page 485

▲back to top


Special Charisms
457
Still wearing a white nightcap, he talked and laughed with them. At
supper he sat next to Don Bosco, ate heartily, and later went back to
bed. In the morning he arose with the others and now is as fine as ever.
Deo Gratias!
This report is signed by Chevalier Frederick Oreglia of Santo
Stefano and by the cleric Dominic Ruffino. Francis Dalmazzo also
fully testified to this instantaneous cure. So did Davico who became
a priest and toward the end of his life confirmed this cure, attribut-
ing the saving of his life to Don Bosco's lively faith.
These incidents made Don Bosco the focus of an endless, rev-
erent, and sharply curious attention on the part of the Oratory boys,
especially the newcomers. Several pupils would jot down their im-
pressions of the more notable things he did. The above-mentioned
Francis Dalmazzo was also present at a solemn prediction Don
Bosco made during this month.
On October 11 [1860] Premier Count Camillo Cavour had de-
clared in Parliament: "Our goal is to make the Eternal City -
glorified by twenty centuries of history - the splendid capital of
the kingdom of Italy." Sorrowfully Don Bosco realized that the
revolution would not be sated until it had stripped the Pope of his
last piece of territory. One evening, shortly after Cavour's decla-
ration, with no allusion to the man, Don Bosco declared that in the
coming year, 1861, a great, famous diplomat would die an inex-
plicable and totally unexpected death, and that all Europe would
speak of it as a most grave event.
The pupils ventured guesses. Even the emperor of France -
Europe's most powerful monarch - was mentioned, but both he
and the others were still in the prime of life and hardly seemed
likely to die soon. Don Bosco was asked for clarification several
times but he always maintained the strictest secrecy. The general
impression was that he had spoken to inspire a wholesome fear of
God's punishments.
No one thought of Count Cavour. Though only fifty-one and
still vigorous, toward the end of 1860 Cavour began to suffer from
high blood pressure which occasionally made him rave and rant.
Worn out by a stormy political life and endless efforts to unify

49.6 Page 486

▲back to top


458
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Italy, he lived in constant deadly fear of not being able to restrain
the forces he had himself unleashed. For a time his resignation was
rumored, but as his health improved, he stayed in office, both using
and abusing his power. The older Oratory pupils were absolutely
positive that Don Bosco's prediction would somehow be fulfilled. a
Father Ruffino's chronicle has this entry:
November 1. This evening, after supper, [Louis] Jarach, Costantius
[Rinaudo], [John] Cagliero, [Jerome] Suttil, and others were crowding
around Don Bosco in the dining room, and they kept pestering him
about their future. Don Bosco replied, "Two of you will turn out bad
and cause me great sorrow; others will become good priests, and others
will be good, devout laymen." Then, waving his hand in a circular
motion above their heads, he added, "And one of you will be a bishop."11
5 Camillo Cavour died prematurely on March 14, 1861. See Chapter 71.
[Editor]
6 John Cagliero was consecrated a bishop in 1884. [Editor]

49.7 Page 487

▲back to top


CHAPTER 58
Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
tis the topics covered in this chapter and the next are
somewhat varied, we shall try to give them a unity of sorts by
following Father Ruffino's chronicle of Don Bosco's words and
deeds during November and December of 1860. We will add clari-
fications, details, talks that Don Bosco gave to the boys, and reports
received from trustworthy witnesses.
One of these describes another instance of Dominic Savio's inter-
cession on behalf of former schoolmates who confidently invoked
his aid. This report was written by one of our priests, Father John
Garino, and confirmed by Don Bosco himself. It reads as follows:
In 1860 I had severe eye trouble and could not attend to my studies.
Similarly afflicted schoolmates of mine received medical care and re-
covered. I should have done likewise, but I was too afraid to submit to
the painful treatment. In my predicament I informed Don Bosco of my
trouble. He told me that Michael Rua's mother, then residing at the
Oratory, still had a piece of black silk Dominic Savio used to place
over his eyes when they would hurt. I immediately asked for it. Then,
as my companions returned to their classrooms, I lay down after firmly
bandaging my eyes with the cloth. Most unusually, I immediately dozed
off and slept soundly for two hours, not waking till the bell rang for
the end of class. Then I took the bandage from my eyes and washed
them with cold water. Immediately I felt as if nothing had ever been
wrong with my eyes. I credited then, and still do, my instantaneous cure
solely to the intercession of Dominic Savio whom I invoked in my
distress.
459

49.8 Page 488

▲back to top


460
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
We shall now quote the chronicle:
November 27 [1860]. Don Bosco exhorted all his boys, including
the artisans, to use the Italian language in conversation [instead of the
Piedmontese dialect]. Then he went on: "We are about to begin the
Immaculate Conception novena. Every novena at the Oratory is fatal to
someone because Our Lady uses this occasion to separate the cockle
from the wheat and dismiss those who persist in their evil ways. Let us
remember that death comes when we least expect it. For instance,
recently here in Turin, a lady died suddenly when her dress caught fire
as she sat by the :fireside chatting with her parents. All attempts to save
her life failed."
Don Bosco often talked of sudden death and stressed the need
of keeping prepared. At the same time he fostered devotion to one's
guardian angel because these heavenly spirits love their charges
and often warn them of impending death by interior presentiments,
dreams, or visions. He told us of the case of a boy who in his shame
kept back a sin in confession. The following night his guardian
angel let him know in a frightful vision that if he did not confess
that sin he would be eternally lost. The next morning he wasted no
time in going to confession. A few days later he was suddenly
called into eternity.
Don Bosco, though, usually added that sudden death was not to
be feared by those who habitually lived in the state of grace. Like-
wise he made it clear that undue worry was not to be felt at the
sudden death of relatives or friends who had been practicing Cath-
olics but had died without the sacraments. Thus, by reminding
people of God's ineffable mercy and goodness, he knew how to
console the bereaved. It happened, for instance, that Count M... ,
an Oratory benefactor, died quite suddenly. Deeply grieved, his
sons sent for Don Bosco, who, on arriving, found the whole family
deeply shaken and grieving. "Where is your faith?" he asked. To
understand the full impact of his words we must add that the de-
ceased had prepared for death by daily Communion and weekly
confession. Immediately, the mourners became calm and resigned.
Father Ruffino's chronicle continues:
On November 28 [1860] Don Bosco began giving daily nosegays for

49.9 Page 489

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
461
the Immaculate Conception Novena. They were the same ones he had
suggested in 1857,1 but he put the devout making of the Sign of the
Cross first.
On Sunday, December 2, Don Bosco substituted for Father [John]
Borel at the evening instruction. He effectively extemporized on the
necessity of giving oneself to God early in life, briefly developing three
points: whoever delays will run the risk of eventually lacking the time,
the will, or the grace to do so.
Don Bosco was always ready to preach, to address gatherings on
short notice, or to give conferences to his Salesians, mostly after
night prayer. This was not necessary or routine for him, but re-
sulted from his ever ardent love of God. It was apparent from the
ease with which he spoke of God in every instance, timely or un-
timely. Often throughout his life, the priests at the Oratory -
superiors especially - unable to do so at any other time, went to
confession to him while he was busy answering his mail or concen-
trating on a problem after hours of long, tedious audiences. Don
Bosco would listen to them and give such timely, inspiring advice
that he could not have done better had he just finished saying Mass.
"Every word he spoke," Father [Louis] Piscetta 2 affirmed, "was
about God. I never once approached him that he failed to speak to
me of God and the things of God. The same was true of my fellow
Salesians, as they themselves assured me. Thanks to his intimate
union with God, he lived and worked in full trust of God's good-
ness. Neither fatigue nor ill health ever diverted him from his con-
stant, heroic tasks." Under the date of November 9 [1862], the
chronicle quotes Don Bosco as saying: "For the past fifteen years I
have not prayed even once for my bodily health. Neither have I
taken medicines, nor spent a day in bed." In fact, in those very
days, though he was ailing, he agreed to preach a mission at Salug-
gia, where he was eagerly expected by the pastor, Father John
1 See Vol. V, pp. 51 lf. [Editor]
2 Father Piscetta became a Salesian at the age of sixteen in 1874. Ordained a
priest in 1880, he earned his doctorate in theology and for nearly forty years
successively taught Church history, Canon Law, and moral theology in the
Turin archdiocesan seminary. His work Theologiae Moralis Elementa had several
reprints and editions. From 1892 to 1907 he directed the Salesian Studentate of
Philosophy at Valsalice (Turin). In 1907 he became a member of the Superior
Chapter of the Salesian Society. He died in 1925. [Editor]

49.10 Page 490

▲back to top


462
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Fontana. As the time drew near, however, he was too weak even
to travel. Seeking a substitute, he wrote to Father Appendini at
Villastellone:
Turin, November 30, 1860
Dear Father,
Can you get me out of a fix? On the feast of the Immaculate Concep-
tion, I have to go to Saluggia to give a spiritual retreat (one meditation,
daily), but I don't feel well at all.
Would you substitute for me? It's a nice parish with a fine pastor.
Canon Anglesio suggested that I write to you. I'll deeply appreciate a
prompt reply, as it would set my mind at ease. Tommy feels fine and is
doing very well.
God be with you always.
Yours devotedly,
Fr. John Bosco
Undoubtedly this decision pleased everybody at the Oratory,
because whenever he was away, especially in winter, they worried
about his health. Inclement weather and other discomforts made
his priestly ministry all the more burdensome, although he never
complained or asked for anything. At times, however, if he ran into
a case of deliberate, uncharitable neglect, he knew how to give a
friendly hint. The chronicle narrates one such episode at this time:
During one December, Don Bosco went to a village in the Apen-
nines to preach a mission. After a long, uncomfortable trip, he arrived
at the rectory exhausted and soaked with perspiration and slush. The
pastor was in the church. His sister received Don Bosco rather coldly
and did not even offer him refreshments. Don Bosco pretended not to
notice the discourtesy. After supper, as Don Bosco sat by the fire with the
pastor and his sister, he began to tell of his experiences, comical and
otherwise. Though in a bad mood, the pastor's sister listened quite
attentively. Don Bosco went on to speak of missions he had given in
various parishes and mentioned some physical ills which afflicted house-
keepers who had poorly treated the missionaries because of a nasty
disposition, niggardliness, or aversion. At this, the woman lowered her

50 Pages 491-500

▲back to top


50.1 Page 491

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
463
eyes, paled, and began shivering as in a fever. At bedtime all retired to
their rooms. During the night the woman awoke in great pain and
started screaming. The housekeeper ran to her assistance. The next
morning, the pastor's sister asked for Don Bosco's blessing. Her pains
vanished. From that moment on she was most considerate and generous
with him and the other missionaries who came to help out at the close of
the retreat.
The chronicle continues:
On December 3 [1860] Don Bosco summoned the clerics for a short
talk on vocation, particularly its exterior manifestations - one's speech
and gait, devout deportment in church, humility, charity, and chastity.
On a previous occasion, he had exhorted them to persevere in the
Salesian Society. After expounding a few thoughts on the matter, he
narrated this episode:
"Liffard, a famous nobleman, became a religious and was tested by
his superiors by being given the lowliest monastery tasks to practice
humility. He persevered for several years and offered a fine example of
virtue. One day the devil appealed to his pride by insinuating that it
was quite disgraceful for a man of his standing to devote himself to such
mean tasks. The temptation grew so strong that the monk was about to
abandon the religious life. One night, as these thoughts troubled him, his
guardian angel appeared in human form and said, 'Follow me.' He led
him to a mausoleum full of skeletons and corpses. The spectral cor-
ridors and the sight and stench of decaying flesh so horrified him that
he begged his angel to let him go back, but the latter forced him to
continue. Then he firmly rebuked him for his inconstancy, saying,
'Shortly you too will be turned into worms and ashes. Therefore, con-
sider if it is worth your while to yield to pride and turn your back upon
God because of a humiliation which can earn you an eternally glorious
crown.' At this reprimand Liffard broke down and asked forgiveness,
promising to be faithful to his vocation. The angel then led him back to
his room and vanished. The monk faithfully persevered till death."

50.2 Page 492

▲back to top


CHAPTER 59
Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
(Continued)
FATHER Ruffino's chronicle goes on as follows:
At the "Good Night" on December 4 [1860] Don Bosco forbade
handshakes among the boys except after a lengthy absence. He had
already made this announcement twice before.
During these days [John] Turchi is hard at work studying Roman
antiquities; [Michael] Rua is busy with history and [Angelo] Savio with
geography.
Don Bosco also enlisted outsiders - both men and women -
into God's service by inviting them to translate his own or other
authors' booklets, as we can see from this letter:
December 4, 1860
Very Reverend Father,
I am finally sending you the book you had asked me to translate. I
would have finished it long ago had it not been for the many misfor-
tunes that befell me this year. Please forgive this long delay. If I can be
of help again, I shall gladly oblige.
Yours devotedly,
Caroline Gloria
In addition, Father Joseph Frassinetti, his revered and scholarly
464

50.3 Page 493

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
465
co-worker on Letture Cattoliche, was busy preparing two valuable
little works: Holy Virginity, and Stories of Our Times for Girls.
Don Bosco, in tum, reprinted his funeral eulogy of Father Cafasso,
delivered at the solemn requiem Mass at the Oratory.1 The booklet
also contained his second eulogy in the Church of St. Francis of
Assisi.2 Entitled A Biography of Father Joseph Cafasso, it served
as the November and December issues of Letture Cattoliche. ...
Despite the pressure of work and a steady flow of mail, Don
Bosco paid no attention to fatigue. "One night, at a very late hour,"
the chronicle relates, "he rose from his desk somewhat dizzy and
thought he saw a young cleric standing in the comer. 'Who are
you?' he asked. There was no reply. 'Speak! Answer me!' Again
there was silence. He moved toward him and seized, instead, a
coat hanger holding his hat."
A matter weighing heavily on Don Bosco's mind this year was
the plight of nations still living in idolatry, as he had read in a
history of Catholic foreign missions. One day, he remarked to the
cleric [John] Bonetti, "I heartily wish I could send priests to evan-
gelize so many uncivilized peoples." He very often manifested this
ardent desire, even from the very beginning of his congregation.
Had he had the means, he would have started foreign missions
without delay.
"On Thursday, December 6," we read in the chronicle, "a com-
edy entitled Baldini was staged at the Oratory. Don Bosco attended
with Father Matthew Picco." Now and then he let his pupils enjoy
themselves with dramatics. Father Charles Gilardi, a Rosminian
who earnestly loved our Oratory, wrote two comedies for our boys
- ll Passatore and ll Giannetto. The latter was staged many times
because it was much more popular - and deservedly so - with
our young spectators.
Two days later, the feast of the Immaculate Conception brought
joy to the Oratory. Feeling a little stronger, Don Bosco yielded to
renewed invitations of the pastor of Saluggia and went there shortly
before the close of that mission, accompanied by the cleric Francis
Cerruti who wrote this account:
1 See pp. 376f. [Editor]
2 See p. 414. [Editor]

50.4 Page 494

▲back to top


466
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
In December, 1860, Don Bosco spent two days at Saluggia 3 on a
parish mission. The parishioners were so pleased with him that, years
later, the mere mention of his visit would stir fond recollections of him
and of his manner of preaching. He charmed everyone with his extra-
ordinary amiability. In welcoming penitents to confession he lovingly
drew their heads down to his chest.
Some people declared that they rushed their jobs in order to hasten
back to the charming air of paradise surrounding him and to enjoy his
unmatched affability. Suffice it to say that, during the two days he was
in Saluggia, his morning and evenings were spent hearing confessions.
Crowds flocked to him as if drawn by an irresistible force; many had
not been to confession for years.
About this time two extraordinary events impressed the Oratory
boys. His predictions were never forgotten.
In a previous chapter 4 we narrated how Don Bosco had defi-
nitely announced in April that the cleric Castellano would [die and]
go to heaven. We also told how the same cleric, given up by doc-
tors, had been blessed and cured by Don Bosco in July.5 Father
Ruffino's chronicle has this entry for November [1860]: "In these
days the cleric Louis Castellano died at home in Turin." The entry
continues: "On November 25, Don Bosco announced that a pupil
would die shortly." And again: "On December 13, twelve-year old
John Racca, of Marene, died at the Oratory, eight days after he
had taken to bed with a cold."
Very seldom did Don Bosco draw the boys' attention to the
fulfillment of his predictions. He limited himself to simply recom-
mending the souls of these dear pupils of his to the community's
prayers and showing them how pleasing these prayers were to God.6
On December 16 Don Bosco received a letter from one of the
clerics he had sent to teach at the Giaveno junior seminary. This
letter reveals the young cleric's good spirit:
a A small town near Turin. [Editor]
4 See p. 292. [Editor]
5 See p. 375. [Editor]
6 We are omitting the narration of a 17th-century apparition concerning the
efficacy of prayers for the dead. [Editor]

50.5 Page 495

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
467
Giaveno, December 15, 1860
Beloved Father in Jesus Christ,
Wholly to live and die for Jesus and Mary is my only desire, the goal
of all I do and pray for. Yes, I want to live and die serving God, pro-
viding thus for my eternal salvation and possibly also for that of my
neighbor, with no regard to cost. If in the past it was a duty for me to
find and do God's will, it will from now on be an absolute need. I
earnestly beg you to keep giving me that spiritual direction which I
could never get elsewhere.
I seem to find peace of mind and heart in the new Society of St.
Francis de Sales at the Oratory. I have already read and studied its
rules. I accept them and hope, with God's help, to observe them. As
your loving son, I beg you to receive me into this Society, if this meets
with your approval and if I am not unworthy of such a great favor. I
know my merits do not deserve it, but I rely on your goodness and
charity. Do not reject the prayer of one who wants to offer God a
sacrifice of his whole being through you by putting himself entirely into
your hands. May I then hope that soon the Society of St. Francis de
Sales will have a new member eager to save his own soul and those of
others, a servant of servants? Command, Father, and I shall promptly
obey. Tell me what I am to do and how I must conduct myself, for I am
yours from this moment.
Trusting my application will be accepted, I humbly offer you my
most respectful regards and kiss your hand.
Your obedient son in Jesus Christ,
John Boggero
This letter, like many others that his beloved young clerics wrote
to him toward the end of the year, deeply consoled Don Bosco.
Meanwhile, as Christmas drew near, he prepared his boys for its
stirring solemnity by suggesting these nosegays:
Christmas Novena, 1860
December 16 - Prompt obedience in everything, pleasant and
unpleasant.

50.6 Page 496

▲back to top


468
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
December 17 - Humility in dress, appearance, and speech, in obey-
ing, and in facing unpleasant tasks.
December 18 - Charity in bearing with others' faults and in avoid-
ing offense to others.
December 19 - Charity in consoling the sad, helping and doing
good to all, hurting none.
December 20 - Charity in warning the negligent and in kindly cor-
recting those who give bad advice.
December 21 - Charity in forgiving enemies and giving them timely
advice.
December 22 - Avoiding those who indulge in bad talk.
December 23 - Diligence in fulfilling one's duties.
December 24 - Confession as if it were the last one of our life.
Christmas Day - Devout Communion with a promise of frequent
reception.
Father Ruffino's chronicle has this entry:
On Christmas Eve Don Bosco told the boys this incident: "The niece
of the pastor at Saluggia has testified that for years she suffered from
bad teeth and had to have them extracted. Since her gums kept bleeding
and no remedy could be found, she prayed to Dominic Savio. Shortly
after, the bleeding stopped and her gums healed."
Then Don Bosco gravely announced: "Within a few months, some of
you will be no more. . . . I know of one ... but he doesn't give it a
thought. We will try to prepare him before he leaves us. I can also tell
you that Castellano is in heaven, whereas Racca needs our prayers badly."
We have checked the Oratory death records and have found that
two pupils died in April 1861, one of them quite suddenly. Some
idea of the Oratory's [1860] Christmas celebration is contained in
a letter of Don Bosco to the countess of Camburzano, who was then
vacationing at Nice:
Turin, December 26, 1860
Dear Countess:
Your letter rich in Christian sentiments is an inspiration to me and
my boys; it increases our faith and courage.

50.7 Page 497

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
469
I have prayed and had prayers offered for Marquis Massoni's in-
tentions. He means well, but the matter has very thorny aspects. My
suggestion is: Let him ponder if his decision is for his spiritual good
and God's glory. If so, fine. If not, let him wait.
Our Christmas celebration was very consoling. We had three Mid-
night Masses; the first was sung by some one hundred choirboys. Over
six hundred lads, day and resident, received Holy Communion. The
service ended at two in the morning.
May our bountiful Lord bless you and Count Victor, your whole
family, and your friends.
Your servant,
Fr. John Bosco
We shall now return to the chronicle:
December 28 [1860]. This afternoon Bishop [Thomas] Ghilardi of
Mondovl paid us an unexpected· visit. He willingly preached and gave
Benediction. He spoke on the usefulness and value of the faith by
showing how only two hundred million out of eight hundred million
people were privileged to possess it. He promised to return on Thursday
to say Mass for us.
Don Bosco often invited bishops or prelates to come to say the
Community Mass. Besides those we have already mentioned in our
narrative, Father John Garino recalls Canon Andrew Ighina of the
cathedral of Mondovi, Bishop [Stephen] Oreglia of Santo Stefano,
internuncio to Holland and now [1907] a cardinal, and Bishop
John Sola of Nice. All of them highly valued Don Bosco's saintli-
ness. Canon John Baptist Anfossi testified:
When still a young cleric, I was sent by Don Bosco ·on errands to
various bishops. On such occasions I was astonished to see how highly
they regarded Don Bosco's holiness and work. I particularly remember
Archbishop [Alexander] d'Angennes of Vercelli. He received me most
warmly, and profusely praised Don Bosco in the presence of several
canons for the good he was doing for youth, and especially for fostering
priestly vocations. Bishop [John] Losana of Biella, to whom I am per-

50.8 Page 498

▲back to top


4 70
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
sonally indebted, highly esteemed Don Bosco from the very start of his
work and kept in close touch with the good he was doing for youth in
his festive oratories. On any trip to Turin, he either invited Don Bosco
to pay him a visit or called on him at the Oratory to enjoy his company.
I pass over many other bishops' tokens of regard and veneration for
Don Bosco which I myself have seen.
We return to the chronicle. At the close of each year Don Bosco
gave oral or written keepsakes to his young clerics and older pupils.
We managed to find a few in Latin:
Pone finem in voluntate peccandi et invenies Mariam.
Put a halt to your will to sin and you will find Mary.
Frustra quaerit qui cum Maria invenire non quaerit.
One seeks in vain if he seeks to find without Mary.
Plus Maria desiderat facere tibi bonum et largiri gratiam quam tu
accipere concupiscas.
Mary is more eager to be good to you and heap favors upon you than
you are to receive them.
Scire et cognoscere te, Virgo Deipara, est via immortalitatis; narrare
virtutes tuas est via salutis.
To know and understand You, Virgin Mother of God, is the path to
endless life; to recount Your virtues is the path to salvation.
Father Ruffi.no's chronicle goes on:
On December 29 [1860] Don Bosco gave me the following keepsake:
"Adiuva me in lucro animarum. Help me to save souls." I gave him the
key to my heart, confiding entirely in him.
December 30. Don Bosco asked all the boys to give him a gift by
offering a Communion for his intention.
Thoughtfully Don Bosco sent New Year's greetings to his bene-
factors. It took him a month to write them out. We have one such
note to Count Pio Galleani of Agliano:
Turin, December 31, 1860
My dear Count,
All the priests, clerics, and pupils of the Oratory of St. Francis de
Sales wish you a very Happy New Year as their distinguished bene-

50.9 Page 499

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
471
factor, and ask Our Lord to grant you and your family abundant
blessings.
Most gratefully,
Fr. John Bosco
The Oratory enrollment as of December 31 [1860] was some
four hundred and seventy. Don Bosco's field of work kept widen-
ing. Without mentioning those who had gone to seminaries, he
described the results of his work with boys, from the very first years
up to 1860, as follows:
To properly evaluate the results obtained through the festive oratories,
day schools, and this hospice, we must divide the boys into three groups:
bad, shiftless, and good. Good boys manage to remain so and make
wonderful progress; the shiftless, that is, those accustomed to wander
about and do little work, eventually turn out well when taught a trade,
given a job, and supervised; the bad ones require a lot of care. If they
can be coaxed into taking an interest in work, they are mostly won
over. The results obtained through the above institutions can be summed
up thus:
1. The boys did not become worse.
2. Many changed their outlook on life and began to earn an honest
living.
3. Even the seemingly unresponsive eventually turned out well. In
time, the good principles they absorbed produced their effects.
A proof of this is that every year several hundred boys were placed
with good craftsmasters, many runaways returned to their parents and
now are more docile and obedient, while a good number found work
with honorable families.
The number of boys accepted into the Oratory and completing their
courses is about three hundred a year. Of the graduates, some join the
brass band of the National Guard or of other army units; some go into
the trade they learned; a sizable number go into education and, on
receiving their degrees, teach either at the Oratory or in their own
home towns.

50.10 Page 500

▲back to top


CHAPTER 60
Don Rosco's Almanac, 1861
DoN BOSCO'S last publication in 1860 was Il Galan-
tuomo,1 Almanac of 1861 for Lombardy and Piedmont.2 Its Fore-
word was important:
fl Galantuomo to His Friends
on Last Year's Prophecies
During this past year, friends, you were watching to see if my pro-
phecies would come true, perhaps in order to tell me how good or bad
I am at this game. In fact, some of you kept pestering me to clarify
some points.
You did well to keep watch, because wheq a "galantuomo" gives his
word, he must be sure to keep it. Now I believe that I can satisfy your
curiosity, not only by showing you how last year's prophecies were
fulfilled, but also by adding a few things about this year, 1861.
Before proceeding, I must remind you of what I said last year,
namely that the fulfillment of the prophecies would begin in 1860 and
continue in subsequent years. Now I am ready to satisfy you.
Last year I said: "I am afraid we shall be at war again this coming
year.3 We shall have another war which, though less gory than last
year's, will plunge a still greater number of souls into hell." The events
of 1860 are a literal and sad fulfillment of those words.
1 This word means an honest and upright man, an honorable man, a gentle-
man. [Editor]
2 For the 1860 Almanac see pp. 205-208. [Editor]
3 For this and other quotations in this chapter, see p. 206. [Editor]
472

51 Pages 501-510

▲back to top


51.1 Page 501

▲back to top


Don Rosco's Almanac, 1861
473
"We shall have two terrible epidemics; I won't name them, but you
will see their frightful effects." These two epidemics are religious in-
differentism and the inroads of Protestantism. The contempt of things
religious, of clergy and hierarchy, and of the Pope himself is now so
widespread that no one can disregard the frightening effects of these
two epidemics.
"Two important figures will disappear from the political scene of
this world." They are the grand duke of Tuscany and the duke of
Modena. Having lost their states to Piedmont last March, they have
ceased to exist as rulers.
"Parents will be upset no end by their children's insubordination,
and will weep and lament over the grief and discord they will cause."
Over thirty thousand Garibaldi volunteers, the drafting of all men be-
tween twenty and thirty years of age, and two additional drafts within
two months are facts that speak for themselves.
"Wine will be cheaper, but bread will cost more." Wine - that is,
human blood - will be shed more abundantly. According to reports,
Italian war casualties are nearly 100,000 dead and wounded. Death
has raised the price of bread - that is, the value of able-bodied men.
Manpower is now scarce both for the war effort and for domestic needs.
The cost of a drafted substitute has risen fourfold.
"Farms will be scourged by hail. ... " Hail has frightfully devastated
farmlands between Moncalieri and Casale, between Milan and Brescia,
and other places as well.
"A town will be laid waste by an earthquake" and several area~
"will be scourged by frost and drought." This will happen next year.
Do not think, though, that this is the full explanation of my prophe-
cies. Prudence suggests that I say no more. Perhaps someone will laugh
at both the prophecies and the explanations. In that case I am glad
that my Almanac can at least make people laugh. As for myself, though,
I know better than to laugh; I would rather cry.
Forecasts for the Year 1861
I'd better say something about 1861, but I'll be clear and positive. In
the course of this year astounding events will happen. The good will be
consoled because, after frightful catastrophes, bloodshed will cease and
an era of peace will begin. The wicked, stunned by events totally unfore-
seen and contrary to human expectations, will be forced to say, "Di-
gitus Dei est hie! This is God's doing!"

51.2 Page 502

▲back to top


474
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
I am sure, friends, that on reading this you will want to ask me
many questions. I can easily guess what they would be, but my lips are
sealed and I can say no more. Still, to satisfy somewhat your desire to
know the future, I shall here list the famous predictions of the "Nun of
Taggia" as they were published in 1849.4
4 We are omitting these and other predictions dealing mostly with local po-
litical and religious eventualities. [Editor]

51.3 Page 503

▲back to top


CHAPTER 61
A Dream: Consciences Revealed
a T the beginning of 1861 the Society of St. Francis de
Sales had twenty-six members, four of whom were priests. The
latest recruit was Chevalier Frederick Oreglia of Santo Stefano.
Two diocesan priests and several young clerics also lived at the
Oratory.
The year 1861 seemed to hold much promise for Don Bosco's
boys, as we gather from Father Bonetti's Cinque Lustri di Storia
dell'Oratorio di San Francesco di Sales [History of the First
Twenty-Five Years of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales]:
The three festive oratories in key areas of the city were very well
attended; likewise, the boarding school section at Valdocco was thronged
with pupils remarkable for their piety and good conduct. Some artisans
and students excelled in imitating Dominic Savio and renewing the
example of his marvelous, supernatural life among their schoolmates.
Brotherly love reigned: there were no fights, quarrels, or disagreements;
all formed one heart and one soul in loving God and trying to please
Don Bosco. Everyone eagerly strove to behave beyond reproach. At the
end of the week, when conduct marks were publicly read, very few
rated little less than excellent, and even such a rating was considered so
demeaning that when a boy got it - more through thoughtlessness than
ill will - he sadly wept and usually would never again get it for the
rest of the year.
True, extraordinary incidents - which Don Bosco's biographer will
narrate - helped to build up this enviable spirit, but much of it was
largely due also to the zealous, holy expedients of Don Bosco and of
415

51.4 Page 504

▲back to top


476
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
his co-workers. After dinner and supper, Don Bosco usually joined in
our recreation. Standing, or, at times, sitting on a table or squatting on
the ground, always hemmed in by boys, he delighted us with amusing
stories or edifying examples. Sometimes he would slip a needed word of
encouragement to someone or whisper a message to another. As the
boys kept switching places in their eagerness to get near him, practically
each one of them, like chicks about a mother hen, would receive a
choice morsel of spiritual food from him every few days. Sometimes he
would send for or go himself to find a boy who had to be urged to
greater efforts or warned about moral pitfalls. Then, privately and
amiably, words would come which did that youngster more good than
a week's spiritual retreat.
After night prayers and the "Good Night," as the boys pressed about
him to kiss his hand, tell him of a problem, or seek advice, he used the
chance to whisper a confidential word which would be treasured and
most faithfully practiced. From the very start of the Oratory Don Bosco
had always used these and similar expedients, but now that experience
had proven their worth, he used them much more frequently to our
endless benefit.
Father [Victor] Alasonatti, the prefect of the house and a second
father to us, did not have Don Bosco's efficacy of speech,1 but he too
helped us in countless other ways. He safeguarded us from abuses and
took over the unpleasant task of reprimanding us or mildly punishing
disobedient, stubborn pupils as a last resort. But he did it so kindly,
calmly, and wisely that, though feared, he was not hated. He could
temper bitterness with sweetness, firmness with meekness) punishment
with consideration and benevolence. He studied each case carefully and
prudently, questioned the offender, and, if a warning sufficed, spared a
reprimand; if a reprimand was enough, he neither threatened nor pun-
ished. He faithfully abided by the scriptural maxim: Pro mensura pec-
cati erit et plagarum modus. [According to the measure of the sin shall
the measure also of the stripes be - Deut. 25, 2] In every case, more-
over, he showed that he did not act through dislike but love, not from
whim or resentment but from a sense of duty to help the offender.
Others also helped Don Bosco in the good training of the pupils -
young clerics, teachers, craftsmasters, and assistants, as well as a good
number of pupils who followed Dominic Savio's footsteps and, like
him, became hunters and fishers of souls. Mixing freely with the boys,
these helpers took the lead in all games with such zest and eagerness as
1 See Vol. I, p. 386. [Editor]

51.5 Page 505

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed
477
to outdo the most active players. Anyone unaware of their noble, lofty
aims would have thought them scatter-brained and uncouth. The truth
was far otherwise. They promoted a healthy interest in games, enlivened
them with their enthusiasm, and got sluggish youngsters to join in, thus
ridding them of melancholy and promoting their physical and moral
well-being. They started the games and controlled them to forestall
arguments, quarrels, fights, and eventually sin. They spent hours at
this task, often at a personal sacrifice, but they did it gladly so as to
know the boys better, discover their inclinations and weaknesses, and
opportunely advise them.
They either joined in the games or scattered over the playground. On
spotting a boy standing idly about, one of them would invite him to
play or would stroll with him to cheer him up or give him good advice,
encouraging him to study, work, and pray. After playing or chatting
with such a lad, the good cleric would wisely pass on to questions like,
"Are your parents living? Do you try to please them with your good
conduct? Do you pray for them? What was your conduct mark last
week? When did you go to confession last? I need a favor of Our Lord.
Would you come with me to confession tomorrow and receive Holy Com-
munion for my intention? Shall we go to see Don Bosco? Maybe you
could ask him for a little word of his."
Teachers, assistants, and craftsmasters did the same with their
charges. Each strove to entice his pupils to carry out their duties, to
obey, study, work, and be good more out of love than fear, more for
their spiritual than their physical welfare, more for the sake of heaven
than for the sake of earth. Inspired by Don Bosco's example and words,
these co-workers of his eagerly tried to find, create, and make the most
of every opportunity to keep their pupils in God's grace, lead them to
God, and save their souls. A principle most faithfully observed was to
open a way for God into a boy's heart not only in church but also in
the classroom and workshop. This they tried to achieve, but so prudently
and discreetly that the boys, hardly aware of the effort, felt and realized
that it was much more pleasant to pray and be good than not to pray
and be bad. They looked upon the Oratory as a happy home and loved
their superiors as real friends.
However, it was Don Bosco's own example that gave all of them
the most powerful incentive to be good. A model to all in faithful-
ness to his duty, to the evangelical counsels, and to promoting
God's glory, he could truthfully say of himself, "The zeal of Your

51.6 Page 506

▲back to top


478
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
house consumes me." [Ps. 68, 1] Following is Father Francis Dal-
mazzo's testimony:
I will remark that many of my confreres and I noticed that - con-
trary to the normal reaction of people - our frequent, familiar contacts
with Don Bosco always showed us new virtues and admirable traits
which had not struck us before. I must candidly admit that in the thirty
years I was close to him, I not only never saw anything blameworthy in
him, but, rather, had to always admire his embodiment of every Chris-
tian virtue. What I personally saw and heard convinced me that what
everybody said was really true: Don Bosco was a saint.
However, regardless of all this, we cannot adequately explain the
budding and flowering of so many virtues at the Oratory if we are
to attribute it all only to the normal means suggested by religion
and sound pedagogy. Another factor, far more wondrous, compen-
sated for the ever-present human limitations [known only by God],
searcher of hearts, who sees hidden failings where we mistakenly
see perfection. In Holy Scripture God tells Samuel concerning El-
iab: "Look not on his countenance nor on the height of his
stature.... I judge not according to the look of man; for man sees
those things that appear, but the Lord beholds the heart." [1 Kgs.
16, 7] This is why God's goodness showed itself in extraordinary
ways to mat~h His faithful servant's zeal for the salvation of souls.
It is to this divine goodness that Father Bonetti alludes [in the
above-quoted excerpt] when he hints at the extraordinary incidents
which Don Bosco's biographer would one day narrate. Here is the
first wondrous incident, taken from the chronicles of Father [Dom-
inic] Ruffino and Father [John] Bonetti: "On the nights of Decem-
ber 28, 29, and 30 [1860] Don Bosco had what he called three
'dreams.' From what we have seen, heard, and experienced, we can
unhesitatingly call them 'visions.' It was the same dream repeating
itself with new details. Our good father Don Bosco narrated it
briefly, as follows, to all the boys gathered together at night prayers
on the last day of the year 1860:
For three consecutive nights I found myself in the countryside of

51.7 Page 507

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed
479
Rivalta with Father [Joseph] Cafasso, Silvio Pellico,2 and Count
[Charles] Cays.8 The first night we discussed current religious topics;
the second night we debated and solved moral cases relevant to the
spiritual direction of young people. After having the same dream twice,
I decided I would tell you about it, if it came to me again. Sure enough,
on the night of December 30 I found myself once more with the same
people in the same place. Putting other matters aside, I recalled that the
following night, the last of the year, I would have to give you the
customary strenna 4 for the New Year. Therefore, I turned to Father
Cafasso and said, "Father, since you are such a dear friend of mine,
please give me the strenna for my boys."
"On one condition," he replied. "First you must tell them to put
their accounts in order."
We were standing in a large room with a table in the center. Father
Cafasso, Silvio Pellico, and Count Cays sat themselves at the table. As
I had been requested by Father Cafasso, I went out to get my boys.
They were all busy adding up :figures on a tablet. As I called them one
by one, they presented their papers to the above-named gentlemen, who
checked the sums and either approved or rejected them. Quite a few
boys were turned back, sad and worried. Those whose totals had been
found correct were quite happy and ran out to play. Since the line of
boys was long, the examination took some time, but eventually it came
to an end, or so it seemed to me until I noticed that some boys were still
standing outside and were not coming in.
"Why don't they come in?" I asked Father Cafasso.
"Their tablets are perfect blanks," he replied. "They have no totals
to show us. This is a question of summing up all that one has done.
2 Silvio Pellico (1789-1854), a Piedmontese patriot, spent most of his early
adult life in Milan, where he joined the "Carbonari," a secret society working
for Italy's independence. Arrested by the Austrians, who then ruled Lombardy,
he was sentenced to twenty years at hard labor. Pardoned in 1830, he returned to
Turin. Up to his imprisonment, Pellico had been a lukewarm Catholic, but in
the distress of prison life he resolved to love God and his fellow man. In 1832
he wrote the story of his prison life, Le Mie Prigioni, which became the most
famous book in the literature of the Risorgimento. At this time he was employed
as secretary to Marchioness Barolo in Turin. [Editor]
s See p. 201. [Editor]
4 A New Year's gift customary in Italy. From the very beginning of the
Oratory (see Vol. m, p. 433), Don Bosco had started the custom of giving a
spiritual strenna or gift to his boys and co-workers on the last day of the year.
It took the form of a motto or slogan to be practiced in the year then about to
dawn. This C\\lstom is still kept by Don B9sco's successors. (Editor]

51.8 Page 508

▲back to top


480
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Let them add up whatever they have done and we'll verify the totals."
After all the accounts had been checked, I went outside with the
three gentlemen. All the boys whose totals had been found correct were
running about having a joyful time, as happy as could be. You cannot
imagine how that sight cheered me. Some boys, though, just stood apart,
wistfully watching the games. Some were blindfolded; others had a mist
about their eyes or a dark cloud around their heads. Smoke came from
the head5 of some; others had a head full of clay, or empty of the
things of God. I recognized each boy. So clear is the picture in my
mind now that I can name each one. I soon realized too that many boys
were missing. "Where can those boys be who had blank tablets?" I
wondered. I looked for them [but in vain]. Finally I spotted some boys
in a distant corner of the playground. What a wretched sight they were!
One lad was stretched out on the ground with the pallor of death; others
were seated on a low, filthy bench; still others were resting on dirty straw
mattresses or on the hard, bare ground. These were the boys whose
totals had not been approved. They had various diseases: their tongues,
ears, and eyes were swarming with worms that ate into them. One boy
had a rotting tongue; another's mouth was crammed with mud; a third's
breath was foul with pestilence. Other diseases afflicted the rest. One
boy's heart was moth-eaten; another's was rotted away; others had all
kinds of sores. One lad's heart seemed to be all chewed up. The whole
scene was a veritable hospital.
The sight shocked me, and I could not believe my eyes. "How can
this be?" I kept asking myself. I went up to one boy and asked, "Are
you really so and so?"
"Yes," he replied, "that's me."
"What happened to you?"
"It's my own doing, flour from my own grist. I reaped what I
planted!"
I questioned another and got the same reply. I felt terribly hurt, but
was soon to be comforted by what I am about to tell you.
Meanwhile, pitying these boys, I turned to Father Cafasso and begged
for a remedy. "You know what must be done just as well as I," he
replied. "Figure it out for yourself."
"At least give me a strenna for the healthy ones," I insisted humbly
but trustfully.
Beckoning me to follow, he went back to the mansion and opened a
door leading into a spectacular hall which was richly draped, glittering
with gold and silver. Dazzling chandeliers of a thousand lights flooded
it with blinding radiance. As far as the eye could see, it stretched end-

51.9 Page 509

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed
481
lessly in length and width. In its center stood a giant table laden with all
kinds of sweets, oversized bitter-sweet cookies, and biscuits. Any one
delicacy alone would have satisfied a person. At the sight, I impulsively
made as if to run and call my boys to enjoy this bonanza, but Father
Cafasso stopped me. "Wait!" he said. "Not everyone may enjoy these
sweets, but only those whose totals were approved."
Even so, the hall was quickly filled with boys. I started breaking up
and handing out the cookies and biscuits, but again Father Cafasso
objected. "Not everyone here may have those," he said. "Not all deserve
them." And he pointed some boys out to me: those whose totals had
been approved but who had a mist over their eyes or clay in their
hearts or whose hearts were empty of the things of God. These too were
excluded, just as those with sores who had not been allowed into the
hall.
I immediately begged Father Cafasso to let me give them some of
the sweets too. "They also are my dear children," I said, "and besides,
there is plenty."
"No," he repeated firmly. "Only the healthy ones can savor these
sweets. The others have no taste for these delicacies. They would only
get sick."
I said no more and began serving those who had been pointed out to
me. When I was through, I gave out another generous helping to all of
them. I must say that I really enjoyed seeing the boys eat with such
relish. Joy shone on their faces and so transfigured them that they did
not look like the same boys anymore.
The lads in the hall who had not been allowed to have any sweets
stood in a corner, sad and mortified. I felt so sorry for them that again
I begged Father Cafasso to let me give them some also.
"No," he replied. "Not yet. Make them get well first." I kept looking
at them, as well as at the many others outside. I knew them all. I also
noticed that, to make matters worse, some had moth-eaten hearts. Turn-
ing to Father Cafasso, I said, "Won't you please tell me what medicine
to give them?" Again he replied: "Figure it out for yourself. You know
what to do!"
Again I asked him for a strenna to give to all the boys.
"Very well," he answered. "I'll give you one." Turning about as if to
leave, he exclaimed three times, each time in a louder voice: "Watch
out! Watch out! Watch out!" With these words he and his companions
vanished. I woke up and found myself sitting in bed. My shoulders were
as cold as ice.
That's my dream. Make of it what you like. It's just a dream, but if

51.10 Page 510

▲back to top


482
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
anything in it is good for our souls, let's take it. However, I wouldn't
want you to talk about it with outsiders. I told it to you because you are
my children. I positively don't want you to tell it to others.
Meanwhile, I assure you, I have you all present in my mind as I saw
you in the dream, and I can tell who was diseased and who was not, who
was eating [those sweets] and who was not. I am not going to disclose
each boy's condition here, but I will do so privately.
Now here is the strenna for the New Year: "Frequent and sincere
confession, frequent and devout Communion."
We will make three comments. The first one is in the very words
of the chronicler, Father Ruffino:
In telling his dreams, Don Bosco gives only a summary of what ex-
clusively concerns the boys. Had he desired or been free to tell them in
their entirety, each account might have filled a whole volume. Every
time we had a chance to question him at leisure about the dreams, his
answers disclosed so many new angles and details as to double and
triple his previous narration. Many times, even on his own, he hinted at
having received knowledge of future events - often, though, in a veiled
way - events which he either was not free to manifest or could not
explain.
Father Ruffino made the above comment on January 30, 1861.
We must therefore infer that Don Bosco had already told other
dreams of which we have no record, or, at least, that with great
wealth of details, reflections, and warnings he narrated those
dreams which we scarcely mentioned in the preceding volumes.
Whatever the case, we cannot help but concur with Father Ruffino's
statement because, after hearing these narratives from Don Bosco's
own lips, we came to the same conclusions.
The second comment is from Father Rua and concerns the au-
thenticity of the knowledge Don Bosco received from the dreams
of the boys' spiritual condition. Father Rua declared:
Someone may think that, in manifesting his pupils' conduct and per-
sonal secrets, Don Bosco was availing himself of information he had
received from the boys themselves or from the young clerics supervising
them. I can state with absolute certainty that, throughout the many years

52 Pages 511-520

▲back to top


52.1 Page 511

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed
483
I lived with him, neither I nor any of my companions ever noticed any
such thing. Furthermore, boys can hardly keep a secret, and since all of
us were then young and always with them, we would easily have found
out whether he had received private information. The belief that Don
Bosco could read our sins on our foreheads was so common that, when
anyone committed a sin, he shied away from Don Bosco until he had
gone to confession. This happened particularly whenever Don Bosco
narrated a dream. This conviction arose in the pupils especially when
they saw that in confession - even when they were perfect strangers
to him - he told them sins they had forgotten or were trying to conceal.
Besides showing them their state of conscience as he had seen it in
his dreams, Don Bosco used to announce things one could not humanly
know, such as future deaths and other events. The more I consider these
facts and revelations of Don Bosco as I grow older, the more deeply am
I convinced that God had endowed him with the gift of prophecy.
The third comment is strictly our own. From this dream we may
see that Father Cafasso was the judge in matters of piety and moral
conduct, Silvio PeIIico in what concerned diligence in studies and
work, and Count Cays in matters of obedience and discipline. The
sweets perhaps symbolize the food of those who are only beginners
in God's service, and the bitter-sweet cookies the more substantial
nourishment of those who have already p,ogressed in God's ser-
vice. To aII, however, we can truthfully apply the words of the
Psalmist: "He fed them with the best of wheat and filled them with
the honey from the rock." [Ps. 80, 17]

52.2 Page 512

▲back to top


CHAPTER 62
A Dream: Consciences Revealed (Continued)
THE long-lasting effects of the above-described dream
on Don Bosco's boys were amazing. Father Dominic Ruffino and
Father John Bonetti reported these effects in their chronicles; to-
gether, they present a fairly complete narrative of what was hap-
pening at the Oratory in the spiritual realm. They tell us of an
unremitting struggle between good and evil, between the spirit of
light and the spirit of darkness, of victories and defeats, of falls
and rises. They also picture the work of God's minister. Afire with
zeal, enlightened and strengthened from above, he heartens the
young fighters facing formidable, mysterious battles, strengthens
the brave ones, and drives back the obstinate foe.
This astonishing battle of the spirit will take on greater dimen-
sions as other dreams and other incidents follow one after another
during this year, highlighting such wonders as the spiritual struggles
of individual boys and clerics, their calling to the Salesian Con-
gregation or the priesthood, the future of their earthly lives, and
the growth of the Salesian Congregation.
We shall here confine ourselves mainly to the text of the two
chronicles we have cited 1 to indicate our determination to adhere
strictly to the truth:
Father Bonetti's Chronicle
January 1 [1861]. [Today] Don Bosco had a hard time trying to
shake off the boys. One wanted to know if he was among the diseased;
1 See pp. 282f. [Editor]
484

52.3 Page 513

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed (Continued)
485
another, if his heart was clogged with clay; a third, if his totals had been
approved and he had been given the bitter-sweet cookies and biscuits.
Wishing to satisfy all as a good father, Don Bosco spent nearly the
whole day with these boys, as one by one they trustingly went to him to
learn their spiritual condition. He told them the section of the dream
that concerned them and then - as was his custom - gave them a
personal message for the new year. John Bonetti's message read: "Seek
souls and you will give your soul to God."
We cannot estimate how much good this dream did to the boys. Let
us just say that those who had been unmoved by the good example of
their companions, the saving advice of their superiors, and even the
talks of several retreats were finally shaken and vied with each other in
making a general confession to Don Bosco him.self, who deeply rejoiced
at Our Lord's signal favor to his beloved boys. Anxious to see everyone
take advantage of this special grace, he told us things which would
thoroughly convince us that this mysterious dream of his was one of
those gifts which God occasionally gives to His chosen souls.
January 10 [1861]. Today another incident further convinced the
boys that God had used that extraordinary dream to show Don Bosco
his children's spiritual condition. This is what happened:
A boy had repeatedly kept back a sin in confession. During these
days of salvation, increasingly troubled by remorse of conscience, he
decided to make a general confession to Father [Matthew] Picco who
was then just beginning to come to the Oratory for the purpose of
priestly ministry. The lad told all his past sins, but, when he came to
that particular sin, he again felt shame and concealed it. That morning,
on his way to the sacristy, he met Don Bosco on the stairs. "When will
you come for your general confession?" Don Bosco asked.
"I've made it already," he replied.
"You must not say that."
"Yes, Father, I made it the day before yesterday to Father Picco."
"Nonsense, lad. You made no general confession. Tell me: Why did
you keep back this sin? ... "
The youngster hung his head and tears welled in his eyes. Sobbing,
he went to the sacristy and made a most comforting confession.
The cleric John Cagliero, who had heard Don Bosco's account
of the dream and was friendly with all the boys, questioned this lad
who somewhat reluctantly told him the above-mentioned incident.
However, Don Bosco himself never revealed to anyone but the

52.4 Page 514

▲back to top


486
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
interested person what he had learned about him in dreams. This
mutual exchange of confidences between Don Bosco and the pupils
who had experienced his loving solicitude [for their spiritual wel-
fare] made it ever clearer that God spoke through Don Bosco's
mouth.
Father Rutfino's Chronicle
January 11 [1861]. Many boys look worried, sad, and troubled;
several are getting ready for a general confession. Very many want to
speak to Don Bosco; to each he reveals most important, intimate mat-
ters of conscience. I saw a few cry as if they had been told very bad
news. Others are glad because they have been reassured.
A young cleric whom I know well asked Don Bosco about his spir-
itual condition. "Be brave," he replied, "and try to detach your heart
from worldly things. Do your utmost to banish darkness from your mind
and come to understand what true, selfless piety is. Through confession
endeavor to purify your heart of anything which may still taint it. En-
liven your faith which is essential to understand and achieve piety. That
is my assessment of your spiritual state."
The Oratory is singularly blessed. "We have boys," Don Bosco said
to a large number of youngsters crowding around him during recreation,
"who are even more devout than Dominic Savio. One especially -
hardly ever noticed by his schoolmates - can tell me after Mass the
distractions and thoughts I had while saying it."
Father Bonetti's and Father Rutfino's Chronicles
January 12 [1861]. This morning Don Bosco called a boy to his
room and said, "Last night I saw Death threaten you with his scythe. I
grabbed him by the arm. 'Let go!' he cried, facing me. 'This boy is un-
fit to live. Why should he go on living when he does not respond to
your care and abuses God's favors?' I begged him to spare you, and he
disappeared." Surprised and shaken, the poor fellow tearfully made his
confession at once and resolved to lead a better life.
At the "Good Night" that evening Don Bosco told this dream, with-
out saying that it was his or that it concerned someone at the Oratory.
The incident would have remained unknown, except that the same night
after the "Good Night" Bartholomew C ... went up to the cleric [John]
Bonetti and confided to him that Don Bosco himself had had that dream

52.5 Page 515

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed (Continued)
487
and that he was the boy concerned. He also candidly admitted that he
had not made a good confession since his First Communion, but that
his conscience was now in order.
Father Ruf]ino's Chronicle
Sunday, January 13 [1861]. Most of the artisans - especially the
bookbinders - made general confessions without being urged by any-
one to do so.
A youngster said to Don Bosco in the playground: "Father, nearly
all of us went to confession at Christmas. How come so many of us
were in such a bad shape in your dream?"
"You are asking me something I am not free to say," Don Bosco
replied. "I know the reason and, strictly speaking, can reveal it, but not
to everyone. I will tell it privately only to those concerned, if they ask.
But many things I cannot tell even privately."
Father Bonetti,s and Father Ruf]ino's Chronicles
January 13 ,[1861]. At the "Good Night" Don Bosco said, "As things
stand now, I feel I must speak clearly about the dream which, as I told
you, lasted three consecutive nights - December 28, 29, and 30. The
first night we discussed current theology, and the dream enlightened me
on many matters. The second night we debated contemporary moral
cases bearing especially on the spiritual condition of the Oratory boys.
The third night we dealt with individual cases and I came to know the
spiritual condition of each and every boy. At first, I refused to give the
dream any importance, for God forbids such conduct in Holy Scripture.
But these past few days, after checking privately with several boys on
what I had learned of them in the dream and being assured of the truth
of my knowledge, I could no longer doubt that God was giving the
Oratory boys an extraordinary grace. I feel bound, then, to tell you
that the Lord is speaking to you loudly and clearly. Woe to those who
will not heed Him.
"Father Cafasso made all go into a long hall and gave each one a
tablet. Some had all their accounts in order. Others had numbers, but
no total. Did every boy get a tablet? No, because many were outside,
lying on straw mattresses or seated on benches, on the bare ground or
in the mud. Some boys were covered with hideous wounds and sores.
"Those who had received their tablet went out to play, but not all
took part in the games because many had a mist over their eyes or were

52.6 Page 516

▲back to top


48 8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
blindfolded, and still others had moth-eaten hearts. Those whose totals
had been approved are those whose consciences are in order.
"Those whose numbers had not been totaled are those whose con-
sciences are in order, but they have not yet summed matters up by
going to confession.
"I can name all those who were lying down. I can tell you why they
were lying on straw mattresses, benches, or on the bare ground. I saw
the very inside of your hearts. Many hearts were lined with most fra-
grant roses, lilies, and violets, symbolizing charity, purity, and humility,
but others... ! Moth-eaten hearts meant hatred, spite, envy, aversion,
and so on.
"Some boys had vipers in their hearts, signifying repeated mortal
sins; others had clay, a symbol of attachment to earthly, sensual things.
Empty hearts meant that those boys - though in the state of grace and
detached from worldly things - do not strive through prayer to acquire
the holy fear of God. They lead a careless life; even if they manage to
avoid the devil's first snare, they will still become bad gradually.
"Hence, my dear boys, if you have not yet put your conscience in
order, do not delay any further. Come to me. Only promise that you
will not hide anything. If you don't know what to say, don't worry; I'll
say it for you. I can tell each of you his past and present as well as a
little of his future. I really shouldn't be telling you these things. My dear
boys, I shudder at the thought. I assure you I would never have believed
that this very Oratory had so many boys in such a spiritual mess. No, T
would never have believed it! I was amazed to see so many boys covered
with sores, lying on the ground. I tell you, I spent frightful days and
nights. I praise those who have already cleared their consciences, but
there are many who are still not giving it a thought."
As he spoke with deep emotion, tears were falling from his eyes.
After a short pause he bade us all good night. Many boys also wept.
His words obtained their desired effect.
Father Ruffino's Chronicle
January 15 [1861 ]. The artisans are still flocking to Don Bosco for
general confessions.
Today some boys asked Don Bosco, "Father, how is it that you had
the first dream at Christmas time and you did not tell us right away?"
"I have already answered that question," Don Bosco replied. "At
first, I did not care to believe the dream; on the other hand, it seemed

52.7 Page 517

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed (Continued)
489
quite important and I took time to think about it. I called a boy whom
I had seen covered with the most sores in the dream and said to him,
'You have this and that on your conscience,' according to the sores I
had seen on him. He admitted that it was really so. I called another, with
the same result. I saw my dream fully verified again when I spoke to a
third boy. After this, I could no longer doubt. That dream showed me
the present spiritual condition of all my boys and also much of their
future."
Later, Don Bosco told a few confidentially, "I learned more theology
during those three nights than in all my time at the seminary."
January 16 [1861]. After dinner a few clerics asked Don Bosco for
his opinion of various theological trends in the field of morals and of
theories on the efficacy of grace. "I have studied these questions care-
fully," he replied, "and my policy is to do whatever promotes God's
greater glory. What do I care if a theory is strict or lenient? The im-
portant thing is that it succeeds in guiding souls to heaven."
As a matter of fact, whenever Don Bosco mentions a new project, his
norm is always to first examine if it is conducive to the greater glory of
God. If it is, he minds neither labor nor expense. Nothing matters, as
long as the undertaking advances God's glory. He often urges us to do
our best to prevent sin. "When it is a matter of preventing sin," he tells
us, "let nothing stand in your way. Prevent sin at any cost."
Father Rua too asked Don Bosco, "Is what you told us really a
dream?"
"I really don't know," he replied. "The fact is that when it was over,
I found myself sitting in bed and feeling very cold." And he smiled.
That Don Bosco's dreams were no mere dreams can be seen from
their effects. When Francis Dalmazzo 2 came to the Oratory. Don Bosco
asked him: "What will you do when you are through at the Oratory?"
"I'll be a druggist or some such thing," the boy replied.
"Wouldn't you like to become a priest?"
"No."
"Still, I want to make a priest out of you."
Dalmazzo looked at Don Bosco and laughingly said: "You won't
succeed."
Three months of the school year are over now and Dalmazzo is most
attached to Don Bosco. He often tells him, "If you will let me, Father, I
would like to become a priest."
January 26 [1861]. Seemingly Don Bosco's dream also showed him
2 Seep. 453. [Editor]

52.8 Page 518

▲back to top


490
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
other boys who are now not at the Oratory. One day, when some of his
closest co-workers were around him and Don Bosco was reminiscing
about some past pupils who now were leading a bad life, he exclaimed,
"If I could only speak to them. I am sure that if they were clearly told
of their present spiritual condition, they would yield to grace. Take
A. .. , for example. I've never met him. Yet I could tell him what's on his
conscience." He paused a while in thought and then went on, "If I
could see as clearly in the evening as in the morning, I could hear three
times as many confessions. In the morning, while I hear one boy, I see
the spiritual condition of all the others waiting their turn, even though
they have not said a word to me."
We must also mention his kindness to his penitents. A lad who had
just finished his confession said, "I still have one more thing."
"What is it?"
"I wish you'd let me kiss your feet."
"There is no need. Just kiss my hand as that of a priest."
The youth wept openly as he kept saying, "How I wish I had known
what I know now! How happy I'd be! Thanks for opening my eyes!"
And he walked away in tears. Later, when he was himself again, he went
back to Don Bosco to confer with him on his spiritual welfare.
As always, Don Bosco was also concerned about boys who were
not Oratory pupils, as can be seen from a letter of his to Marchio-
ness [Mary] Fassati:
Turin, Epiphany, 1861
Dear Marchioness,
Last Thursday I forgot to mention two things to you and to the
marquis:
1. Would you kindly try to get me an English prayerbook for Coun-
tess Bosco's son?
2. Our young convert, Dominic Landon, is leaving tomorrow for
Biella, where he will be an assistant in a boys' boarding school, as
agreed with Bishop Losana. He needs clothes, and I freely recommend
him to the charity of his godparents. One word to the cleric John Turchi
will be reply enough.
May the Lord give you a good day and bless your whole family.
Devotedly yours,
Fr. John Bosco

52.9 Page 519

▲back to top


A Dream: Consciences Revealed (Continued)
491
Don Bosco later told Countess Bosco's son of the marchioness'
reply:
January 9, 1861
My dear Octavius,
Marchioness Fassati was unable to find the English prayerbook you had
asked for. She will keep looking, but meanwhile she sent me a booklet
by St. Alphonsus on how to love Jesus Christ. She tells me it is an
excellent English translation.
Be strong, dear Octavius! Beware of bad companions; keep away from
them. Look for good ones and imitate them. God's holy fear and His
grace are our greatest treasures.
Your affectionate friend,
Fr. John Bosco
While caring for his boys, Don Bosco did not neglect his Let-
ture Cattoliche. The January issue by Louis Friedel was entitled
Virtuous Sons. . . . The story was preceded by an appeal for
subscriptions. 3
The February issue was the valuable little work of St. Leonard
of Port Maurice: Holy Mass, the Hidden Treasure. ... and the
March issue by Father Re was entitled The Life of St. Cyprian,
Martyr....
This year Letture Cattoliche spread to Alghero, Cagliari, and
Iglesias in Sardinia.
3 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

52.10 Page 520

▲back to top


CHAPTER 63
A Memorable Retreat
QN January 23 [1861], the feast of Our Lady's Betroth-
al, John Boggero - a young teacher at the Giaveno Seminary -
was accepted into the Salesian Society. He had applied the previous
December.1 The minutes of the Superior Chapter read:
I
On January 23, in the year of Our Lord 1861, the Superior Chapter
of the Society of St. Francis de Sales met to consider the application of
the cleric John Boggero, son of Michael, of Cambiano. After invoking
the Holy Spirit's aid, we voted and the cleric was unanimously admitted
to the Society.
Such occasions brought Don Bosco much joy. The exemplary
conduct of these clerics and their serious study of philosophy and
theology made him hope that they would become efficient, zealous
priests. He urged them on to a deeper knowledge of Holy Scripture
by continuing his weekly "Testamentino" sessions. We have already
narrated 2 how he had them memorize a set of verses of the New
Testament, and then on Thursdays [a school holiday] he would have
them recite them at a meeting and would occasionally comment on
the verses himself. Father Ruffino's chronicle has this entry:
On January 31 [1861] at a "Testamentino" session, Don Bosco com-
mented on these verses of St. Luke: "Nation shall rise against nation,
and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be great earthquakes in
diverse places, and pestilences and famines and terrors from heaven,
1 Seep. 467. [Editor]
2 See pp. 109f. [Editor]
492

53 Pages 521-530

▲back to top


53.1 Page 521

▲back to top


A Memorable Retreat
493
and there shall be great signs. But before all these things, they will lay
their hands on you.... " [Luke 21, 10-12]
After speaking of the world's destruction, Don Bosco remarked: "If
one were to believe certain revelations and prophecies, this could seem-
ingly take place toward the end of this century. One could say that
many of the predicted signs are here already. We see war upon war,
nation against nation, brother against brother. The Church is oppressed,
priests are persecuted and killed, and outrageous sacrileges are left
unpunished. Pope Saint Gregory, too, inferred from many signs of his
times that the Lord's coming was near, but he missed the point and so
will others, since it is a secret God reserves to Himself. Still, we must
not disregard these signs, because the steady succession of so many
frightful upheavals and woes is but a sad, slow prelude of the inevitable
final catastrophe - a persistent reminder of the great day of triumph
for God's justice. As for 'pestilences and famines' we shall have them -
if not this year, then next year, or two or three years from now. These
'pestilences' do not mean just war casualties. We shall have a real
epidemic - cholera, perhaps; people will beg for bread and there will
be none; or bread will be on hand and no people to eat it."
Undoubtedly, Don Bosco was alluding to some revelation - if
we may call it that - because his various dreams kept mentioning
pestilence, famine, and war without ever stating the time, though
they would seem to be contemporary.
Since hereafter we shall frequently meet Don Bosco's descrip-
tions of future events, we think it opportune to quote some observa-
tions drawn by Father Vigoroux 3 from the Church Fathers con-
cerning Old Testament prophecies. They are adaptable to our own
case as long as the Church does not disapprove, for only she can
make valid pronouncements on the supernatural inspiration of
God's servants. Vigoroux states:
Prophecies are often obscure for several reasons, the main ones being:
1. Our own ignorance....
2. The prophecies themselves. Unavoidably, they cannot be clear and
precise because they predict future events, describing them only in a
general way and omitting a great many details. We might say that prophe-
a Fulcan Gregoire Vigoroux (1837-1915) was one of the key figures in the
Catho]ic Scripture revival. [Editor]

53.2 Page 522

▲back to top


494
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
cies give us but a sketch, not a full picture, of the future. Just as some
ancient events are still obscure to us because we have only a fragmentary
knowledge of them - for instance, the story of Lamech in Chapter 4
of Genesis - so, also, prophesied events are equally obscure because
we have merely a few clues to go by.
3. We have no clear-cut distinction between periods of history. Pro-
phecies are like pictures without perspective. Often God reveals at one
and the same time events which will take place in different epochs. He
presents them as part of one and the same design, regardless of immi-
nent or remote fulfillments - as, for example, the prophecy of Jeru-
salem's destruction and the end of the world in Chapter 24 of St.
Matthew. It is for this very reason that prophecies are extremely difficult
to grasp. (Manuel Biblique, Vol. II, Part 3, Ch. 1, Art. 1, No. 899)
We now return to our narrative. At this time, the Oratory was
making a novena to prepare for the feast of St. Francis de Sales,
usually postponed to the following Sunday. On February 1 [1861],
after asking the Oratory patron saint's blessing on an expansion
plan of his, Don Bosco filed a request with Turin's mayor for per-
mission to take over part of the city street leading to the nearby
gun barrel factory and to close Via della Giardiniera to traffic.
The mayor returned the request two weeks later with comments
from the city building commission so that Don Bosco could discuss
the plan with adjoining interested proprietors.
The chronicles of Father Bonetti and Father Ruffino carry this
summary of Don Bosco's "Good Night" on [Friday] February 1:
This Sunday we shall celebrate a beautiful feast [that of St. Francis
de Sales]. It calls for cleanliness of body and soul. True, we have had
confessions without end - general and particular - all this past month
and your consciences are all in order. Yet, I desire [something more] -
that all the boys of this world, especially the Oratory boys, gain a
plenary indulgence.
I said that you all have your consciences in order, but that is not
really true. Some are still turning a deaf ear and resisting God's call.
Obviously, something stronger than God's voice is needed to shake
them up. These boys are so few that one can hardly refer to them in the
plural, but it is still very unfortunate that there should be some who do
not take advantage of so many extraordinary graces. I myself have
learned more during those three nights than during the whole of my life.

53.3 Page 523

▲back to top


A Memorable Retreat
495
I hope that these unfortunate lads will heed the Lord's warning, but if
they continue to delay clearing up their consciences, I will call them
myself.
The feast of St. Francis was celebrated with the usual solemnity
on Sunday, February 3. L'Armonia ran a short article on the cele-
bration on February 6 [1861].4
On Monday, February 4, Don Bosco left for Bergamo where he
had been invited by Bishop Peter L. Speranza to preach the spiri-
tual retreat to the seminarians. One of them - the cleric Locatelli
- was appointed to escort Don Bosco from his room to the pulpit.
He was later to become rector of St. Alexander's Church, a sub-
sidiary of the cathedral. He told us of the efficacy of Don Bosco's
simple, incomparable eloquence. Midway through his sermon on
hell, Don Bosco, deeply moved and sobbing uncontrollably, stop-
ped abruptly, unable to continue. The impression on his audience
was indescribable.
Father Bonetti's and Father Ruffino's chronicles continue as
follows:
An incident that took place during this retreat convinced us strongly
that Don Bosco sees far into the future. On Wednesday evening, Feb-
ruary 6 [1861], at about six, he wrote to Father Alasonatti, telling him
among other things: "Yesterday, Tuesday, the devil scored a telling vic-
tory among the Oratory boys, and I am afraid he will do the same today."
While writing, he could also see that two boys, Jarach and Parigi, were
at that very moment writing a note to him. He then saw them chasing
each other in the playground. He closed his letter with greetings to both
of them. That evening at supper with the seminary staff, he jokingly
remarked, "Today, while writing a letter to the Oratory, I saw two boys
writing a letter to me."
"How is that possible?" they exclaimed.
"Tomorrow you'll see if it's true or not!"
The next day, Thursday, Father Alasonatti received Don Bosco's
letter. At the seminary, during dinner, a servant brought a letter for
Don Bosco.
"It's from Turin," the faculty members remarked.
Don Bosco opened it and, to everybody's astonishment, delightedly
4 Omitted in this edition. [Editor]

53.4 Page 524

▲back to top


496
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
pulled out two short notes from Jarach and Parigi. After night prayers
that evening, Father Alasonatti publicly read Don Bosco's letter. All
were painfully surprised, but the letter told the truth.
Meanwhile, as Don Bosco continued the retreat, he won over
the seminarians' hearts by his persuasive sermons and his down-to-
earth familiarity. Mingling freely with them in recreation, he told
them jokes and stories, squatting on the ground with a crowd of
them about him in a semicircle. The rector, however, was not too
happy with this approach. In his opinion, it did not befit priestly
dignity, but the seminarians were immensely pleased. Had they
been allowed, one and all they would have followed him to Turin.
We cannot adequately tell how much good Don Bosco did during
that retreat. It was referred to in the following letter to Father
Michael Rua, Don Bosco's successor:
Lomello, March 4, 1891
Very Reverend and dear Father,
I am glad I can bring my little tribute of esteem and grateful affection
to Don Bosco's saintly memory, by telling you something that may be
useful to his fortunate biographer.
In 1861, our most revered Don Bosco preached a spiritual retreat to
the Bergamo diocesan seminarians. I was one of them. In one of his
sermons he spoke more or less as follows:
"On a certain occasion I was allowed to ask Our Lady for the grace
of having several thousand boys with me in heaven (I think he also
specified the number, but can't remember) and the Blessed Virgin
granted me the favor. If you wish to be included too, I shall be happy to
admit you. The only condition is that, for the rest of your life, you say
a Hail Mary every day - possibly at Mass and, preferably, at the
Consecration."
I don't know what the others made of this proposal, but I myself
accepted it joyfully because of the very high esteem I had then acquired
for Don Bosco. As far as I can remember, I have never missed my
daily Hail Mary for that intention. However, with the passing of years,
a doubt came to my mind which I once asked Don Bosco to clear up.
On January 3, 1882, as I was passing through Turin on my way to the
Jesuit novitiate at Chieri, I obtained an audience with Don Bosco, who
received me very warmly. When I told him I was about to become a

53.5 Page 525

▲back to top


A Memorable Retreat
497
Jesuit, he said, "I am delighted to hear it! When I learn that someone
enters that Society, I am as happy as if he were joining the Salesians."
Then I said to him, "With your permission, I'd like to ask you to
clarify a matter I have much at heart. Father, do you remember preach-
ing a spiritual retreat at the Bergamo seminary?"
"I certainly do!"
"Do you recall telling us of a grace you asked of Our Lady?" I
reminded him of his words and of the condition he had stipulated.
"Yes, I do."
"Well, I have always said that Hail Mary and will always say it, but
you spoke of thousands of boys! I'm afraid I'm no longer one of those
lucky ones!"
Without hesitation, Don Bosco replied, "Keep on reciting the Hail
Mary, and we shall be together in heaven." After receiving his holy
blessing and affectionately kissing his hand, I left with joy and the hope
of one day being really with him in heaven.
If this can bring glory to God and honor to Don Bosco, I promise
that I'm ready to confirm it by oath.
Your humble servant,
Father Stephen Scaini, S.J.
What follows is from Father Bonetti's chronicle:
Don Bosco returned from Bergamo on February 9 [1861]. He was
awaited with trepidation by a few, with great joy by the rest. As it was
Saturday, he hastened to warn those who had fallen prey to the devil.
The following day he disclosed that some boys had already approached
him and others he would send for, but that still others kept running
away as soon as they spotted him. During the day he met some of these
boys and asked, "Well, what happened?" The poor fellows broke down
and went to confession.
Sunday, February 10. This evening four or five of us were with Don
Bosco in his room while the rest of the community was watching a play.
I (John Bonetti) asked him how he could see things from a distance.
He replied, "It's like having telegraph wire stretched from my head to
wherever my thoughts take me. All I have to do to set up communica-
tions is to think of whatever I want to know, and I immediately see
what is going on. For instance, I am now here in my room. Well, if I so
wish, I can see a boy in the porticoes."
"How?" we insisted. "It's hard to understand."

53.6 Page 526

▲back to top


498
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"That's because you can't catch on to my tricks!" And so he laughed
off our attempts. Then, looking at us lovingly and pressing us to him,
he said, "You are fortunate indeed because you are young and still have
time to do many wonderful things for God and gain many merits for
heaven, but I (and he said this with emotion) am already old and will
soon have to die and go empty-handed to the Lord."
In reply, one of us remarked, "Father, you can't say that. You are
working without rest day and night. You can't say you are empty-
handed!"
"Well," he replied, "what I do, I am bound to do. I am a priest, and
even if I gave my life I wouldn't be doing more than my duty."
"If that is so," we replied, "it's better not to become a priest."
"Oh, no!" he corrected us. "Suppose God makes you clearly under-
stand that it is His will? Would you resist? You can't. You must obey.
However, I console myself with the thought that God is very merciful.
If, when we shall appear before Him, we can say, 'We have done what
You have commanded,' we shall hear those consoling words, 'Well
done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a
few things, I will place you over many. Enter into the joy of your
Lord.'" [Matt. 25, 23]
February 17. Today, Sunday, Don Bosco said: "This time the Oratory
is driving the devil bankrupt. We can say he is utterly defeated. True,
he never gives in, he will attack again and again, and he will tackle us
one by one (which means that each of us must be on guard) , but he
has just suffered a trouncing the like of which he has probably never
received from such a group before. I tell you candidly that the effect of
that dream is something that has no counterpart in history. It is some~
thin~ unheard of, foolishness in the eyes of the world, but the height of
wisdom before God. No matter how long the Oratory lives on, it will
perhaps never again witness such an experience. Deo gratias!"
We then urged him to write his dream, but he replied, "I can't, for
two reasons. First, there are things concerning myself and others which
I am not free to reveal. Second, many things would not be understood.
What I will do is write the theological discussions of the first two nights.
I will leave out the actual moral cases and jot down just the principles.
As for what happened the third night, I shall certainly not write any-
thing. Whatever can be recorded to God's greater glory, I will disclose
privately." He then told us of something that had happened to him that
very day:
"One boy was still afraid to make his general confession. I sent for

53.7 Page 527

▲back to top


A Memorable Retreat
499
him with the message that, even if he did not want to make his con-
fession to me, he should come because I had something to tell him for
the good of his soul. He still refused, until a good friend tactfully took
him by the hand and led him to my room. Breaking through the crowd
of boys waiting for confession, he asked me, 'Do you want me?'
"'Who are you?' I asked in reply.
" 'I am so and so.'
"'Good! Listen now! Since you do not want to make your confession
to me, I'll just tell you what you have to confess. I don't mind in the
least if you go to some other priest. In your mind now, go back to such
and such a year, and recall this sin and that!' I told him everything. The
poor boy was stunned. 'I might as well make my confession to you
right now,' he said. 'I don't want to tell these things to anyone else.'
" 'In that case,' I said, 'come tomorrow evening. I have much to do
now because it's Saturday and I have no time. Come tomorrow between
I five and eight and we will clear up everything.' He did so and went
away so happy that it was a joy to see him."
Don Bosco told this to three or four persons only, not to all.
That evening he gave the "Good Night":
"So far," he said, "I've told you of your past life. Now I'll have
something to say to each one of you privately concerning your future
and the enemies you must guard against. Noteworthy things which are
said and done in our house should be kept within the house. If they are
known to outsiders, they may be looked upon as fables. But we believe
that when something is helpful to souls, it must certainly come from God
and cannot come from the devil. I have an exceptional piece of news to
give you: the devil has been badly beaten in this house and, if we keep
this up, he will be totally defeated."
We will here mention something which happened repeatedly at
the Oratory. At times, boys going to confession to Don Bosco did
not properly examine their consciences or needed help to overcome
their shame or to unravel their spiritual difficulties. Sometimes they
merely sought the easier way out. In these cases, instead of begin-
ning their accusation, they would say to Don Bosco: "Please, Fa-
ther, you tell my sins." And Don Bosco would tell each one all he
had done with surprising accuracy. Hundreds of witnesses can bear
this, out - among them Father Davico and Father Belmonte. It
happened, too, that Don Bosco occasionally would find the sac-

53.8 Page 528

▲back to top


500
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
risty thronged with boys waiting for confession. He would take a
look at them and then say to one or another, "You may go to
Communion." He knew their consciences were clear. The boys
themselves went away happy, convinced that Don Bosco had read
into their hearts. Often, we ourselves, on our way to the altar to say
Mass, had difficulty in crossing the sacristy through a crowd of
kneeling boys waiting their tum for confession. When we returned
after Mass, the sacristy was empty, and Don Bosco was preparing
for Mass.
Many times too, while he was hearing confessions, something
extraordinary would occur. He would spot a boy kneeling in a far
comer. Overlooking the others, he would beckon him to approach.
Surprised by the invitation, the lad would do so and make his
confession ahead of the rest. A diligent observer who enjoyed his
companion's confidence found that in all these cases the penitents
had been hesitant about going to confession.
Sometimes, along with spiritual health, Don Bosco also restored
physical well-being, as we gather from Father Ruffino's chronicle:
In 1861 an Oratory boy named Rebuffo, broken in health for the
past twelve months and tormented by violent headaches and stomach
and liver troubles, was forced to drop out of school. Feeling very de-
jected, he was advised by a friend to write a note to Don Bosco. He
tried to, but, unable to put a few lines together, he again turned to his
friend and asked him to write for him. The note follows:
[No date]
Very Reverend Father,
My illness seems to get worse the more medicine I take. On top of
that, I am upset by having to interrupt my studies so long.
I am convinced that, if you wish, you can cure me at once. Have pity
on me then and, if I am not worthy of such a great favor, at least
comfort me, Father. Some time back, I noticed you had something on
your mind to tell me. Please, Father, do not keep me in suspense any
longer. Tell me clearly what you think of me, and I shall be tranquil.
Forgive me, dear Father, for presuming to speak to you like this, but
you yourself inspired me to do it. For this reason I hope you will grant
my prayer.
Two days later Don Bosco called him to his room, heard his con-

53.9 Page 529

▲back to top


A Memorable Retreat
501
fession, and, after exhorting him to place his confidence in Dominic
Savio, blessed him. The boy's pains did not abate; rather, his headaches
became worse than ever. Don Bosco then suggested, "Tomorrow go
to school and to dinner with the others, and start a novena to Dominic
Savio."
As soon as Rebuffo left Don Bosco's room, all his pain ceased. He
carried out Don Bosco's suggestion and has been healthy and happy
ever since.
We shall add a few more items of Father Bonetti's chronicle:
Don Bosco was grateful to God for having made him an instrument
of His favors to the Oratory. However, since certain evidently super-
natural gifts, above all his virtues, won him the deep esteem of his
boys and outsiders, he would often remark: "I am indifferent to either
praise or blame. If people praise me, they only tell me what I should be;
if they blame me, I am told what I really am."
February 18 marked the start of the Lenten catechetical instructions in
the festive oratories. On the 22nd, the nosegay he gave the boys was to
speak Italian rather than their own dialect until Easter, saying he was
sorry that they were no longer using their beautiful national language.
February 25. Don Bosco promised to give us a tip every evening [till
the end of the month]. He began with this one: "The strongest, most
effective means to avoid repeating sin is to carry out your confessor's
suggestions."
February 26. "The best time to ask and obtain favors from God is
the time of the Elevation." For this reason, Don Bosco desired that
vocal praying, singing, and even organ music should cease [during that
time].
February 27. "The best, simplest, and easiest way to assist at Holy
Mass is that suggested by St. Leonard of Port Maurice. Divide the Mass
into three parts. From the beginning to the Elevation meditate on Our
Lord's Passion; from the Elevation to Communion, on our own sins and
the sorrow we should feel for them; from Communion to the end, on the
resolution to sin no more."
This evening the [Superior] Chapter of the Salesian Society met to
consider the application of Father Joseph Rocchietti, son of the late
Peter of Turin. The votes cast were all favorable, and the new member
was admitted to the Society.
Father Rocchietti had returned to the Oratory because his health
had apparently improved.

53.10 Page 530

▲back to top


CHAPTER 64
Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
(Continued)
DoN Bosco had promised to tell the boys their future if
they asked for it. Though there is much to say on this subject, we
will limit ourselves to three instances which occurred during these
days.
To the cleric John Turchi, Don Bosco said, "Look, if you stay
with me, you will never want for anything. All you will need to do
is obey. If you leave, you will be very sorry!" After giving him some
norms of conduct, he added, "You'll have to travel a great deal. ... "
After Don Bosco's death, our good friend Father John Turchi
personally told us of this prediction, adding, "I did indeed travel -
first to Bologna and Rome, and then to France, Austria, Bavaria,
England, and Scotland. As for sorrows, I certainly had very heavy
ones after leaving the Oratory." He said this while yet unaware of
the many sufferings still awaiting him. After obtaining his doctorate
in letters, he spent several years tutoring children of noble families.
Later he taught rhetoric in several seminaries and became director
of a boarding school. Finally, various reasons compelled him to
seek a chaplaincy at Our Lady of Consolation Shrine in Turin. On
becoming ill, he had to retire to the Little House of Divine
Providence.
Father Ruffino's chronicle has this entry:
February 10 [1861]. Don Bosco said today to young Francis Dalmazzo:
"You will live forty-nine years; you will don the clerical habit and
remain at the Oratory. After Don Bosco's death, you will become a
canon."
502

54 Pages 531-540

▲back to top


54.1 Page 531

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
503
Dalmazzo was born July 18, 1845 and died March 10, 1895
as rector of the Catanzaro seminary. A few weeks later, Don Bosco
surprisingly foretold his own future, as we gather from Father
Ruffino's notes:
Don Bosco said to some of us, "When times are again peaceful and
the Church is free, I will go to Rome with ten boys, and then I will
sing my Nunc dimittis."
"Will you stay in Rome?" they asked him.
"No, I will return."
This prophecy was verified to its last detail when he went to
Rome in March, 1887, for the consecration of the Church of the
Sacred Heart, as we shall later narrate.
In 1887, times could well be said to be peaceful and the Church
free, in comparison with the oppression felt in 1861. For instance,
Bishop Gallo of Avellino, arrested at Naples on February 26, 1861,
was forced to undertake a long, disastrous journey by land and sea
to Turin, where he joined Philip Cardinal De Angelis, then under
house arrest in the residence of the Vincentian Fathers. Both had
to remain there until 1866 because their presence in their own
dioceses annoyed the government.
Those were very sad days for the Church. More than seventy
bishops had been removed from their sees or imprisoned; countless
priests had been jailed; sbcty-four priests and twenty-two monks
had been shot. In December 1860, Commissioner Gioachino Pepoli
suppressed religious orders and confiscated church properties in
Umbria, while Commissioner Valerio did likewise in Marche. In
February 1861, the same destruction was being wrought in the
kingdom of Naples by Pasquale Mancini who enforced the 1855
law suppressing religious orders. Seven hundred and twenty-one
monasteries and convents were closed down, about 12,000 religious
- men and women - were dispersed, and the properties of 104
collegiate churches were confiscated. Sicily was temporarily ex-
empted from these plunderings because an uprising by the people
was feared. Finally, on March 31, 1861 all cemeteries were re-
moved from church jurisdiction.
On March 17, 1861, Turin broke out into a colorful frenzy of

54.2 Page 532

▲back to top


504
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
celebrations, music, and parades. The revolutionaries were beside
themselves with joy because Victor Emmanuel II had been pro-
claimed king of Italy. On March 25 Camillo Cavour declared in
Parliament: "Rome must be Italy's capital because Italy without
Rome is unthinkable."
Father Ruffino's chronicle continues:
Don Bosco wrote to Pius IX, but his news was far from consoling.
He informed the Pope that it would be solely through the special grace
of Our Lady if he were not forced to leave Rome. On March 7, Don
Bosco notified the cleric Francis Vaschetti at Giaveno: "A terrible
storm is brewing over the Oratory." He then added that the thorns they
would have to trod on were two "M's" and one "R" - Malattie [Sick-
nesses], Moralita [Morals], and Rivalita [Rivalries].
On March 4, from Fossano where he was staying for reasons of
health, Don Bosco wrote to Father Alasonatti, "Things are not going
well at the Oratory, especially for some boys whose names begin with
'F.' Tell Chevalier Oreglia, Father Rua, and Turchi that we shall have
to tread on thorns for a while but shall later gather most fragrant roses."
To Canon Rosaz, who had invited him to preach at Susa, Don
Bosco sent the following reply:
Fossano, March 15, 1861
1st Year and 2nd Day of the Kingdom of Italy
My dear Canon,
A little patience is good for everybody. I have some stomach trouble
and cannot preach. I have left Turin for a few days, but I have not
improved much. If you wish, I will find a substitute to give the sermon
on the Holy Childhood, but if you can find someone right there, do
so in nomine Domini.
For the present, God's will be done. I'll be happy to oblige some other
time. I may come, but not to preach. May the Lord keep us all in His
holy grace.
Your affectionate friend,
Fr. John Bosco

54.3 Page 533

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
505
After Don Bosco's return from Fossano, Father Ruffino's chron-
icle continues as follows:
During all recreation periods Don Bosco is busy telling each boy
privately what enemies he is to guard against. He told me, "Your ene-
mies will be bad counselors."
Don Bosco has beheaded (as he likes to say) 1 Costamagna and
four others; he has invited them to join the Salesian Congregation.
April 7. Today, eleven-year-old Lawrence Quaranta of Vernate died
at the Oratory.
On the previous Christmas Eve Don Bosco had announced that
within a few months several of his pupils would be dead. Thus the
first "M," that is, Malattie [Sicknesses], was coming to pass as he
had told the cleric Vaschetti [on May 7]. A few days later another
pupil was to die.
Meanwhile Paravia Press had printed the April issue of Letture
Cattoliche, entitled Edifying Examples for Youths - a collection
of stories about people from various walks of life. . . . The May
issue, The Church, was by Monsignor Louis Gaston de Segur....
While Don Bosco worked untiringly, a few of his dedicated sons
got together during this year, 1861, to record for posterity the most
important words and deeds of their beloved father. In previous
years several boys and young clerics, especially [Dominic] Ruffino
and [John] Bonetti, had jotted down fairly extensive reports of
what they had seen and heard. Now at this meeting they intended
to examine and evaluate these reports and see to it that this impor-
tant, useful project would continue. In a preliminary meeting Ruf-
fino summed up and recorded their intentions as follows:
Don Bosco's outstanding brilliant gifts, his extraordinary experiences
which we admire to this day, his unique guidance of young people
along virtue's arduous paths, and his grand plans for the future are
indications to us of some supernatural intervention; they portend a
glorious career for him and for the Oratory. All this lays a strict duty of
gratitude upon us; we are bound to see to it that nothing concerning
Don Bosco is allowed to fall into oblivion. We must do all we can to
record everything for posterity, so that one day, like a blazing torch,
1 See Vol. III, pp. 94f; Vol. IV, p. 295. [Editor]

54.4 Page 534

▲back to top


506
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
it may illumine the whole world for the salvation of youth. This is the
goal of the following commission: Father Victor Alasonatti, Father
Michael Rua, Father Angelo Savio, Chevalier Frederick Oreglia of Santo
Stefano; the clerics John Turchi, John Cagliero, John Baptist Francesia,
Celestine Durando, Francis Cerruti, John Baptist Anfossi, Francis
Provera, John Bonetti, Charles Ghivarello, and Dominic Ruffino.
At this first meeting, the clerics Charles Ghivarello, John Bonetti,
and Dominic Ruffino were appointed to be the chief reporters.
At the second meeting, held March 3, 1861, the following officers
were elected: Father Michael Rua, President; John Turchi, Vice-Pres-
ident,· Dominic Ruffino, Secretary. John Cagliero, John Baptist Anfossi,
and Celestine Durando were absent. At this meeting a draft of Don
Bosco's dream of December 28 [1860] 2 was read. All agreed on its
essential points but recommended clarification of some details. After
scheduling another session for April 1, the meeting was adjourned.
Signed:
Fr. Michael Rua
[Monday] April 1. The meeting opened at 2 P.M. with a quorum of
eight members. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and
approved. There followed a report of incidents occurring on January 31
and February 10: the prophecy during the "Testamentino" lesson,3 the
cure of Rebuffo,4 and Don Bosco's tricks.5 The report was approved.
The meeting adjourned and the next was scheduled for Saturday
evening.
[Monday] April 8. The meeting opened at 2:30 P.M. with thirteen
members present. The first part of Don Bosco's dream 6 of April 3, 4,
and 5 was read and approved after a few corrections and additions. It
was decided to ask Father John Borel 7 for information on the Oratory's
early years.
[Wednesday] May 1. The meeting opened at 1 :30 P.M. with eight
members present. John Turchi, whose task it was to research incidents
of the Oratory's beginnings, read the dream of "The Twenty-Two
2 See pp. 478ff. [Editor]
s See pp. 492f. [Editor]
4 See pp. 500f. [Editor]
5 See pp. 497f. [Editor]
6 See the next chapter. [Editor]
7 See Vol. I, pp. 341f. and the Index of Vol. II. [Editor]

54.5 Page 535

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
507
Moons" 8 and the appearances of Don Bosco's dog "Grigio." 9 Both
drafts were approved and the meeting was adjourned.
[Tuesday] May 7. The meeting opened at 1:30 P.M. with seven
members present. The draft of the first half of the dream of May 2 10 was
read and approved.
In other meetings the draft of the second half of the dream of
May 2 was read, corrected, and approved. The members then went
on to evaluate the very brief chronicle of John Turchi which we
quoted in the previous volumes along with the Ruffino and Bonetti
chronicles. We can therefore be certain of the authenticity of the
reports of these trustworthy witnesses. In the course of years, others
took up and continued this work, inspired by their love for Don
Bosco and an equally intense love of truth. Thanks to them, with-
out fear of rebuttal we can now, when speaking of Don Bosco,
make our own the words of the sacred historians: "Are not these
things written in the book of the words of the days... ?" [3 Kings
15, 7]
s See Vol. V, pp. 243f. [Editor]
9 See Vol. IV, pp. 497-502. [Editor]
10 See Chapter 67. [Editor]

54.6 Page 536

▲back to top


CHAPTER 65
A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
({IE shall now narrate another inspiring dream of Don
Bosco which occurred on the nights of April 3, 4, and 5, 1861. "Its
striking details," Father Bonetti remarks, "will aptly convince our
readers that this is such a dreatµ as God now and then graciously
sends to His faithful servants." We shall report it here as detailed in
Bonetti's and Ruffino's chronicles.
"After night prayers on April 7," they wrote, "Don Bosco mounted
the little rostrum to give the 'Good Night' and spoke as follows:
I have something very strange to tell you tonight - a dream. It's
only a dream, so do not give it more importance than it merits. Let me
first tell you, though, that I am quite honest with you, as I would like
you to be honest with me. I keep no secrets from you, but what is said
within the family should be kept in the family. I don't mean to imply that
it would be a sin to tell others, but even so I'd rather you didn't. Talk
about it all you want, and laugh and joke to your heart's content among
yourselves, or even with those few who may - in your opinion -
benefit spiritually from it.
This dream has three parts because it lasted three nights. This evening
I'll tell you only the first part, leaving the rest for other nights. Surpris-
ingly, on the second and third night I resumed the dream at the very
point I had left off when I awoke.
PART ONE
Since dreams come while sleeping, I too was asleep. A few days ago,
having to go out of town, I passed by the green-clad hills of Monca-
lieri.1 I was deeply impressed. Possibly this charming scene came back
1 A suburb in the hills overlooking Turin. [Editor]
508

54.7 Page 537

▲back to top


A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
509
to my mind, stirring a desire to go hiking. As a matter of fact, that's
what I decided to do in my dream.
I seemed to be with my boys in a vast plain which stretched out to a
massively high hill. As we were all standing there, I suddenly proposed
a hike.
"'Yes, yes!" they all cheerfully shouted. "Let's go!"
"Where to?" we asked one another undecidedly. While we looked
hopefully at each other for suggestions, someone abruptly blurted out,
"Let's hike to heaven."
"Yes, yes, to heaven!" the cry arose on all sides.
We started off, and after a while we reached the foot of the hill and
began climbing. A magnificent view soon unfolded before our eyes. As
far as we could see, the hillside was dotted with trees and saplings of all
kinds - some small and tender, others tall and vigorous, none thicker
than a man's arm. There were pears, apples, cherries, plums, vines,
and other fruit trees. Amazingly, each tree had some flowers just blos-
soming and others in full bloom, some fruits just forming and others
lusciously ripe. In other words, each tree showed the best of each season
at one and the same time. The fruit was so plentiful that the branches
sagged under its weight. Surprised at this phenomenon, the boys kept
asking me for explanations. To satisfy their curiosity somewhat, I re-
member saying, "Well, it's like this. Heaven is not like our earth with
its seasons. Its climate is always the same, embodying the best of every
season. It is very mild and suitable for every tree and plant."
We stood entranced by the beauty surrounding us. The gentle breeze,
the calm, and the fragrant air about us left no doubt that this climate
was ideally suited to all kinds of fruits. Here and there, the boys were
plucking apples, pears, cherries, or grapes while slowly climbing. When
we finally reached the top of the hill, we thought we were in heaven,
but in reality we were quite far from it.
From this vantage point we could see, beyond a vast plain, an ex-
tensive plateau and, in its center, a very lofty mountain soaring straight
up to the clouds. Many people were determinedly struggling up its steep
sides, while on its summit stood One inviting and encouraging them to
go up. We also spotted some persons descending from the top to help
those who were too exhausted to continue the steep climb. Those reach-
ing the top were greeted with vibrant cheers and jubilation. We under-
stood that paradise was at that peak, and so we started downhill toward
the plateau and mountain.
After covering a good part of the way - many boys were running

54.8 Page 538

▲back to top


510
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
far ahead of the crowd - we were in for quite a surprise. Some dis-
tance from the foot of the mountain the plateau held a big lake full of
blood. Its length would extend from the Oratory to Piazza Castello. Its
shore was littered with human limbs, fractured skulls, and remnants of
corpses. It was a gruesome sight, a veritable carnage! The boys who
had run on ahead stopped in their tracks terrified. Being far behind and
having no inkling of what was ahead, I was surprised to see them stop
with horrified looks on their faces.
"What's wrong?" I shouted. "Why don't you keep going?"
"Come and see!" they replied. I hurried over and gazed upon the
grim spectacle. As the others came up, they too took in the scene and
immediately became silent and dispirited. Standing on the banks of
that mysterious lake, I sought a way across, but in vain. Just in front of
me, on the opposite bank, I could read a large inscription: Per san-
guinem! [Through blood!]
Puzzled, the boys kept asking one another: "What does all this
mean?"
Then I asked someone (who he was I can't remember) for an ex-
planation, and he replied, "This is the blood shed by the very many who
have already reached the mountain's summit and are now in heaven. It
is the blood of martyrs. Here, also, is the blood of Jesus Christ. In it
were bathed the bodies of those who were martyred in testimony of the
faith. No one may enter heaven without passing through this blood and
being sprinkled by it. It guards the Holy Mountain - the Catholic
Church. Whoever attempts to attack her shall drown in it. The torn
limbs, mangled bodies, and broken skulls dotting the shore are the
gruesome remains of those who chose to fight the Church. All have been
crushed to bits; all have perished in this lake."
In the course of his explanation, the mysterious youth named many
martyrs, including the papal soldiers who died defending the Pope's
temporal power.
Then, pointing eastward to our right, he showed us an immense
valley four or five times the size of the lake. "Do you see that valley?"
he asked. "Into it shall flow the blood of those who will pass this way to
scale this mountain - the blood of the just, of those who will die for
the faith in days to come." Seeing that the boys were terrified by all
they saw and heard, I tried to encourage them by saying that, if we were
to die martyrs, our blood would flow into that valley, but our limbs
would not be tossed about like those of the persecutors.
We then hastened to resume our march, skirting the shore of the
lake. At our left stood the hill we had come down from; at our right

54.9 Page 539

▲back to top


A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
511
were the lake and mountain. Where the lake ended, we saw a strip of
land dotted with oaks, laurels, palms, and other trees. We went through
it in search of a trail to the mountain, but only came across another
vast lake. Floating in its waters were dismembered human limbs. On
the shore stood an inscription: Per aquam! [Through water!]
"What does all this mean?" the boys again asked, mystified.
"This lake," someone replied, "holds the water which flowed from
Christ's side. Small in quantity then, it has increased, is still increasing,
and will keep increasing in the future. This is the baptismal water which
washed and purified those who climbed this mountain. In this same
water all who must still climb will have to be baptized and purified. In
it must be cleansed all those who want to go to heaven. There is no
other way to paradise than through innocence or penance. No one can
be saved without being cleansed in this water." Then, pointing to the
dismembered limbs, he added, "These are the remains of those who have
recently attacked the Church."
Meanwhile, a number of people and some of our own boys, too, were
swiftly darting across the lake, skimming over the waters without wet-
ting the soles of their feet. We were astonished at this, but were told,
"These are the just. When the souls of the saints are freed from their
bodily prison or when their bodies are glorified, they not only can
tread lightly and swiftly over water, but they can also fly through the
air."
Hearing this, all the boys, eager to cross the lake like the other people,
looked at me inquiringly. No one, however, dared attempt it.
"For my part, I don't dare," I replied. "It would be rash to believe
ourselves so just as to be able to cross the lake without sinking."
"If you don't dare, we dare even less," they all exclaimed.
Continuing on our way, always skirting the mountain, we reached a
third lake as large as the first, full of flames and more torn human limbs.
On the opposite shore an inscription proclaimed: Per ignem! [Through
fire!]
While we were observing that fiery lake, that same mysterious person
spoke again and said, "This is the fire of the charity of God and His
saints. These are the flames of love and desire through which all must
pass if they have not gone through blood and water. This is also the
fire with which tyrants tortured and consumed so many martyrs. Many
are they who had to go through it before climbing the mountain. But
these flames will also serve to reduce their enemies to ashes."
Thus for the third time we were seeing God's enemies crushed and
defeated.

54.10 Page 540

▲back to top


512
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Wasting no time, we advanced past the lake and came upon a fourth
one, even more frightening, shaped like a huge amphitheater. It was
full of dogs, cats, wolves, bears, tigers, lions, panthers, snakes, and
other fierce monsters eager to pounce upon anyone within their reach.
We saw people stepping over the heads of these raging beasts. We also
saw boys fearlessly following them and suffering no injury.
I tried to call them back, shouting as loudly as I could: "Stop! Can't
you see that those beasts are just waiting to devour you?" It was useless.
They didn't hear me and kept treading upon the monsters' heads as if
they were on firm, safe ground. My usual guide then said to me: "Those
beasts symbolize the devils, the dangers and snares of the world. Those
who step over them unharmed are the just, the innocent. Don't you
know what Holy Scripture says? 'They shall tread upon the asp and the
viper; they shall trample down the lion and the dragon.' [Cf. Ps. 90, 131
It was of such souls that David spoke. And doesn't the Gospel say:
'Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpiom
and upon all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you' "?
[Luke 10, 19]
We still kept asking one another: "How shall we cross over? Do we
have to step over these wild beasts too?"
"Yes, let's go!" someone told me.
"I don't dare!" I replied. "It would be rash to believe ourselves so
good as to be able to tread safely over these fierce beasts. Do as you
wish, but not I."
"Then we won't try it either," the boys concluded.
We left that place and came upon a vast plain crowded with noseless,
earless, or headless people. Some, moreover, had no limbs, others had
no hands or feet, and still others had no tongue or eyes. The boys were
simply struck dumb at such an odd sight. A mysterious person ex-
plained: "These are God's friends. To save their souls, they have morti-
fied their senses and performed good works. Many lost parts of their
bodies in carrying out harsh penances or in working for God or their
fellow men. The headless ones are those who in a special manner
consecrated themselves to God."
While we were pondering these things, we could see that many people,
having crossed the lake, were now ascending the mountain.
We also saw others, already at the top, helping and encouraging those
who were going up, giving them joyous, hearty cheers of welcome as
they reached the top. The handclapping and cheering woke me, and I
found myself in bed. This ended the first part of the dream.

55 Pages 541-550

▲back to top


55.1 Page 541

▲back to top


A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
513
The following night, April 8, Don Bosco again spoke to the boys,
who couldn't wait to hear the continuation of the dream. He began
by repeating his prohibition to put their hands on one another or
move around the study hall, and added, "If one has to leave the
study hall, he must ask his monitor's permission." By now the boys
were becoming restless. Smiling upon their upturned faces, Don
Bosco briefly paused and then went on thus:
PART TWO
You will remember that at the bottom of a deep valley, near the first
lake, stood another lake yet to be filled with blood. Well, after seeing
all I have already described and going around that plateau, we found a
passage taking us into another valley, which in turn opened into a large,
wedge-shaped plaza. We entered it. Wide at the entrance, it gradually
tapered into a trail at its other end near the mountain. At this point the
trail was wedged between two huge boulders so close together that only
one person at a time could squeeze through. The plaza was filled with
cheerful, happy people, all heading for the narrow mountain trail.
"Could that be the trail to heaven?" we asked one another. As the
people reached it and squeezed through single-file, they had to pull their
clothes tight, hold their breath, and discard whatever they carried. This
sufficed to convince me that surely this was the way to heaven, for I
remembered that, to get there, one must not only rid himself of sin, but
also give up all worldly ties and desires. "There shall not enter into it
anything defiled," says the Apostle John. [Apoc. 21, 27] We stood
briefly watching that scene. Then we did a very foolish thing. Instead
of trying to squeeze through the trail, we turned back to see what was
happening in the valley past the entrance of the plaza. We had noticed a
great crowd of people far off, and we were curious to know what went
on there.
We started off on a boundless stretch of land and were faced by the
odd sight of people and many of our boys yoked to various kinds of
animals. "What can this mean?" I mused. Then it flashed across my
mind that the ox is a symbol of laziness, and I understood that those
boys were lazy. I clearly recognized them. They were habitually indolent,
sluggish in their work. So I said to myself, "It serves you right! Stay
where you are! If you don't want to work, that's just where you belong!"
I saw others yoked to donkeys, carrying loads or grazing. These were
the stubborn boys who obstinately resist suggestions and orders. Other

55.2 Page 542

▲back to top


514
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
lads were paired with mules and horses, reminding me of what Holy
Scripture says: "He has become like the horse and the mule which
have no understanding." [Ps. 31, 9] These were the boys who never
give a thought to their souls. Such empty heads!
Still others were feeding with pigs. Like them, they grunted and
wallowed in the mire. These were the boys who feed on earthly pleasures
by gratifying their lower passions. They are far from their heavenly
Father. What a sad spectacle! They reminded me of what the Gospel
says about the prodigal son being reduced to that sad state "by loose
living." [Luke 15, 13]
Finally, I saw a multitude of people - and some of our boys too -
cavorting with cats, dogs, cocks, rabbits - animals symbolizing thieves,
scandal-givers, braggards, and spineless individuals who don't have the
courage to stand up for their religious beliefs. We now realized that
this valley represented the world. I took a good look at each of the
boys, and then we moved on to another very large area of that bound-
less plain. The ground sloped so gently that we did not even notice it at
first. A little way off there seemed to be a flower garden, and we decided
to look at it. We first came across most beautiful red roses. "How
gorgeous!" the boys shouted, running to pluck a few. But they were
disappointed! Though full-blown and colorful, those roses were rotten
inside and gave off an extremely foul stench. Fresh-looking violets were
there too, but when we picked a few we saw that they also were blighted
and smelly.
We kept going and came to several charming groves of trees laden
with luscious fruit. They were truly enticing orchards. A boy ran up to
a tree and plucked a large pear. A more beautiful one would be hard to
find. Yet, as soon as he bit into it, he flung it away in disgust. It was
stuffed with clay and sand and tasted awful. "How can this be?" we
asked.
One of our boys, whose name I well remember, replied, "ls this all
the world can give us? It's a worthless sham!"
While we wondered where we were headed for, we became aware
that the road was sloping, though ever so slightly. One boy remarked,
"We're going downhill. It's no good!"
"Let's take a look, anyway!" I replied.
Meanwhile, a vast multitude of people overtook us and kept going
down the road in coaches, on horseback, or on foot. The last-named
group kept jumping and running about, singing and dancing or march-
ing along to the beat of drums. The merrymaking was beyond
description.

55.3 Page 543

▲back to top


A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
515
"Let's wait a while and see before going along with them," we
decided.
Presently a couple of boys noticed some individuals in the crowd
who seemed to be directing various groups. They were handsome, well
dressed, and quite gracious in manner, but it was obvious that their hats
covered horns. That vast plain, then, symbolized our wicked, corrupt
world so well described by the Holy Spirit: "Sometimes a way seems
right to a man, but the end of it leads to death." [Prov. 16, 25]
Then and there a mysterious person said to us: "See how men almost
unknowingly fall into hell." At this I immediately called back the boys
who had gone ahead. They ran to me, crying, "We don't want to go
down there!" Still shouting, they kept running back to where we had
come from, leaving me alone. When I finally caught up with them, l
said, "You're right. Let's get out of here, or we too shall fall into he11
before we realize it!"
We wanted to return to the plaza from which we had set out and
finally get started on the trail to the mountain. Imagine our surprise
when, after a long walk, we saw no trace of the valley leading to heaven,
but only a meadow. We turned this way and that, but could not find our
bearings.
"We have taken the wrong road!" someone cried.
"No, we haven't," replied another. ·
While the boys were arguing, I woke up. Thus ended the dream on
the second night.
Before sending you to bed, though, I must tell you one more thing. I
do not want you to give any importance to this dream; just remember
that pleasures which lead to perdition are deceitful; they are not plea-
sures at all! Remember also to be on guard against bad habits which
make us so similar to beasts and deserving of being yoked with them.
Guard especially against sins that tum us into unclean animals. It is,
indeed, most unbecoming for a man to be brought down to the level of
beasts, but it is far more unbecoming for a creature made to God's
image and likeness, an heir to heaven, to wallow in the mire like swine
through those sins which Holy Scripture labels "loose living."
I told you only the highlights of my dream - and briefly too -
because to narrate it as it was would take too much time. As a matter
of fact, last night too I gave you but a hint of what I saw. Tomorrow
night I will tell you the rest.
On Saturday 2 night, April 9, Don Bosco continued the narration
of his dream:
2 An oversight! April 9, 1861 was a "Tuesday." [Editor]

55.4 Page 544

▲back to top


516
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
PART THREE
I would rather not tell you my dreams. In fact, the night before last
I had no sooner started my narration than I regretted my promise. I
truly wished I had never said a word at all. However, I must confess
that if I kept these things to myself I would feel very uneasy. Narrating
them, in fact, is a great relief. I will therefore continue with the last part
of the dream. Let me first say, though, that the past two nights I had to
cut short many things which were better left unsaid, and I left out
others which could be seen but not described.
After taking in all the scenes I mentioned, after seeing various places
and ways through which one may fall into hell, we were determined to
get to heaven at all costs, but try as we might, we always strayed off
and came upon new sights. Finally we hit upon the right road and
reached the plaza; it was still crowded with people striving to go up the
mountain. If you remember, it gradually tapered into a very narrow
trail wedged between two lofty boulders. Just beyond them was a rather
long, very narrow, railless bridge spanning a frightful gorge. As soon a-,
we saw the trail, we all shouted, "There it is! Let's go." And so we did.
Some boys immediately began running, leaving their companions
behind. I wanted them to wait for me, but they had got it into their
heads to arrive there first. On reaching the bridge, however, they be-
came frightened and stopped. I tried to urge them to advance bravely~
but they refused.
"Go ahead," they replied. "You try it first, Father! The bridge is too
narrow. If we miss one step, we're through!" Finally one boy mustered
enough courage to attempt the crossing; another followed him and then
the rest. Thus we reached the foot of the mountain.
We looked for a trail but found none. We walked around looking for
one, but our search was hindered on all sides by boulders, crags, ra-
vines, and briers. The climb looked steep. We knew we were in for a
hard time. Nevertheless, we did not lose heart and eagerly began to
work our way up. After a short but very exhausting climb with hands
and feet, occasionally helping one another, the obstacles began to de-
crease until we finally found a trail and were able to climb more com-
fortably.
Eventually we reached a spot on the mountainside where a great
many people were suffering such horrible and strange pains that we were
filled with comnassion and horror. I cannot tell you what I saw be-
cause it's too distressing and you could not bear it. I leave this out
entirely.

55.5 Page 545

▲back to top


A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
517
We saw also very many people climbing the mountain on all sides.
As they reached the summit they were greeted with loud cheers and
applause by those who were already there. We could also hear a truly
heavenly music, a most melodious singing, which encouraged us all the
more to keep climbing. While we ascended, a thought struck me, and I
said to the boys near me, "Isn't this funny? Here we are on our way to
heaven, but are we alive or dead? What about the judgment? Or have
we already been judged?"
"No," they replied laughingly. "We are still alive."
"Well," I concluded, ''alive or dead, let's get to the top and see
what's there!" And we quickened our step.
By dint of perseverance we finally got close to the summit. Those
already there were getting ready to greet us, but, as I looked behind to
see if the boys were following, I found to my great sorrow that I was
almost alone. Only three or four boys had kept up with me.
"Where are the others?" I asked, somewhat upset.
"They stopped here and there," was the answer. "Perhaps they will
come up later!"
I looked down and saw them scattered about the mountain trail,
hunting for snails, picking scentless wild flowers, plucking wild berries,
chasing butterflies and crickets, or just resting on some green patch
under a shady tree. I shouted as loud as I could, waved to them, and
called them by name, urging them to hurry up and telling them that
this was no time to rest. A few heeded me, so that now I had about eight
boys around me. All the others turned a deaf ear, busy with silly trifles. I
had no intention at all of going to heaven with only a few boys, and
therefore I decided to go down and get after those lazy fellows. I told
the boys near me to wait and then I started down.
As many boys as I met, I sent up the mountain. I urged, exhorted,
reprimanded, even jabbed and shoved, as needed.
"For heaven's sake, go up," I kept saying. "Don't waste time on
trifles!"
In the end, after reaching nearly every one of them, I found myself
almost at the scarp of the mountain which we had climbed with so much
effort. Here I stopped some boys who, exhausted and discouraged, had
given up the ascent and were on their way down. As I turned to re-
sume the climb with them, I stumbled against a stone and woke up.
Now that you have heard the whole dream, I ask two things of you.
First, don't tell it to outsiders, because they would only make fun of it.
I tell you these things just to please you. Talk about this dream among

55.6 Page 546

▲back to top


518
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
yourselves all you want, but remember that it is only a dream. Secondly,
please don't come to ask me if you were there or not, who was or
wasn't there, what you were or weren't doing, if you were among
the few or the many, where I saw you, or similar questions, because
then we would have a repetition of last winter's commotion.3 For some
this could be more harmful than useful, and I don't want to disturb
your consciences.
I only tell you that, if this had not been a dream but reality and we
had died then, of the seven or eight hundred boys we have here, very
few would have made it to heaven - perhaps only three or four.
Now, lest you get me wrong, let me explain this rash statement.
What I mean is that only three or four would make it straight to heaven
without having to go through purgatory. Some might have to spend only
a minute there; others, perhaps a day; still others, several days or weeks;
nearly all, at least a short time. Now would you like to know how to
avoid that? Strive to gain as many indulgences as you possibly can. If
you rightly carry out these practices of piety to which indulgences are
attached and gain a plenary indulgence, you will go straight to heaven.
Don Bosco gave no private explanation of this dream to any of
the pupils and said very little otherwise on the various meanings of
the things he had seen. It would not have been easy. This dream, as
we shall show, portrayed a variety of tableaux: the Oratory as it
was and as it would be; all the boys who were there now or would
come later - each with his moral traits and his future; the Salesian
Society - its growth, vicissitudes, and destinies; the Catholic
Church - her persecutions and triumphs; and other events of
general or particular interest.
With tableaux so bewildering in their vastness and interaction,
Don Bosco simply could not thoroughly describe everything he had
so vividly seen in his dream. Besides, discretion dictated - and
duty required - that some things be kept secret or disclosed only
to prudent persons to whom such a revelation might be comforting
or serve as a warning.
In narrating to his boys the various dreams of which we shall
have occasion to speak in due time, Don Bosco only told them
what was best for them, since this was the intent of Him who gave
3 A reference to the aftermath of the dream about the boys' states of con-
science. See Chapter 62. [Editor]

55.7 Page 547

▲back to top


A Dream: Hiking to Heaven
519
these mysterious revelations. Occasionally, however, because of the
deep impression he had received, in an effort to choose his subject
matter, Don Bosco hinted vaguely at other incidents, things, or
ideas. Occasionally these seemed incoherent and unrelated to his
narrative, but strongly suggested that he was holding back much
more than he told. Such is the case in his narration of the hike to
heaven. We shall attempt to throw some light upon it both by
quoting a few words we heard from Don Bosco and also by making
a few comments of our own. However, we submit them to the
readers' judgment.
1. Seemingly, the hill Don Bosco met at the start of his hike is
the Oratory. Its verdure suggests youth. There are no old trees
there, large and lofty; rather, youth's blossoms are ever flowering,
and flowers and fruit blossom and ripen in every season. Such is
the Oratory, or such it should be. Like all of Don Bosco's works it
is sustained by charity, which Holy Scripture describes as a garden
blessed by God, yielding precious fruits of immortality, similar to
Eden's garden, where stood also the tree of life.
2. The mountain climbers are prefigured in the man described
in Psalm 83, whose strength comes from the Lord. In this valley of
tears he - and many others too - resolved to climb steadily to
the summit of the mountain, to the tabernacle of the Most High,
that is, to heaven. [Cf. Ps. 83, 6] Our Lord, the lawgiver, will bless
them, fill them with His grace, and help them to grow in all virtues
until they see God in the heavenly Jerusalem and are eternally
happy with Him.
3. The lakes seemingly sum up the history of the Church. The
countless severed limbs scattered about the shores are the remnants
of persecutors, heretics, schismatics, and rebellious Christians.
From certain expressions of Don Bosco in his dream we gather
that he saw events both present and future. The chronicle remarks:
"Speaking privately to a few about the vast valley near the lake of
blood, Don Bosco said, 'That deep valley is to be filled especially
with the blood of priests, perhaps very soon.'"
The chronicle continues: "During the last few days Don Bosco
paid a visit to Cardinal De Angelis who said to him: 'Tell me some-
thing to cheer me up.'

55.8 Page 548

▲back to top


520
THE BIOGRAPIDCAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"'Very well, I will tell you a dream.'
"Don Bosco then began to narrate his dream, but with more
details and remarks. When he came to the lake of blood, the car-
dinal became serious and sad. Don Bosco cut his account short,
saying, 'That will be all for now!'
" 'Go on,' said the cardinal.
"'Not now,' Don Bosco repeated, and then passed on to more
cheerful topics.
4. The straight, narrow pass between the two boulders, the narrow
wooden bridge (Our Lord's Cross), the self-assurance of a man of
faith that he can cross it, the peril to which a man exposes himself
in so doing if he does not have the right intention, the various
obstacles before the mountain trail becomes passable - all this,
if we are not mistaken, may refer to religious vocations. The people
in the plaza may be boys called by God to serve Him in the Salesian
Society. In fact, all those waiting to start on the trail to heaven
looked happy and content and enjoyed themselves. This would
indicate mostly young people. As for the climbers who had stopped
in their ascent or were turning back, could this not suggest a cool-
ing in following one's vocation? Don Bosco's own interpretation of
this incident could indirectly allude to vocations, but he did not
deem it wise to elaborate.
5. On the slope of the mountain, just past the initial obstacles,
Don Bosco saw people in pain. Father Bonetti's chronicle offers
this explanation: "Several asked him about this privately, and he
replied, 'This place symbolized purgatory. If I had to preach on
this subject, I'd just describe what I saw. It was simply frightful.
There were all kinds of torments. I will only say that I saw people
crushed under presses, hands, feet and heads sticking out all
around, eyes bursting from their sockets. These people were so
badly squashed and crushed that the sight was truly blood-
curdling.' "
We shall conclude with an important observation which can
apply to this and other dreams which we shall narrate. In these
dreams or visions, as they may be called, there nearly always ap-
pears a personage who acts as Don Bosco's guide or interpreter.
Who can he be? This is the most amazing and consoling part of
these dreams, but Don Bosco kept it in his heart.

55.9 Page 549

▲back to top


CHAPTER 66
Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
(Continued)
THE events of the past three months had not affected
the Oratory's usual tranquillity and cheerfulness, thanks in part to
the diversion offered at frequent intervals by sacred festivities, lively
recreations, wholesome carnival amusements, stage plays, and other
pastimes. Through the sacrament of Penance, the momentary and
salutary worries of many pupils were turned into a lively joy that
made pastimes more enjoyable. Don Bosco himself kept providing
new ones for them. We shall now draw again from I:ather Ruffino's
chronicle:
April 11, 1861. After much memorizing and rehearsing under the
skillful coaching of the cleric John Baptist Francesia, the students staged
a Latin comedy written by the distinguished Jesuit, Father Louis
Palumbo, who also composed the Latin invitation to classical-minded
benefactors.
A copy is still extant [and we shall report it in the Appendix].1
As we can see, then, Don Bosco wisely made sure that his young-
sters did not yield to depressing fears [of their eternal salvation].
He never ceased administering spiritual remedies to those in need,
but always at the right time, in the right measure, and in so fatherly
a way that they unfailingly proved beneficial. Father Ruffino's
chronicle goes on as follows:
On April 12, Don Bosco lingered a while, as was his habit, for a
1 See Appendix 16. [Editor]
521

55.10 Page 550

▲back to top


522
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
chat with his beloved clerics. One of them asked, "How is it that Qua-
ranta's death 2 made no impression on the boys?" Don Bosco replied,
"I did not in the least try to make an impression because there was no
need to. Several boys would only have fallen prey to serious scruples
unless I kept a close check on them. Had I wanted to make an impres-
sion, I would have draped the church doors in black and displayed the
body for all who wished to pay their respects. I could also have had the
various grades recite the Office of the Dead in church, but since no
request was made for special prayers, I thought it better to let things be."
"Indeed," one of the clerics remarked, "after you told us your dream
on New Year's Eve, there was no further need of anything. That dream
did plenty of good in the house."
"Yes, the dream and its aftermath," Don Bosco went on, turning to
the speaker, "because many things that I could not say publicly, I dis-
closed privately. Often a boy I sent for would not come, and, when I
eventually chanced upon him, I would ask, 'Why didn't you come? Why
keep that snake (and I would name the sin) in your heart?' This would
bring a blush, a sob, and 'When can I come for confession?'"
Another cleric expressed his surprise at the ease with which so many
boys concealed sins, even when they had their choice of severaJ
confessors.
"Not all confessors," Don Bosco replied, "have the skill, experience,
and means to search consciences and flush out the foxes that gnaw at
the heart. A priest may be an excellent confessor for adults, but not for
boys. For the fruitful confession of young people, a priest would find it
helpful to go to them, mingle with them, come to know their inclinations,
and even, on occasion, make an examination of conscience for them. A
confessor for boys should be able to see the relationship between their
misdeeds and their character flaws. He must, because boys do keep
things back in confession. Indeed they do. Their two great enemies are
shame and fear of losing their confessor's esteem. At the beginning of
the year a new boy once came to see me and asked, "Do they make
priests here?"
"Yes!" I replied.
"I don't want to be a priest. Will I be forced to become one?"
"Far from it! On the contrary a pupil is allowed to study for the
priesthood only after he has given clear signs of a vocation. Without
them he will not be permitted to don the clerical habit."
"All right, I'll stay on condition that I won't be forced to become a
priest."
2 Seep. 505. [Editor]

56 Pages 551-560

▲back to top


56.1 Page 551

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
523
"Don't worry, nobody will force you if you don't have a vocation."
"Even if I had it, I wouldn't want to be forced."
Some time later he said he wanted to go to confession to some un-
known priest at the Monte dei Cappuccini Church or at Our Lady of
Consolation Shrine. I said, "You may go with a companion, but on one
condition."
"What is it?"
"That you tell the priest this and that." And I told him his sins.
The boy was amazed and gasped, "Those are just the sins I was
ashamed to confess! Now I may as well confess them to you."
Just now we are scarcely halfway through the school year, and he is
one of the most keenly intent on becoming a priest.
Meanwhile, under the spell of the last dream,3 a few boys applied
for admission to the Salesian Society, as we gather from the follow-
ing minutes of the Superior Chapter:
On April 16, 1861, the Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de Sales
met to consider the admission of the following: Joseph Reano of Fo-
glizzo, son of Philip; Hyacinth Perucatti, son of Joseph, of Villa San
Secondo; Thomas Louis Jarach, son of Charles Louis; Alexander Fabre
of Caselle, son of Louis. All were unanimously admitted to the obser-
vance of our rules.
These young men were prompted to join the Salesian Society
solely by their concern to save their souls, acquire merits, and
cooperate in the moral regeneration of youth. It could not have
been otherwise, for Don Bosco always spoke of the soul. For in-
stance, at the "Good Night" on April 17, 1861, he spoke as follows:
King Charles of France, besieged by the English army, gave no
thought to the war and tranquilly relaxed in his palace. His troops
lost battle after battle, whole regions fell into enemy hands, and his
kingdom was as good as lost. In such peril, his generals sent a dis-
tinguished officer to rouse him from his inertia, make him realize the
gravity of the situation, and spur him to a last-ditch defense. When the
officer called at the royal palace, he was made to wait two or three
hours because the king was busy relaxing. Finally, the king received
him courteously, but instead of asking him about the military situation,
a See Chapter 65. [Editor]

56.2 Page 552

▲back to top


524
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
he began to talk about hunting and parties and ended by inviting him
to a game of cards.
The officer stared at his sovereign dumbfoundedly. "Haven't you
heard me?" the king insisted. "What's on your mind?"
"Your Majesty," the officer replied, "I am stunned! I never saw a
person go to his ruin so merrily!"
My dear children, the same can be said of many people whose con-
science is loaded with sins, and yet who think of nothing but having
fun while hell yawns beneath them.
Two days later, another Oratory death alerted those who might
have needed a warning. Father Ruffino's chronicle reads:
On Sunday, April 21, feast of the Patronage of St. Joseph, at half
past three in the morning, nineteen-year-old Charles Maffei of Butti-
gliera d'Asti died after a two-day illness which affected his spinal cord.
On December 24, 1860, Don Bosco had said, "Within a few months
some of you will be no more. . . . I know of one . . . but he doesn't
give it a thought." 4
Maffei's death was unexpected. As at Quaranta's death, Don Bosco
made no hasty remark or allusion to fulfilled predictions, and the boys'
peace of mind was not disturbed in the least. A few young clerics,
though, impressed by these two deaths and aware of Don Bosco's poor
health, began to fear for his life and urged him to take care of himself
and cut down on his work. In trying to convince him, one of them
said, "Wouldn't it be better for you to work less and live perhaps ten
years longer, rather than wear yourself out and die prematurely?"
"Yes," Don Bosco replied, "but how can you be so sure that by
working less I will live ten years longer? As long as I can, I want to
use all my energies for God's glory and the salvation of souls. I have no
intention of ruining my health. I just intend to do all I can."
That same evening, after exhorting both students and artisans to offer
up the customary suffrages for Maffei's soul, Don Bosco went on, "I
have something on my mind that I'd rather not say, but I must. Some
boys have been here since the start of the year, and yet they are almost
total strangers to me. I don't like it. There are two extremes in this
house: some boys are always around me, and others not only never
come near but, as soon as they see me, they disappear. This grieves me
because a father wants to see the children he loves. In my case, there is
more than fatherly love. I wish and ardently yearn to save your souls.
4 Seep. 468. [Editor]

56.3 Page 553

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
525
I long to see those boys in order to have a word with them. To speak
frankly, some boys need to straighten out their consciences, but I can-
not get to them. I send for them and they refuse to come. Must I
threaten? It is not that I want boys hanging around me during recre-
ation. Indeed, I prefer them to go and play the whole period. I just
don't want them to run away when I meet them. When I come into the
playground, let it not happen again that, while a crowd swarms to me,
four or five boys I particularly want to see are nowhere in sight. They
run too, but in the opposite direction.... Let this suffice. I have a lot
more to tell you but cannot in public. Good night."
After the boys retired to their dormitories, the members of the So-
ciety of St. Francis de Sales met in conference. The four new confreres
- [Joseph] Reano, [Hyacinth] Perucatti, [Louis] Jarach, and [Alex-
ander] Fabre - were presented to the assembly. Don Bosco gave a
talk on charity, especially toward the young. Speaking about charity in
general, he said, "Let us so conduct ourselves that anyone we are deal-
ing with may leave us satisfied. Let us make friends with everyone who
speaks with us. We must strive to increase the number of our friends
and lessen that of our enemies. We must do good to all. Therefore let
us be courteous with strangers; rich or poor, they expect it. In fact,
those who are quite poor expect it more than others.
"As regards young people, our charity must show itself in kindness.
It must never be said of any of us, 'He is strict and tough!' No, never
should our pupils think that way of us. If we have to reprimand some-
one, let us call him aside and kindly help him to see his error, his
disgrace, his own loss, or his offense to God. If we do otherwise, a boy
will hang his head at our harsh words, even tremble in fear, but he will
always try to avoid us. Such a reprimand will do little good. Should we
catch a silly boy in some wrong-doing, we might, at worst, take him by
the arm and say frankly, 'Can't you see the wrong you are doing?
Don't you realize you deserve to be punished? Suppose I take you to
the superior?'
"Above all, let us practice charity among ourselves too. If you have
something against a companion of yours, get it off your chest right
away without fear; do not hold a grudge. You may say something
unwise, but it's a lesser evil. Say it and be done with it."
Don Bosco's words always had a salutary effect on his young cleric~.
On leaving his room, one would exclaim, "I will always stay with Don
Bosco!''
"I too," echoed others.

56.4 Page 554

▲back to top


526
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
One day these young clerics met Canon Michelangelo Vacchetta 5 in
town. "Why are you staying down there at Valdocco with Don Bosco?"
he asked them.
"Because we want to," they replied.
The imprint that Don Bosco's training gave them singled them out
from other seminarians. One day, while walking down Corso Valdocco
by St. Aloysius Hospital, Canon Caesar Ronzini t1 noticed the cleric
John Garino across the street and beckoned him to come over. "What
can I do for you, Canon?" the young cleric asked.
"Nothing in particular. I only wanted to know if you are one of Don
Bosco's clerics."
"Yes, I am."
"I thought so! Good! I'm glad I guessed right. Whenever I meet a
cheerful-looking, respectful, open-hearted cleric, I know he must be
one of Don Bosco's. So far, I've never missed." Canon Ronzini was a
great admirer of Don Bosco.
During the last few months, these good clerics, especially the upper-
classmen, tried unsuccessfully to get a picture of Don Bosco. Pencil and
brush balked at the task. Our good father's features always turned out
altered and unrecognizable. They took him to a photographer, but even
he could not succeed, although Don Bosco was, outwardly at least,
cooperative. It was very odd! One day, when this was mentioned in his
presence, he remarked, "If taking my picture would help souls, I would
be all for it. Otherwise, I don't see any need for it." Souls were all he
cared for!
Monday, April 29. The spiritual retreat starts today at 3 P.M. Father
[John] Ciattino, the pastor of Maretto, will preach. He is very interest-
ing and always full of fun. A boy made the resolution - and kept it -
to observe total silence. The retreat will end on May 2.
Before the retreat began, Don Bosco sent for Francis Ghivarello and
Joseph Dalmazzo, who were at home, so that they could make it too.
They came and did not want to go home anymore.
At the "Good Night" on April 28, Don Bosco told the boys, "We are
about to start this retreat in order to chase the devil out of here for
good. Generally speaking, the devil already has a hard time here be-
cause everybody is kicking him out, but there are a few behind whose
backs he can still hide. However, he can't hide in front of them."
During the retreat's two full days, Don Bosco nearly always heard
confessions for three or four hours at a stretch before noon and for
5 See Vol. V, p. 32. [Editor]
6 See Vol. IV, p. 136. [Editor]

56.5 Page 555

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
527
almost six hours in the afternoon. At the last sermon on May 1, after
invoking divine blessings upon the king and members of Parliament for
strength in peace and war, the preacher gave the boys the usual final
blessing. However, when he tried to pull the pulpit crucifix from its
stand, it would not come off. He then addressed himself to possible
sinners in the audience who refused to be converted and so were re-
sponsible for his being unable to lift the crucifix in benediction over
them. He pleaded with them to show themselves so that he could come
down from the pulpit, kneel at their feet, and beg them in Jesus' name
to be converted. He ended by saying that these sinners could still go
to confession that evening or the next morning. This rhetorical flair
made an excellent impression. When later questioned privately, the
preacher confided that he had deliberately made believe that he could
not lift the crucifix out, and that he had tried this on other occasions
with great effect. "For those who love God, all things work together
unto good." [Rom. 8, 28]
Father Ciattino also spoke of Don Bosco and made the boys realize
God's favor in entrusting them to a priest so renowned for holiness. He
also remarked how future generations of boys would envy their lot in
having lived with Don Bosco.
"His reputation for holiness," Canon John Baptist Anfossi wrote,
"grew apace with his works. It stemmed from his most exemplary
life, his heroic virtues, and his charisms. How often I have seen
priests and prominent people kneel at his feet for a blessing!"
Father Felix Reviglio observed: "Whenever I called on him, l
noticed a new manifestation of virtue which convinced me that the
just man daily advances in perfection until the hour of his eternal
recompense."
This was especially true of his humility which shone even in the
smallest actions, as we see from this entry in Father Ruffino's
chronicle:
On May 4, 1861, a distinguished gentleman called on Don Bosco to
recommend a boy. His words made it clear that he believed the Oratory
to have been founded by an illustrious bishop to whom Turin should
naturally feel grateful. In conclusion, he said that he had come to
recommend a lad to Don Bosco in the hope that he was allowed to
accept pupils. Don Bosco listened quietly and made no effort to set him

56.6 Page 556

▲back to top


528
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
right, handling the case as though he really had to refer the request to
a superior.
The gentleman left in satisfaction and complete admiration for the
amiable way he had been received. Self-love would have prompted
many a person to speak up in a case like this, but for Don Bosco this
was but one of countless examples of his humility that we ourselves
witnessed. It could not have been otherwise with a priest who was
thoroughly imbued with the thought of death and eternity. He never
lay down to sleep without first reciting the Miserere.
At this time Don Bosco's reputation for sanctity had already
spread throughout Italy. John Villa declared: "I became aware of
this reputation in 1862 while I was stationed at Osimo with the
Tenth Infantry Regiment. One day I heard a priest - a nephew of
the vicar general - speak of Don Bosco as of a holy priest. Around
this time, too, another young priest, Father Salvatore, asked me
what Don Bosco's secret was in winning young people's hearts so
effectively. He even suggested that I ask Don Bosco. I did ask him
shortly after my return to Turin on leave, and Don Bosco replied:
'There is no secret. If that good priest loves God, he will do better
than I.'"
Because of his reputation, priests - newly-appointed pastors
especially - frequently called on Don Bosco for advice on the
spiritual direction of their parishioners. In 1867 he gave this norm
to a pastor, Father Calandra: "Look after the young, the sick, and
the old." This priest had been recently assigned to the parish of
Boves in the Cuneo diocese, from which the former pastor had
been driven out by his parishioners, and the bishop felt quite un-
comfortable in sending him to this difficult parish. When Father
Calandra called on Don Bosco for advice, the latter gave him the
above-mentioned norm and added that he should linger with chil-
dren when meeting them in the streets, pat them, and tell them to
give his regards to their parents, that he should greet old people
first, call them "Papa" or "Mama," and inquire after their health,
and that he should visit the sick regularly and solicitously and
provide the poor with what they most needed. Father Calandra
carried out these suggestions and soon became the idol of his pa-
rishioners. In 1888 he told us that they had given him the hand-

56.7 Page 557

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
529
some sum of 1,200,000 lire for the construction of a church,
hospital, kindergarten, and rest home for the aged.
Great indeed was Don Bosco's reputation for holiness and wis-
dom, the fruit of his apostolic zeal. The government also recognized
his merits as well deserving of the hdp of civil society and through
Minister Miglietti gave the Oratory a subsidy of four hundred lire.7
7 We are omitting the routine notification of the granting of the subsidy.
[Editor]

56.8 Page 558

▲back to top


CHAPTER 67
A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
~~T
HE wise man's heart," we read in Holy Scripture,
"knows times and judgments; for there is a time and a judgment for
everything. Yet it is a great affliction for man that he is ignorant of
what is to come; for who will make known to him how it will be?"
[Eccl. 8, 5-7]
That Don Bosco knew when to toil and when to pause and ex-
plain, that he was not ignorant of things past and future concerning
his mission, is further proven by the unswerving dedication inspir-
ing the chronicles of Father Ruffino and Father Bonetti and the
memoirs of Bishop John Cagliero, Father Chiala, and others who
were privileged to hear Don Bosco's words.
With remarkable accord, they report another dream in which
Don Bosco saw the Oratory and its beneficial results, the spiritual
condition of his pupils, their vocation - as Salesian priests or
brothers or as laymen in the world - and, lastly, the future of his
budding congregation.
Don Bosco's dream occurred during the night of May 1, 1861
and lasted about six hours. At dawn on May 2, he arose and jotted
down the dream's highlights and the names of some of the various
people he had seen in it. He narrated it after night prayers on
three successive nights from the little rostrum in the porticoes. The
first night, May 2, he spoke for nearly forty-five minutes. The intro-
duction, as usual, seemed somewhat obscure and strange for rea-
sons we have already explained 1 and for others we shall soon give.
After announcing his topic, he continued:
1 See pp. 482f, 493f, 518ff. [Editor]
530

56.9 Page 559

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
531
This dream concerns the students only. Very much of what I saw
simply defies description. I seemed to have just started out of my house
at Becchi on a path leading to Capriglio, a village near Castelnuovo. I
wanted to see a field belonging to my family in a little dale behind a
farmstead called "Valcappone." As a boy I had often worked there.
The field was very sandy and its yield barely equaled the taxes on it. As
I was nearing it, I met a man in his forties, of average height, sun-
tanned, and with a long, well-trimmed beard. He wore a tunic reaching
to his knees and fastened around his waist, and a white beret. He
seemed to be waiting for somebody. He greeted me cordially, like an
old acquaintance, and then asked, "Where are you going?"
"To a nearby field of mine," I answered. "And what brings you
around here?"
"Don't be so curious," he replied. "You don't have to know that."
"Very well. Will you at least tell me your name? You seem to know
me, but you are a stranger to me."
"You don't have to know that, either. Just come along with me."
I followed him and after a few steps saw a large fig orchard. "Look
at those figs!" the man exclaimed. "Aren't they luscious? Go ahead,
help yourself!"
Taken aback by the sight, I replied, "That's funny! There never were
figs here before!"
"There are now!" he replied.
"But this isn't the season for figs! They can't be ripe."
"But some are! If you want to pick them, hurry because it's getting
late." I did not stir and so my friend insisted: "Hurry, don't waste
time because it will soon be dark."
"Why do you rush me? Besides, I don't want any. I like to look at
them and give them away, but I personally don't care very much for
them."
"In that case, let's go on. But remember what St. Matthew's Gospel
says about great events menacing Jerusalem: 'From the fig tree learn
a parable: When its branch is now tender and leaves break forth, you
know that summer is near.' [Matt. 24, 32] It's all the nearer now that
the figs are already beginning to ripen."
We resumed our walk and came to a vineyard. "Perhaps you care
for grapes," the man said. "Take some!"
"Not now! In due time I'll pick them from my own vineyard."
"But you have grapes right here!"
"Not now!"
"Can't you see how ripe they are?"

56.10 Page 560

▲back to top


532
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"I can hardly believe it. This isn't the season for grapes!"
"Hurry because it's getting dark. You can't afford to lose time."
"What's the hurry? It will be soon enough if I get home before dark."
"Hurry, I say, because night is coming."
"So what? Morning will follow!"
"You are wrong. There will be no morning!"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean that night is coming."
"What kind of night? Are you trying to say that I have to pack up
for eternity?"
"I repeat: Night is coming! You haven't much time left." 2
"Tell me, at least, if it will be very soon."
"Don't be so curious. Non plus sapere quam oportet sapere. [Don't
try to know more than is good for you.]"
"That's what my mother used to say about nosy people," I thought.
Then I said aloud: "All right, but I still don't want any grapes!"
So we continued along the road and soon came to my field. My
brother Joseph was there loading a wagon. He greeted us both, but, see-
ing that the stranger ignored him, asked me if he was a schoolmate of
mine.
"No," I answered. "I never saw him before."
My brother then turned to him. "Would you please tell me your
name?" There was no response. In amazement my brother again asked
me, "Who is he?"
"I don't know. He won't tell!"
We both again pleaded with the stranger to identify himself but he
kept repeating, "Non plus sapere quam oportet sapere. [Don't try to
know more than is good for you.]"
My brother gave up and left us alone. The stranger then turned to me
and said, "Would you like to see something unusual?"
"Certainly!" I replied.
"Would you like to see your boys as they are now and as they will
be in the future? Would you want to count them?"
"Very much so!"
"Come here then."
From I don't know where he pulled out a strange contraption housing
a large wheel and set it on the ground.
2 At this time Don Bosco was forty-six. When he died, he W<'.S over seventy-
two. Toward the end of 1858 (see p. 56), Don Bosco told the boys that he
could not expect to live beyond fifty, but that their prayers could obtain an
extension. And God in His goodness did as He had already done once before in
1846 (see Vol. II, pp. 381-387). [Editor]

57 Pages 561-570

▲back to top


57.1 Page 561

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
533
"What's this wheel?" I asked.
"The wheel of eternity," he replied, and, seizing the handle, he gave
it a spin.
"Now, you try it," he said.
I did so.
"Look inside."
I looked and saw a large lens encased in the wheel. The lens was
about five feet in diameter, and its edge bore the inscription: Hie est
oculus qui humilia respicit in caelo et in terra. [This is the eye that sees
the lowly things in heaven and on earth.]
I immediately looked through the lens. What a sight! All the Oratory
boys stood there before my eyes. "How can this be?" I said to myself.
"I have never before seen anyone around here and now the place is
full of boys. Aren't they in Turin?" I carefully examined the whole
contraption; only through the lens could I see anybody. I looked at the
stranger in amazement. After a few moments, he ordered me to tum the
handle once more. Something startling happened: the boys were separ-
ated into two groups: the good and the bad; the former beaming with
joy, the latter - not many, thank God - a sorry sight. I recognized
them all. How different they were from what their companions believed
them to be! Some had tongues pierced through with holes, others had
pitifully squinting eyes, and still others had ugly sores covering their
heads or worms gnawing at their hearts. The longer I looked, the more
I grieved for them. "Can these possibly be my boys?" I asked. "What
can these strange ailments mean?"
"I will tell you," the stranger replied. "Pierced tongues symbolize foul
talk; squinting eyes indicate a lack of appreciation of God's graces by
setting earthly things above the heavenly. Sores on the head show that
they neglect your advice and cater to their own whims; worms symbolize
evil passions gnawing at their hearts. There are boys, too, who do not
want to hear your words lest they have to put them into practice."
At a nod from him, I spun the wheel again and pressed my eyes to
the lens. Four boys bound with heavy chains came into view. I looked
at them carefully and recognized them. I asked the stranger what that
meant. "That shouldn't be hard to figure out," he replied. "These are
the boys who pay no attention to your advice. If they do not mend
their ways, they run the risk of ending up in jail and rotting there for
their crimes."
"Let me jot their names down lest I forget," I said, but the stranger
objected, "You don't have to! Their names are in this book."
I noticed then that he carried a notebook. At his word I gave the

57.2 Page 562

▲back to top


534
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
wheel another tum and looked. This time I saw seven other boys, de-
fiant and distrustful, their lips padlocked. Three were also clamping
their ears shut with their hands. Again I wanted to write their names
down, but again the stranger firmly forbade it.
Painfully amazed to see those boys in their predicament, I asked why
their lips were padlocked.
"Can't you see it for yourself?" the stranger replied. "These are the
boys who refuse to tell."
"Tell what?"
"They won't tell, that's all!"
I understood then that he meant confession. These are boys who,
even when questioned by their confessor, will not answer or will answer
evasively or contrary to the truth. They say "no" when the answer should
be "yes." My friend then went on: "Do you see those three clamping
their hands over their ears? Aren't they a sorry sight? Well, they are
boys who not only do not tell their sins, but even refuse to listen to their
confessor's advice, warnings, and orders. They hear your words, but
pay no heed to them. They could unplug their ears, but won't. The
other four boys, instead, listened to your exhortations and warnings but
did not put them into practice."
"How can they get rid of that padlock?" I inquired.
"Ejiciatur superbia e cordibus eorum," he replied. [Let pride be cast
out of their hearts.]
"I will speak to these boys," I went on, "but there is little hope for
those who willfully shut their ears." That stranger then advised that
whenever I say a few words by way of sermon, half those words should
be on making a good confession.
I promised that I would. I don't mean to say that I will carry out
that injunction to the letter because I would make myself tiresome, but
I will do my best to impress the importance and need of good con-
fessions upon all and as often as possible. In fact, more people are
eternally lost through bad confessions than in any other way because
even the worst people occasionally do go to confession. There are very
many, however, who make bad confessions.
When, at the stranger's command, I gave the wheel another tum, I
was horrified to see three boys gripped from behind by three husky
monkeys armed with horns. Each beast gripped its victim's throat by its
forepaws so tightly that the boy's face became flushed and his blood-
shot eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Moreover, the beast's
hind legs and long tail bound the boy's thighs and legs so as to almost

57.3 Page 563

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
535
completely immobilize him. These were boys who go through a spiritual
retreat and still remain in mortal sin, guilty especially of impurity, of a
serious offense against the Sixth Commandment. The devil chokes them
to keep them from speaking when they should; he makes them blush to
the point of losing their heads so that they no longer realize what they
are doing. A false shame then overwhelms them and leads them to
perdition. The devil has them by their throats so tightly that their eyes
seem to pop from their sockets, and they can no longer see their miser-
able condition and the way to get out of their horrible mess. A senseless
fear and repugnance keep them from the sacraments. The devil grips
their thighs and legs to make is impossible for them to take a step in
the right direction. So strong are their bad habits that these boys be-
come convinced they can no longer help themselves.
I assure you, my dear boys, that I wept at that sight. I wanted to
rescue those unfortunate lads, but as soon as I drew away from the
lens I could see them no more. I also wanted to take down their names,
but my friend would have none of it. "It's unnecessary," he kept saying,
"because they are all written down in this notebook."
Grieved by this sight beyond words, I tearfully turned to my com-
panion, sobbing, "How is this possible? How can these boys be in such
miserable shape after I lavished so much care on them in confession
and out of confession?"
"Labor, Sudar, Fervor," was his scrambled, mumbled reply.
"I didn't quite get it," I said. "Please speak more clearly."
Again he muttered, "Labor, Sudar, Fervor."
"It's no use," I said. "As long as you keep mumbling, I can't make
out what you are saying."
"Are you making fun of me?" he asked.
"Not at all! I just can't understand you."
"Listen, you know your grammar. Just pay attention: Labor
comma; Sudar - comma; Fervor - period. Do you get it now?"
"I get the words," I replied, "but what's the message?"
"All right, I'll make it clearer: Labor in assiduis operibus [Constant
hard work]; Sudar in poenitentiis continuis [Incessant, painstaking mor-
tification]; Fervor in orationibus ferventibus et perseverantibus [Fervent
and persevering prayer]. For these boys, however, your sacrifices, no
matter how great, will be of no avail. You will not win them over,
because they do not want to shake off Satan's yoke of slavery."
Meanwhile I kept staring through the lens, fretting and thinking,
"How is this possible? Are those boys really doomed, even after a

57.4 Page 564

▲back to top


536
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
spiritual retreat? Were all my sacrifices, efforts, sermons, suggestions,
and warnings to no avail? Were all their promises a sham? What a
letdown!"
These thoughts utterly disheartened me. My friend noticed it. "How
proud and conceited you are!" he chided me. "Do you expect your
boys to be converted just because you work for them, to respond to
your cares just because you love them? Do you perhaps think that you
love, work, and suffer more than Our Blessed Savior? Do you expect
your words to be more effective than His? Do you preach better than He
did? Do you believe you have been more loving and anxious for your
boys than Our Lord was for His Apostles? Aren't you aware that they
lived constantly with Him, endlessly benefited from all kinds of graces
and favors, heard His admonitions and precepts, and witnessed His
divine example? Shouldn't all this have effectively spurred them to
saintly lives? Didn't He do all He could for Judas? And yet Judas be-
trayed Him and died impenitent. Are you better than the Apostles?
Didn't they carefully choose seven deacons? They chose but seven and
one of them went astray. Are you surprised and upset if among five
hundred boys a few will not respond to your care? Are you so con-
ceited as to expect that none of your boys will turn out badly and be
lost? How proud can you be?"
These words silenced me, but for all that I still felt very much
disheartened.
"Cheer up!" my friend went on. "Turn the wheel again and see how
generous God is! See how many souls He wants to give you! Look at
all those boys."
I peered again into the lens and saw a very large number of boys
totally unknown to me.
"I see them," I remarked, "but I don't know any of them."
"Well," he replied, "the Lord will give you all these boys to make up
for the fourteen who do not cooperate with you. For each one of them
He will give you a hundred!"
"Poor me!" I exclaimed. "The Oratory is full already. Where shall I
put them?"
"Don't worry. Right now that's no problem. Later, He who sends
them will make room for them."
"I'm not too worried about that," I said. "My greatest worry is feed-
ing them!"
"Don't worry about that either! The Lord will provide."
"In that case, I am quite happy!" I replied in deep relief.

57.5 Page 565

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
537
Delightedly I kept looking at those boys, studying the features of very
many so as to be able to recognize them if I ever met them.
Thus ended Don Bosco's talk on the night of May 2, 18 61.
Don Bosco resumed his story on the following night, concisely
and vividly. Through the lens he had also seen the vocation of
each of his boys. However, he did not disclose any names and
postponed to a later account the questions he had put to his guide
and the latter's answers concerning symbols and allegories of the
dream.
The cleric Dominic Ruffino was nevertheless able to gather a
few names confidentially from the boys themselves to whom Don
Bosco had more privately manifested what he had seen about them.
Ruffino recorded the names in 18 61 and gave us the list. To make
our narration clearer and avoid repetitions, we shall insert names
and explanations, mostly in non-dialogue form, while still report-
ing the chronicle word by word. Don Bosco resumed his narration
on May 3, as follows:
I was rejoicing to see so many new boys when the stranger, still
standing by his apparatus, asked me: "Would you like to see something
even more delightful?"
"Certainly!" I replied.
"Then give the wheel another tum."
I did and peered through the lens. I saw the boys separated into two
groups, some distance apart, in a broad area. At my left I could see a
vast field, in which all sorts of vegetables were growing, and a meadow
lined at its edge with a few rows of wild vines. The first group of boys
was working this field with spades, hoes, picks, shovels, and rakes. They
were broken up into squads, each with a foreman. The whole group took
orders from Chevalier Oreglia 3 who was busy handing out tools and
prodding sluggish workers. Farther away, near the edge of the field, I
saw other boys sowing seed. A second group was working on my right
in a vast field covered with golden wheat. A long trench separated this
field from other fields which stretched out as far as the eye could see.
All the boys were busy harvesting - bundling into sheaves, piling them,
gleaning, carting, threshing, sharpening sickles, and handing them out.
3 Frederick Oreglia, a late vocation, came to the Oratory in 1860, became a
Salesian in 1862, but left in 1869 to join the Society of Jesus. [Editor]

57.6 Page 566

▲back to top


53 8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Some boys were also playing guitars. I assure you, it was quite a scene.
Nearby, in the shade of ancient trees, were tables laden with food; a
little further off, one could see a gorgeous garden with all kinds of
flowers in full bloom. The two groups of boys symbolized different
vocations: the lay state and the priesthood. I did not know this at the
time, and so I asked, "What's the meaning of all this?"
"Can't you see it yet?" he replied. "Boys tilling the soil are those who
work for themselves alone. They are not called to be priests."
I understood then that this applied to the artisans.4 In their state of
life they only think of saving their own souls and feel no special obliga-
tion to work at saving the souls of others.
"And the second group?" I asked. But then it dawned on me that
these boys were called to be priests. Now I knew who were called to the
priesthood and who were not.
As I watched very interestedly, I noticed that Provera 5 was handing
out sickles. I took this to mean that he might become the rector of a
seminary, a religious community, or a house of studies~ perhaps he
might become something even more important. I observed that not all
the reapers received their sickles from him. The boys who did are those
who are destined to join the [Salesian] Congregation. The others, in-
stead, are to become diocesan priests. The sickle symbolized the Word
of God. Another detail: Provera did not readily give a sickle to all who
asked. Some he just ordered to take either one or two morsels of food.
The first morsel signified piety, the second knowledge. James Rossi fl
was sent to take one. The boys had to report to the cleric [Celestine]
Durando 7 who was in the little grove setting tables and serving the
reapers - the task of those who are particularly destined to promote
devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament. Matthew Galliano 8 was busy
serving beverages. Costamagna,9 too, asked for a sickle, but was first
sent by Provera to pick two flowers from the garden. The same hap-
pened to Quattroccolo. Rebuffo 10 was promised a sickle on condition
that he first pick three :flowers. Olivero also was there.
Meanwhile, all the other boys were scattered here and there in the
4 At the Oratory boys were divided into two groups: students and artisans.
The former received an academic education; the latter learned a trade. [Editorl
5 See p. 157, footnote 9. [Editor]
6 A lay teacher at the Oratory. See Vol. V, pp. 365, 495. [Editor]
7 Durando was ordained a priest in 1864, became a member of the Superior
Chapter of the Salesian Society in 1865, and served in it until his death in 1907.
[Editor]
B Perhaps the name is misspelled. See pp. 7, 121. [Editor]
9 See p. 153, footnote 14. [Editor]
10 See pp. 357, 500, 506, 571. [Editor]

57.7 Page 567

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
539
wheatfield, some working abreast with larger or narrower rows to cul-
tivate. Father Ciattino, the pastor of Maretto, was using a sickle he had
received from Provera. Francesia and Vibert were cutting wheat. So too
were Hyacinth Perucatti,11 Merlone,12 Momo,13 Garino,14 and Jarach 15
- an indication that they would save souls by their preaching if they
persevered in their vocation. Some reaped more than others. Bondioni
was cutting wheat like mad, but how long could he last? Others hacked
at the wheat with all their strength but cut nothing. Vaschetti 16 took
hold of a sickle, began to cut, and went at it zestfully until he found
himself working in another field. He wasn't the only one, either. Some
sickles were dull or blunted or in such poor condition that they actually
did more harm than good.
Dominic Ruffino had a long row to take care of. His sickle was very
sharp, but blunted at the point, signifying lack of humility and an am-
bition to outdo his companions. He went to Francis Cerruti 17 to have
his sickle fixed. The latter had been given that task, a symbol that one
day he would become a teacher and instill knowledge and piety into
students. Hammering, in fact, is the task of those charged with forming
priestly candidates. Provera handed the blunted sickles to Cerruti and
the dull ones to Rocchietti 18 and others - an indication that they would
one day form priestly vocations to piety. Viale 19 came up for a sickle
and picked out a dull one, but Provera made him take one he had just
sharpened. I also saw Rinaudo servicing farm tools.
While all this was going on, Fusero 20 was tying sheaves. This meant
that his task would be to keep souls in God's grace, particularly the
souls of those called to the priesthood. In other words, he would one
day form young clerics.
Others were helping him; among them I saw Turchi 21 and Ghiva-
rello.22 This meant that they would work especially in setting consciences
right, as, for example, in hearing confessions, particularly of priests or
priestly candidates.
11 See pp. 150, 154, 523. [Editor]
12 Seep. 431 [Editor]
13 Seep. 293. [Editor]
14 Seep. 262, footnote 3. [Editor]
15 Seep. 159. [Editor]
16 See pp. 218f, 293, 362, 426, 548. [Editor]
17 Seep. 110, footnote 6. [Editor]
18 Seep. 56. [Editor]
19 Seep. 431. [Editor]
20 Seep. 117. [Editor]
21 Seep. 257, footnote 1. [Editor]
22 Seep. 157, footnote 8. [Editor]

57.8 Page 568

▲back to top


540
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Others were loading sheaves on a wagon symbolizing God's grace.
Converted sinners must climb upon this wagon in order to make a start
on their way to heaven. When the wagon was fully loaded, oxen - a
symbol of strength and perseverance - started pulling it. Some boys led
them, following Rua. This means that Rua's task will be to lead souls
to heaven. [Angelo] Savio 23 trailed behind, gleaning ears of wheat or
sheaves which fell from the wagon.
Scattered about the field were John Bonetti,24 Joseph Bongiovanni,25
and others, busily gleaning. Their task will be to rescue obstinate sinners.
Bonetti, especially, is called by God to seek such unfortunate people.
Fusero and Anfossi 26 were preparing sheaves for threshing. Perhaps
this suggested a teaching career. Others, like Father Alasonatti, stacked
them; they are those who administer finances, watch over the observance
of rules, and teach prayers and hymns - in short, those who materially
and morally contribute in directing souls to heaven.
One strip of land had been cleared and smoothed out for threshing.
John Cagliero,27 who had just gone to the garden for flowers and had
handed them out to his companions, betook himself to the threshing
area, still holding a little bouquet of flowers. Threshing grain symbolizes
God's call to instruct the common people.
Far off, black columns of smoke were rising to the sky. Some boys
had gathered cockle and were burning it outside the field. This symbo-
lized those who would remove the bad from the good as directors of our
future houses. Among them I saw Francis Cerruti, John Baptist Ta-
mietti,28 Dominic Belmonte,29 Paul Albera,30 and others, who are now
studying in the lower Latin grades.
All the above scenes kept unfolding simultaneously. I saw some boys
in that crowd hold lighted lanterns, though it was broad daylight. Evi-
dently they were destined to be beacons, giving good example to other
workers in the Lord's vineyard. Among them was Paul Albera, who,
23 See p. 109 footnote 1. [Editor]
24 See p. 31, footnote 9. [Editor]
25 Seep. 181. See also Vol. V, pp. 82, 313, 499f. [Editor]
26 John Baptist Anfossi, an orphan, entered the Oratory at the age of thirteen
in December 1853 (see Vol. IV, pp. 467f). He became a Salesian in 1862 and
was ordained a priest in 1864. Later on, he joined the diocesan clergy but
remained always devoted to Don Bosco. [Editor]
21 See p. 12, footnote 6. [Editor]
28 Tamietti entered the Oratory in 1860, donned the cassock in 1863, was
ordained in 1873, and filled important positions in the Salesian Society. As Don
Bosco had told him, he died in 1920 before completing his 72nd year. [Editor]
29 See p. 234, footnote 7. [Editor]
ao See p. 24, footnote 7. [Editor]

57.9 Page 569

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
541
besides carrying a lamp, also played the guitar. This means that not only
will he guide priests, but he will also encourage them to persevere. It
suggested, too, some high post in the Church.
Amid so much hustle and bustle, however, not all the boys were
busy. One fellow was holding a pistol, an indication that he was in-
clined to a military career, though he was as yet uncertain. Others just
stood about idly, watching the reapers, with no intention of joining them.
Some looked undecided; being too lazy for action, they couldn't make up
their minds. Others instead ran for a sickle, but a few of these did
nothing on reaching the field. There were also some who swung the
sickle wrongly. Molino 31 was one of them. These are boys who always
do the opposite of what they should. Quite a few others kept roaming
about or picking wild grapes, denoting those who waste their time in
tasks not pertaining to them.
The boys tilling the soil in the field at the left were also an odd sight.
While most of those sturdy lads worked very diligently, a few were
using their hoes the wrong way or only pretending to work. Some
knocked the blade off the handle at every blow. The handle symbolized
the right intention.
I also observed artisans reaping wheat and students hoeing. I again
tried to jot down some notes, but my guide would immediately show me
his notebook and stop me. I could also see that very many boys stood
idly about because they couldn't make up their minds. Instead, the two
Dalmazzo brothers,32 Primo Gariglio, Monasterolo, and many others
seemed determined to make a decision one way or the other. I saw some
quit hoeing to go and do some reaping. One boy was in such a hurry
that he forgot to get a sickle. Shamefacedly, he went back for one, but
the person in charge refused to give it to him despite his insistence. "It's
not time yet!" he told him.
"Yes, it is!" the lad insisted. "I want it now!"
"Not now!" was the reply. "First go to the garden and pick two
flowers."
"All right," he exclaimed, shrugging his shoulders. "I'll pick all the
flowers you want."
"Two will do!"
He ran to the garden but, on getting there, realized he had not asked
which two flowers he should pick. He rushed back to ask.
"Pick the flower of charity and that of humility," he was told.
"I've got them already."
31 See p. 431. [Editor]
82 Francis and Joseph Dalmazzo. See pp. 453, 526. [Editor]

57.10 Page 570

▲back to top


542
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMoms OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"You only think you have them!"
The boy fumed, clenched his fists, and raged.
"This is no time for a tantrum," the one in charge told him, and he
absolutely refused to hand him a scythe. The lad bit his fists in rage.
After this I stopped looking through the lens, which had enabled me
to learn so much. I felt stirred, too, by the moral applications my friend
had suggested. I again asked for a few more explanations. The stranger
repeated: "The wheat field is the Church; the harvest is the fruit reaped;
the sickle is the tool - the Word of God especially - to harvest the
fruit. The dull blade means lack of piety; the blunted point signifies lack
of humility. Leaving the field while reaping means leaving the Oratory
and the Salesian Society."
The following night, May 4, 1861, Don Bosco concluded his
narrative. The first part had shown him the Oratory pupils, especi-
ally the students; the second indicated those who were called to
the priesthood. The third part was a succession of visions: the
Salesian Society in 1861, its prodigious growth, and the gradual
disappearance of the first Salesians and their replacement by others.
Don Bosco spoke thus:
After I had leisurely taken in the richly varied harvest scene, the
obliging stranger said, "Now give the wheel ten turns and look."
I obeyed. Marvelously, those very lads whom I had patted as children
a few days before were now virile, bearded men, some with greying hair.
"How could this happen?" I inquired. "That man was a mere young-
ster the other day!"
My friend answered, "Don't be surprised! How many turns did you
give the wheel?"
"Ten."
"Then they are all ten years older. We have gone from 1861 to 1871."
"Oh!" Through that mysterious lens I saw new places, new houses of
ours, and many pupils in the care of my dear Oratory boys, now priests,
teachers, and directors.
"Give the wheel ten more turns, and we shall reach 1881," the
stranger told me. I complied and peered into the lens. Now I saw only
about half the boys I had seen before. Nearly all were grey-haired, a
few stooping.
"Where are the others?" I asked.
"Gone into eternity," he replied.

58 Pages 571-580

▲back to top


58.1 Page 571

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
543
This striking loss grieved me considerably, but I was consoled by the
sight of an immense tableau of new and unknown regions and a multi-
tude of boys led by teachers unknown to me but pupils of my :first boys,
some already mature in years.
I gave the wheel ten more turns and then saw only one-fourth of the
boys I had seen but a few moments before. They were much older and
white-haired.
"Where are the others?" I asked.
"Gone into eternity. This is now 1891."
I then beheld a very touching sight. My toil-worn priests were sur-
rounded by boys I had never seen; many were of a different race and
color.
I turned the wheel ten more times. I could only see a few of my first
boys, tottering and bent with age, gaunt and thin. Among others I re-
member seeing Father Rua, so old and haggard as to be hardly recogniz-
able.
"What about all the others?" I asked.
"Gone into eternity! We are now in the year 1901."
I saw many houses of ours, but none of my old Salesians. The di-
rectors and teachers were all unknown to me. The multitude of boys
kept growing, as was the number of houses and personnel.
"Now," the stranger said, "turn the wheel ten more times, and you
will see things that will both cheer and sadden you." I complied.
"Nineteen hundred and eleven!" my friend exclaimed.
My dear boys, I saw new houses, new boys, new directors, and
teachers dressed differently from us. And what about my first Oratory
boys? I searched and searched through the great multitude and could
find only one of you, white-haired, bent with age. Surrounded by boys,
he was telling them about the Oratory's beginnings and repeating things
he had learned from Don Bosco, while pointing out to them his picture
hanging on the parlor wall.88 And what about the first pupils and su-
periors that I had just seen as old men? ...
At a nod from the stranger, I again gave the wheel several turns. All
I could see was a vast solitude, with nobody in sight. "Oh!" I gasped.
"There is nobody here! Where are all the cheerful, lively, strong boys
that are at the Oratory with me right now?"
88 Most probably this white-haired Salesian was none other than Father John
Baptist Francesia who was 73 in 1911. Practically up to his death in 1930 at the
age of 91, he daily showed up in the playground and experienced delight in
chatting with the boys and telling them about Don Bosco, as we ourselves were
privileged to see and hear from 1923-24 to 1927-28. (Editorl

58.2 Page 572

▲back to top


544
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Gone into eternity! Remember that a decade goes by with every
ten turns of the wheel."
I figured that I had given the wheel fifty turns and that around 1911
the boys that are now at the Oratory would all be gone into eternity.
"Now," the stranger said, "would you like to see something really
startling?"
"Yes," I replied.
"Watch! Give the wheel as many turns counterclockwise as you did
clockwise."
I did so.
"Now look!" the stranger cried.
I saw an immense crowd of boys of countless nations, features, and
tongues. So vast was the throng that I could single out only a small
fraction with their superiors.
"I don't know any of them," I said to the stranger.
"Still," he replied, "they are all your sons. Listen. They are talking
about you and your first boys, their superiors, now long dead, and the
teaching you and your first sons handed down to them."
Again I looked intently, but on removing my gaze from the lens, I
saw the wheel begin to spin by itself so fast and so noisily that I awoke
and found myself in bed, exhausted.
Now that I have told you all these things, you may think that Don
Bosco is an extraordinary man, a great man, a saint, no doubt! My dear
lads, before you entertain such foolish notions about me, feel absolutely
free to believe or not believe these things and to make whatever you
want of them. I only ask that you do not make fun of them, whether
among yourselves or with outsiders. Bear in mind, though, that Our
Lord can manifest His will in many ways. Sometimes He makes use of
the most unsuitable, unworthy instruments, as when He made Balaam's
donkey speak and even used Balaam himself - a false prophet - to
foretell many things concerning the Messiah. Such may be the case with
me. I warn you, then, not to follow my example blindly. What you
must do is to pay close attention to all I say because that at least, I hope,
will always be in accordance with God's will and helpful to your souls.
As for what I do, never say, "Don Bosco did it and so it has to be
good." Examine it first. If you see it is good, do likewise, but if it were,
perchance, bad, beware of imitating it. Don't! [Good night!]"

58.3 Page 573

▲back to top


CHAPTER 68
A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity
(Continued)
FOR this dream's effect on the Oratory we shall rely on
on the testimony of witnesses. Canon [Hyacinth] Ballesio in his
[funeral] oration, Vita intima di Don Bosco, after adding details of
this dream and the two preceding ones 1 - details not found in the
Bonetti and Ruffino chronicles - went on to say:
Don Bosco lived for us. Even his very scanty sleep was crowded with
thoughts of his children as he dreamed of them. Were they dreams or
visions? He called them dreams, but we were convinced that they were
nothing less than visions. I remember the dream in which he saw his
boys, numbering more than four hundred students and artisans, in vari-
ous poses symbolizing their spiritual condition. He narrated it on suc-
cessive evenings after night prayers so vividly and forcefully that it rang
forth like a prophecy. In this dream he saw some pupils resplendent with
light, others with a heart full of pure gold, and still others with hideous,
horrid features or looking like animals with hearts full of clay. He had
seen youngsters surrounded, besieged, or assailed by wild animals
typifying temptations, dangerous occasions, and sins. Don Bosco told
us this dream with simplicity, gravity, and fatherly affection, giving it
maximum importance. Its impression on all of us was unique and most
wholesome. One after another we each went to him to learn in what
condition he had seen us. To our astonishment, everyone had to admit
that what Don Bosco had seen was true.
The effect of this dream on the boys' conduct was so great that the
most powerful spiritual retreat scarcely could have equaled it. All these
extraordinary things which I mention cannot be explained by Don
1 See pp. 478-482, 508-518. [Editor]
545

58.4 Page 574

▲back to top


546
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Bosco's natural insight or the knowledge he derived from his confidential
talks with the boys or from his co-workers' reports. Don Bosco's words
and actions were such that, under the circumstances, we who were no
longer children could see no rational or plausible explanation other than
to accept the fact that these were heavenly charisms. Considering just
this dream or vision, how could he have otherwise seen and remembered
so unerringly the spiritual condition of each of his four hundred pupils?
Among them were newcomers who had recently arrived at the Oratory
and others who had never gone to confession to him; yet, on hearing
Don Bosco's vivid, intimate description of their souls, of their inclina-
tions, and of their most secret doings, they had to admit that what he
said was true.
Bishop John Cagliero wrote:
I was there in 1861 when Don Bosco narrated the dream of "The
Wheel of Eternity," in which he had seen the future of the fledgling
Salesian Congregation. He told us about these dreams after consulting
Father Cafasso, who advised him to keep giving them importance tuta
conscientia, for he judged them to be for God's greater glory and the
good of souls. Don Bosco disclosed this to us, his closest co-workers,
some years before Father Cafasso's death.
The boys' attention to his words was surprisingly impressive. On his
part, Don Bosco unerringly and unhesitatingly would privately tell each
one who asked him - and very many of us did - what he was doing
in the wheat field and what it meant. It took Don Bosco three consecu-
tive evenings to relate this dream, which we discussed among ourselves
and with our beloved father for quite some time, convinced that it had
given him a clear knowledge of the Oratory's future and that of the
Salesian Congregation. Privately, in the company of his closest co-
workers, he delighted in repeating the description of the golden wheat
ripening in that mysterious field and the various poses of the reapers and
of those who were handing out the sickles. He also assured us that,
contrary to expectations, our Congregation, despite great opposition and
persecution, would be approved, survive, prosper, and extraordinarily
expand to the astonishment of many good, prudent people who thought
otherwise. All these things I have repeatedly heard from companions
and from Don Bosco himself.
In regard to the three pupils who had monkey-like creatures on
their shoulders, Father Francis Dalmazzo testified under oath:

58.5 Page 575

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
547
I remember well that, in speaking of these boys, Don Bosco said that
if they wished to know more, they were to ask him. More than fifty
pupils, disturbed by their conscience, did so, but Don Bosco told each
one, "It's not you." Later, in meeting those three boys in the playground
at different times, he warned them of their miserable condition. One was
a classmate of mine, and he confidentially told me of his astonishment
at Don Bosco's knowledge. On the other hand, I have had personal
proofs of Don Bosco's discernment of hearts, because time and again he
revealed my own interior state to me without my saying a word. I also
had similar proofs from my companions who candidly admitted that,
despite their silence on serious sins in confession, Don Bosco had un-
erringly pointed them out to them.
Concerning the four boys whom Don Bosco had seen in chains,
we came to know about one of them through Father [John] Borel.
In 1866, while ministering in the city jails, he came across a
convict, an army deserter named B . . . who asked him to get him
a copy of The Companion of Youth from Don Bosco and to give
him this message: "Do you remember telling me that in the dream
of 'The Wheel' you saw me in chains? Well, I was one of those
four boys. Fortunately, I have committed no crime. I just couldn't
stand army life and took off." Don Bosco visited him and brought
him the prayer book. Aside from the dream, he had predicted other
matters to this lad when, on finishing secondary school at the Ora-
tory, he had come to say good-bye to Don Bosco and had told him
that he intended to enter religious life.
"Stay with us," was the advice of Don Bosco, who had previously
tried to persuade him to remain. "Here you will find all you desire."
However, the youth was determined to go.
"All right," Don Bosco concluded, "you may go. You will join
the Jesuits and you will be dismissed. Then you will try the Capu-
chins, but you will not succeed. Eventually, after a lot of trouble,
you will be hungry and come back here."
This made no sense ai the time, for the youth's family was
wealthy and prominent. Yet Don Bosco's prediction was literally
fulfilled. The boy first joined the Jesuits and then the Capuchins,
but he could not adapt himself to their rules and after a while had
to leave. Many years later, after squandering his patrimony, he

58.6 Page 576

▲back to top


548
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
showed up at the Oratory in a miserable condition. He stayed there
for a time but then, driven by wanderlust, left. All these details he
told us himself. He was still living in 1901.
Meanwhile, since May 4 clerics and pupils had continued to
crowd around Don Bosco to find out whether he had seen them
among the tillers or the reapers and to learn what they were actually
doing, and he obliged. We have already reported many of his replies
as we narrated the dream. Several had all the earmarks of genuine
predictions.
Don Bosco had seen the cleric John Molino, sickle in hand, idly
watching those who were reaping; he then had walked to the ditch
surrounding the field, leaped across it, and, throwing his hat away,
run off. Molino asked Don Bosco for an explanation. "You will
study not five but six years of theology," Don Bosco replied. "Then
you will give up your clerical habit." The cleric was shocked by
this seemingly strange and unlikely reply, but future events proved
the truth of Don Bosco's words. This cleric actually did study the-
ology for six years - four at the Oratory and two at the Asti
seminary. Then, after the spiritual retreat preparatory to his ordina-
tion, he went to San Damiano d'Asti, his native town, for one day
ostensibly to settle some business; once there, he lay aside his
cassock and never returned.
The cleric Vaschetti was considered one of the main pillars of
the Giaveno junior seminary, and indeed he was. When Don Bosco
revealed that he had seen him leap over the ditch and quit, he
replied somewhat peevishly, "You must have been dreaming!"
Actually, at that time it had never entered his mind to leave Don
Bosco. Later, however, he did withdraw, for he was free to do so.
As a priest, he one day called on Don Bosco, and the latter re-
minded him of his prompt but filial outburst.
"I remember," Vaschetti answered. "You were right!"
Then Don Bosco added, "God wanted you here. Anyway, I hope
He will help you with His grace. However, you will have your
problems." God did assist Vaschetti, who did much good as a
pastor.
The cleric Joseph Fagnano originally had no intention of asking
Don Bosco what part he had played in the dream. Having recently

58.7 Page 577

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
549
come to the Oratory from the Asti seminary and being wary by tem-
perament, he was somewhat skeptical about the whole thing. How-
ever, having been urged by his companions, he too asked Don
Bosco what he had seen of him through that lens. Don Bosco
replied, "I saw you in the field, but you were so far away that I
could hardly recognize you. You were working among naked men."
Fagnano did not attribute much significance to these words, but
they flashed back to his mind years later as, on the feast of Mary
Help of Christians, he was stranded on the shores of the Strait of
Magellan, surviving on mollusks for two days, because stormy seas
prevented the ship that he was to board from entering the harbor.
Later he found himself working among naked Indians 2 in Tierra
del Fuego, his mission field.
To Angelo Savio, Don Bosco said that he had seen him, too, in
far distant regions.3 To Dominic Belmonte he said, "You will give
God glory with music." Then he added a word which instantly
made a deep impression upon him. However, no sooner had he
stepped away from Don Bosco then he immediately forgot it, and
no amount of effort could bring him to recall it. Don Bosco had
also seen him leading a wagon drawn by five mules. He worked
most successfully, first as a teacher and general assistant at Mira-
bella, then as a teacher at Alassio, as prefect and, later, as director
at Bargo San Martino, and as director and pastor at Sampierdarena.
In all these places he also taught music and added splendor to the
liturgy. Finally [in 1886] he became Prefect General of the Salesian
Society and director of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales. Always
and everywhere he enjoyed the love and full confidence of both
confreres and pupils. We read in the chronicle:
Don Bosco also told Avanzino about his part in the dream, adding,
2 Father Fagnano was a member of Don Bosco's first missionary expedition
to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego in 1875. (See Vol. XI, p. 349) He was later
appointed Prefect Apostolic and died in Santiago, Chile, on September 18, 1916.
[Editor]
3 Savio went to South America in 1885 at the age of fifty. He covered the
whole of Patagonia on horseback and opened schools in Chile, Peru, and Para-
guay, proving himself an untiring, zealous missionary. After a short respite in
Italy, he went to Ecuador in 1892 to open a new mission, dying there on January
17, 1893 on an exploration trip. [Editor]

58.8 Page 578

▲back to top


550
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"This is what God wants you to do." Avanzino did not disclose the
work for which he seemed destined because it was not to his liking, but
later he told his friends, "Don Bosco bared things to me which I had
never revealed to any living person."
To G ... too Don Bosco said, "You should be a priest, but you lack
three virtues: humility, charity, and chastity." He added, though, that
he had not been called to get his sickle from Provera. Ferrari, a boy who
kept saying that he wanted to be a priest, never went to ask what part
he had played in the dream, though many were pressing him to do so.
He ridiculed the whole thing, but eventually he found himself cornered.
Don Bosco told him that he had seen him in the wheat field and that,
despite repeated exhortations to pick more flowers, he had started
harvesting wheat very briskly; when he was through, and had turned
back to look at his work, he found nothing.
"What does that mean?" the lad asked.
"It means that if you don't mend your ways and if you continue to
follow your whims instead of letting yourself be guided, you will end
up as an unfrocked priest or religious."
The Oratory boys, however, were not satisfied merely with per-
sonal communications. They wanted more detailed, public explana-
tions of the dream and a clarification of certain points which they
had not fully understood. Their curiosity kept them in suspense and
had to be relieved. These boys were unconstrained, bright, and
studious, and their questions could have posed a difficult problem
for anyone unsure of the truth of what he was saying. But Don
Bosco had no fear of being caught in contradictions. The chronicle
continues:
On the evening of May 4, Don Bosco allowed everyone to ask ques-
tions, as he too wished to explain whatever part of the dream was still
unclear to them. There were a good number of questions at the "Good
Night" on May 5.
"What does 'night' mean?" they inquired.
"That death is drawing near. 'Venit nox quando nemo potest operari,'
said Our Lord." [Night comes when no one can work - John 4, 9]
The boys took this as a hint he was giving them that perhaps his end
was near. After a brief painful silence they asked whether there was
any way by which they could prolong his life. "Yes," he replied. "First,

58.9 Page 579

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
551
I should stop having these dreams because they sap my strength; sec-
ondly, people who stubbornly persist in evil should stop forcing Our
Lord, in a manner of speaking, to have to use such drastic measures to
make them give up sin."
"How about the figs and grapes?"
"The figs and grapes, partly ripe, partly unripe, show that certain
events preceding the 'night' have already come to pass and others are
still due. Those which have already taken place I will tell you in due
time. The figs especially symbolize great events which will soon take
place at the Oratory. I could tell you much on this score too, but I had
better not just now. I'll tell you later. I will add that the ripe figs, taken
as a symbol for boys, can signify that they are ripe either for God's
service or for eternity."
We shall here assert our belief that some figs must have been
bitter and that for this reason Don Bosco did not pick them, though
he justified his refusal with a pretext. The prophet Jeremiah de-
scribed a vision of his in these words: "The Lord showed me two
baskets of figs placed before the temple of the Lord. . . . One
basket contained excellent figs, the early-ripening kind. But the
other basket contained very bad figs, so bad that they could not be
eaten." [Jer. 24, 1-2] The first basket symbolized those who had
repented of their transgressions and had earned God's mercy; the
second represented those who would be exterminated by God be-
cause of their impenitence. "I will make them like rotten figs, too
bad to be eaten," says the Lord. [Jer. 24, 18]
As reported in Ru:ffino's chronicle the questioning went on:
"What did those monkey-like creatures on the boys' shoulders sym-
bolize?"
"The demon of impurity," Don Bosco replied. "When this demon
wants to enslave someone, he does so behind his back to hide the ugli-
ness of this sin and make it appear to be a mere nothing. These demons
throttle their victims when they attempt to confess their sins. The
significance of eyes bursting from their sockets is that anyone possessed
by the demon of impurity no longer sees the things of heaven. My dear
boys, remember those three words: Labor [Hard work], Sudar [Con-
stant mortification], and Fervor [Fervent prayer], and you will be able
to overcome this demon."

58.10 Page 580

▲back to top


552
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"And how can the padlock be removed from the mouth?"
Don Bosco repeated what the stranger had said: "A uferatur superbia
de cordibus eorum." [Let pride be cast out of their hearts.]
Questions were asked about the work each boy was doing in the field
and its meaning.
"What else could you tell us about the wheat field?" one boy asked.
"Those who were working there have a priestly vocation. Now I know
which of you should study for the priesthood and which should not. Do
not think, though, that all those tilling the soil were totally excluded
from harvesting, or vice versa. Among the harvesters there were some
artisans. I recognized them and shall assign them to study. I also saw
one of you asking for a sickle, but the one in charge refused to give it
to him because he still lacked some virtues. If he will acquire them, it
will be a clear sign that the Lord is calling him. It will be up to him not
to make himself unworthy of that call. But both tillers and harvesters
were doing God's will and were on the path of salvation."
"What did the food and the flowers represent?"
"There were some who wanted to harvest, but Provera would not give
them a sickle because they weren't as yet good enough for that. He
would tell them: 'You still lack a flower' or 'You need two :flowers. You
must eat more food....' These :flowers symbolize charity, humility, or
purity, while food stands for study or piety. After these boys picked
flowers or ate their food, they went back to Provera and got their
sickles."
Don Bosco was also asked about what he saw at every tenth tum of
the wheel, especially in regard to the growth of the Salesian Society.
"There was," he answered, "a long interval at every tenth tum of the
wheel to give me time to examine thoroughly every detail of those scenes.
From the very first few turns I saw the [Salesian] Congregation already
formed and well established, along with a great number of confreres and
pupils in different houses. New scenes appeared at every tum of the
wheel. Many boys I had seen before were no longer present; others had
aged; still others were new to me. The boys' number kept growing
rapidly and enormously."
Some boys were struck by the fact that the mysterious stranger had
said: "You will see things that will gladden you and others that will
sadden you." They asked him whether at every tenth turn - that is,
every tenth year - he had seen them doing the same kind of work,
holding the same office, or conducting themselves in the same way.
Were they better or worse than in the previous decade? Don Bosco did

59 Pages 581-590

▲back to top


59.1 Page 581

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
553
not want to answer this question. Nevertheless, he sighed, "It is sad and
discouraging to see what one goes through in a lifetime. If, as a boy,
I had foreseen what I have gone through these last few years, I would
have been disheartened."
The boys also expressed their astonishment at the number of houses
and hospices which Don Bosco claimed he would have one day. At this
time the Oratory was his only house. "You will see, you will see!" he
replied.
Thus Don Bosco spoke familiarly to the whole community. Certain
things, however, he disclosed only to his young clerics. For example, he
told them that two of those he had seen in the wheat field would become
bishops. This news spread through the Oratory like wildfire and stirred
up a great deal of talk. Since Don Bosco refused to say more, the boys
tried guessing and evaluated all their clerical companions. Eventually
they settled on John Cagliero as probably one bishop and Paul Albera
as the other. These rumors flew about the house for a long time.
Thus reads the witness of Ruffino's chronicle. We can add that
nobody then thought of James Costamagna,4 and he himself was
very far from suspecting that God had a mitre in store for him.
The chronicle goes on:
Don Bosco had said that he would assign the artisans he had seen
harvesting or gleaning to study. In fact, immediately after narrating the
dream, he invited Craverio to become a student, and the boy was de-
lighted. Don Bosco did the same with an apprentice shoemaker of
Giaveno. "I saw you harvesting," he told him, "but you didn't look very
enthused about it." A third lad, a bookbinder, received the same invita-
tion, but Don Bosco has not as yet disclosed his name.
In his dream Don Bosco saw another artisan, a tailor, weeding the
wheat field. The lad himself had confided to the cleric Ruffino that his
past conduct had not been quite up to par, but in a short time he became
a model of piety and virtue. He was strikingly humble. After he had
become a student, it happened on two occasions that, through an error
of similarity of names, his weekly conduct mark was entered as bene
[good] and /ere optime [almost excellent] instead of optime.5 In similar
cases even the best pupils would point out the error, but this lad was
not in the least upset. To those who were surprised by his inaction and
4 Seep. 153, footnote 14. [Editor]
5 Seep. 475. [Editor]

59.2 Page 582

▲back to top


554
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
urged him to have the matter rectified, he replied, "I deserved that
mark!" He did nothing to have it changed, thus indicating his willingness
to forfeit a prize given at the end of the year to all who had received
optime every week.
Meanwhile, the month of May, so happily ushered in, was drawing
all minds and hearts to heavenly things. One day, as a teacher was
speaking of paradise during class, young [Dominic] Parigi 6 became so
fascinated that his companions had to shake him to bring him back to
reality.
Don Bosco himself strove to instill a tender and deep devotion
to the Blessed Virgin into his pupils, teaching them to cherish Her
as a most loving mother and to invoke Her as a most powerful
protectress.
We will here quote a passage from Father Bonetti's Cinque Lustri
di Storia dell'Oratorio di San Francesco di Sales [The History of
the First Twenty-Five Years of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales].7
He wrote:
We shall now mention the main public and private devotions held at
the Oratory in the month so dear to Our Lady's devotees. Every morn-
ing we gathered in the Church of St. Francis de Sales. After a hymn to
the Blessed Virgin, we listened to a short reading from a book by Don
Bosco. The service ended with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.
During the morning, the confessional was thronged with pupils eager to
purify their souls. So many went to Communion that every day seemed
to be a general Communion day. During the different recreation periods,
boys kept slipping into church to pray at Our Lady's altar. Many spent
a considerable part of their playtime praying or reading a devout book
on Mary. Moreover, the young clerics and best students daily made it
their task to narrate edifying stories to various groups in order to explain
Our Lady's prerogatives, virtues, and mercies, increase the number of
Her devotees, and enkindle a filial love for Her in their hearts.
After supper, before night prayers, in the playground or in the porti-
coes, many spent their playtime singing Mary's praises and vying with
each other to extol Her - the one who, after God, filled our minds and
hearts during that entire month. All the pupils - both students and
artisans - strove to surpass one another in conduct in order to have
6 See pp. 158f, 402, 571. [Editor]
7 Seep. x. [Editor]

59.3 Page 583

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
555
the joy and honor of presenting the Queen of Heaven with a beautiful
wreath of excellent conduct marks at the end of the month.
As an added act of devotion to Her, each dormitory set up a little
altar with Her picture or statue, flowers, and lights. The pupils them-
selves undertook the expenses: the artisans with their token wages, the
students with whatever spending money they had. After night prayers,
before they got into bed, the young cleric in charge would gather them
around the little altar and alternately recite with them seven Hail Marys
in honor of Mary's Seven Joys or Sorrows. Then they all would joyfully
go to bed, feeling that they had dutifully greeted their heavenly Mother
and invoked Her blessing.
On Sundays and on the last day of Mary's month, a young cleric was
appointed to give the boys a short address in honor of Our Lady, pre-
paring himself in this way for his future priestly ministry under the
auspices of the one who is rightly called "Queen of Apostles."
The Lord blessed these acts of devotion and made them fruitful.
Without question, piety and morality were never more flourishing than
during this month. Never were the artisans more diligent and hard-
working, the students more attentive and cooperative, or the superiors
more cheerfully aided in their efforts. This proved beyond doubt that
religion is the foundation and most effective factor in a sound education.
Charity, zeal, and kindness on the part of superiors always succeed in
winning the pupils' minds and hearts, removing them from evil, attract-
ing them to virtue, and making them good Christians and upright
citizens. Indeed, in the training of the young, prevention is far more
desirable than repression. The year 1861 typified the Oratory's golden
era. Don Bosco's successors may well pray that it will return and spread
to all present and future Salesian houses.
We shall now return to the chronicle:
The boys' goodness was a direct result of Don Bosco's efforts, but
these gradually overtaxed his strength. Still, on the evening of May 7
[1861] he took upon himself the burden of teaching the boys the correct
way of singing the hymn Noi siam figli di Maria. He sang it through
himself and then had the boys repeat it.
Questioned by them on his health, he answered, "Had it been my
duty to advise someone in my state of health, I would have told him to
go to bed and see a doctor. Personally, though, I could not take this
advice because doctors would most likely have plied me with all kinds

59.4 Page 584

▲back to top


556
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
of medicines and bloodletting and would have forced me to rest - all
the more so because my main trouble is a rush of blood to the stomach.
Doctors make a great deal of fuss over such things."
After the boys went to bed, he said to the priests and clerics who
accompanied him to his room: "I never stop to think that death may
cut my plans short, and yet I do everything as though it were the very
last thing I will ever do. When I start a new undertaking, I know that
perhaps I shall not be able to finish it, but I don't worry. I will do all
I can, even if this should be my last day. I always work as if I had many
years to live."
At six o'clock on Sunday evening, May 12, after the church services,
Don Bosco called his co-workers to a meeting and addressed them as
follows: "In our last conference 8 we spoke of charity - that charity
which is common to all and which aims at increasing friends and dimin-
ishing enemies. But there is another, far superior kind of charity for us
to practice. We must imitate Our Lord who coepit facere et docere. He
first acted and then taught. Therefore, let us first practice charity by
working for our eternal salvation in overcoming ourselves and subduing
our pride. If we should find some article of the rules or some duty or
task irksome, let's not lose heart. Let's overcome that feeling for Our
Lord's sake and for the reward which awaits us. Thus we shall become
truly obedient. All in all, religious life is based on this saying of Our
Lord: 'If any man wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take
up his cross daily, and follow Me.'" [Luke 9, 23]
After the conference, the clerics pressed around him and anxiously
inquired about his health. "As my special practice to honor Our Lady,"
he replied, "I had planned to rise promptly at the first stroke of the bell
and then work until 6: 45, but so far I have not succeeded. I wanted to
start last Friday because I seemed to feel better. I got up at the set time,
but my eyes began paining me so much that I couldn't do a thing. On
the following day, the same thing happened, and this morning I had to
stay in bed till late."
During these days some pupils whose conduct had been steadily un-
satisfactory either were dismissed or left of their own accord. At the
"Good Night" [that same Sunday, May 12], Don Bosco said: "Novenas
and triduums are always fatal to some pupils. I can't recall a single
instance when someone or other did not leave the Oratory. We are now
only halfway through the Pentecost novena and four boys have already
departed. Father Rua, can you tell me the reason?"
8 See pp. 525f. [Editor]

59.5 Page 585

▲back to top


A Dream: The Wheel of Eternity (Continued)
557
"I think it's because of the special prayers we offer up for the good of
the house," Rua replied. "The Lord answers these prayers by ridding us
of troublemakers. Novenas act like a purge."
"Correct," Don Bosco remarked. "The Lord is singularly kind to us.
He has already put forth His hand and singled out those who are gone.
He has also pointed out a few others who are still in the house. I spoke
to them in God's name and asked them, 'Are you willing to come to
your senses and do better from now on?' But they would not. Poor boys!
Tomorrow, meanwhile, to honor Mary, let us examine ourselves to see
how we have shown our gratitude for God's favors in the past and how
we should show our gratitude for them in the future."

59.6 Page 586

▲back to top


CHAPTER 69
Heavenly Protection
[a T about this time, May 1861, Don Bosco decided to
enlarge the Oratory's residential quarters by erecting a three-story
building on the area fronting the Filippi house. To this effect, he
signed a contract with Charles Buzzetti on May 15.] 1
However, it seemed fated that the start of every new expansion
project of the Oratory should be marked by some mishap.2 The
boys' good conduct and the superiors' zeal for their moral and
spiritual welfare were perhaps intolerable to Satan, and, God per-
mitting, he sought fierce revenge. Our narration is accurately drawn
from the reports of John Bonetti, Dominic Ruffino, Joseph Reano,
Peter Enria, and other witnesses. Peter Enria wrote:
On May 15 [1861], before sending us to bed, Don Bosco said, "Pray
that you will always be ready for death, because you know that it may
well come at any moment. Mishaps - a fatal fall, a mugging, a drown-
ing, a heart attack, a stroke of lightning, and other things of this kind -
occur every day. If we are prepared, we need not fear death, no matter
how and when it comes." It would appear that Don Bosco had fore-
bodings of impending disaster because he made us recite three Hail
Marys as protection against mishaps during the night.
After the "Good Night," the boys retired to their dormitories.
The St. Aloysius dormitory, located on the top floor, partially above
Don Bosco's rooms, was occupied by about sixty artisans and was
supervised by the cleric John Bonetti. May devotions were being
held in this dormitory, too, and before getting to bed, all knelt by
1 This paragraph is a condensation of the original text and leaves out irrelevant
details of construction. [Editor]
2 For past mfohaps, see Vol. IV, pp. 353ff; Vol. V, pp. 342f. [Editor]
SS8

59.7 Page 587

▲back to top


Heavenly Protection
559
Our Lady's shrine, adorned with flowers and lights, and recited
seven Hail Marys, as on other evenings, in honor of Mary's Seven
Sorrows. Then Bonetti, by some inspiration or other, told the boys,
"Let's now recite three more Hail Marys for the Blessed Virgin to
keep us from harm." Surprised by the novelty, the boys prayed
devoutly.
That night Don Bosco could not make up his mind to go to bed.
He went up to his room reluctantly and sat at his desk to do some
writing; then, unable to keep it up because his eyes were aching,
he paced the room. Finally, at about eleven, he went to bed. No
sooner had he fallen asleep than he felt his hair being tom off and
his head mercilessly pricked, without his being able to help himself.
Shortly after midnight, as all were soundly sleeping, a violent storm
broke out, accompanied by roaring thunder and lightning. Joseph
Rossi and Joseph Reano were in a room that was separated from
Don Bosco's quarters by only a small library. At about 12:30 A.M.,
Rossi, still awake, woke up Reano. "Listen!" he said to him.
"Don't be scared!" Reano replied. "Just close your eyes and go
to sleep." And, turning over, he went back to sleep again.
Barely fifteen minutes later, a terrifying blast of thunder shook
the whole house; it was followed by a blinding flash which seemed
to engulf the house in flames; then there was eerie darkness and a
dismal stillness. Some moments later, Don Bosco's bell broke the
silence. Reano and Rossi started up and exclaimed, "Something must
have happened to Don Bosco!" They threw on their clothes, lit a
lamp, and dashed into his room.
Meanwhile, Don Bosco had gone through quite an ordeal. Light-
ning had struck the chimney of his room, cracking the wall, loosen-
ing the fireplace, knocking down his bookcase, overturning his desk,
and, finally, hitting his iron bed, lifting it three feet into the air and
slamming it against the opposite wall in a blinding flash, followed
by pitch darkness. The impact threw Don Bosco on the floor where
he lay dazed for a few moments, thinking that he had plunged a
floor below into the study hall. He sat up, drained of strength, and
began probing with his hands~ Bricks, stones, and plaster were all
around him. Staggering to his feet, he groped his way about, afraid
of falling into a hole or of being buried under a crumbling wall.

59.8 Page 588

▲back to top


560
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Providentially, after a few steps, his hands touched the little framed
picture and holy water font which hung on the wall above the head
of his bed. Certain then that he was in his room, he pulled the bell
cord against the wall and startled Reano and Rossi. Then he wrap-
ped himself in a blanket and sat on his bed, waiting for aid. He was
worried about the boys who were sleeping above his room, and he
recommended them to the protection of the Blessed Virgin.
Rossi and Reano were afraid that he had been injured, but he
was smiling and tranquil as he reassured them, saying, "Look and
see what's in the middle of the room." He had heard a heavy thump
and wanted to know what it was. Reano looked and saw five or six
bricks, black with soot, which had broken off from the chimney.
After briefly telling the two young men what had happened, Don
Bosco joked as usual: "How rude of the lightning! It burst in un-
invited, toppled my room upside down, and flung me and my bed
clear to the other side! This must not go unpunished! We shall have
to give it detention - right, Rossi?"
Meanwhile, the artisans' dormitory, directly above, had fared
even worse. Lightning had struck the southern end, toppling two
chimneys and tearing away a portion of the roof, thereby opening
the room to the elements. As tiles, bricks, and plaster rained down
on the beds, the dormitory turned into a bedlam of screams, groans,
and prayers, accompanied by panicky cries for help and a blind
rush for the doors.
As the thunderbolt struck, the cleric Bonetti leaped from his
bed in terror, lit the night lamp which had gone out, and went from
bed to bed to give what help he could. Seeing that some boys were
covered with debris and that one lad, Julius Perroncini, seemed to
be dead; he immediately sent another youngster, James Ballario, to
call Don Bosco. Reano's report, handed on to John Bonetti,
continues:
As Don Bosco was still talking to me and Rossi, there was a furious
knocking at the door. I opened it and there stood Ballario, out of breath
and gasping.
"Reano," he cried, "tell Don Bosco to come upstairs quickly! We've
been hit by lightning! The roof caved in and a lot of boys were killed!"
Don Bosco overheard him indistinctly. He called and asked what had

59.9 Page 589

▲back to top


Heavenly Protection
561
happened. When I told him, he exclaimed in a heartrending voice: "Oh,
my God! But it is Your will, 0 Lord, and I adore Your decrees!" Then
he said to me, "Run up quickly and tell me what has happened."
I rushed upstairs. I could immediately smell sulphur, and I heard
screams, groans, and cries on all sides. Two thirds of the ceiling had
collapsed on the two rows of beds in the long dormitory. As I ventured
toward the far end, things looked even worse. Some boys' faces were
bleeding, and others lay stunned by the electric shock. One lad, Modesto
Davico, had been burned a bronze color; another boy, John Vairolati, a
shoemaker and excellent trombone player, lay unconscious, propped up
by two lads who were dashing water on his face in an attempt to revive
him. He seemed to be dying. Heedless of the commotion, other boys lay
still as if they were dead.
I dashed back to tell Don Bosco, who had meanwhile dressed. Un-
perturbed, he immediately went up to the dormitory. A boy met him on
the steps.
"Lightning hit us," he said. "About thirty boys are dead."
"It can't be," Don Bosco replied. "Go and look again!"
In a few moments he was back, saying, "Only seven or eight are
dead!"
"Check again," Don Bosco replied. By this time he was in the dormi-
tory, calmly and smilingly allaying fears. "Don't be afraid," he said.
"We have a good Father and a good Mother in heaven watching over
us!"
His presence, like that of a consoling angel, relieved the boys. Those
who were on their feet ran up to him, and with them he went from bed
to bed. Things were not as bad as at first was feared. The boys had
suffered mostly scratches and shock. He called for water and vinegar,
and he himself gave first aid. On reaching Vairolati, who was still un-
conscious, he called his name loudly two or three times. The poor
fellow, who until then had neither opened his eyes nor uttered a word,
awoke, sighed deeply, and feebly called, "Don Bosco!" He shortly re-
gained full consciousness and joined his companions.
Don Bosco moved on to Perroncini who lay on his bed, apparently
lifeless. Fearing that he had been electrocuted, no one had yet dared to
shake him for fear of discovering that he was dead. Bringing the lamp
closer to the boy's face, Don Bosco saw that it had been bruised and
that a wooden sliver had pierced his right cheek, protruding under the
lower eyelid. He tried to extract it with his fingers, but he could not get
hold of it. He then asked for a pair of scissors and managed to pu11 it

59.10 Page 590

▲back to top


562
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
out. The "dead" boy stirred and, thinking he was being teased by some
companion, punched Don Bosco, exclaiming, "Let me sleep!" The joy
of hearing him was indescribable. Don Bosco and the boys broke into a
hearty laugh out of sheer delight, now being sure that such an awful
disaster had claimed no victims.
First aid to the injured took an hour or so. Seeing that everyone was
safe, Don Bosco sighed a grateful Dea Gratias. "Let us thank Our Lord
and His Most Blessed Mother with all our hearts!" he said. "They
shielded us from grave danger. Can you imagine what would have
happened if fire had broken out? All of us might have perished." Then
and there all knelt down at Our Lady's little altar and recited the Litany
of the Blessed Virgin.
It was only two in the morning but nobody cared to go back to bed,
and so they went down to church with Don Bosco, leaving Father
Alasonatti to look after the injured and take care of things. Father Rua
said Mass and all the artisans went to confession and Communion. At
five, when the bell rang for rising, the boys in the other dormitories were
surprised to see the artisans in the playground, and they hastened down
to find out what had happened.
"Didn't you hear anything last night?" the artisans asked.
"No! What happened?"
They had slept through the storm without hearing a thing. While
telling them of the night's trying experiences, the artisans kept repeating,
"If we are safe, it's because last night we prayed to Our Lady and She
protected us!"
As Don Bosco finished hearing confess.ions, the students came in for
Mass, which he himself said at about seven. Communion could have
been called general. "It was a moving spectacle," Canon Anfossi told us.
Afterward the clerics went up to Don Bosco's room to make sure that
he was all right. He received them with his usual smile. "It's the third
time," he said, "that lightning has tried to get me. The first two times
I suffered bad effects. I could hardly do any reading or writing without
becoming drowsy. To get over it, I had to take long walks. But I fear
that last night's shock will be much more harmful to my health. And
yet, I told the lightning not to be so rude!" Then he added, "This is one
of the greatest favors Our Lady has ever obtained for us from Our
Lord."
This fact became all the more evident as he later surveyed the dam-
age. The dormitory ceiling was made of plastered rush matting held by
wires nailed to boards. The lightning had melted the wires. Hence,

60 Pages 591-600

▲back to top


60.1 Page 591

▲back to top


Heavenly Protection
563
entire sections of matting had fallen over the beds, but no serious harm
had been done. Benefactors and friends came to see the damage during
the day and were amazed that no one had been killed. They departed
extolling God's goodness and Our Lady's protection.
At recreation after dinner, while the clerics and students crowded
about Don Bosco in the porticoes, he described what had happened and
jokingly remarked, "That lightning was very ill-mannered! It shook us
so hard that it almost pulled our limbs apart. Its sound effects were even
worse. Such a lot of noise and all out of tune!"
Canon Anglesio, too, was amazed that no one had been seriously hurt.
Congratulating Don Bosco on their good fortune, he remarked, "The
devil has paid you a compliment by declaring you his enemy. I am more
pleased with this than if men had heaped gifts upon you."
Anticlerical papers which reported the accident delighted in stating
that there had been a number of fatalities. On May 18 [1861] La Gaz-
zetta del Popolo had warned Don Bosco that he had better stop giving
so much scandal with his backward ideas and should rather strive to be
more Italian. Hardly concealing its pique for its failure to have the
Oratory closed down the year before 3 and remaining true to its innate
vulgarity, on [Monday] May 20, 1861 it published the following account:
On the night between Monday and Tuesday of last week, lightning
struck - guess where? - precisely on that hotbed of hapless fellows
whom Father Bosco (the modern Loriquet, famous for his Storia d'Italia
oozing love for Austria) 4 gathers from the countryside and trains ac-
cording to his ideas in order to fill the country with bigots. One of those
poor fellows died and others were wounded. Had this happened in a
boarding school of liberals, the priests would now be crying, "God's
hand has struck!" Regarding that hand with a little more respect, we
will never accuse it of homicide.
[Years later] Bonetti made the following comment in regard to
that account:
We shall simply remark that the "liberal" Gazzetta del Popolo pub-
lished these lines in Turin six days after the event - that is, after it had
ample opportunity to verify the facts. But lying is a way of life for
certain newspapers, and their tools are blasphemy and calumny. As for
the insults it lavished on the Oratory, we are now in a position to reply
3 See pp. 310, 332. [Editor]
4 See Appendices 10, 11, and 12. [Editor]

60.2 Page 592

▲back to top


564
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
that today those "hapless fellows" and "bigots," whom Don Bosco
guided into a trade, profession, or studies, are respectable citizens who
are proud of the education they received. They are businessmen, lawyers,
teachers, army officers, and exemplary priests. Quite a few, heedless of
comfort and of risk, are zealous missionaries in Patagonia where, as true
benefactors of mankind, they carry faith and civilization to savage tribes.
We will further point out that a number of those "hapless fellows" have
attained the highest ecclesiastical and civil offices. Hence we have good
reason to believe that "God's hand" was with us that night and there-
after. We consequently invite La Gazzetta to show in all sincerity "a
little more respect" for that hand and admire its wondrous deeds.
On May 19, Pentecost Sunday, a few days after the mishap, a
solemn Te Deum was sung at the Oratory in the presence of the
day boys and many benefactors. However, the mishap had prompted
some members of the staff to suggest that a lightning rod be in-
stalled over the building.
"Yes," Don Bosco replied, when they mentioned it to him. "We
will place a statue of Our Lady there. She protected us so well that
we would be very ungrateful if we now sought recourse to other
means."
On one other occasion that year, Her protection was clearly
evident. Construction had gone on so briskly under Charles Buzzetti
that by November, except for the basement which was to be used
as a wine cellar, the new building was ready. One day, as four
workmen were dismantling the scaffold, a large section of the base-
ment vault near the stairs collapsed. Caught in midair astride a
small beam, one workman managed to crawl to safety on a window
sill. Another happened to be in a comer where the vault stood
firm; the third one was saved by a beam which landed just above
him and, resting against the wall, acted as a shield; the fourth was
buried under the debris. At the thunderous crash, all hurried to the
spot. Everybody feared that the fourth workman had been killed.
With great trepidation they began lifting the debris, but contrary
to all expectations and thanks to Mary's evident protection, the
man was only bruised.
"Don Bosco also had rushed there," John Baptist Anfossi told
us, "but upon hearing from Charles Buzzetti that there were no
fatalities, he smilingly commented, 'The devil has again tried to

60.3 Page 593

▲back to top


Heavenly Protection
565
stick his tail into our business! Never mind! Let's keep going with-
out fear!' "
Some nights after this reverse, Don Bosco had a dream which
reminded him of another he had experienced in 1856 when a simi-
lar mishap had occurred.5 At that time he had seemed to be in his
room deeply worried about that catastrophe. Canon [Lawrence]
Gastaldi 6 had come in and said, "Don't worry simply because a
building collapsed!"
Don Bosco had stared at him in surprise. The canon had re-
turned the stare and had repeated, "Don't worry simply because a
building collapsed. Two more will be built: one for those who are
well, and one for those who are sick." Don Bosco never forgot
that dream and its promise. He was convinced that in due time the
Oratory would have an adequate infirmary - large or small - for
the care of his sick Salesians and boys.
He constantly regretted the necessity and grave inconvenience of
sending some of his sick co-workers or boys to the city hospitals.
True, the hospital management, doctors, nurses, nuns, and chap-
lains did their best to preserve a moral atmosphere, but the im-
morality and irreligion of certain patients were still a cause of
scandal. We will just cite the case of a young boy named Enria
who died in 1886 at St. John's Hospital [in Turin]. The patients
who were nearby teased him with lewd jokes and loose talk to
which the good lad tried to pay no attention. When he told them
that he didn't know what they meant, they all burst into guffaws.
More coarse laughter and jeers met his request for the Last Sacra-
ments. "I'm not bothering you," he finally retorted. "Why don't
you leave me alone?" Even after he had received the Last Sacra-
ments and his end was near, they blasphemously continued to taunt
him: "You have prayed to God and you have been good. Now see
how He listens to your prayers! You will die like everybody else!
Like everybody else you will rot in a grave! What good was it
sending for a priest?"
The lad did not reply but, sinking rapidly, asked the nurse,
"Please have someone read the last prayers for me. Tell my brother
5 See Vol. V, pp. 342f. [Editor]
6 The future archbishop of Turin. At this time, and until he became archbishop
in 1871, he was a close friend of Don Bosco. See Vol. m, pp. 406:ff. [Editor]

60.4 Page 594

▲back to top


566
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
(he was employed in that hospital) that I am dying!" As there was
no one to whisper a prayer to him and his brother was a long time
in coming, he clasped the crucifix and began the De Profundis,
expiring before he could finish this psalm.
In view of this and similar incidents, Don Bosco was convinced
that he needed an infirmary of his own, but since this project could
not then be realized, he entrusted its execution and timing to Divine
Providence. When the new addition under construction was com-
pleted, he had the following scriptural verses inscribed on the walls
of the new portico facing east:
I. Tu es Petrus, et super hanc petram aedificabo Ecclesiam
meam, et portae inferi non praevalebunt adversus eam.
You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My Church; and
the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matt. 16, 18)
II. Viam aquilae in coelo, viam colubri super petram, viam navis
in media maris, et viam viri in adolescentia.
The way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent upon a rock,
the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man in
youth. (Prov. 30, 19)
III. Nemo adolescentiam tuam contemnat; sed exemplum esto
fidelium, in verbo, in conversatione, in charitate, in fide, in castitate.
Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to the faithful,
in speech, in conduct, in charity, in faith, in chastity. ( 1 Tim. 4, 12)
IV. Ossa eius implebuntur vitiis adolescentiae eius et cum eo in
pulvere dormient.
His bones shall be filled with the vices of his youth; and they
shall sleep with him in the dust. (Job 20, 11)
V. Bonum est viro cum portaverit jugum ab adolescentia sua.
It is good for a man to bear the yoke from his youth. (Lam.
3, 27)
VI. Confiteberis vivens, vivus et sanus confiteberis et laudabis
Deum et gloriaberis in miserationibus illius.
Give thanks while you are living. While you are alive and healthy
you shall give thanks, and shall praise God, and shall glory in His
mercies. (Sir. 17, 27)
VII. Et baptizabantur ab eo in Jordane, confitentes peccata sua.
And they were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their
sins. (Matt. 3, 6)

60.5 Page 595

▲back to top


CHAPTER 70
Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles
(Continued)
IN describing the effects of the lightning bolt that struck
a dormitory and the accident that occurred during the construction
of a new wing at the Oratory, we strayed somewhat from a chrono-
logical sequence which we shall now resume.
The sicknesses announced by Don Bosco on March 7 of this year 1
were now taking their course. Two, as already narrated,2 had been
fatal. Let us now return to Father Ruffino's chronicle:
On May 17 [1861], Holy Viaticum was brought to a boy named
Pavesi, but, thanks to his strong constitution, he rallied and recovered
fully after a long convalescence.
Toward the end of May, a few cases of conjunctivitis occurred; by
June it became an epidemic that lasted through July. In this emergency
Don Bosco contrived an eyewash that unfailingly cleared away the
trouble within three days. The main feature was the way it was to be
applied. While bathing one's eyes at bedtime, the patient had to say:
"Holy Mary, pray for me!" Another remarkable thing was that when
Don Bosco first started to apply this remedy, he sometimes suggested
that the receipient say with filial confidence: "Holy Mary, pray for me
right now!" In such cases the patient's eyes would immediately water
profusely, and in less than fifteen minutes they would be completely
cured. Now, however (at the beginning of July), he no longer suggested
asking for an immediate cure. Generally the patients recovered within
three days. I too witnessed this fact and heard Don Bosco confirm it.
Evidently Our Blessed Mother was looking after Her children's health.
1 Seep. 504. [Editor]
2 Seep. 505. [Editor]
567

60.6 Page 596

▲back to top


568
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JO!JN BOSCO
To Don Bosco's persistent and sufficiently grievous ailments was
now added this eye trouble. Nevertheless, in a spirit of penance he
left his cure to God and refrained from using the remedy he was
suggesting to others.
We definitively know of his infirmity from his own words re-
ported in the chronicle:
One evening in June [1861] Don Bosco told the clerics, "I was in my
room and could not work because my eyes were aching. Eventually I
fell asleep, and in a dream I saw a cleric who said, 'I want to quit study-
ing for the priesthood.' I replied to him, 'I meant to suggest this to you
myself, but before you do so, pray that the Lord will show you His will.'
The cleric then seemed to leave my room and I awoke. He is not one of
those who have already left the Oratory. He is still here!"
That cleric got Don Bosco's message and made a serious effort to do
better.
We have already mentioned the clerics' repeated but unsuccess-
ful attempts to have a photograph taken of Don Bosco.3 Father
Ruffino's chronicle has this entry:
May 19 [1861]. Today, Pentecost Sunday, Francis Serra, an Oratory
boy, took a daguerreotype of Don Bosco - first alone, then in a group
with [Louis] Jarach, [Rinaudo] Costanzo, [Alexander] Fabre, Bracco,
and [Paul] Albera, and lastly with over fifty pupils around him. Two
days later he photographed him again in the act of hearing confessions.
The closest penitents were [Joseph] Reano, [Paul] Albera, and [Charles]
Viale; many others stood in the background, preparing themselves. Don
Bosco had consented only after Serra's endless entreaties. These photo-
graphs, however, were strictly for the Oratory, and Don Bosco forbade
the making of other prints. [Bartholomew] Bellisio 4 copied them in
pencil sketches.
Photographing Don Bosco was marked by interesting and sur-
prising particulars which provided the boys with some subject
matter for conversation and amusement. Father John Bonetti
wrote:
3 Seep. 526. [Editor]
4 Bellisio, an artist, had been at the Oratory since 1850. See Vol. II, p. 416;
Vol. IV, pp. 331ff; Vol. V, p. 10. [Editor]

60.7 Page 597

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
569
I was told that [on this occasion] Don Bosco, ignoring all pleas, firmly
refused to have his picture taken. At this point, the cleric John Cagliero,
a senior student, went down on his knees before him and begged him on
behalf of all to do them this favor. He told Don Bosco that all woul~
feel terribly disappointed at not having his picture if he should die. Don
Bosco relented, but before posing he said to Serra, "I want you to know
that I have already yielded three or four times to the insistent pleas of
several families in Turin and allowed myself to be photographed, but no
picture has ever yet been satisfactory. Recently I went with several boys
to Mr. Dubois, the best photographer in town. Both he and his assistants
took pictures, but in vain. They were embarrassed since such a thing
had never before happened to them. I laughed and said, 'My friends,
I'll tell you something. If you want to take my picture, you must first
make a good confession. Otherwise you'll never succeed.' They thought
I was joking and laughed. Yet, after more than an hour of vain attempts,
they had to give up. Therefore, I'll tell you the same thing. If you are in
God's grace, go ahead. If not, you'll only be wasting your time."
Serra got to work and took one picture, but it did not turn out very
well; the second and third were excellent. At this the boys all shouted,
"Serra is in God's grace! Serra is in God's grace!"
On one occasion, when Don Bosco was photographed with a crowd
of boys, he told them, "Those with a muddled conscience had better
hide, or they will turn out ugly!"
Thus, even while joking, Don Bosco strove to impress on his
pupils' minds the grave misfortune of being in the state of sin, which
disfigures the soul even when it dwells in a handsome body. "At
about this time," Father Ruffino wrote, "he briefly narrated this
dream":
I seemed to be with a few boys in a meadow at Castelnuovo, discuss-
ing what gift to send Pope Pius IX on bis name day. Suddenly, from the
direction of Buttigliera, we saw a gigantic pine, unbelievably large and
tall, sail horizontally through the air toward us. Then it straightened
itself vertically, reeled, and seemed about to crash on us. In terror, we
blessed ourselves and were about to flee for safety when abruptly a
withering wind arose, totally disintegrating the tree amid thunder, light-
ning, and hail.
Shortly afterward, another pine, not quite as large, came sailing
through the air in the same way and from the same direction, until

60.8 Page 598

▲back to top


570
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
it hovered over us. Then it began to float down. In a state of panic, and
fearful of being crushed to death, we dashed off again, repeatedly
making the Sign of the Cross. The tree dropped close to the ground and
then rested in midair, its branches brushing the ground. As we gazed,
a light breeze stirred and dissolved the pine into rain.
Unable to grasp the significance of this, we were all distraught when
someone (whose identity I still remember) said: "Haec est pluvia quam
dabit Deus tempore suo." [This is the rain which God will give in due
time.] Someone else (whose identity I no longer remember) added: "Hie
est pinus ad ornandum locum habitationis meae." [This is the pine which
will bring beauty to My dwelling.] He even gave the scriptural reference
but I can't remember it.
I believe that the first pine stood for the persecutions and the storms
which afflicted those who were faithful to the Church, whereas the
second symbolized the Church herself, which will descend like a refresh-
ing rain upon them.
To our knowledge, Don Bosco did not elaborate on this dream.
Without searching for other possible interpretations, we shall ven-
ture a comparison. This colossal pine, no less than three hundred
and thirty feet in diameter and hovering erect above the earth,
recalls to our minds the tree seen by Nabuchodonosor and described
by Daniel. Its top reached to the skies, and its far-flung, thickly
leaved branches made it look like a forest from a distance. It sym-
bolized overpowering might, proud defiance, rebellion against God,
and extermination of His servants. And yet, annihilated by God's
wrath, it vanished from the earth. A blistering, violent wind with-
ered its branches, a storm battered it about, and fire consumed it to
ashes.
The second pine, lofty and hardy, though not quite as huge as
the former, symbolized, perhaps, not so much the Church in gen-
eral, as some choice segment of the Church, such as a religious
congregation - the Society of St. Francis de Sales, for example.
This is suggested by the locale of the dream - Castelnuovo,5 by
the horizontal - rather than vertical - position of the pine, sym-
bolical of humility, and by the scriptural verse: "The glory of
Lebanon shall come to you: the cypress, the plane, and the pine to
5 Don Bosco's birthplace - Becchi - was within the township of Castelnuovo.
[Editor]

60.9 Page 599

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
571
bring beauty to My sanctuary, and glory to the place where I set
My feet." [Isaiah 60, 13]
Indeed, at the Oratory, May was proving to be quite an exciting
month. The dream of "The Wheel of Eternity" was still arousing
new resolves for God's service. "On May 20 [1861]," Father Ruf-
fino wrote, "Don Bosco said after night prayers, 'I would be very
pleased if each one of you, as an indication of the effect of Mary's
month, would promise two things in writing - one to God, the
other to me - and then would sign that paper and give it to me.
I will do the same. I will promise something to God, and I will tell
you what it is; I will promise you something, too. I'll reveal it to
some privately and to others publicly. This is not an order. You
don't have to do it, but I'll be very pleased if you do.'"
Meanwhile the number of those generously offering to work
with Don Bosco for a few years on behalf of the Oratory boys kept
increasing, as we can see from the minutes of the Chapter:
On May 21, 1861, the Chapter met in Don Bosco's room to consider
the admission of two applicants: Father John Ciattino of Portacomaro
- the pastor of Maretto in the Asti diocese, whose application had been
already presented at the meeting of May 12 - and Anthony Tresso of
Front (Turin), son of Francis. Father Ciattino was unanimously ac-
cepted, but only as a tertiary (i.e., co-operator) because just now he
cannot be a full member. Tresso received only one negative vote.
On June 3, 1861, the Chapter met again. After invoking the aid of
the Holy Spirit, it proceeded to admit three new members: [Rinaudo]
Costanzo of Busca, son of Joseph; Dominic Parigi of Chieri, son of
Octavius; Francis Rebuffo of Genova, son of the late James. The first
two were unanimously accepted; Rebuffo received one negative vote.
All were admitted to the practice of the rules.
Parigi was sixteen; the other two boys were fifteen. In Father
Ruffino's chronicle we read the following:
On the very day of the saintly Father Ciattino's reception into the
[Salesian] Society, his friend, Father [Matthew] Barbero, the pastor of
Villa San Secondo, happened to be at the Oratory. He remarked to
Don Bosco, "The drought is threatening our crops. Help us to get rain."
"When you get home," Don Bosco replied, "have your parishioners

60.10 Page 600

▲back to top


572
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
make a novena. In the morning, have prayers and adoration to the
Most Blessed Sacrament; in the evening, schedule devotions in honor of
Mary Most Holy. Tell your parishioners: 'Don Bosco has promised
us rain if we make a novena. Let's see how good his promise is.' Of
course, you must say it in a light mood, but then - quite in earnest -
insist that they commit no sin, at least during this novena."
"That's not so easy," Father Barbero replied. "How will I know if
the people have carried out your suggestion? Your condition looks
like a subterfuge. Two hundred people may be avoiding sin, and shall
the lot of them suffer because of a few who do sin?"
"Yet," Don Bosco insisted, "to commit sin is tantamount to an open
rejection of the favor or to a total denial of having received it."
"All right, I'll do as you say, but if we get no rain, will you at least
come yourself and tell us what went wrong?"
"I agree. I'll come and smell out the sinners."
As soon as the pastor returned to the village, he opened the novena
with a short sermon about what Don Bosco had said. The rain came
before the novena was over. It was to this village that Don Bosco
planned to take his boys the following fall.
A few days before Father Barbero's visit to the Oratory, Don Bosco
had made this suggestion to a friend of his who was going to Becchi:
"Tell those people to pray to Mary with all their hearts and to say the
rosary every evening, lest a hailstorm soon ruin their crops."
Convinced by past experience of the truth of such a warning,
the villagers complied. Meanwhile, Don Bosco continued to popu-
larize the title "Help of Christians" which came to be known as
the name of Don Bosco's Madonna. His 1860 Almanac, Il Galan-
tuomo, had publicized for the first time: "May 24: Feast of the
Blessed Virgin, Help of Christians." In 1861, under the same date,
the reading was: "Feast of the Most Blessed Virgin Under the
Well-Merited Title 'Help of Christians, Auxilium Christianorum!'"
Thus Letture Cattoliche, whose lot it was to extol the glories and
favors of Mary Most Holy, Help of Christians, had the honor of
being the first of all popular almanacs to mark unfailingly every
year the day of that solemn observance. The June issue, Victorina
and Eugenie, or Courtesy and Charity, related the story of courtesy
as a fruit of charity....

61 Pages 601-610

▲back to top


61.1 Page 601

▲back to top


Excerpts from the Oratory Chronicles (Continued)
573
The last days of Mary's month were enlivened by religious ser-
vices and a stage play, as we learn from Father Ruffino's chronicle:
On May 23 [1861] a repeat performance of the Latin comedy Miner-
va/ was staged.6 The Latin invitation 7 to benefactors was again written
by Fr. [Louis] Palumbo [S.J.].
On May 26, Father John Turchi sang his first Mass. At a testimonial
dinner, complimentary addresses were delivered and a bouquet of
flowers offered to the newly-ordained priest. Toward evening, after Ves-
pers and Benediction, music, ovations, fireworks, and balloons crowned
the celebration.
The solemn closing of Mary's month also brought its consolations.
A student named B . . . told a priest-friend of his about a personal
incident - one of those which have become routine at the Oratory. The
priest in tum narrated it to the [then] cleric Ruffino:
One day, Don Bosco took this pupil aside and asked him, "Have
you been to confession?"
"Yes, Father. I went to Father so-and-so."
"Did he give you absolution?"
"Yes, Father!"
"Impossible! It can't be!"
"He did! Don't you believe me?"
"No, because you didn't confess everything!"
"But I did!"
"You didn't!"
"Do you think you know better than I?"
"I'm not saying that, but I know you did not tell everything - for
example, this and that!"
"Well, I was ashamed.... "And he went off, muttering, "Don Bosco
always knows everything."
But Don Bosco did not forget him. One day, taking him aside again,
he said, "Come along. I want to help you put your conscience in order."
"But I don't dare make my confession to you."
"You won't have to confess anything. I'll do it for you." Accordingly,
he told the boy in detail whatever he had formerly failed to confess, and
he only had to answer 'yes' to be absolved. His joy surpassed anything
that he had previously experienced. Now he is one of the happiest boys
[at the Oratory].
6 See Appendix 16. [Editor]
7 See Appendix 17. [Editor]

61.2 Page 602

▲back to top


CHAPTER 71
A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
TURIN'S Corpus Christi procession had always been a
majestic pageant of splendor enhanced by the attendance of king
and cabinet, senators, deputies, and civil and military authorities.
This year, however, all these dignitaries refused their dutiful hom-
age to the Most Blessed Sacrament. The reason? Retaliation.
Constitution Day, traditionally observed on the second Sunday
of May, had now been transferred by law to the first Sunday of
June. In church services the clergy had always taken part in these
festivities, but this year, almost to a man, they refused to do so
because this celebration had now taken on an entirely different
character - Italian unification at the expense of the Pope who had
been the victim of untold vexations. Angered by this refusal, Count
Camillo Cavour - who was then premier - sent out a circular
around the middle of May forbidding all government officials to
take part in the annual procession of the Blessed Sacrament. At
the same time, Count Cavour, just past fifty, who had recovered
from some minor ailments and was enjoying excellent health, used
all the resources at his command to emphasize and boost the new
national holiday. As the one who had engineered and brought
about Italy's unification, he was about to receive its first honors
and most resounding praise from both high and low, but God
disposed otherwise.
On the eve of Corpus Christi, May 29 [1861], after a stormy
session in the Chamber of Deputies during which he was repeatedly
addressed in violent language, Cavour retired to his palace where
574

61.3 Page 603

▲back to top


A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
575
he suffered a heart attack, although several bloodlettings seemed
to give him some hope of recovery.
The procession on the following day saw no military bands, no
salvos, no royal family, and no government officials carrying the
canopy. "There were only church dignitaries," wrote Canon [Hya-
cinth] Ballesio. "Senators and deputies were replaced by hundreds
of Oratory boys devoutly escorting the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Don Bosco had obtained permission for them to take part in the
procession, wanting them frankly and openly to practice their faith.
Their exemplary conduct and melodious, devout singing amazed
and edified the bystanders and greatly pleased God. Members of
Turin's aristocracy and all the city's Catholic associations did their
part, too, in honoring the Blessed Sacrament."
On Sunday, June 2, while civic celebrations were held through-
out the kingdom, Cavour moaned in his bed, having been brought
to death's door by a second, more violent heart attack.
From Father Ruffino's chronicle we quote the following:
At the "Good Night" on June 3, Don Bosco followed up his previous
exhortations to pray for the dying premier. "This coming Thursday we
shall make the Exercise for a Happy Death," he said. "I want all of you
to make it well, because there is one who will not be able to make it
again."
On Thursday, June 6, in the octave of Corpus Christi and on the
anniversary of the miracle of the Blessed Sacrament that had taken
place in Turin in 1453,1 Count Cavour passed into eternity at the very
hour of that great wonder - a truly thought-provoking coincidence!
He had reached the summit of the social ladder, and now the Almighty
was abruptly sending him to his grave, hardly six months after he had
exclaimed in the Chamber of Deputies: "Do you know what will happen
in Europe within the next six months?" It was a veiled promise that
within that time he would have taken possession of Rome. Unfortu-
nately, within that time he had disappeared from this world's stage
without having made the slightest reparation for the harm he bad done
to the Church.
At the Oratory that day, the Exercise for a Happy Death bad been
marked by general Communion. At the "Good Night" Don Bosco an-
nounced Cavour's death, remarking, "We must indeed feel pity for
1 See Vol. N, pp. 404£. [Editor]

61.4 Page 604

▲back to top


576
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Count Cavour. In his last moments he did not have one sincere friend
of his soul. Let us hope, however, that through the intercession of St.
Francis de Sales - a relative on his mother's side - God may have
touched his heart in time and had mercy on him."
The boys, meanwhile, remembered the prediction Don Bosco
had made toward the end of 1860.2 Those who heard him believed
then - and still do - that he had foreseen Cavour's death.
Cavour's funeral was held on the evening of June 7 with the great-
est pomp. As the cortege wound its way, the sky darkened and a
downpour drenched the mourners. Senators and deputies, justices,
army officers, and civil authorities who had boycotted the Corpus
Christi procession were now forced to walk in foul weather behind
a coffin.
On that same evening, at the "Good Night" Don Bosco spoke of
the preciousness of the soul. "There are some here," he said, "who,
despite the efforts already made to lead them back to the right path,
do not want to be converted. I will wait a while longer and then I
shall be forced to name them publicly." This meant that if they
proved dangerous to their companions they would be dismissed.
This was the second thorn Don Bosco had mentioned on March 7
of this year, the second of the two "M's" -Moralita [Morals].3
One of those boys very rarely went to the sacraments. Late one
Saturday afternoon, however, he went to confession to Don Bosco
in the apse of the church, behind the main altar. The confessor's
chair and the penitent's kneeler were in back of the altar. A little
distance from them was the stand used by the cantor who intoned
Sunday vespers. Kneeling about this open confessional, a number
of boys were preparing themselves, awaiting their turn. As soon as
this boy knelt beside him, Don Bosco clearly saw his miserable
spiritual condition. After listening to his confession, he asked, "Is
there anything else?"
"No, Father!"
"Perhaps there might be. Think hard."
"I have nothing else!" the boy replied.
"Have courage, son. Tell me everything."
The boy turned a deaf ear and kept silent. At that moment Don
2 Seep. 457. [Editor]
3 Seep. 504. [Editor]

61.5 Page 605

▲back to top


A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
577
Bosco saw a hideous ape on the choir stand opposite him. It came
down among the boys, then sprang on the lad's shoulders and,
clutching his throat, thrust its snout between Don Bosco's face and
that of the boy. Don Bosco shuddered with fright. With tears of
pity in his eyes he again asked the lad, "Have you really nothing
else to confess?" But under that demon's evil spell, the boy boldly
answered, "No, nothing else!"
"But, son, how is that possible?" Don Bosco insisted. Then tense-
ly he added: "See what's on your back!" And he shrunk back
from that repulsive beast. Moved by Don Bosco's tears and words,
and feeling a weight on his back, the youth turned around. With a
muffled cry of terror he burst into tears and, holding Don Bosco
by his cassock, begged, "Please, stay! Do not leave me!"
"If you want me to stay, tell me everything," Don Bosco replied.
The poor fellow took courage, put his arms around Don Bosco,
and, while the monster disappeared, sincerely confessed everything.
Don Bosco related this incident one evening to a few clerics -
among them Ruffino and Bonetti who recorded it. They were deeply
impressed because they remembered the dream of ["The Wheel of
Eternity"] a few months back concerning three boys with monkey-
like creatures at their throats.4
Gradually news of this incident spread about. When asked, Don
Bosco prudently and discreetly told the entire community of the
repulsive apparition, and in this case, as in similar ones, he sur-
rounded the incident with different circumstances. Occasionally, he
would even present as a recent occurrence an incident that may
have actually occurred years before. In any event, the name of the
boy in this incident could never be revealed. With the passing of
time, the incident itself was considered by some people to be a mere
tale. Forty-four years later, however, a proof of its authenticity
came up most unexpectedly.
In September 1904, Brother Edmund, a Christian Brother, was
in Turin attending a Catholic Youth Congress. During the sessions
he met a number of Salesians - among them Father [John Baptist]
Francesia 5 and Father Louis Blanco,6 a missionary in Argentina -
4 See pp. 534f. [Editor]
5 Fr. Francesia died in Turin in 1930. [Editor]
6 Fr. Blanco died in Santiago, Chile, in 1956. [Editor]

61.6 Page 606

▲back to top


57 8
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOms OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
and talked with them about Don Bosco, whom he had known in
1850. He told them that he had seen him gathering boys in Piazza
Emanuele Filiberto, and that he himself had frequented the Oratory
and witnessed over seven hundred boys lined up for confession.
Ten or fifteen priests were at their disposal, but most boys preferred
Don Bosco. He also observed that, after those protracted confes-
sions, a glass of wine was offered to Don Bosco for refreshment,
but he never took it. Brother Edmund then went on to praise Don
Bosco's approach in helping boys to make fruitful confessions, and
he asserted his belief that God assisted him in that priestly ministry
with singular favors. Then, as a proof, he narrated the above-
mentioned incident. Astounded, the Salesians asked him how he
knew about it.
"I heard it at Parma," he replied, "from the boy himself (and he
mentioned his name). For three or four years he had been ashamed
to confess a grave sin."
However, at the Oratory, together with a few souls in great need
of help, here were many beautiful ones. On Monday, June 10, after
the boys had gone to bed, Don Bosco was pacing the porticoes with
a few clerics. Ruffino and Bonetti were there, and they enriched
their chronicles with what he then said. We report it as follows:
"How many wonderful things I could tell you!" he said.
"Please tell us!" all exclaimed.
"Right now we have boys here who have been favored by God with
special gifts. This is a proof of the Lord's presence. During Communion,
one boy, who is considered one of the finest, though others apparently
seem more virtuous, saw a globe which filled the entire church and then
gradually shrank to the size of a hazelnut as it hovered in midair above
the ciborium. Then it grew a bit again, shrank, and finally disappeared.
I asked him whether he knew its meaning. 'No,' he replied. 'What do
you think of it?'
"'I don't know either,' I answered.
"As you see," Don Bosco went on, speaking to the clerics, "I gave
this disclosure no importance. The boy saw that globe on June 2;
Cavour, world-renowned for power and fame, died on June 6. We could
interpret the whole thing thus: Just as Cavour was about to fade away
[by death], swollen [with pride] he raised himself even above the

61.7 Page 607

▲back to top


A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
579
Blessed Sacrament, and then collapsed and disappeared. We could give
it another interpretation: The globe might portend a rebellion against
the Church, but, as the Church seems about to be crushed, the rebellion
disintegrates and frightened onlookers find no trace of it. From afar, the
rebellion seems a mighty one, but then it dwindles into nothing and
disappears."
The clerics asked who the seer was, but Don Bosco would not say.
Instead, he went on: "At the Elevation, another boy saw Our Divine
Savior crucified. At first, Our Lord was most handsome, majestic, and
vigorous, but He soon showed extreme pain and became pitifully thin.
The boy then seemed to see all his companions lovingly gathered around
Him to offer food and refreshment, while solicitously asking Him what
had caused His pain and wasting away. 'My dear children,' Jesus re-
plied, 'this is the will of My Eternal Father!' The vision then vanished.
What pleased me most was that the boy artlessly jotted the whole thing
down just as he remembered it. I asked him if he knew what it all meant,
especially Our Lord's wasted-away condition, but he replied that he
didn't. He seemed inclined to believe, though, that it might point to a
famine (material or spiritual) which would come about, perhaps, in a
few years. But the most obvious explanation is that Jesus is now suffer-
ing through His Church."
Some clerics interrupted Don Bosco, asking: "Who is this boy?"
However, Don Bosco again declined to answer and went on, "There is
a third boy, whom I had already seen, in the dream of the fourteen
tables, among the very few who still retained their baptismal innocence.
Our Lady enjoys talking to him and tells him different, secret future
events. At times, when I want to know something about the future, I
recommend myself to him - although cautiously, so as not to arouse
his pride. He asks Our Lady and then tells me in all simplicity. The
same thing happens when I need a particular favor. We have several
such pupils. It is a very unique situation and I wonder how it will all
end, because illusions are not to be ruled out. However, one thing is
certain: Mary loves us. I'll tell you of another boy, too. I cannot explain
it! Before the Easter holidays, he kept asking me to let him spend them
at home. I was not inclined to let him go, but he begged again and
again, saying that he wanted to be present at his pastor's death. I finally
agreed. When he told his parents why he had come home, they wrote
to ask whether their son had left the Oratory with that silly idea already
in his head. Their pastor was well. To everybody's surprise, however, a
few days later he became ill, received the Last Sacraments, and died."

61.8 Page 608

▲back to top


580
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Don Bosco's accounts astonished us [the chronicle continues] and
again, more insistently, we pestered him to tell us the names of these
privileged souls living in our midst. His only answer was, "In cases like
these, we really must exclaim, 'You have hidden these things from the
wise and prudent and have revealed them to the little ones. . . . For
such was Your good pleasure.' [Matt. 11, 25-26] Knowledge and good
will cannot account for these things. The Lord dispenses His gifts ac-
cording to His pleasure to whomever He wills. As for me, I better value
a virtue, which is constant, than these charisms. These signs of predilec-
tion are very dangerous, especially if frequent, unless one is on guard
against temptations to pride. God resists the proud and gives His grace
to the humble. These privileged souls may read or hear a sermon about
the visions and other supernatural phenomena of a saint's life. People
who have not been so favored will be stirred, but these privileged souls
will remain totally unimpressed - with the added danger, rather, that
they may think, 'This is nothing much. I have received such favors
myself.' There will be trouble, then, because humility is gone. God help
them if they attribute these favors to their own merits and boast of
them even a little!
"A few years ago one of our boys claimed to have seen Our Lady
while he was sick in bed and to have learned many things from Her. He
gave various proofs. For example, he knew which of his schoolmates
had been to confession and which had not. As this happened on a
Saturday evening, he sent the latter to confession.7 Another proof of
his vision's genuineness was the good conduct he began to lead after he
recovered. Later, however, he became careless, and his conduct de-
teriorated to such an extent that we had to send him home. However,
it is evident that we have received - especially this year - many
proofs of God's goodness to the Oratory. All these facts show that the
Lord reigns in our house, that He protects and defends us, and that
He grants us success in all that we do. Woe to us if we fail to show
our appreciation!"
He then went on to speak of the above-mentioned visions. Replying
to a question, he said, "I have never been favored with visions con-
cerning the Blessed Sacrament, except for the multiplication of the
Communion Hosts. That was really a wonder to marvel at!"
"Did that really happen?" a cleric asked.
"Yes, it did! One morning in 1854 I was saying the Community Mass
7 This case has some simifarity with one described in Vol. V, pp. 476ff. There
is no proof, however, that Don Bosco was referring to it. [Editor]

61.9 Page 609

▲back to top


A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
581
because I was the only priest in the house. After consuming the Precious
Blood I began to give Holy Communion to the boys. There were but ten
or twelve Hosts in the ciborium. Since only a few boys came to the altar
rail, I did not think it necessary to break the Hosts. Then a great num-
ber of others kept coming and filled the altar rail three or four times.
I'd say that some fifty boys received that morning. After making one
round or so, l was about to return to the altar and break the Hosts
when, to my surprise, I noticed that their number apparently had not
decreased. Therefore, I continued to distribute Communion. When I
came to the last boy, I was astonished to find but one particle left, and
I gave it to him." Then Don Bosco repeated, "Inexplicably, I had seen
those Hosts multiplying!" 8
At this point, Father John Bonetti's chronicle comments:
These words of Don Bosco prove two things: ( 1) the multiplication
of the Hosts was a reality; (2) from his narration of this fact - which
he repeated to others on other occasions - as well as from certain
other expressions of his, we must conclude that at other times too he
had received similar favors which have remained undisclosed. However
that may be, I must confess that this half-hour conversation with Don
Bosco was spiritually more fruitful to me and to my companions, as they
candidly declared, than a ten-day spiritual retreat. The next day we did
our best - with caution - to get at least some leads to the identity of
these privileged boys, but in vain. However, through a friend in whom
the boy who had seen the globe had confided, I came to know his name.
I wrote it down but kept it to myself. It was my proof that Don Bosco
was telling the truth.
At the Oratory virtue was not ostentatiously flaunted. Remark-
ably, this atmosphere of spirituality, this steady succession of
wondrous incidents and dreams with all the hallmarks of the super-
natural, these predictions of death and revelations of consciences
- all of which seemingly should have inflamed the imagination -
never produced visionaries, religious fanatics, bigots, weaklings, or
superstitious believers among the thousands of Oratory boys. There,
an order of things was being unfolded which, founded on genuine
piety, was openly willed by God. Father Paul Albera and many
others firmly shared this opinion.
8 For another similar multiplication, see Vol. III, pp. 31 lf. [Editor]

61.10 Page 610

▲back to top


582
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
[Father Bonetti's chronicle continues:]
On June 16, Don Bosco gave the boys the spiritual nosegay to pray
for the grace of repentance for those with the big ape on their shoulders
- boys so few in number that he could hardly speak of them in the
plural. Then, at the "Good Night" on June 18, he told the following
little story, or dream of sorts, as he called it on another occasion. His
style of narration, however, was always such as to prompt Ruffino to
apply to Don Bosco what Baruch had said of Jeremiah: "[He] dictated
all these words to me as if he were reading them, and I wrote them
down with ink in the book." [Jer. 36, 18] Don Bosco spoke thus:
On the night of June 14 I had no sooner fallen asleep than I was
startled by a heavy blow on the bedstead, as if someone had struck it
with a board. I jumped up and immediately thought that it was lightning.
I looked about but found nothing unusual. Convinced that I had most
likely been dreaming, I again tried to sleep. Hardly had I begun to
doze when a second blow startled me again. This time I got out of bed
and searched everywhere - under the bed, under the desk, and in the
corners of the room - but I found nothing amiss. Commending myself
to God's safekeeping, I blessed myself with holy water and slipped into
bed. It was then that my mind began to wander and I saw what I am
going to tell you.
I seemed to be in our church pulpit, about to start a sermon. All the
boys were seated at their usual places, looking up and waiting, but I
had no idea what to preach about. My mind was a complete blank. For
a while I stood there dumbfounded and dismayed. Never had anything
like this happened to me in all my years of ministry. Then suddenly
the walls and boys disappeared, and the church turned into an immense
valley. I was beside myself and could not believe my eyes. "What's
this?" I questioned. "A moment ago I was in the pulpit in church and
now I am in a valley? Am I dreaming? What's happening to me?"
I decided then to get going, hoping to meet someone and find out
where I was. After a while, I came to a stately palace. Its many bal-
conies and broad terraces beautifully harmonized with the building
and landscape. In front of the palace there was a large plaza. In a
corner, at the right, a large number of boys were crowding around a
lady who was handing out handkerchiefs, one to each boy. On taking
theirs, the boys walked up to the terrace and ranged themselves along

62 Pages 611-620

▲back to top


62.1 Page 611

▲back to top


A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
583
the parapet. Drawing close to the lady, I heard her say to each lad as she
gave him a handkerchief, "Do not unfold it when it's windy, but if you
are surprised by a wind, turn at once to the right, never to the left."
I keep looking at those boys, but then and there I did not recognize
any of them. When all the handkerchiefs had been distributed, the boys
were all lined up on the terrace in complete silence. As I watched, one
boy took out his handkerchief and unfolded it. Others followed his
example and soon all had them out. The handkerchiefs were very large
and exquisitely embroidered in gold. On each, lengthwise, there was
written in gold: Regina virtutum [Queen of virtues].
Suddenly a soft breeze came out of the north - that is, from the
left; gradually it grew stronger, then it became a wind. Immediately
some boys folded their handkerchiefs and hid them, while others turned
quickly to the right. Others, instead, left them exposed and flapping in
the wind. Meanwhile the disturbance gained force while ominous clouds
gathered overhead and darkened the sky. Lightning flashed as thunder-
ous, frightening rumbles rolled across the heavens, followed by hail,
rain, and snow. Unbelievably, many boys still kept their handkerchiefs
flapping in the storm. The hail, rain, and snow battered them mercilessly.
In no time they were riddled with holes, torn beyond recognition.
I was stunned, not knowing what to make of it. However, I was in for
a still greater shock. As I got closer to those boys for a better look, I
recognized every one of them. They were my own Oratory boys. I
hurried up to one and asked, "What in the world are you doing here?
Aren't you so-and-so?"
"Yes," he replied, "I am." And then, pointing to several others, he
added, "So-and-so and so-and-so are here too!"
I then went over to the lady who had distributed the handkerchiefs.
Several men were around her.
"What does all this mean?" I asked them.
The lady herself [hearing my q11estion] turned to me. "Didn't you
see the inscription on those handkerchiefs?" she asked.
"Why yes, my lady," I replied. "Regina virtutum."
"Do you understand now?"
"Yes, I do!"
All those boys exposed their purity to the wind of temptation. Some,
on realizing the danger, immediately fled. Those are the boys who
folded and hid their handkerchiefs. Others, taken by surprise and un-
able to fold their handkerchiefs, turned to the right. These are the boys
who promptly have recourse to prayer when in danger and turn their

62.2 Page 612

▲back to top


584
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
backs upon the enemy. Others, instead, kept their handkerchiefs open to
the full blast of temptation and fell into sin.
Saddened by this sight and the realization that so very few of my
boys had kept themselves pure, I nearly lost heart and burst into tears.
When I was able to control myself again, I asked, "Why did even rain-
drops and snowflakes riddle the handkerchiefs? Aren't they symbols of
venial sins?"
One of the men replied: "Don't you know that where purity is con-
cerned non datur parvitas materiae [there is no matter that is not con-
sidered to be grave]? Nevertheless, don't be downhearted. Come and
see."
He moved to the balcony and, signaling to the boys with his hand,
shouted, "Right about face!" Nearly all obeyed, but a few did not budge.
Their handkerchiefs were torn to shreds. I noticed, too, that the handker-
chiefs of those who had turned to the right had shrunk and were covered
with patches. They had no holes but were pitifully shapeless.
"These boys," the lady explained, "had the misfortune of losing
purity, but they regained God's grace through confession. Those few
who did not stir are those who persist in sin and perhaps will go to
perdition." Finally, she said to me: "Nemini dicito, sed tantum admone."
[Tell no one in particular, but give only a general warning.]
Father Ruffino's chronicle continues:
On that very day [June 18, 1861], God had rewarded Don Bosco's
zeal by bringing him a lost sheep. While he was in the playground
chatting with the boys, a man came up and asked to speak to him
privately. Together they went up to his room. Once inside, the man
said, "I am a priest. I left my parish to serve under Garibaldi. I was
tricked into apostasy and became a Protestant. But I am unhappy, and
I have always been so since I went astray. I could never stifle my re-
morse of conscience. Now I am in a miserable state, both physically and
spiritually. I would like to return to my bishop, but...."
Don Bosco had known of this priest. "Don't worry," he said. "The
bishop knows all about you and will gladly receive you. Have you any
carfare?"
"Not a penny!" He opened his coat. "Look," he said. "See what I'm
wearing - a chemise. This is what my friends put on my bed last Satur-
day for me to wear. They knew that I was unhappy, and perhaps they
intended this to be a parting insult."

62.3 Page 613

▲back to top


A Dream: The Handkerchief of Purity
585
Don Bosco gave him carfare and a shirt. Before leaving, the poor
priest asked for a book.
"Gladly," Don Bosco said, "but right now all I can give you is a
breviary."
"That's what I want. No one will ever realize how unhappy are those
who go astray!"
Apparently this priest, in reparation for his past defection, disclosed
the plans of the Protestants in Florence, and Don Bosco promptly
passed the information on to the archbishop, who replied as follows:
Florence, June 28, 1861
Very Reverend and dear Father,
On her return to Florence, Marchioness Villarios immediately brought
me your most welcome letter of June 18. Your promise to pray and to
have your boys pray for me shows your goodness and has truly consoled
me. I am in a most difficult and burdensome position and do need your
prayers in these turbulent times.
Perhaps the papers have slightly overplayed what happened during
the octave of Corpus Christi. La N azione - our most despicable city
paper - especially slandered me and forced me to refute their asser-
tions. As I was returning home after the [Corpus Christi] procession,
someone shouted insults at me. Nevertheless, I received lively demon-
strations of loyalty and affection from many of my faithful. What I
deplore most is the impudence and malice of some who broke up a
demonstration of love for the Blessed Sacrament and intimidated crowds
of good people who were escorting Our Eucharistic Lord with lighted
candles. This sacrilegious irreverence pains me greatly. May God in His
infinite mercy enlighten and forgive those profaners.
I am very grateful for the information you have given me about
Protestant proselytizing, and especially for your suggested counter-
measures. Attempts at undermining my people's faith have been going
on for the past ten years: at first secretly, and for the last two years
quite openly. But, thank God, these proselytizers are daily losing ground.
They have gained only the scum of the populace, and even some of these
have begun to return to the Church's bosom. I believe that if we are
watchful, and if priests keep united to their bishops, the efforts of these
false evangelizers will come to naught. As regards the clergy, I have had
my share of sorrows. At the beginning of this month I have already had
to penalize a number of priests who had banded together with unholy

62.4 Page 614

▲back to top


586
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
intentions. Fortunately they heeded the warning, except for thirteen who
chose rather to be suspended - mostly ex-religious or priests of other
dioceses who had taken up residence here and do not enjoy a good
reputation.
If you come to Horence, as the above-mentioned marchioness led me
to hope, we will discuss these matters more fully. I earnestly wish to
make your personal acquaintance. You are welcome to be my guest at
any time.
Meanwhile I wish you plentiful heavenly favors, and I pray that the
Lord will bless ever more abundantly your apostolic labors and your
charitable institution.
Yours devotedly,
+ Joachim, Archbishop of Florence

62.5 Page 615

▲back to top


CHAPTER 72
A Regrettable Rift
THE July [1861] issue of Letture Cattoliche entitled
Sunday Rest ... demonstrated the moral, physical, and social need
of such an observance everywhere....
Meanwhile, in preparation for the feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
in June, Don Bosco had ordered the printing of four thousand
pictures of this Saint. There is an excellent description of this cele-
bration in a letter of Chevalier [Frederick] Oreglia to a boy named
Severino Rostagno who had been an Oratory pupil only a few
months because of poor health. Don Bosco and the superiors had
been very considerate with him; in fact, Chevalier Oreglia often
took him out for walks, but boarding school life did not suit him.
Severino loved to play with smaller boys or stroll with superiors or
adults, seldom associating with his peers. After his return home to
Pinerolo, his classmates fondly kept writing to him. Up to 1891,
his mother still cherished these letters - among them the one from
Chevalier Oreglia which we shall now report:
July 1, 1861
Dear Severino,
I usually think well of everyone, but your long silence gives me second
thoughts about you. If you have been well, I find it hard to believe that
you have not written - I wouldn't say necessarily to me, but to anybody
in the house. I really fear that you are quite ill. Whatever the case, both
your companions and I are anxious to have an answer. Most likely you
too would like to hear how we are getting on at the Oratory, so I'll do
my best to bring you up to date.
581

62.6 Page 616

▲back to top


588
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
As for the daily routine of students and artisans, there is nothing new,
except for a small change in the afternoon timetable to give the boys a
rest and postpone recreation and study to later periods in the evening.
What will somewhat interest you, I think, is how we kept the feasts
of St. John the Baptist and St. Aloysius Gonzaga. We celebrated the
first on its actual day, June 24, but we put off that of St. Aloysius to the
30th. On the feast of St. John the Baptist 1 the boys gave Don Bosco a
clock for the church tower. When you return, you won't have to ask for
the time because you'll hear it strike the hours. But it cost a lot and the
boys have not yet paid for it in full. Luckily, they have a year to take
care of that. If you should come across some admirer of Don Bosco
among your friends, ask him to give the poor boys a hand. (I am just
joking.)
At the Community Mass, Communion was general. Then, at breakfast,
all the boys - day and resident - as well as those of the other festive
oratories, were served coffee and milk, fruit, bread, and salami. Twenty-
five gallons of milk barely sufficed. Later, Don Bosco himself sang the
solemn high Mass. Then followed a banquet (a modest one, as befits
the poor) with music, poems, and toasts. After dinner, we had fun with
pifiatas and with other games until it was time for afternoon church
services, at which Don Bosco was again the celebrant. The choir and
orchestra performed as in the morning. After Benediction, we had re-
freshments and, later in the evening, fireworks, balloons, rockets, poems
in Don Bosco's honor, and gifts, especially from the festive oratory
boys and benefactors. In short, dear Severino, it would have been a per-
fect day if you had been with us too. We went to bed at eleven, tired
but happy. Don Bosco especially was really exhausted.
I shall pass over the St. Aloysius celebration because time and paper
would fail me. Several distinguished guests came to enhance the feast.
The vicar general of Turin said the Community Mass, at which there
were over seven hundred Communions, the vicar capitular of Asti sang
the solemn high Mass, preached, and gave Benediction, and the count
of Collegno was the "prior" 2 of the festivities. He provided breakfast
for the more than one thousand boys who came to Mass. Then there was
a very good dinner with music and poems, as on the feast of St. John
the Baptist. In the evening we held a lottery with prizes for all, and then
there were fireworks and countless balloons. There was such a large
assemblage of guests and other people - mostly parents and relatives
1 Don Bosco's name day. Seep. 12, footnote 5. [Editor]
2 Seep. 65, footnote 3. [Editor]

62.7 Page 617

▲back to top


A Regrettable Rift
589
- that our boys were nearly lost among them. The celebration ended
shortly after ten with night prayers. On this occasion, too, we missed
you. Your friends asked for you several times, which means that dis-
tance does not separate or divide those who love one another in the
Lord.
This is the little I can tell you of our celebrations which, though not
appealing to the worldly-minded, are cherished by those who are imbued
with the spirit of this house and appreciate pure, holy joy. I hope you
enjoyed what I have told you. We often speak of you, pray for you, and
hope to have you again with us soon. Don't you forget to pray for us.
Remember me especially to Mary, Refuge of Sinners, particularly by
offering up for me the Hail, Holy Queen at the end of the rosary.
May the Lord help you to carry your cross and lighten it. I should be
very happy if He would give me part of it, but I probably am unworthy
and might not be able to carry it with resignation. Mercifully, Our Lord
spares me many acts of impatience.
Your companions, especially the most devout ones, those closest to
you in the Lord, wish to be remembered to you. Don Bosco and all the
superiors likewise wish you resignation in your present condition and
confidence in the future. I say good-bye with all my heart. Please give
my regards to your mother. Yours in Jesus and Mary,
Frederick Oreglia
The school year was now drawing to a close. As foretold by Don
Bosco,8 the third thorn, symbolized by an "R" [Rivalry], was com-
ing to pass in the wake of the other two thorns, Malattie [Sick-
nesses] 4 and Moralita [Morals].5 Because of Don Bosco's direction,
administration, and wisely-chosen personnel, the Giaveno junior
seminary was doing exceedingly well. The number of pupils, their
good conduct, and their excellent examination results during the
school year 1860-61 were very gratifying.
"Between the Oratory and the Giaveno seminary," Canon [John
Baptist] Anfossi wrote, "there was a continual exchange of teachers
and assistants. We considered Giaveno as forming one unit with the
Oratory. Several times I took boys there myself. Likewise, the cleric
3 Seep. 504 [Editor]
4 Seep. SOS. [Editor]
5 See pp. 576ff. [Editor]

62.8 Page 618

▲back to top


590
THE BIOGRAPffiCAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Celestine Durando was sent to supervise both midyear and final
examinations, and once Francis Cerruti did the same."
As the acknowledged superior of that seminary,6 Don Bosco
paid two visits to the students. He could rightly claim them as his
own for many reasons, and they in tum welcomed him as their
beloved father. During those visits which proved real triumphs for
him, he preached, gave the "Good Nights," conducted the Exercise
for a Happy Death, and heard the confessions of all. The boys
never seemed to tire of crowding around him for a word of advice.
Indeed, Giaveno was fast becoming a genuine nursery of priestly
vocations.
However, all this great affection and praise for Don Bosco hurt
Father Grassino's feelings. 7 Before long he became jealous and
decided to make himself independent of Don Bosco by having
himself recognized as the' only superior of the junior seminary. Self-
confident and trusting that it would continue to prosper, he took
it upon himself to deal directly with the chancery, inasmuch as he
knew someone there who would second his plan. Accordingly he
went to Turin and, under the guise of paying his respects to his
ecclesiastical superiors, in his own name and without a single word
to Don Bosco, he handed to them the seminary records as well as
the pupils' financial and scholastic roster and the terms of their
admission. Having been well received by one of the chancery of-
ficials, who took no account of the slight thereby given to Don
Bosco, he returned again and again to report on Don Bosco's direc-
tives, words, or actions. His assertion that the Giaveno seminary
should not be considered dependent on the Oratory played in his
favor. By this show of zeal for diocesan interests, he hoped to re-
move a thorn from his side - Don Bosco - and in due time to
win a good parish for which, in all fairness, he possessed the
necessary qualifications.
His desire for independence, however, was thwarted by the im-
possibility of finding suitable personnel. Hence he did not openly
break with Don Bosco. Rather, he thought it the better part of valor
to disguise his aims and try to entice the Oratory clerics who were
at the seminary to leave Don Bosco for good. Those who seemed
6 See pp. 418f. [Editor]
7 Seep. 419. [Editor]

62.9 Page 619

▲back to top


A Regrettable Rift
591
responsive received preferential treatment; those who remained
faithful to Don Bosco or seemed unlikely to abandon him were
given all the burdensome tasks and cold treatment. Father Grassino,
of course, gave no reasons for his actions, but the difference of
treatment was so glaring that pupils and domestics alike could not
help noticing it. Discontent and distrust began making headway into
the seminary.
Don Bosco was aware of these plans and intrigues, but what
pained him most was that he no longer received full cooperation in
forming these boys according to his principles. Taking advantage
of the fact that the clerics [Francis] Vaschetti and [John] Boggero
had come to the Oratory for his name day, he called them to his
room on the night before their return to Giaveno and lengthily
discussed with them plausible pretexts to recall them to the Oratory.
He ended up by saying: "Since Father Grassino no longer shares
my views, let him and the provicar find their own personnel."
The two young clerics returned to Giaveno, and Vaschetti in-
formed the rector of what Don Bosco had said. Father Grassino
immediately hurried to the Oratory to avert the danger of being
left without a staff. He tried to justify his actions, apologized, and
seemed receptive to Don Bosco's advice. On the same day, how-
ever, he called on the provicar [Canon Alexander Vogliotti] to
complain of Don Bosco's pretentiousness in imposing on him a
system of education which, in his opinion, was unsuited to the
times and potentially quite harmful, and he concluded by saying
that Don Bosco's interference hindered his free exercise of author-
ity as rector of the seminary. He succeeded in persuading the provi-
car to keep Don Bosco from recalling Vaschetti and Boggero. He
also intimated that the simplest way to get personnel was to force
the clerics who belonged to the diocese of Turin to leave Don
Bosco and the Salesian Society.
Father Grassino returned to Giaveno, convinced of his diplo-
matic victory, and told Vaschetti and Boggero, who were anxiously
awaiting the decisions taken in their regard, that he had had a long
talk with Don Bosco. Shortly before, Vaschetti had told Boggero,
"I hope that matters will be settled without our being recalled to
the Oratory."

62.10 Page 620

▲back to top


592
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
"Was anything decided about us?" Vaschetti asked.
"I spoke of you and of the Society you belong to with Canon
Vogliotti," Father Grassino replied. After a few more words,
though, perhaps fearing he had already said too much, he abruptly
stopped.
"And will Don Bosco keep sending us assistants next year?" the
clerics queried again. The rector only smiled.
Meanwhile, on July 5, the cleric Boggero, feeling very depressed,
wrote to Chevalier Oreglia and gave him a full description of what
we have narrated:
It looks as though things are not shaping up well for me. I believe
that the rector and some clerics have formed a tight clique and shut me
out. I am away from the Oratory, without a friend to confide in. . . .
Were I to express a doubt, hope, or anything at all concerning our
Society, I am sure that it would be reported to the rector.... This is
the situation I am in. . . . I don't even dare mention the least need be-
cause I don't know what to make of the rector's ambiguous conduct.
He ended the letter with these words:
I would have written all this to Don Bosco on the same evening that
Father Grassino returned from Turin - as Don Bosco himself had told
me to do should anything develop - but I did not feel up to it. I was
afraid to cause him too much pain. But if you think that Don Bosco
ought to know these things, please tell him everything. However, ask him
to be cautious in whatever steps he may take lest I get in trouble with
Father Grassino or Canon Vogliotti. I am afraid that I won't have a
chance to get away from here very soon because both the provicar and
the rector have stated that just now both Vaschetti and I are necessary.
Chevalier Oreglia handed this letter to Don Bosco, who hastened
to console Boggero with this short, cherished note: "Be very pru-
dent and patient and resigned to God's will. Trust in Him."
Fortunately nothing leaked out to outsiders. In fact, some Ora-
tory clerics went to Giaveno in August for their health, and [John
Baptist] Francesia and others vacationed there for a few weeks as
if it were their own home. The rector, however, indirectly and
subtly kept trying to entice them away from Don Bosco by holding

63 Pages 621-630

▲back to top


63.1 Page 621

▲back to top


A Regrettable Rift
593
out hopes for a guaranteed lucrative diocesan career with the help
of diocesan officials.
Father Grassino had not called on the chancery for quite some
time when Don Bosco went there to discuss the regrettable difficul-
ties he had encountered with the Giaveno seminary. He found the
provicar deeply concerned by Father Grassino's suggestions and
by his fear that Vaschetti and Boggero might be pulled out. In fact
the canon hastened to declare that those two clerics were necessary
for the seminary's good running. Courteous as always, Don Bosco
did not contradict him, but he proved to him that other clerics
could replace them, if necessary. There followed an exchange of
ideas whose gist transpires from the following letter of Don Bosco
to the canon:
Turin, September 3, 1861
Very Reverend Canon,
I am enclosing a list of Oratory clerics, from which you may choose
as many as you need for Giaveno. As regards the reason given me
yesterday why the Oratory and the Giaveno junior seminary should not
be considered as one and the same unit - namely, to avoid the possi-
bility that the staff will be labeled "Jesuit" and the teaching "Jesuitical"
- I feel duty-bound to ask you not to be taken in by this sort of
twaddle. Both the good and the malevolent know very well that those
two words are hallmarks of a sound moral education. Just recall what
the seminary was last year and think of what it is now. All the men we
sent from here agreed to go only when they were assured that the
Giaveno seminary would form but one unit with the Oratory.
You might do a little research and find out how many pupils came
directly from here or through our recommendation, and how many were
sent there by others. You would then realize that there are a great many
people who are not frightened by the words "Jesuits" and "Jesuitical."
You also said that, generally speaking, clerics from other dioceses should
preferably be sent back to their own bishops. This is the exact opposite
of what the bishops are doing or trying to do. If they have some good
prospects with us, they do all they can to keep them here. I can easily
prove this fact: Francesia belongs to Ivrea, Cerruti to Vercelli, Durando
to Mondovi, and Provera to Casale. They are all excellent teachers. If

63.2 Page 622

▲back to top


594
THE BIOGRAPIDCAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
they had been recalled to their own dioceses, I would lose their help,
and they might perhaps not be doing as much good elsewhere.
You may feel that I am lecturing you, but that is far from the truth.
I only want to tell you what I regard as more conducive to God's greater
glory. Nor do I want you to think that I am anxious to meddle in
Giaveno's affairs. The exact opposite is true. I have more than enough
to do here in Turin. It is my sincere desire that you will take over and
keep up what has been so wonderfully begun at Giaveno. You know
very well that for the last twenty years I have always worked for the
good of our diocese. This I still intend and hope to do for the rest of my
days. I have always recognized God's voice in that of my ecclesiastical
superior.
Forgive this prattle of mine and accept my best wishes for every
blessing from heaven on you.
Yours devotedly,
Fr. John Bosco
Prior to this, Don Bosco had been at the mountain solitude of
St. Ignatius' Shrine for his spiritual retreat and had taken along
Chevalier Frederick Oreglia. On July 18, the latter wrote to Father
[Victor] Alasonatti as follows:
Don Bosco tells me that hopefully he will write to you tomorrow.
The air here seems to brace him up and restore his strength. . . . A
thousand greetings to all our dear boys from both of us, especially from
Don Bosco. The boys are our favorite topic whenever we are together.
In truth, it seems such a long time to me since I saw them last. Ask
them to pray for our dear Don Bosco's health, for my conversion, and
for the spiritual betterment of their companions, especially of our dear
confreres. I interpret Don Bosco's mind in asking you to restrain those
who are carrying their zeal for study too far - our teachers included,
and especially the cleric Cerruti for whose health I very much fear.
Remember me particularly to my patients. I regret my inability to
cure them....
Kindly give my regards to the main superiors: Father Rua, Father
Savio, Father Turchi, and Father Rocchietti. I recommend myself to
their prayers.
[A few days later] Don Bosco also encouraged and admonished

63.3 Page 623

▲back to top


A Regrettable Rift
595
his pupils with a letter to be read by Father Alasonatti or Father
Rua to all the boys:
St. Ignatius' Shrine, July 23, 1861
My dear boys and sons,
May the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be always with us.
I have been away only a few days, my beloved children, and it seems
months since I have seen you. You are indeed my delight and my joy,
and I lack both when I am away from you.
Father Alasonatti has told me that you have been praying for me. I
thank you. I, too, remember you to the Lord every morning at Holy
Mass. I want to tell you that I have spent most of my time with you;
I have observed, generally and particularly, all you are doing and think-
ing. As regards specific things - some of which, I am sorry to say, are
serious - I will speak to those concerned, as needed, upon my return.
As for the rest, I am very pleased, and you, too, have good reason to be
pleased.
However, one very important thing must be corrected - the far too
hasty way in which you recite the community prayers. If you want to do
me a real favor, something pleasing to God and beneficial to you, strive
to keep an even pace in your prayers, distinctly pronouncing each word
without slurring syllables.
This, my beloved boys, is a suggestion that I ardently desire to see
carried out at my return. In three days I shall be with you again, and,
God willing, I will tell you many things I have seen, read, and heard.
May God give you health and grace, and may He help us to be one in
heart and soul in loving and serving Him all the days of our life. Amen.
Your friend in Jesus Christ,
Fr. John Bosco
P.S. I would like to have written also to Father Turchi, Rigamonti,
Placido Perucatti, Bagnasacco, Stassiano, and Cuniolo, but time did not
permit. I'll talk to them [when I get back].
"On his return from St. Ignatius' Shrine," Ruflino's chronicle
reports, "Don Bosco told the boys that while there he had seen all
those boys who were not fit to remain at the Oratory." This in-

63.4 Page 624

▲back to top


596
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
sight led him to a correct evaluation of pupils whose outward
deportment outwitted the superior's discernment. Firmly he would
send them home and thus remove stumbling blocks from the com-
munity. "When a pestilent man is punished, the little one will be
wiser; and if he follows the wise, he will receive knowledge." [Prov.
21, 11]
Academic awards were made at the Oratory near the end of
July. As on several previous occasions, Professor Thomas Vallauri
presided, and he then sent this gracious little note to Don Bosco:
[Turin] July 30, 1861
Reverend and dear Father,
Since you deserve the first prize, I take this opportunity to beg you to
accept complimentary copies of a few works of mine. Wish me well and
pray for me.
Your devoted servant,
T. Vallauri
The Oratory school year 1860-61 proved most fruitful in priestly
vocations. Thirty-four pupils were found to have the necessary
physical, intellectual, and moral qualifications to don the clerical
habit.

63.5 Page 625

▲back to top


CHAPTER 73
Noteworthy Incidents
THOSE Oratory boys who subscribed to Letture Catto-
liche took with them on their summer vacation the August issue,
entitled Life of the Holy Martyrs Marius, Martha, Audi/ax, and
Abachum . . . by Father John Bosco. . . . Then at home they
received the September issue, A Biographical Sketch of Michael
Magone, 1 Pupil of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, lovingly
written by Don Bosco himself ... and reviewed in L'Armonia on
November 15 [1861].... Finally, in October, upon their return to
the Oratory, they found a third booklet by Don Bosco, The Pon-
tificate of Saint Dionysius. ... At the same time, Dominic Savio's
biography - also by Don Bosco - was being reprinted [with an
Appendix listing favors received through his intercession]. . . .
One can hardly imagine how popular those booklets were. Hun-
dreds of thousands of copies were printed. In Tuscany, especially,
Don Bosco's first works 2 had practically become textbooks. Pro-
fessor Pera, superintendent of the area's schools, particularly of
Pisa and Leghorn, once told Don Bosco, "In teaching Italian to
school children, I use your biographies of Dominic Savio, Louis
Comollo, and Michael Magone. I usually tell them, 'In these little
books you can learn true, simple Italian. I don't want you to strug-
gle with big words and high-sounding, difficult phrases that keep
you running to a dictionary. That's for advanced study. It's better
for you just to learn a simple way of expressing your thoughts.'"
We now draw again from Father [Dominic] Ruffino's chronicle:
1 See pp. 4-7, 27f, 30f, 44, 58, 60-65. See also Vol. V, pp. 487-491. [Editor]
2 See Vol. V, pp. 472f. [Editor]
597

63.6 Page 626

▲back to top


598
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
August 4 [1861]. To mark my name day, Don Bosco told me, "Before
your next name day you will experience something very consoling, some-
thing very saddening, and something very distressing."
Ruffino was from Giaveno. He was consoled by the thriving
success of the junior seminary, he was saddened by Don Bosco's
forced withdrawal from its direction, as we shall see, and he was
distressed by a nearly fatal illness.
A few evenings later, Don Bosco was in the dining room, surrounded
by a good many boys who were staying for the summer and a few
clerics whose conduct was not altogether satisfactory. He talked for
some time about the Oratory's beginnings and told them a few episodes
to make them laugh. Then, suddenly becoming serious, he remarked,
"If the few who are not doing too well would always remember the
Oratory's early times, they would certainly strive to be worthy of the
very extraordinary favors God has bestowed on us!" He also exhorted
them not to cater to self-love when offended, not to be resentful or
jealous, and not to be upset if others held higher positions of authority.
Don Bosco knew from experience of the harm done to communities and
individuals by certain dissensions.
One evening some time later, as the cleric Paul Albera, who had
accompanied Don Bosco to his room on his return from town, was
helping him with his coat and hat, Don Bosco said, "You are
young, but you will see strange things: for example, two religious
making their meditation on their knees, side by side, in the church,
or chanting the Divine Office in the apse, or even kneeling for
Communion at the altar rail. And yet, though they can't stand
each other, they can reconcile hatred with Communion, slander
with prayer."
On another occasion he told some clerics, among whom was
Joseph Reano, "Fear and flee those who, though not openly lax in
morals, criticize anything conducive to a more perfect observance
of the rules and of prayer, and do not even spare the authority,
orders, or admonitions of superiors." Then he added that, human
frailty being what it is, a good cleric had to expect to be criticized
by the bad and still find strength to rise above the situation with
pity.

63.7 Page 627

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents
599
In August [1861] Don Bosco went to Montemagno for the feast
of the Assumption, and also to acknowledge a most cordial invita-
tion of Marquis Fassati who lived there in a magnificent castle.
The marchioness' name was Maria Assunta [Mary assumed into
heaven], and Don Bosco felt bound in gratitude to greet her per-
sonally. Her children, Emmanuel and Azelia, were very fond of
him too and eagerly awaited his arrival.
Don Bosco left by train on the 14th and was due at Asti at half
past two, in time to make connections with the Montemagno stage-
coach. On the train he entered into small talk with a businessman
sitting beside him. Gradually the conversation turned to the press,
both good and bad, and its influence on faith and morals. Won by
Don Bosco's friendliness, the man remarked, "Father, what you
said fits me perfectly. I must go to confession."
"Very good! Come to the Oratory and you'll be welcome."
"That's rather difficult. It might be quite a while before I can
do it, because I am on my way to Genoa and my business takes me
to other cities as well."
"In that case, why not do it right now?" Don Bosco exclaimed.
Then, after a look at his watch to check how much time he had
between train and stagecoach, he went on: "We have twenty min-
utes for your confession."
"What if you miss the coach?" the man asked.
"Don't worry. I can always take the next one."
"Very well, then. Let's do it that way."
At that moment the train was pulling into the Asti station. Don
Bosco got off and was greeted by the station master whom he had
met before. Seizing the opportunity, Don Bosco asked for a private
room to transact some business with a friend. The station master
readily obliged. After some preliminaries, the businessman made
his confession, which lasted longer than anticipated and caused
Don Bosco to miss his stagecoach. As he had to be in Montemagno
that evening, he asked the owner whether another carriage could
be readied for him and was told that it would take two hours.
During all this time, a friendly looking young man, who was soon
joined by several friends of his, stood a little distance away, ob-
serving matters. On noticing Don Bosco's disappointment at the

63.8 Page 628

▲back to top


600
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
unexpectedly long delay, they walked up to him, remarking sym-
pathetically, "Patience, Father!"
"Yes, I know, but I wish that I had something to do."
"There are many ways to while away the time," one said. "Why
not read a book?"
"Or go sightseeing!" said another.
"Or chat with us!" said a third.
"Or give us a sermon!" suggested a fourth.
"A sermon?" Don Bosco echoed. "This is no place for sermons,
but I know what I could do."
"For example?"
"Hear confessions!"
"Whose?"
"Well, yours to start with!"
A burst of laughter met his words.
"To think of it, that wouldn't be a bad idea!" they exclaimed.
"You know how it is. We don't worry too much about the soul.
We have other things on our mind, some not even fit to mention
here.... "
"Well, then, why not do something about it right now?" Don
Bosco replied. "If you want to make your confession, I am ready."
His look was far more eloquent than words.
"Why not?" one of them replied, and his remark was soon echoed
by the rest.
"But perhaps you are only joking. Maybe you don't really mean
it!"
"We surely do!"
"All right, then. Make up your mind to be done with the devil
and leave the rest to me. You'll be glad you did!"
"Where can you hear us?"
"Come with me!"
Going to a nearby inn, quite deserted at that hour, Don Bosco
rented a room, prepared the young men with a short talk, heard
their confessions, and dismissed them happy and content. By that
time the carriage was ready.
At Montemagno he had the good fortune to meet Countess
Charlotte Callori, who from then on became an outstanding bene-
factresses of Salesian works.

63.9 Page 629

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents
601
A few weeks later, when Marchioness Fassati came to Turin, he
gave her a letter for her young son Emmanuel, who had placed all
his confidence in him:
Turin, September 8, 1861
Dear Emmanuel,
While you are enjoying the country air with Stanislaus, I am paying
you a visit with this little note that I feel I owe you.
I have a proposal for you. You are old enough and know enough to
make your First Holy Communion. Wouldn't Easter Sunday be a great
day for that? What do you say, dear Emmanuel? Ask your parents what
they think about it. I would like you, though, to start preparing for that
at once by being especially good in your conduct:
1. By obeying your parents and superiors promptly, exactly, and
gladly.
2. By doing your chores, particularly your school duties, punctually
and willingly.
3. By thinking highly of all acts of devotion. Therefore, make the
Sign of the Cross well, kneel reverently when praying, and assist de-
voutly at religious services.
I would really like to hear from you about my proposal.
Remember me to Azelia and Stanislaus. Keep smiling, all of you. God
bless you all. Pray for me. You especially, dear Emmanuel, be a credit
to me with your good conduct.
Your friend,
Fr. John Bosco
Seemingly new dangers were threatening the Oratory during
these months. On September 4 [1861] Don Bosco called a meeting
of the Salesians and briefly but pointedly urged them to be very
cautious about politics. [Celestine] Durando, who was then away
from the Oratory, was briefed about this talk by Father [Angelo]
Savio with this letter:
Turin, September 5, 1861
Dear friend and brother in Jesus Christ,
We are all well and happy here as usual. For the past two days I have

63.10 Page 630

▲back to top


602
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
been toying with the idea of writing to you on some pretext or other, but
I no longer need a pretext because Don Bosco has explicitly charged me
to brief you on what he said yesterday at a meeting of all the members
of the Salesian Society.
Times are becoming dangerous, he said, and we must be most prudent
in discussing politics. We must never let slip any critical remark on the
government because informers are everywhere and we can trust nobody.
It is risky to criticize the repression of insurrections and the yearnings
for the annexation of Rome. When questioned, we must keep to general-
ities. If we are forced to answer, we should say, 'I'm against bloodshed,'
'I am for peace,' 'I wish the Pope would be left in peace,' and similar
expressions. He also urged us not to be afraid to carry out our religious
duties or practices of piety, not to omit our prescribed prayers and our
morning meditation, and not to be cowed by what others may think or
say. We must always, regularly and everywhere, frequent the sacraments
and strive to instill in others detachment from earthly things.
He then told us that, in carrying out our duties, we should reach the
point where the mere presence of only one of us should be a guarantee
that all is going well, and that all danger of evil is forestalled. Moreover,
he demanded that we tell him or his representative about any pupils who
are unworthy to stay at the Oratory because of morals or lack of piety.
Finally, he warmly urged that we look upon our Society as a chain of
which each member is a link which must keep joined to the others by
charity, prayer, and the Salesian spirit. All I have written so far is ex
officio.
I close by assuring you that we will forward the proofs of your
Donato 3 as soon as we get them.
Yours affectionately,
Fr. Angelo Savio
Besides urging a prudent reserve in talking about politics, Don
Bosco also recommended self-control in other circumstances while
judging events or people. Beatus qui lingua sua non est lapsus.
[Happy is he who sins not with his tongue - Sir. 25, 8] On one
occasion, for example, he was sitting at table with many priests.
One of them, a jolly fellow quite skillful at sleight-of-hand tricks,
3 An elementary Latin grammar authored by Durando, entitled II Nuovo Do-
nato, ossia Principi della Grammatica Latina. It was called "Donato" after Aelius
Donatus, a famous 4th-century Roman grammarian and teacher. [Editor]

64 Pages 631-640

▲back to top


64.1 Page 631

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents
603
would set a little cane on his thumb and, by moving it up and
down, make it sound like a trumpet accompanying his singing,
to everyone's amazement. Soon, however, he passed from humorous
ditties to verses from the Book of Job that are recited in the Office
of the Dead. Worse yet, he parodied the sacred words. Don Bosco
had heartily laughed at his first antics, but now he laughed no
more. The other guests, however, merrily kept laughing and ap-
plauding the comedian. Presently one of them, noticing Don
Bosco's severe look, asked him, "Don't you like it?" All eyes were
turned on Don Bosco.
"Tell me," he replied: "What would St. Francis de Sales say if
he heard Holy Scripture thus profaned? He once chided his own
doctor for inappropriately, though not unbecomingly, quoting
Scripture."
Father Michael Rua declared:
On one occasion, Don Bosco, the cleric Anfossi, and I were having
dinner with the pastor of Crocetta - a suburb of Turin - and many
other guests. One of them began to run down the cathedral canons and
the vicar general, saying, among other things, that the only reason they
chanted the Divine Office in choir was to receive the fruits of their
benefice and other payments. Don Bosco let him talk for a while and
then turned to him. "You are very unfair, I must say," he reprimanded
him. "Can you prove that even one of those canons is prompted by such
motives? Even if it were true of one, two, or even more, do you really
believe that they are incapable of higher motives as well? Don't forget
the advice of St. Francis de Sales: If what our neighbor does can be
viewed in a hundred ways - ninety-nine bad and only one good - we
should judge it only from that good one."
Father Francis Dalmazzo testified:
Don Bosco was visiting a family who spoke disparagingly of Bishop
[Thomas] Ghilardi of Mondovi. Without arguing, he took up the bis-
hop's defense by relating several praiseworthy incidents to illustrate his
great virtue and charity, thus silencing the bishop's critics. He followed
the same system when he had visitors or guests who freely expressed
unfavorable opinions of churchmen or other persons. He would op-
portunely point out a good quality of those being maligned, and if the

64.2 Page 632

▲back to top


604
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
speaker persisted in his course, he would interrupt, saying, "Either
speak well of your fellow men or say nothing at all."
If the backbiting came from superiors or persons over whom he had
no authority, he neatly steered the talk to some other topic. If he could
not, then he frankly took up the defense of those being maligned by
pointing out the injustice of running down anyone who was absent and
could not defend himself.
He often chastised backbiting, calling it one of the Oratory's worse
enemies. Time and again, the nosegays he gave the boys concerned its
avoidance.
Malicious gossip grieved him more than other things. If he saw or
learned that his prohibitions in this regard were not observed, he did
not allow the transgressor to escape without a severe reprimand. He
never let slip words or gestures which could in any way injure the good
name of others. Rather, he enjoyed pointing out real merit, in word or
writing, whenever he found an occasion to do so. Such a sense of justice
also ruled his thoughts. He never allowed himself to judge others un-
favorably unless the facts were such as to indicate clearly evil and notori-
ous deeds. Even then, he would attribute failings to ignorance, human
fraility, and imprudent counselors rather than to bad will. Meanwhile,
he kept reminding himself of St. Paul's saying, Qui stat videat ne cadat.
[Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall - 1 Cor. 10, 12]
Father Ru:ffino's chronicle reads:
September 10 [1861]. Today I said to Don Bosco, "I remember that
on June 3, in announcing the forthcoming Exercise for a Happy Death,
you urged us to do it well because one of us would not do it again.
[Who was he?]"
Don Bosco replied, "It won't be long before I'll be able to tell you.
He was at the Oratory when I spoke that way, but not even then did he
make the Exercise for a Happy Death. However, there is more to say:
in a dream I saw the boys making it, but several were missing from
church, including him. He was outside sewing a shroud.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"I am sewing a sheet to wrap myself in," he replied.
"Why don't you join your companions? They are in church making
the Exercise for a Happy Death!"
"I won't make it anymore!"

64.3 Page 633

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents
605
This boy had left the Oratory and had been unheard of since,
but Ruffino's question and similar questions from other clerics and
boys, as we shall see, make it clear that Don Bosco could not risk
making such predictions unless he were sure of what he was saying,
since the hundreds of boys who heard him would not forget.
Don Bosco's prediction of sicknesses 4 was again fulfilled in
September, as we gather from Father Ruffino's chronicle: "Louis
Pellissone is critical. He has already received the Anointing of the
Sick." However, he recovered.
Meanwhile, Don Bosco had been vainly waiting for Archbishop
Fransoni's reply to a letter of his, requesting permission to have a
number of his boys anticipate the required diocesan examination
they had to take before donning the clerical habit. He had probably
made this request so as not to have to recall his pupils from their
summer vacations at considerable expense. He had also asked for a
subsidy. The archbishop's reply finally reached him while he was
at Vercelli.
My dear Don Bosco,
Lyons, September 15, 1861
Your letter of July 22 arrived only yesterday with a bundle of other
mail from Turin. Naturally, at this date nothing can be done about
anticipating an examination scheduled for August 19. However, irre-
spective of this delay [in the mail] I would not have been able to grant
your request. The Cottolengo students also had to take their examina-
tions according to the diocesan schedule. If I were to start making
exceptions, I would have no end of trouble.
As regards a subsidy, you know that I have been deprived of my
revenues and so can do little. Still, I realize that my blessing alone can-
not keep your work going; therefore, you may call on my banker, Mr.
Piaggio, whom I have already notified. Pray and have others pray for me.
Sincerely yours,
+ Louis, Archbishop of Turin
Don Bosco was in Vercelli for the consecration and dedication
of St. Mary Major, a parish church raised to the rank of basilica.
4 Seep. 504. [Editor]

64.4 Page 634

▲back to top


606
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
The parishioners had generously responded to the appeal of Fr.
John Momo, their pastor, for its restoration. Work had started in
the middle of April under the direction of Count Edward Mella, a
distinguished artist, and had been completed by the middle of
September. The new basilica retained the title of the old church, a
title no less famous for its glorious Christian history than for its
pagan antiquity. Bishop Anthony Gianotti of Saluzzo was the con-
secrating prelate.
A handbill with a hymn by Professor John Baptist Chionetti in
honor of Archbishop Alexander d'Angennes of Vercelli carried the
following announcement:
September 15, 1861
Consecration and Dedication of the Church
Solemn Vespers will be sung this afternoon with organ accompani-
ment by Maestro Felice Frasi. His Excellency the Archbishop and the
consecrating bishop will preside. The inaugural sermon will be preached
by the scholarly and beneficent Father John Bosco who is so greatly de-
serving of the gratitude of civil society and of the Church.
Don Bosco had been invited to preach by the pastor, Father
John Momo. After dictating his sermon to Father Rua, Don Bosco
left for Vercelli on September 14. As we have already seen and
will see again, this trip, too, brought out his meek disposition.
Among his fellow passengers were two priests. While they con-
versed, Don Bosco kept working on the life of a pope he was
writing [for Letture Cattoliche]. After discussing seminary life and
priestly formation in general, the two priests spoke of Don Bosco's
Oratory, remarking that the clerics there could not possibly do
justice to their study of theology because they were always busy
supervising the boys. Consequently, the Oratory could produce only
inferior priests. Not knowing that their fellow passenger was Don
Bosco, they asked him, "Isn't that so?"
Don Bosco replied that he thought otherwise, adding, "Do you
know Don Bosco? Have you ever been at the Oratory? His clerics
do justice to their studies. If you want proof of this, ask about their
grades at the seminary."

64.5 Page 635

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents
607
Just then the train pulled in at the Vercelli station, where a
small crowd was waiting for the archbishop and for Don Bosco.
As the latter looked out of the window some people spotted him
and called out: "Don Bosco! Don Bosco!" Both priests were highly
embarrassed and bowed to him as he got off the train. Don Bosco
excused them by saying that they had been ill-informed. Later, they
came to the Oratory to apologize and recommend pupils to Don
Bosco.
On September 15, Don Bosco preached on the glories of Mary
to which the newly-restored basilica was a lasting monument. Both
prelates and congregation were so pleased with his sermon that
Archbishop d'Angennes asked him to preach again on the following
two days, telling him not to worry about the topics because they
themselves, the two prelates, would suggest them in due time. And
so they did, but they delayed until it was about time for Don Bosco
to ascend to the pulpit. The bishop of Saluzzo selected the first
sermon topic, and the archbishop of Vercelli chose the second -
respect due to sacred places.

64.6 Page 636

▲back to top


CHAPTER 74
The 1861 Yearly Outing
a T the beginning of October [1861], the Oratory pupils
who were entitled to the yearly outing to Becchi were even more
thrilled than usual because, some months before, Don Bosco had
announced that this year's excursion would be one that they would
long remember.1 He had said nothing more, and of course the boys
were tingling with curiosity. At the start of Our Lady of the
Rosary's novena on September 27, groups of boys began getting
ready to depart. One lad, who later earned several academic honors,
kept a diary of the entire trip, and we will record it faithfully, fill-
ing in details and incidents about which we learned from other
participants, and adding scattered comments of our own. The diary
states:
On October 3, a group of five, including me, was scheduled to set out
for Castelnuovo. Father Alasonatti had given to us, as well as to the
others who were to follow, the pocket money that we had deposited
with him. At eight o'clock, after Mass and breakfast, we said good-bye
to Don Bosco and our friends and started out. At Pino Torinese we
stopped for water. At Chieri, Canon [Francis] Calosso invited us to
dinner. Then, after a little sightseeing, we prayed at Louis Comollo's
grave at St. Philip Neri Church and also visited a schoolmate of ours.
Later, after a snack at Canon Calosso's, we went to the crossroads to
wait for Don Bosco. As soon as we spotted him, Chevalier Oreglia, and
Paul Albera, we ran to meet them and went with them to Chevalier
Mark Gonella's. After a tour through his magnificent botanical garden,
three of us returned to Canon Calosso's and the rest remained there for
the night. Before going to bed we all said our rosary and night prayers.
1 For previous outings, see pp. 143-154 and Chapter 55. [Editor]
608

64.7 Page 637

▲back to top


The 1861 Yearly Outing
609
Next morning, Friday the 4th, at six-thirty, we heard Don Bosco's
Mass in Chevalier Gonella's lovely chapel, and at eight we left. After we
had passed through Riva di Chieri, Don Bosco began a conversation
on a variety of subjects - personal incidents, ways to test and maintain
the voice, the sacrament of Penance, and other topics. At Buttigliera,
the pastor, Father Joseph Vaccarino, invited us to a mid-morning snack.
Pupils from the Oratory who were home on vacation came to greet Don
Bosco and walked with us a good distance on the road to Becchi where
dinner was waiting for us. We then strolled through the meadows facing
Buttigliera, and at sunset we caught sight of our actors approaching
from that direction. Shortly afterward, a bell called us to novena services.
After supper we sang sacred hymns and other songs untill it was time
for night prayers.
Next morning, October 5, we got up at seven and sauntered out
singly and silently to breathe the fresh morning air in the nearby woods.
After Mass, the usual cheerful hustle and bustle began, with joking,
laughing, running, playing, and walking to the nearby farms to buy nuts,
milk, or grapes. After dinner, we formed groups; some went toward
Montafia, while others journeyed toward Morialdo to meet Don Bosco
who had gone to Castelnuovo to invite Father Cinzano to Becchi. Still
other boys stayed home to rest under the trees, while a fourth group
headed toward Buttigliera to meet the choirboys and band. When they
arrived, they were greeted by applause, congratulations, and banter.
Soon a bell summoned all to the chapel for the Litany of Our Lady,
Tantum Ergo, and Benediction. After supper came night prayers and
a few words of advice from Don Bosco; then we all went to bed, dead
tired from hiking.
Sunday, October 6, was a splendid, sunny day. The eight o'clock
Mass was marked with many Communions. At nine, the drum an-
nounced solemn high Mass. Later that afternoon, after a very enjoyable
dinner, the drum again called all to Vespers, which were attended by
large crowds from neighboring villages. Then balloons were released
into the sky, and a play followed on a stage adorned with rustic orna-
ments and lanterns. Don Bosco's neighbor, Mrs. Damevino, put lights in
her windows, and her yard became a fireworks stage while the band
played a serenade. After the crowds left, we had supper, sang, played
for about an hour, and enjoyed a pantomime while waiting for Don
Bosco who had accompanied Father Cinzano part of the way to Castel-
nuovo. After night prayers, Don Bosco gave us the usual instructions
for the morrow, and thus ended a most enjoyable day.

64.8 Page 638

▲back to top


610
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
The following morning, October 7, after Mass, all church objects
were stored away for the next year and Don Bosco briefed us on our
deportment while on the road. Then the band played a good-bye song
for Don Bosco's brother Joseph and we started off for Villa San Secondo
[by way of Castelnuovo and Mondonio. Here we made a visit to Dom-
inic Savio's grave and then went on to Pica ... where we were triumph-
ally welcomed by the whole village].2 Don Bosco introduced us to the
pastor, Father Matthew Barbero. Then, after supper, night prayers, and
a few words from Don Bosco, we were taken to various private homes
for the night.
[On Tuesday, October 8, Don Bosco said the Community Mass and
gave a short sermon to the large congregation of villagers. A solemn
Mass was later sung at a tiny neighboring shrine. In the afternoon there
were Vespers, a procession, and Benediction; in the evening a stage
play and delightful skits were given until eleven. During the day, the
boys had a chance to stroll about the village and meadows.]
Next day we sang a requiem Mass for the deceased villagers [and the
rest of the morning was spent in free activities. After dinner, at about
two in the afternoon, we left for Alfiano by way of Cossombrato. All
along the way people flocked to greet us]. Noticing the striking candor
of one youngster, Don Bosco called him.
"What's your name?" he asked.
"Louis. I come from...."
"Would you like to join us?"
"Yes, but who are you?"
"Do you know your pastor?"
"I served his Mass this morning."
"Well, ask him to come and see me tomorrow at the rectory in
Alfiano. I want to speak to him about you. And you'll come with him,
won't you?"
"What's your name?"
"Just tell your pastor that a priest from Turin wants to speak to him
about you."
The pastor came and the boy went to the Oratory, eventually be-
coming a priest and a zealous pastor in the Casale diocese.
At sunset, every group recited the Angelus. Shortly afterward, we
arrived at Alfiano where the whole village was waiting to greet us. The
bells rang, and in a few moments the church was crowded for Bene-
2 The material in brackets here and elsewhere throughout this chapter is a con-
densation of the original text. [Editor]

64.9 Page 639

▲back to top


The 1861 Yearly Outing
611
diction. [After supper, the boys gave a stage play and entertainment
until about eleven. Then, after a hymn to Our Lady, the village joined
us in night prayers.]
Next day, Thursday, October 10, at dawn, we sang a solemn high
Mass, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. After break-
fast, the boys were allowed to walk around the neighboring areas in
small groups, and an hour or so later the drum sounded for departure.
We thanked the pastor, asked God's blessings on him, and left.
Passing by the Castello di Merli [Blackbirds' Castle],3 Don Bosco
told us how he had gotten lost near there in 1841 4 and had found
shelter in that castle. . . .
We were now climbing a steep hill topped by the famed Shrine of
Our Lady of Crea, which was cared for by the Franciscans. This was
to be one of our stops. Don Bosco had arranged with the diocesan
economer, Canon Joseph Crova, the legal owner and a resident of the
monastery, for a snack for all the boys. However, through a misunder-
standing or forgetfulness because of his age, the economer believed that
all we wanted was dinner at the Casale seminary, and so he had gone
there to see that things were ready.
As they were ascending, Don Bosco sent word around that he had
something interesting to say. As the boys closed in together, he began
telling the story of this shrine, thus making their ascent more pleasant.
At about two in the afternoon we reached the plaza fronting the
shrine. While the band played a tune, Don Bosco, tired and perspiring,
walked toward the rectory to tell Canon Crova that he had arrived.
"He's out!" replied the housekeeper who had come to the door at
the sound of the band.
"He told me he would be here," Don Bosco said.
"I'm sorry, but he went to Casale this morning to meet a priest from
Turin."
"I am that priest."
"You are Don Bosco? Dinner is ready for you and your boys at
Casale."
"That won't help us now. The boys are hungry. Do you think you
could somehow.... "
"Impossible! For two or three people, I could scrape up something,
but not for a hundred!"
Don Bosco returned in deep concern to the plaza, wondering how to
3 See Vol. II, pp. 397f. [Editor)
4 Ibid., pp. 24ff. [Editor]

64.10 Page 640

▲back to top


612
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
provide for his boys. He knocked at the monastery door, but nobody
answered. The monks had been repeatedly insulted by ungodly merry-
makers who sometimes came to picnic in those beautiful surroundings,
and they had locked themselves up as in a fortress.
Though the boys were tired and covered with dust, Don Bosco told
them to go to the church and sing a hymn to Our Lady. . . . [Soon
several monks showed up, among them Father Guardian. After telling
him who they were and where they had come from, Don Bosco asked
permission to give Benediction and also explained his predicament.
Father Guardian suggested that, after Benediction, the boys should
visit the various chapels which portrayed the mysteries of the rosary and
other scenes, while the monks prepared some food for them. And so it
was done.]
At four, after a few songs, a visit to Our Lady's altar, and a prayer
for the monks, the boys thanked them and resumed their march with
Don Bosco to Casale. The stifling heat and dusty road made everybody
dreadfully thirsty.... [We reached Casale that evening at nine, having
walked some thirteen miles. Our band played a tune under the bishop's
windows, and then we went to the seminary where, dead tired, we just
dropped to the floor. After an excellent dinner we went to bed. Next
morning, October 11, Don Bosco let us sleep until eight-thirty. We
heard Mass at nine, ate breakfast, and then gathered in the chapel at ten
where Bishop Calabiana prayed with us and permitted us to venerate
a relic of the true Cross. Afterward he himself personally gave us a
conducted tour of the cathedral.
At noon we went back to the seminary for dinner. Don Bosco had
given us permission to do some sightseeing in town, but it began to rain,
and so we were forced to stay indoors. Later we sang at Benediction
offered by the bishop.]
In the evening we provided a much appreciated entertainment in the
seminary auditorium for the bishop, clergy, and distinguished guests. Its
main features were a drama - The Two Sergeants - a complimentary
address to the bishop, and a musical composition written by the cleric
John Cagliero - L'Orfanello [The Little Orphan Boy]. This was the
first time that it had been sung.
[The following day, October 12, the bishop said Mass and preached
to us. After breakfast, he suggested that a guide take us sightseeing.
Later, after thanking the bishop and receiving his blessing and a medal
of Our Lady of Crea, we marched in ranks to Mirabella, about five
miles away, stopping briefly at San Germano for refreshments. At Oc-

65 Pages 641-650

▲back to top


65.1 Page 641

▲back to top


The 1861 Yearly Outing
613
cimiano we were met by many people who had come from Mirabello,
anxious to see Don Bosco. At Mirabello we were warmly welcomed by
the pastor and his assistants and by the cleric Provera's father who had
arranged accommodations for all.
On Sunday, October 13, feast of the Motherhood of the Blessed
Virgin, a solemn high Mass was sung in the public square to accom-
modate a crowd twenty-thousand strong. Afternoon services consisted
of Vespers, a procession, a sermon by Don Bosco, and solemn Benedic-
tion. The festivities ended with fireworks and the release of balloons.
On Monday, October 14, we sang a solemn requiem Mass for de-
ceased parishioners and then visited three of our schoolmates and the
nearby Capuchin monastery. The day ended with a stage play attended
by a record crowd.]
On Tuesday, October 15, we rose at six-thirty and went to the
Capuchin monastery for Mass and the Exercise for a Happy Death -
a wholesome practice of piety which Don Bosco never omitted during
these excursions. He seemed to imitate Job who, at the close of a cele-
bration, would send for his sons and sanctify them by offering holocausts
lest they had done wrong and displeased God.
The Capuchins came out to meet Don Bosco who immediately went
to the sacristy to hear confessions. Several townsmen and youngsters
had accompanied him, wishing to join us in our devotions. There were
many confessors, and all of us went to confession and Communion.
Later, Don Bosco told us, "I am pleased with you!"
[After breakfast and recreation i~ the monastery garden, we were
shown the irrigating system of the orchard and the meadows. Then, at
ten, the band played a selection, and we said good-bye to those good
religious. After lunch at Mirabello, we set off for Lu where we arrived
about two, welcomed by the local clergy and the townsfolk.]
Meanwhile, Don Bosco had spotted a boy in the crowd. Coatless and
barefooted, he had run up to the square to see what all the commotion
was about. When Don Bosco got near him, he stopped and studied his
face. "What's your name," he asked the boy.
"Quartero."
"Would you like to come to Turin?"
"I'd love to. That's why I ran here!"
"Come along and I will have hobnails put into your shoes." All the
bystanders laughed, for the lad was barefooted. Arrangements were
made with his parents, and Quartero came to the Oratory. He excelled
in conduct and diligence, eventually becoming a highly esteemed curate

65.2 Page 642

▲back to top


614
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
in his own native town and later a very zealous pastor. . . . In the
evening we returned to Mirabella.
On Wednesday, the 16th, we had Mass at the usual hour, sang the
Litany of the Blessed Virgin, and had Benediction. After breakfast, Don
Bosco sent us along country roads with the band at our head to cheer
the farmhands in the fields, who had hardly expected such a surprise.
Meanwhile, Don Bosco was negotiating with Mr. Provera about the
school planned for Mirabello.5 To this effect he accepted the land and
the building which now lodged us. Before parting, they reached definite
conclusions on the layout. ...
In the evening we staged a comedy.... At the "Good Night" Don
Bosco briefed us for the following day and gave us some spiritual advice.
This was to be our last night in Mirabella.
[On Thursday, the 17th, our choir gave a final demonstration of its
excellence by singing the Litany of Our Lady and a magnificent Tantum
Ergo at Benediction after Mass. Lunch was early. After thanking the
Provera family, the pastor, and friends, we set off for Valenza where
we arrived after nine. Rather Spartan-like lodgings for about sixty of us
had been prepared in the mansion of Count De Cardenas by his farm
manager. Seeing how uncomfortable our accommodations were, Don
Bosco quietly left his room after his hosts had gone to bed and joined
us, sleeping on straw.
On Friday, October 18, after our usual practices of piety and an
excellent breakfast, we visited the count's huge wine cellars and then
went into town for sightseeing. After a fine dinner, we thanked the count
and walked to the railroad station for a free trip to Villafranca d'Asti
where we arrived at eight, numb with cold. After supper, though tired,
we staged a few skits and sang for the pastor and parishioners.
Saturday, October 19, was the last day of our outing. We sang Mass
and had Benediction, and at nine-thirty we boarded the train for Turin.
By noon, with the band at our head, we were marching through the
Oratory gate, welcomed by the whole Oratory.]
This outing had taken Don Bosco through the dioceses of Turin,
Asti, Casale, and Alexandria. Everywhere he had picked up boys
who gave good promise of a priestly vocation, and he had also
enthusiastically promoted Letture Cattoliche. On the way he had
readied the November and December issues....
5 Seep. 429. [Editor]

65.3 Page 643

▲back to top


CHAPTER 75
Helping Priestly Vocations
Q PON his return to Turin, Don Bosco was faced with
a large debt that he owed to his contractor. While he was wonder-
ing where to turn, a providential suggestion solved his problem.
Near Turin lived a very wealthy old priest who had a reputation for
miserliness. Having an uncle in that town, the cleric Francis Dal-
mazzo suggested that Don Bosco and he visit this relation together
and, while there, call on the old priest. They did so in October.
The priest was delighted to see Don Bosco and listened as he
described his work and needs. Don Bosco said nothing extraordi-
nary, but he spoke so convincingly about paradise and God's rewards
that the priest felt deeply moved, his eyes welling with tears. He
went to his safe, scooped up two handfuls of gold coins - about
five thousand lire - and emptied them into Don Bosco's hat. When
the townsfolk heard of this from the cleric Dalmazzo, they con-
sidered it nothing short of a miracle.
Meanwhile new pupils were flocking to the Oratory. On October
24, Chevalier [Frederick] Oreglia wrote to young Rostagno 1 who
was ill at Pinerolo: "Since you are still an Oratory boy, I will tell
you that this year the number of boys may come close to six hun-
dred. You may imagine how much work this will entail for Don
Bosco and Father Alasonatti. Don Bosco wishes to be remembered
to you and exhorts you to be patient and persevering in doing
good."
Very many pupils were taken in gratis, and others were accepted
at two-thirds or half the rate. The way Don Bosco notified people
1 See p. 587. [Editor]
615

65.4 Page 644

▲back to top


616
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
of these reductions was frequently charming. For example, in ac-
cepting a boy named Audagnotto, who eventually became a priest
and the private secretary to Archbishop Gastaldi, he wrote on
October 23 to Father Balladore, pastor of Beinasco: "Have at
least ten lire raised inter notos et amicos [among acquaintances and
friends] for young Audagnotto. The other two-thirds of the board-
ing fee will be taken care of by yours truly."
While busy with new pupils, Don Bosco did not lessen his lively
interest in the success and future of youngsters of the dioceses of
Asti and Turin who were anxious to enter diocesan seminaries.
Likewise, he solicitously looked after those who had already don-
ned the clerical habit and wished to continue their studies at the
Oratory. On their behalf he wrote to Canon [Anthony] Sossi, capit-
ular vicar general of Asti, in these terms:
Turin, October 25, 1861
Very Reverend and dear Canon,
For several weeks now I have been toying with the idea of taking a
trip to Asti, but my work forces me to keep putting it off. Therefore,
I'll briefly jot down what I wanted to tell you verbally.
The cleric [Charles] Viale, for whom you were paying a two-month
fee even during the summer, has gone home for reasons of health, and
I credited your payment to the deserving cleric [Joseph] Fagnano. He
spent his summer vacation here and, unless you object, would like to
stay on. If crediting your payment to his account should create a prob-
lem, patience! I'll provide for Fagnano myself. However, I make bold to
seek a full scholarship for him; his conduct and diligence amply make
him worthy.
As regards the Asti seminarians who took examinations for donning
the clerical habit this year, here is all I know about them: Bassetti and
Ferraris are now in their first year of philosophy and are still wearing
civilian clothing; Ciattino goes to Asti; Galletti, of Cunico, has as yet told
me nothing; the two brothers will don the cassock in Villa San Secondo
and need your charity. Their father is full of good will, but he cannot
pay. I plan to ask twenty-five lire monthly for each of them, and I will
provide the rest myself with the help of Divine Providence.
Then we have another dear boy from Viarigi named Lawrence Preda,
who has been promoted with honors to Rhetoric II. I have kept him

65.5 Page 645

▲back to top


Helping Priestly Vocations
617
here gratis for the last three years because his parents can do nothing
at all for him. He is most deserving in talent and piety, and he, too,
wishes to don the clerical habit. He needs everything; if you can con-
tribute twenty lire monthly, I will do my best to help him along.
I respectfully ask all this so as to be able to help the Asti seminarians
to reach their goal. There are some twenty-five other pupils of your
diocese who wish to become priests, but since they are not yet in Rhe-
toric II, I shall presently depend on Divine Providence.
I recommend myself and my poor boys to your prayers. Wishing you
every blessing, I am,
Your friend,
Fr. John Bosco
Six other Oratory boys of the diocese of Turin had passed their
examination for donning the cassock, and since they had achieved
their immediate goal, Don Bosco now recommended them to Canon
Vogliotti:
Very Reverend Provicar,
Oratory, October 27, 1861
George Gallini of Chieri keeps begging me to ask you for a reduction
in his seminary fees. The information that I have concerning his dili-
gence and conduct is good. Help him as you deem best in the Lord.
The other young clerics here at the Oratory are anxiously waiting for
me to tell them to what extent you will help them with their seminary
fees. Please favor me with a word of reply. I would come to see you
personally, but these days I have little free time at my disposal.
Ever yours,
Fr. John Bosco
He likewise intended to continue his fatherly care of the Giaveno
seminary. In writing to Archbishop Fransoni, however, while giving
him news of the festive oratories, he also mentioned the rivalries
which marred that seminary's direction. The archbishop replied as
follows:

65.6 Page 646

▲back to top


618
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Lyons, October 23, 1861
My dear Don Bosco,
I am enclosing a letter for the pastor of Villa San Secondo. Please
forward it.
Your report on the prosperous state of affairs at the Oratory of St.
Francis de Sales and at the St. Aloysius Festive Oratory was very
gratifying. Though not to the same extent, what you wrote about im-
provement at the Guardian Angel Oratory since Father Rua took charge
gives me sufficient reason to rejoice. The Lord be praised! Of course,
it is most deplorable that Protestants should make headway among
Catholics. But more painful than the apostasy of adults - who are
practically out of the Church already - is the perversion of the young
who are brought up as Protestants without knowing it, and will later
raise Protestant families. This is the kind of growth which must worry
us most. As of now, though, I cannot believe they number 6,650. It may
be just a boast of theirs. If they were to include all the atheists, their
number would be even larger, but the latter have no use for religion and
would not be Catholics even if Protestants did not exist.
I was deeply grieved by what you wrote about the Giaveno seminary.
Last year's news w.as indeed most consoling, and the unhoped for
number of pupils confirmed it. The new rector was portrayed to me as
excellent. Was he one whom you yourself chose? If not, I fear he is the
person who on his own tried to cut himself from your "indirect care,"
as you call it. No one mentioned to me what the provicar said on this
matter, and it pains me to hear it now. All things considered, you may
be right, and the provicar may be too. But I don't dare ask him to
explain, because last year, when I saw that we could no longer save that
seminary and I had nothing to suggest, I ended up by leaving the matter
entirely in their hands. Often enough I find myself in similar painful
situations; I express my opinion, but afterward I do not keep track of
what is being done. In my present situation, since I cannot exercise my
authority directly, I am forced to leave the responsibility for manage-
ment in the hands of others, with the result that I must keep my hasty
self in check.
Concerning the Society of St. Francis de Sales, I was informed that
its rules had been returned to you with some important observations -
as, for example, "Upon whom is the Society to depend?" - so that
you could amend and complete them. I think I was told afterward that
you had made some concessions, but that many notable defects were

65.7 Page 647

▲back to top


Helping Priestly Vocations
619
still to be rectified. Prudence requires that I look into this matter as
soon as possible.
As regards Letture Cattoliche, I have provided a one-year subscrip-
tion ( 1861 ) for the pastor of Vedees, which is located in the Protestant
canton of Vaud where many Catholics live.
Please remember me to all your priests. God bless you and your boys.
Sincerely yours,
+ Louis, Archbishop of Turin
Don Bosco had complained to the archbishop but, generous as
ever, he did not stop sending pupils with signs of a priestly vocation
to the Giaveno seminary, and, preferably, he sent those who could
afford to pay a full fee. He also allowed the clerics Dominic Bon-
giovanni and Bessa to help the cleric Boggero in supervising the
boys. In addition, [Charles] Ghivarello and [Dominic] Ruffino were
on hand to help out with teaching.
By the end of October, 1861, the cleric [Francis] Vaschetti tells
us that, thanks to Don Bosco, the Giaveno junior seminary had an
enrollment of two hundred and sixteen pupils; in the following
months the number rose to two hundred and forty, thus straining
sleeping facilities. Garrets and storage rooms had to be prepared
for use as dormitories. The prospectus for the school year 1861-62
announced that the seminary course of studies was a complete one,
since it included both humanities and rhetoric. Each class had its
own resident teacher, chosen, as in the previous year, with the
approval of Don Bosco. The cleric Vaschetti taught humanities,
while bearing the burden of almost the entire administration in his
post as prefect and procurator.

65.8 Page 648

▲back to top


CHAPTER 76
Noteworthy Incidents (Continued)
DON Bosco had cherished an ardent devotion to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus during these years, as we gather from a letter
of a noble lady - Elizabeth Seyssel-Sommariva, a convert to
Catholicism:
Florence, October 28, 1861
Very Reverend Don Bosco,
Thank you for your most welcome letter which reached me very
promptly. All I can say is: May God reward you for it. . . . I was fondly
hoping to see you here, but Countess Pemati tells me that it will be
hardly possible for you to come. Do come, though, if you can at all, foc
the sake of those souls whom you could help so much. Come and stir up
zeal to save so many poor boys; come and stamp out blasphemy. For
God's sake, come to Florence!
I am doing my best to spread your books among our countryfolk also.
I am very grateful for the courage you rouse in me by reminding me of
a heavenly crown.... I strongly fear Divine Justice because I feel :that
I have lost many heavenly graces for myself and others. Nevertheless, I
trust indeed in the mercy and love of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus -
my favorite devotion, which you inspired in me even before I became a
Catholic. However, my [spiritual] needs are great - not mine only, but
also my husband's and children's. . . . Besides, I still have a brother in
schism - Michael. Please recommend him to his archangel and say a
Mass for him.
[Elizabeth Seyssel-Sommariva]
Classes had now resumed at the Oratory. The teaching faculty
620

65.9 Page 649

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents (Continued)
621
of 1861-62 was the same as for the previous year: Francis Provera
for Latin I, John Anfossi for Latin II, Celestine Durando for Latin
III, Francis Cerruti for·Humanities, and John Baptist Francesia for
Rhetoric. Tirelessly and diligently they pursued their own studies
while diligently carrying out their teaching assignments. One of
them once remarked to Don Bosco that he did not have one free
moment during the whole day. Don Bosco's reply, repeatedly heard
by John Bonetti, was, "How consoling it is in the evening to find
oneself tired and worn out because the whole day was spent in
work for God's glory and the salvation of souls!"
Concerning the pupils, Don Bosco's first directive to superiors
and teachers was to educate the boys to retain their love of family
and to gladden their parents while acquainting them with the joy-
ful, salutary system used at the Oratory. In his own hand he left us
a concise outline of his ideas, which we shall here report:
Every teacher should see to it that his pupils periodically write home
about:
1. School subjects, study periods, tutoring, present and future pro-
gress, Gregorian chant, music, etc.
2. Recreation, walks, and the like.
3. Practices of piety: prayer, meditation, sacraments, the "Good
Night," spiritual reading, rosary, duty to pray for parents and bene-
factors.
4. Celebrations: choir and band, which they hope to join, dramatics,
etc.
5. Sundays and holy days: rising time, tidiness, church services, topics
of sermons, activities before night prayers.
6. Things that please or displease, reasons for putting up with dis-
agreeable things, impossibility to learn without studying, avoidance of
idleness.
7. Oratory: description of the church, dining room and meals, num-
bers of boys and assistants.
8. Turin: let the teacher tell about Our Lady of Consolation Shrine,
St. Lawrence Church, the equestrian monument of Emmanuel Philibert
in Piazza San Carlo, the pillar in Our Lady of Consolation Square, the
reason why the area of the Oratory is called "Valdocco."
9. Winter: outdoor and indoor temperatures, gas lighting, heating; etc.

65.10 Page 650

▲back to top


622
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
At about this time too, material assistance came to the Oratory
in the form of surplus army clothing and subsidies - one of three
hundred lire from the king, and one of six hundred lire from the
Ministry of Justice, whom Don Bosco had petitioned.1
This year Latin I was an overly large class of two hundred pupils
taught by Francis Provera. The young cleric, overjoyed at the ap-
proval of plans for a Salesian school in his native Mirabella, often
remarked, "I am simply too happy. I must get ready for some
cross because Our Lord usually blends joy with suffering." In fact
something did happen which seemed to portend a crucial test, a
painful struggle. Though attaching no importance to it, he narrated
it to his companions one morning at breakfast:
Last night I had a very strange dream. I'll tell it to you just for fun.
I seemed to be out in a meadow reading a book when suddenly a hor-
rible monster loomed before me. As I leaped to run away, it jumped on
me, as quick as lightning. I had only a stick, and I struck it with all my
might on its head, its back, and wherever I could reach. For a moment,
I thought I had at least knocked it senseless, and so I turned to get
away. Immediately the monster regained its strength and again lunged
at me in an attempt to bury its fangs into my chest. I was scared to death
but again managed to knock it unconscious, though I found it harder
because I was tiring. To my horror, the monster attacked me again and
again. Though ready to drop, I fought back for fear of being tom to
pieces. Soaked with perspiration, breathless, and thoroughly exhausted,
I prayed to God and the Blessed Virgin. I woke up as I was shouting,
"Mary, help me!" Was I relieved to find myself quite safe in bed! Yet
I was really exhausted and in a cold sweat. Then, when I tried to push
the blankets down to feel more comfortable, I felt as though my hands
were bound. I was almost afraid that, after all, there might be some
truth to my dream and I had been hurt, but then I remembered that I
had wrapped my rosary beads around my hands and felt quite happy
about it. I even laughed and said to myself, "I understand! To beat that
monster I need a rosary, not a stick."
When someone mentioned this dream to Don Bosco, his only
comment was, "You will see!"
1 We are omitting these routine petitions and favorable replies. For similar
ones, see Vol. IV, pp. 191f, 223f; Vol. V, pp. 348, 350f, 622ff. We are also omit-
ting a petition for a subsidy to the St. Paul's Society. [Editor]

66 Pages 651-660

▲back to top


66.1 Page 651

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents (Continued)
623
Holy Scripture tells us that, God permitting, holy Job was
stricken with misfortunes and a most horrible malady by Satan,
who wanted to make him tum against God. Does not this dream
point to something similar? What followed seems to support this
view. A few days after the start of the school year, Provera felt
sharp pains in his chest and came down with fever. Since he him-
self kept a record of his illness and its strange circumstances, we
will here report what he himself wrote and complete it with a few
oral additions of his own:
On the evening of November 10, 1861, I felt so weak that I had to
go to bed. I had pneumonia and indigestion, and my phlegm was tinged
with blood. The doctor tried bleeding me several times, but to no avail.
In fact, my condition worsened, so that by noon of the next day he listed
me as critical and suggested that I receive the Last Sacraments. Father
Rua was attending me. He again applied leeches and then went to call
Don Bosco, who came to see me for the fourth time that day. It was
about six in the evening.
"Poor Francis!" he said jokingly. "Shall we recommend you to Our
Lady and to Dominic Savio?"
When I answered in agreement, he .suggested that I say an Our Father
with all my heart. He knelt for a few moments in prayer, stood up,
placed his hand over me, and blessed me. Then he said, "Look, you can
either go to heaven or be cured. Which do you choose? Would you tarry
a little longer in this world and increase your merits by suffering, or
would you rather have us issue you a passport for heaven? Which will
it be?"
For a moment I kept silent because I needed time to think. Tihen
calmly I replied, "I have to think this over! Please give me two hours
and kindly see me again tonight before you go to bed. By then I'll have
made my decision."
At this Don Bosco remarked, "I see that you are not too keen on
leaving your body and the Oratory. Very well, we will hold the passport
up this time. Are you happy now?"
"I didn't make up my mind yet," I rejoined. "I only asked you to be
kind enough to come for my answer tonight."
"What need is there to think it over?" Father Rua remarked, surprised
at my not opting at once for heaven. But Don Bosco continued, "Well,
life is always desirable. Anyway, let's leave everything in God's hands.

66.2 Page 652

▲back to top


624
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
'Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven!'" Then, bending down,
he whispered, "Don't worry! I will come again before supper to see if
you wish to make your confession; then, if necessary, we will bring you
Holy Viaticum after night prayers." He exhorted me to be resigned and
tranquil and then concluded aloud, "Think it over and let me know your
decision."
I immediately began to think that presently my conscience was tran-
quil and I had the opportunity of receiving the Last Sacraments and all
the comforts of our faith with Don Bosco's assistance. If I chose to die
at some other time, would I have all these advantages? What would my
spiritual condition be then? But the scales were tipped by this thought:
"If Don Bosco promises me heaven, I am sure to get there!" I decided
to ask for heaven.
While I was thus deliberating, Chevalier [Frederick] Oreglia walked
in, and Father Rua told him what had just occurred between Don Bosco
and me. Hearing of my hesitation, he remarked smilingly, "Had I been
in your place, I would not only have prepared for death but have
jumped out of bed to meet it."
"I still can't understand," Father Rua remarked, "why you didn't
choose heaven at once! Why hesitate?"
"Now I know better," I replied. "I can't wait for Don Bosco to tell
him of my decision. In fact, I wish you would let him know that I accept
the passport."
At suppertime Father Rua gave Don Bosco my message, but he re-
plied, "It's a trifle too late! He missed ,his chance. Now he will have to
suffer for several more years."
Father Rua did not return to give me Don Bosco's reply, but I was
indescribably happy with my decision. Already I was planning to recom-
mend superiors, parents, and companions to Our Lady. In my thoughts
I was beginning to enjoy the thought of being ushered into heaven by
angels. Though I was very sick, the two hours between six and eight
went by like a flash. When the bell rang [at eight] for supper, I anxiously
waited for Don Bosco, but in vain. Then I began to worry, thinking,
"Don Bosco did not come to hear my confession as he promised he
would do. Perhaps, seeing me so hesitant, he went to his room and
arranged with Our Lord that I should get well and live. That would be
terrible! What a blunder I made in not seizing my chance at once!"
I remained on edge until ten, when Don Bosco came to see me. Im-
mediately I exclaimed, "Don Bosco, I want to go to heaven!"
"It's too late, my dear boy," he replied. "Now you'll have to be

66.3 Page 653

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents (Continued)
625
patient. You will get well again and will live a little longer. Brace your-
self for a good deal of suffering."
"Poor me," I groaned, saddened by those words. "I had already made
other plans, but now they are all wrecked. Is there no way to grant my
wish?"
"We would have to undo what has been done, and I wouldn't go
along with that. Nevertheless, you must not worry. I have asked Our
Lord to let you live so that you may win souls for Him. Let us now
leave things entirely in His hands."
He blessed me again, uttered a few more comforting words, and left.
Just as I was previously most certain of dying, now I was equally certain
of recovering and living.
The next morning I received Holy Communion with devotion. I felt
better and was out of danger. When the doctor arrived at the Oratory,
he asked Father Alasonatti: "At what time did he die?"
"Whom do you mean?" Father Alasonatti replied, for two of us were
gravely ill.
"The cleric," the doctor added.
"He feels better."
"You mean - in heaven!" the doctor exclaimed.
"No! Go and see for yourself. We might say that he is convalescing."
"Impossible! He was sick enough to die ten times over."
A week after I had taken to bed, the same doctor declared me com-
pletely cured. All I needed was to regain my strength, and I soon did.
T1hen I went back to my work.
A year later, in July 1863, Don Bosco gave me another proof of his
power with God. As I lay gravely ill, he came to visit me and found
me distressed.
"Do not worry about anything," he said to me. "Leave your physical
and spiritual welfare in my hands. Keep your mind at ease." Since I
trusted him to the limit, his words comforted me so much that during
my sickness, when troublesome thoughts came to my mind, I had only
to recall his words to regain peace of mind.
Cleric Francis Provera
Provera recovered also from this second illness, but Don Bosco's
prediction was to be fulfilled. Some time later, caries in the ankle
opened a wound. Frequent stabs of pain necessitated several opera-
tions, with the result that as long as Provera lived, he was never free

66.4 Page 654

▲back to top


626
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
from pain. He had to use crutches and rest his knee on a wooden
leg. Nevertheless, this did not keep him from discharging his duties
as prefect in the boarding schools of Mirabello, Lanzo, Cherasco,
and the Oratory. Until his death in 1874, he rendered invaluable
services to the Salesian Society. His unalterable patience amid so
many painful trials often caused people to compare him with holy
Job.
During these years, on the same two occasions when Don Bosco
gave· a message to each cleric and pupil, Provera received two
personal notes from him. The first was worded thus: "Provera:
Omnis patientia in terris thesaurum in coelo tibi comparabit."
[Patience on earth will store a treasure in heaven for you.] The
second read: "Provera: If you wish to fly high, start from the
bottom. Humilitas est totius aedificii spiritualis fundamentum." [Hu-
mility is the foundation of the whole spiritual edifice.]
Such then were the very heavy crosses which were to gain Pro-
vera great merits before God. In 1861, however, only the first part
of Don Bosco's prophecy was to be fulfilled, and so he was able to
resume his teaching. His confreres, too, were glad to see him re-
stored to health and able to attend the conferences of the Salesian
Society with them in Don Bosco's room.
[We now shall proceed to other matters and draw from Father
Bonetti's chronicle:]
On November 20, 1861, Don Bosco spoke to the confreres about the
doubts some were having as to whether to remain in the Congregation.
He gave the following advice: "Should the devil tempt anyone to leave
the Congregation, and should anyone feel uneasy on that account, let
him seek counsel neither from outsiders who, being uninformed, may
advise against God's will, nor from those who - in modem terms -
are rather 'liberal.' Let the advice come from those who are more fervent
and zealous. In other words, let him seek advice from his superior. Ask
God first to make you discern His will, and then be assured that the
superior will advise what is best for your soul. After you have received
his advice, do not pester him or show reluctance, because then the
superior, to be rid of trouble, may let you have your way, even though
it is opposed to God's will."
On Thursday, November 21 [at the "Testamentino" lesson], after the

66.5 Page 655

▲back to top


Noteworthy Incidents (Continued)
627
clerics had recited a few verses of the New Testament, Don Bosco said,
"If you want to be Don Bosco's true sons, bear in mind that you are no
longer to live for your families or for material interests, but you must be
of God and for God. You must give up your possessions, your parents,
indeed your own selves. Whoever can measure up to this is the happiest
man in the world; he will be a disciple of Jesus Christ, God's true child.
God will bless him and fill his heart with divine love." Then, to cor-
roborate his words, he told us of a vision St. Teresa had after praying
that God would fill her with His Love: "She was shown a sack, the lower
half of which was filled with gold and the rest with clay. The Saint im-
mediately tried to get to the gold, only to realize that she would first
have to get rid of the clay. She started throwing it out and observed that
an equal amount of gold immediately replaced it. She understood, then,
that if she wanted her heart to be filled with God's love, she would first
have to rid it of earthly thoughts and affections. All Christians must do
likewise - and let's be frank about it - especially those like us who
are called to so sublime a state."
Don Bosco's gentle invitations, meanwhile, slowly kept increas-
ing the ranks of his followers. His prudence counseled against
haste. We read in the Chapter minutes:
On November 23, 1861, the Chapter of the Society of St. Francis de
Sales met to consider the application of Emmanuel Diatto, son of
Michael, of Sanfre. After an invocation of the Holy Spirit, votes were
cast and the candidate was admitted by a majority vote.
Don Bosco's persuasive words efficaciously helped new pupils to
lay foundations for a fruitful school year. On November 28, as
Father Ruffino relates, Don Bosco spoke to the boys as follows:
We dream when we sleep. Therefore, while I was sleeping, I found
myself in church with all the boys. As Mass began, many red-robed,
homed devils began circulating among the boys, trying to catch their
attention with toys, books, delicacies, scenes of home, and whatever each
boy had a particular liking for. Every lad had a little devil at his side
trying to distract him from the Mass. Little devils were perched on some
boys' shoulders, petting and stroking them. As the bell signaled the
Elevation, the boys bowed their heads and the devils disappeared. How-

66.6 Page 656

▲back to top


628
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
ever, those lads who had devils on their shoulders turned their backs to
the altar instead of adoring. After the Elevation, every devil was back at
his job.
I believe, my dear boys, that this dream showed me all the distrac-
tions you are subjected to by the devil at Mass. The fact that some
demons did not vanish at the Elevation means that those boys were in
mortal sin. The devil no longer has to distract them; they are his already.
He just keeps caressing them. Those boys can no longer even pray.
At the start of the school year, it was to be expected that rest-
lessness after a summer vacation, the desire for freedom, and home-
sickness would affect some boys. Such an instance is mentioned in
Father Bonetti's chronicle:
Two boys who were idolized by their wealthy families refused to ad-
just to Oratory life. They arranged to transfer to a fashionable boarding
school that allegedly served five-course dinners and three-course suppers
and allowed attendance at dances, plays, and other such amusements.
Don Bosco had tried to persuade these two boys to remain, but to no
avail. When they came to say good-bye, he told them, "Bear in mind
that all the fun you are looking forward to will never make you happy.
Remember that you have a soul to save. If you save it, it will be safe
forever; if you lose it, it will be lost forever. May God be always with
you!"
When telling the clerics about this in the evening, he concluded:
"How will two fourteen-year olds, brought up among so many tempta-
tions, turn out?"
Certainly they could not tum out as so many other boys brought
up in the holy fear of God. Such was the case with three youngsters
sent to the Oratory by Bishop [James] Gentile of Novara who, in a
letter dated November 23, rejoiced at the success they would un-
doubtedly achieve under Don Bosco's guidance. The same bishop
brought to his attention a priest named Father Ferrabuco who had
disobeyed church law by unlawfully seeking and obtaining a bene-
fice from civil authorities. The prelate begged Don Bosco to exhort
that priest in his charity to reconcile himself to the Church.

66.7 Page 657

▲back to top


CHAPTER 77
Year's End, 1861
JN December Don Bosco finished Il Galantuomo, Lom-
bard-Piedmontese Almanac for the Year 1862 - a supplement ...
to the January issue of Letture Cattoliche, entitled Seven Sundays
in Honor of St. Joseph.
Meanwhile, the feast of the Immaculate Conception was cele-
brated at the Oratory on December 8 with customary devotion and
solemnity. Before Vespers that day, Don Bosco formally fulfilled
the promise he had made in May.1 At the top of the pediment
fronting the St. Aloysius dormitory, near the spot hit by lightning,2
there now stood a lovely cement statue of Mary Immaculate. Vest-
ed in surplice and stole, Don Bosco ascended the solid scaffold
set up by the contractor, Charles Buzzetti, and, surrounded by a
circle of clerics, solemnly blessed it. From the scaffold platform -
certainly the tallest pulpit in the world - he very briefly but
earnestly exhorted the boys standing below to always honor and
love God's Mother and to rely upon Her protection. He ended by
intoning the hymn Lodate Maria, which the boys took up with
indescribable love and enthusiasm, vying with the band in filling
the air with sweet harmony in praise and thanks to Our Heavenly
Patroness.
On that day, [Louis] Jarach, Constantius Rinaudo, [Joseph] Mi-
gnone, and Murra received the clerical habit. Bishop [John A.]
Gianotti of Saluzzo and other ordinaries had authorized Don Bosco
to bless and give the clerical garb to these and other subjects of
1 See p. 564. [Editor]
2 Seep. 559. [Editor]
629

66.8 Page 658

▲back to top


630
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
theirs residing at the Oratory. Paul Albera had received the cassock
at None, on October 29, from his own pastor, Father Abrate. [A
week later] the Salesian Society also gained new members. The
Chapter minutes read:
On December 15, 1861, the Superior of the Society of St. Francis de
Sales gathered his chapter and, after invoking the Holy Spirit, asked the
members to vote on the applications of the student Louis Do, son of the
late John, of Vigone, and of the cleric Joseph Mignone, son of Felix, of
Mazze. Both received favorable votes and were admitted into the Society.
During the Christmas novena, another lad who was not a good
example to his companions left the Oratory on his own. Having
come in 1861, R. .. had constantly kept away from confession.
For instance, if on going down the stairs he spotted Don Bosco
coming up, he would tum back at once, run through the corridor,
and dash down another stairway. Not once could Don Bosco comer
him, regardless of all his efforts and those of good companions
whom he had used to persuade the boy to go and talk with him.
On Christmas Eve this lad took sick, and during the night he
became delirious, shrieking that devils were trying to drag him out
of bed. His terrifying screams resounded through the house. Then,
in a fit of ever more chilling terror, he began to tell a most revolt-
ing tale. He awakened all the boys with his screams. The cleric
Joseph Bongiovanni, who was in charge of the dormitory, ordered
them to plug their ears. By the next morning R. . . 's fever had
abated a little. When he was told what he had said in his delirium,
sick as he was, he ran home and was never again seen or heard of.
Dominic Belmonte was one of the witnesses of this fact.
Immediately after Christmas, according to Ruffino, Don Bosco
became ill with erysipelas and was bedridden for several days. On
the last day of the year, however, he felt better, and that evening,
against everybody's advice, he decided to get up. He came down
from his room and mounted the little rostrum to give the annual
New Year's strenna.3 Father Bonetti's chronicle records the "Good
Night" as follows:
3 Seep. 479, footnote 4. [Editor]

66.9 Page 659

▲back to top


Year's End, 1861
631
I decided to come down to see you and speak to you tonight, because
I knew that I would otherwise have to wait until next year. (Laughter)
The year 1861 is past. Those who spent it well will rejoice; others may
feel sorrow and repent, but they will never get this year back again.
Fugit irreparabile tempus. [Time flies irreparably.] On the last night of
each year, I usually give my sons a few suggestions for the new year.
Here is what I recommend for the year 1862.
Do your utmost to hear Holy Mass devoutly; urge others to do the
same. This year I very seriously want you to take this suggestion of mine
to heart, because I really mean it. Great disasters loom over us. Holy
Mass is the great means to appease God and avert His chastisements.
Let us therefore carry out the wholesome advice of the Sacred Council
of Trent - let us always keep ourselves in the state of grace so as to be
ready to receive Holy Communion when assisting at Mass, and thus
more fully share in this august Sacrifice.
Let everyone do his best to fulfill the duties of his state with diligence.
Those who have authority in the house - for example, monitors in the
dormitory, study hall, workshop, or dining room - should set the ex-
ample. Let them diligently carry out their duties. While urging this of
those who share authority, I cannot neglect to recommend that their
charges show them obedience and submission. If you comply with this,
all will go well and we shall enjoy a peaceful, tranquil year. I wish the
artisans success in mastering their trade so that they may earn an honor-
able living by their work; I also exhort them to pay closer attention to
their spiritual welfare. I wish the students success in acquiring earthly
knowledge without harm to the knowledge of heavenly things.
What wish do you offer Don Bosco? I think I see a kee~ desire in
your hearts that I have a long life. I cordially accept this wish of yours,
and in tum I wish you, too, a long, happy life. But can I assure you that
this wish of mine will come true for all of you? I doubt it. Perhaps the
end of 1862 may find all of us alive. On this very evening a year ago we
were saying that not all of us might be in this world tonight. Martino was
then with us, and he too was wondering, "Who knows who will die?"
The thought was far from his mind that he would be the one, but he was.
He almost managed to reach the end of the year, but around December
26 he had to leave for eternity. Maffei, Quaranta, and Roggero are gone
too. Last year there were fewer of us, and yet four have departed. Now
that we are more numerous, can we presume that we will all be here a
year from today? Let us all keep prepared so that, should death come
unexpectedly, we may be ready to leave for eternity.

66.10 Page 660

▲back to top


632
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
What I have said so far is for all in general. In past years, though, on
this night I have made it a point to give each one also a personal strenna.
Shall I do so this year? Yes, I shall, but in a way that the Oratory has
never seen since its beginning. This is a unique, extraordinary thing, but
I cannot tell you anything about it until tomorrow. Pray for my inten-
tion, and you will see that it was worth praying for. I will tell you every-
thing tomorrow night. Now, go to bed and sleep well.
This talk of Don Bosco brought the year to a close, but his
words on the last night of 1861 prompted him to speak on New
Year's Day, 1862.
God's glory and mercy, Mary's goodness, and the salvation of
souls were the constant topics of his talks to the humble and to the
great. His voice re-echoed that of the whole universe: Dies diei
eructat verbum et nox nocti indicat scientiam. [Day pours out the
word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. - Ps. 18, 3]

67 Pages 661-670

▲back to top


67.1 Page 661

▲back to top


APPENDICES

67.2 Page 662

▲back to top


67.3 Page 663

▲back to top


Appendix 1
A SERMON BY DON BOSCO ON OBEDIENCE
(See Chapter 1, footnote 5)
Anyone who wants to learn an art or trade has to go through an
apprenticeship. As the saying goes, "No one is born a master." And so,
one who wants to be a good bricklayer must first patiently be a hod
carrier for two or three years before he can use the trowel and build
houses that will not cave in on their dwellers. The same is true for one
who wants to be a cabinetmaker. Were he at once to start on ward-
robes, desks, or dressers, he would only waste time, tools, and material,
and end up making a mess. This applies to us also. We Christians must
learn to become good Christians. To achieve this goal we must first of
all - each according to his own state in life - obey God, the Pope,
and the Church's sacred ministers. Therefore, I will speak about
obedience.
Obedience comes from the Latin ab audientia, "a thing heard." When
we hear the command of a superior and carry it out, we perform an
act of obedience.
Let's now go a step further. What is the virtue of obedience? St.
Thomas Aquinas, greatest of theologians and author of many beautiful
writings, says: "Obedience is the virtue which makes us ready to carry
out the order or the will of a superior."
Is this virtue infused into our soul at Holy Baptism? No, because it
is not one of the theological virtues whose object is God exclusively.
Obedience is a moral virtue which, with the help of God's grace, we can
acquire by our own efforts, namely, by the repetition of acts of
obedience.
How many kinds of obedience are there? Five: divine, ecclesiastical,
civil, domestic, and religious.
"Divine obedience" means obeying God. Clearly, we must first obey
God because He is Creator of heaven and earth, King of kings, absolute
Master of all men and things. God commands us to honor Him alone
as God, and we must obey Him; God commands us not to take His
Holy Name in vain, not to blaspheme, and we must obey Him; God
635

67.4 Page 664

▲back to top


636
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
commands us to sanctify Sundays and holy days, and we must obey
Him; and so on. We must obey Him by keeping all the Ten Command-
ments, which tell us what God wants of us.
"Ecclesiastical obedience" means that we must obey Holy Mother
Church, for Our Lord said to St. Peter: "Thou art Peter, and upon this
rock I will .build My Church." [Matt. 16, 18] That same God who gave
St. Peter the power to loose and to bind has also given him the power to
make laws for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls. After
God, therefore, we must obey the Pope, who is the successor of St.
Peter. We must obey the Church and keep her precepts, that is, hear
Mass on Sundays and holy days, abstain from meat on Fridays and
Saturdays, go to confession at least once a year, receive Holy Com-
munion at Easter, and so on with the other precepts.
"Civil obedience" means obeying our sovereign, but only in temporal
matters. Thus, for instance, we must obey him by paying taxes, using
duty stamps on legal documents, and so on in all matters concerning
civil laws. If, however, civil authorities presume to dictate in reli¢ous
matters without the Church's consent, we should refuse to obey. That
would be an instance where we should give to Caesar what is Caesar's
and to God what is God's. Never are we to obey the government if it
means disobeying God by breaking His laws or the laws of the Church,
the spouse of Jesus Christ and His representative on earth.
"Domes,tic obedience" is obedience due to one's parents, masters and
superiors, and others in authority. A son must obey his parents because
they stand first after God. A servant or an appr~ntice should obey his
master, because he takes the place of father and mother. Likewise,
everyone must obey superiors because they must watch over him. In
all matters of obedience, however, we must submit only in things which
do not contradict the law of God or the Church. Thus, if your father or
mother or anyone in authority were to command you to do something
evil, you would no longer have to obey; indeed, you would sin by obeying.
Heaven help that father or mother who would be so wicked as to lead a
child into evil. Woe to that son who obeys, knowing that what is com-
manded is sinful!
As for "religious obedience," I will pass it by since you are neither
Trappists nor Franciscans.
I must also say something about the "object" and "subject" of obedi-
ence. Don't be frightened by these big words; I will explain them. The
"object" of obedience is the thing which is commanded. I repeat, should
anything sinful be commanded, even by an angel - an impossible

67.5 Page 665

▲back to top


Appendix I
637
supposition - we must refuse to do it. A few days ago, for instance,
an employer said to one of his young apprentices, "Do you want to
make some easy money? I'll teach you. I must pay you eight soldi a day,
right? Well, I'll pay you six and give you two on the side for yourself.
If Don Bosco asks you to tum in your pay, you can say that I gave you
only six." Tell me, now: Should that boy obey? No, because it is sinful.
As a matter of fact, that boy did not obey, and this taught his dishonest
master a good lesson.
The "subject" of obedience is the person who commands - one who
has authority over him who is expected to obey. Every time a superior
commands, we are bound to obey. One who is equal or inferior to you
cannot order you to obey.
You might ask, "Is obedience a great virtue?" Yes, indeed! St. Greg-
ory the Great says that obedience is closely linked to all other virtues
and guards them all. Est virtus quae omnes virtutes inserit, insertasque
custodit. It guards them lest they ever be lost again. Obedience is the
most acceptable virtuous act we can offer to God because our liberty,
our free will, is God's greatest gift - and that is what we sacrifice by
obeying, by bending our free will to that of another.
But if obedience is to please God, it must be given freely. One who
obeys grudgingly or through fear of punishment cannot please God,
because God does not like things done by force. As a loving God, He
wants things done for love's sake. Therefore, when commanded any-
thing, let us put our hearts into it and obey promptly. The Lord will
then be with us. When King Saul was about to battle the Philistines, the
prophet Samuel told him to go to the battlefield and wait for him there.
He clearly warned him not to attack until he, Samuel, had arrived to
offer sacrifice. Saul went and waited, but Samuel was not coming. Mean-
while, the enemy was advancing, and Saul's soldiers were falling back,
since they could not engage in battle before the sacrifice. Seeing that his
troops were beginning to break up, Saul ordered a victim to be made
ready. Then, usurping the priestly office, he offered the sacrifice himself.
Hardly had he done so when Samuel arrived.
"How dared you do this?" he asked Saul.
"I had to," Saul replied. "The Philistines were pushing our men
back and you were not here to offer the sacrifice."
"You did wrong," replied Samuel. "I commanded you to wait for me
and you did not. You did wrong!"
Remember, my dear boys: whenever an order is given, obey. To show
you how Our Lord rewards obedience even in this world, I will tell you

67.6 Page 666

▲back to top


638
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
a fine story from the life of St. Benedict narrated by St. Gregory the
Great. This holy founder once sent Placidus (one of his disciples whom
he taught the way to heaven) to draw water from a nearby river with
a pail. Unfortunately, the young monk either slipped or was knocked
off balance by the heavy pail and fell into the river, where he was at
the current's mercy. St. Benedict saw the mishap from his window and
immediately sent another disciple, Maurus, to rescue him. Accustomed
to prompt obedience, Maurus ran to the river, dashed over the waters
as if on solid land, quickly seized his companion by the hair, and drew
him to safety without as much as wetting his feet. St. Gregory tells us
that Maurus was not even aware that he had walked over water and
risked drowning. See then, my dear boys, how God rewards prompt
obedience.
Appendix 2
FEAST OF ST. ALOYSIUS AT THE ORATORY
OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
(See Chapter 2, footnote 10)
Now and then we have our days of peace and serenity, such as
soothe our hurts and fill us with heavenly joys and ineffable hopes.
True, they come in a flash of light, but since their memory is indelible,
we can invoke and savor them long after their passing. At the Oratory
of St. Francis de Sales in Valdocco, June 29, sacred to the memory of
SS. Peter and Paul, is also the day set to honor the angelic youth, St.
Aloysius Gonzaga.
In Turin and other congested urban areas, sorrow and joy, misery
and wealth, vice and virtue are in constant sway, in God's mysterious
and adorable designs. Real love is not expressed in empty words or
looks; simple and genuine as faith, love drives one even into self-sacrifice
to benefit the suffering and bring physical and spiritual relief. Provident
laws and elaborate measures of human wisdom fall short if not fed by
the flame burning in the hearts of those who have fully grasped Cal-
vary's lesson of divine love. Hence, I cannot bide my peace as hostility
and ridicule, rising from perversity and prejudice, are hurled at the

67.7 Page 667

▲back to top


Appendix 2
639
Catholic clergy, who have always and everywhere undertaken vast works
of charity.
I mention but one example. A humble priest of our own city, relying
solely on Divine Providence, devised a plan of harboring as many boys
as he could find roaming the streets - jobless, destitute, ignorant of
their heavenly origin and their priceless heritage as children. Squarely
facing mounting difficulties, he used up his own scanty possessions,
carried on bravely, and came to see his dream realized at least in part
- a reward for his steadfastness. Restless youngsters flock about him,
docilely listen to his kindly voice, and reverently follow his advice. His
first shelter - a ramshackle shed to protect against inclement weather -
slowly expanded into more livable quarters like the proverbial mustard
seed. His little family of boys soon grew beyond two hundred, for whom
God has cared as for the birds of the air. Next to this hospice is a little
church where these homeless lads shed tears at the feet of their heavenly
Mother, tears more pleasing than incense or perfume, tears that tum
into a shower of heavenly blessings for their benefactors. Here boys
get suitable academic or vocational training; they receive all they need
to grow up as upright citizens, a boon and honor to their families. The
results of this work, already so abundant when we would scarcely even
hope for them, are their zealous director's well-deserved, advance re-
ward. For some of these boys, home life was perhaps drab, troubled by
squabbles, misery, grief, or lack of a mother's love and warmth. This
priestly apostle saw the orphan, hugged him to his bosom, and gladly
took him into his Oratory. Its many alumni are now dedicated, zealous
religious, priests and missionaries, servicemen, honest, hard-working
craftsmen, and exemplary parents. All are a credit to the loving care
bestowed on their young pliable minds and to their own prompt accept-
ance of the sweet yoke of the Lord.
Among the year's festivities there is one they most look forward to
and welcome with real joy - the feast of their patron, St. Aloysius
Gonzaga. The day is prepared long in advance with vocal and instru-
mental music rehearsals, while budding poets extol their Saints glories.
By the time of the feast's vigil, tapestries adorn the church, cornices
glitter with golden fringes, decorations cover the walls, the altar wears
its most splendid apparel, and the whole church is filled with lights,
flowers, and harmony. Masses begin at dawn and continue through the
morning, while endless numbers of boys receive the Bread of Angels.
Voices and organ mingle to uplift the souls of worshipers and fill them
with untold delight. Prayer and play follow each other; then there is a

67.8 Page 668

▲back to top


640
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
solemn Mass and Vespers, with a eulogy of the Saint and an imposing
procession in which his statue is carried by a select group of devotees.
Two lines of boys march quietly and recollectedly while the band alter-
nates its strains with their singing. Benediction of the Blessed Sacra-
ment crowns the religious celebration.
Then, after nearly a day of divine worship, the hour comes for
delightful entertainment. Youngsters pour into the large playground.
From a balcony, lottery numbers are called out as they cheer and
wave free tickets. Lucky winners pick their prizes from a thousand
items tastefully displayed, while the rest keep hoping with eager ex-
pectation. But spectators are already gathering elsewhere. Lights go on,
the orchestra strikes up a tune, the curtain is drawn and, behold, Don
Bosco's boys, now actors, present drama and farce with incredible ease,
life, and skiII. You see the harlequin with his jests and mimicry, the
noble lord, the aged, faithful servant, and even the opera singer. The
audience applauds frantically and would wish to stay the hands of the
clock, but, like everything else, the play comes to an end.
As evening deepens into night, the sudden hiss of rockets draws all
faces upward as bright flashes illumine the darkness with a burst of
multicolored, slowly lowering lights. Presently a balloon is released
and rises into the air amid general applause. Words cannot tell of the
joy shining from youthful faces, the delight of parents and relatives,
the orderliness of the proceedings, and the painstaking care of Don
Bosco and his co-workers to make this family feast splendid and
memorable.
To us adults, who must face a world where lips laugh but hearts ache.
where only too often pleasure is swiftly replaced by boredom and deep-
seated remorse, how enviable are these simple, innocent joys! How I
wish that those who vainly and hypocritically preach democracy to the
four winds, who make of popular gullibility a pedestal for their ambi-
tion and covetousness, might have witnessed this celebration in the
Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, this magnificent school of virtue. They
would have learned how religion - aiding both individual and com-
munity - ennobles the mind and the heart and lifts them, as it were,
to undreamed of heights of heroism.
At the Valdocco Oratory, there reigns a holy, active brotherliness
that binds all in affection - because all have been redeemed by the
same Divine Blood - and equally protects, comforts, and educates
everyone.
To this apostle of the youth of Turin, to this humble priest who has

67.9 Page 669

▲back to top


Appendix4
641
multiplied in our midst the examples of St. Philip Neri and of St. Vincent
de Paul, we owe endless thanks as to an outstanding benefactor of
humanity. His glory is our heritage; to uphold and proclaim it is our
civic duty.
Count Victor Camburzano, Congressman
Appendix 3
PILGRIMAGE TO THE SHRINE OF
OUR LADY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE
(See Chapter 4, footnote 6)
On [Sunday] July 12 [1858], the boys' and girls' sodalities of Our
Lady of the Countryside parish celebrated the feast of the Holy Name
of Mary. A vast assemblage of people received Communion and at-
tended the morning and evening services. As always, their devotion was
most edifying, but this year it was even more so, due to the inspiring
singing of the boys of the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, directed by
the untiring, zealous Father John Bosco. Their angelic voices drew
tears of joy from many in the congregation; all highly praised the ex-
cellent singing.
The following Thursday another devout celebration was held in the
same church when Father John Bosco said Holy Mass for some eighty
pupils. The religious in charge of the shrine were deeply edified to see
all of them receive Communion devoutly. Afterward, Father Prior
graciously treated the youngsters to a simple breakfast.
Appendix 4
A SERMON BY DON BOSCO ON ST. CECILIA
(See Chapter 6, footnote 7)
Under Emperor Alexander Severus the Church suffered severe per-
secution. To avoid capture, Pope Urban I took refuge in the catacombs

67.10 Page 670

▲back to top


642
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
in an area three miles from Rome. Catacombs are underground ceme-
teries where martyrs were buried and also where Christians hid when
persecuted.
During the pontificate of Urban I there lived a young lady belonging
to one of the noblest families of Rome. Her name was Cecilia. She was
secretly a Christian, while all her relatives were pagans. She was very
fond of music and played the organ - an instrument different from the
one we now know. Cantantibus organis, Caecilia Domino decantabat.
To the accompaniment of the organ Cecilia sang God's praises, desir-
ing nothing more eagerly than to give herself to Him, and praying,
"May my heart be ever immaculate, that I be not confounded!" This
maiden had consecrated herself to Jesus Christ, vowing virginity all
her life.
Her parents, however, had decided to marry her to a noble youth
named Valerian. When Cecilia learned of this, she was very disturbed,
and she thought of ways to foil the plan. She kept to her rooms, shunned
amusements, and sought comfort in reading the Holy Gospels which she
always kept close at hand. She never ceased praying for assistance in
her predicament. One day, she felt suddenly full of courage and inspired
to abandon herself with unwavering trust to her beloved heavenly
Spouse, Jesus. "I am happy and tranquil," she exclaimed. "I know what
I shall do!"
Meantime her wedding day was approaching. When Valerian came
to visit her, she drew him aside and said to him: "Valerian, I have a
secret to tell you."
"Go ahead and tell me," Valerian eagerly replied. "You can trust
me."
"First promise that you will never tell."
"I give you my word."
Then Cecilia went on:
"Valerian, I have consecrated myself to a heavenly Spouse. Were
you to sully my purity, the angel that is ever at my side would immedi-
ately slay you."
"You have an angel guarding you, you say? I can't see him."
"Would you like to?"
"Very much so!"
"Then you must first believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God, who, in
order to save us, came down from heaven and shed His Blood for us.
You must believe that there is but one God, Creator of heaven and
earth and of everything in them, and that this God rewards the good

68 Pages 671-680

▲back to top


68.1 Page 671

▲back to top


Appendix4
643
and punishes the wicked. Afterward, you must be washed in purifying
waters, and only then will you be able to see my guardian angel."
Valerian had never heard of Jesus Christ, but he was very eager to
see Cecilia's angel. "To whom must I go to be purified?" he asked.
"You must take the Appian Way and go three miles out of the city.
There you will meet beggars. Ask them: 'Where is the venerable old
man?' Follow them; they will take you to him. After you have been
purified, come back and you will see my angel."
Valerian did as he was told. "Venerable old man" was the Christians'
name for the Pope lest the pagans discover his hideout. Valerian arrived
at the three-mile marker and there found a group of beggars, who were
not beggars at all, but Christians in disguise.
"Where is the venerable old man?" he asked.
"Follow me," one of them answered.
They walked a short distance to the opening of a cave concealed by
a clump of trees and hanging branches. Lifting these, the guide led
Valerian into a dark passage, lit a lamp, and then went on along a
narrow corridor. After a few turns, they descended a steep flight of
stairs which took them into the depths of the earth. Here the catacombs
started, stretching for miles and miles.. In this place Christians were
wont to bury the glorious confessors of the faith.
Valerian advanced through that corridor from which scores of others
branched off. The guide's lamp cast dim light on the tiered, recessed
tombs along the walls. Engraved on the marble slabs that sealed them
were the emblems of the Christians' martyrdom.
"This one," explained the guide, "was beheaded; that one was tom
by wild beasts in the amphitheater; that other was s1ow1y burned to
death; this one had molten lead poured down his throat ... " Thus he
went on enumerating the various instruments of torture - the scourge,
the gridiron, the cross by which those martyrs had been made witnesses
to Jesus Christ. It was in these glorious cemeteries that Christians
held their assemblies, celebrated their rites, and often also lived day
and night.
On seeing these trophies of Christian heroism which he could not
yet fully appreciate, Valerian was horrified, and all but fainted. "Alas,"
he kept saying to himself, "what a place to have stumbled into!" Never-
theless, he braced himself and walked on. He finally arrived at a fairly
large, temple-like chamber, into which several corridors converged. Here
was an altar, many lighted lamps, and a cluster of Christians assisting at
the sacred rites. The guide at once led Valerian to Pope Urban, who

68.2 Page 672

▲back to top


644
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
was seated on a raised armchair, surrounded by his clergy. The Pope's
benevolent features and his serene, kindly look comforted Valerian
considerably. The Pope, noticing this stranger who still seemed be-
wildered, made him feel at ease by amiably and kindly asking him what
had brought him there.
"I am Cecilia's bridegroom," he answered. "She told me that an
angel stands at her side to guard her and that to see him - as I desire
- I must first come to you and be purified."
Deeply moved, Pope Urban knelt in prayer, followed by the crowd.
Suddenly there appeared a venerable old man of majestic and noble
bearing. Overawed at this unexpected experience with the supernatural,
Valerian fell to the ground. Who was this heavenly personage? lt was
St. Paul the Apostle, who had come to comfort Urban in his tribula-
tions and to encourage Valerian.
"Rise, Valerian, and be of good heart!" St. Paul said to the latter.
Though a brave soldier, Valerian still trembled like a leaf. Hearing
his name called, he raised his head a little, looked at the mysterious
personage, and finally stood up. St. Paul then gave him a book, saying:
"Take and read." Valerian opened it and read: "One Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God omnipotent, Creator of heaven and earth; one
Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ."
"Do you believe these things?" St. Paul asked.
"Yes!" Valerian replied. "I believe them with all my heart."
"If you do, then you may be baptized, and when you return to
Cecilia you will be able to see her angel." After saying this, the Apostle
vanished.
Pope Urban baptized the new convert, clothed him in a white robe,
and, since it was just about dawn, sent him, thus garbed, back to
Cecilia.
When Valerian arrived at her palace, he found there many clients
who had come to wish the master good day and receive his bounty.
Without trouble from the servants, Valerian walked in and made di-
rectly for the chamber of the holy virgin. He stopped at the door, drew
the curtain a little aside, and beheld an astonishing sight - Cecilia
kneeling in prayer and a resplendent angel standing at her side, filling
the room with light. The beauty of his countenance, the splendor and
wealth of his apparel, and his multicolored wings defied description. The
upper part of his wings showed a marvelous, superhuman interlacing of
plumes, while the lower part sparkled with colors like a rainbow.
At such a sight Valerian hesitated at first, but then, as if getting used
to heavenly visitors because of his recent experience in the catacombs,

68.3 Page 673

▲back to top


Appendix 4
645
he took courage, went in, and knelt at the angel's side, who thus stood
between him and Cecilia. He wished to join her in prayer, but he could
hardly concentrate, dazzled as he was by the splendor of the angel.
Presently the latter produced two most beautiful crowns of roses and
placed them on the heads of Cecilia and Valerian, saying: "Receive
these heavenly crowns and keep them fresh with the purity of your
hearts and holiness of life. Your prayers have been heard. Confidently
ask for whatever you wish, and it shall be granted you."
At this Valerian said: "I ask for the conversion of my brother
Tiburtius."
"Granted!" the angel replied. And he vanished.
At the same time Tiburtius' steps were heard approaching; in a few
moments he entered the room. "What fragrance!" he exclaimed. "What
flowers have you got? I have never smelled the like before!"
"No wonder," Valerian replied. "This fragrance is not of earth. Only
a few moments ago, an angel placed a crown of heavenly roses on our
heads."
"Crown of roses? I can smell the fragrance, but I can't see the
flowers. Where are they?"
Cecilia then said to him, "If you wish to see our crowns, you must
first believe that there is but one God, Creator of heaven and earth, and
that this God sent us His only Son Jesus, who founded a religion totally
pure and holy. Then you must be purified by a water capable of cleans-
ing your soul from every stain."
"What? Is there yet another God more powerful than the gods of
Rome?"
"Oh, Tiburtius," Valerian exclaimed. "I am surprised that, intelligent
as you are, you still believe that our idols have any power! They are
man-made!"
"What you say is true, Valerian. But who will give me that soul-
cleansing water?"
"A venerable old man called Urban."
"What? Urban? The one whom people call the Christians' Pope?"
"The very one."
"I will have nothing to do with him. If the Praetorians were to find
me out, they would put me to death. Besides, such horrible things are
said about Christians?"
"Rotten lies, my dear Tiburtius. Urban is a good man. In all my life
I have never met a more amiable, a more simple, and yet a more learned
person. Go and speak to him, and you will not regret it."
"Am I to believe that perhaps you too ... Oh, no, I can't believe

68.4 Page 674

▲back to top


646
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
it! ... As for myself, I am young, I want to enjoy life ... Aren't you
aware that death hangs over anyone who deals with Christians? No! I
will never go to Urban."
"Listen, Tiburtius: this fear of yours would be quite reasonable if
we had only this life to live, if everything ended with death. However, I
must tell you that our soul is immortal, and that the all-powerful God
who has created heaven and earth has also created a paradise where an
inexpressible happiness will be forever the lot of those who love and
serve Him in this life. But you must also know that there is a place of
eternal torment after death for those who refuse to know, adore, and
serve God in life."
"And who can assure me of another life?"
Here Cecilia took up the argument. Well educated as she was, she
proved from reason, revelation, and the pagan philosophers themselves
the f!xistence of a future life, the eternal happiness that awaits the good,
and the equally eternal misery into which the wicked shall be plunged.
Tiburtius, intelligent and good at heart, moved by the grace of God,
saw the truth and embraced it. Unafraid of death, he exclaimed: "Tell
me where I can find Urban. I'll go to him at once. I too want to gain
eternal happiness.~,
"I will take you to him," said Valerian. "I assure you, Tiburtius, that
after this purification, you will experience a joy never before felt, such
as no human mind can ever conceive."
They went to the catacombs. Tiburtius was baptized and he, too,
saw the angel.
Appendix 5
REGULATIONS FOR DRAMATICS
(See Chapter 8, footnote 3)
1. The purpose of dramatics is moral entertainment, instruction, and
education.
2. On each occasion, the stage manager must inform the director of
the house and reach an agreement with him about the play to be given,
the performance date, and the choice of cast.

68.5 Page 675

▲back to top


Appendix5
647
3. Preferably, actors are to be chosen from among the best pupils,
but at times others may be chosen as an encouragement.
4. Members of the choir or brass band should not be chosen for
plays, but they may present short numbers during intermissions.
5. As far as possible, craftsmasters should not take part in dramatics.
6. Plays should be amusing and relaxing, but always instructive,
moral, and short. An overly long play, besides requiring longer re-
hearsals, generally tires the audience and spoils the play's overall effect.
7. Plays depicting violence and brutality must be avoided. Somewhat
forceful scenes may be tolerated, but expressions that are hardly Chris-
tian, and all uncivil, vulgar words, must be deleted.
8. The stage manager must be present at all rehearsals, which, if
held at night, must end by ten o'clock. He must see to it that all retire
immediately, without chatting idly and disturbing those already in bed.
9. The manager should have the stage ready on time, so as to avoid
working on the feast day itself.
10. It is his duty to see that costuming is inexpensive and modest.
11. He should arrange beforehand for musical selections during
intermissions.
12. Without a just reason, he must allow no unauthorized persons on
the stage, much less in the dressing rooms. He should see to it that the
actors do not engage in private conversation during performances and
that the strictest modesty is observed at all times.
13. Performances are to be scheduled so as not to disturb the ordinary
timetable. If any change is necessary, it should be arrived at by a prior
understanding with the superior.
14. Actors should not have a supper party of their own. Prizes or a
show of esteem and praise should not be given to those endowed by God
with talents for elocution or vocal and instrumental music. They are
already sufficiently rewarded by the free time given them and the special
training they receive.
15. The manager should also make sure that damage is not done to
properties, props, and costumes in setting up or clearing the stage.
16. He should keep the dramatics library stocked with plays and ma-
terials adapted to our schools.
17. If necessary, the manager shall have an assistant who can also be
a prompter.
18. He should insist that actors avoid affectation in voice, speak
clearly, and be natural in gestures. This comes easily if parts are
memorized.

68.6 Page 676

▲back to top


648
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
19. Let us be convinced that short intermissions and declamation of
suitable excerpts from good authors should be an outstanding and
delightful trait of our stage performances.
Fr. John Bosco, Director
N.B. If necessary, the manager may ask a teacher or an assistant to
coach his pupils and prepare them for a skit or play.
Appendix 6
FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, 1859
(See Chapter 10, footnote 4)
On Sunday, January 30, the Oratory will celebrate the feast of its
patron, St. Francis de Sales.
The reigning Supreme Pontiff, Pius IX, grants a plenary indulgence
to all who, after going to confession and Communion on that day, shall
visit this church and pray for the needs of Holy Church.
(Decree of September 28, 1850)
TIMETABLE
Morning
Masses at Frequent Intervals, Confessions and Communions
8: 00 - General Communion
9: 00 - Recreation
10: 00 - Solemn High Mass Sung by the Oratory Pupils
Afternoon
1:00 - Various Activities
2: 30 - Solemn Vespers, Sermon, and Benediction of the Blessed
Sacrament
4: 00 - Lottery
5: 30 -Awarding of Prizes to Fourteen Students
6: 00 - Special Entertainment

68.7 Page 677

▲back to top


Appendix 7
A GOSPEL HOMILY BY DON BOSCO
(See Chapter 12, footnote 12)
My dear boys,
This morning I shall comment on this Sunday's Gospel - quite
suited to you - rather than continue with the lives of the popes, par-
ticularly of the successor of Urban I, whose achievements I have finished
narrating.
Listen to today's Gospel. Our Lord Jesus Christ went up a very high
mountain. Then, realizing that not all the people would be able to
follow Him, and wishing His heavenly words to reach everyone, He
came down to the plain again. In that neighborhood lived a man sick
with leprosy - a most repulsive and contagious disease. The poor
wretch, driven from the city, unwanted by relatives and friends, and
totally destitute, was forced to live in the fields as best he could, hated
and shunned by all. When he heard of the great miracles Jesus was
working on the mountain, he could not wait to go and beg Him for a
cure, but just then news reached him that Jesus was coming down to
the plain. Overjoyed, he waited for Him. On seeing the crowds pre-
ceding Him, he stepped forward and, as they parted, he threw himself at
His feet and adored Him. Et veniens adorabat Eum.
Note, here, dear boys, that the leper "adored" Jesus. This shows that
this man believed that Jesus was true God, for to God alone is adoration
due. We do not adore the saints, the angels, or the Virgin Mary. We
only respect them, venerate them, and beg them to intercede with God
for us. God alone we adore! Certainly Jesus - always so compassionate
to the suffering and so kind even to sinners - seeing the poor man
kneeling before Him, must have gently questioned him about his home
and parents, his sufferings, and perhaps also his soul. But the Gospel
is silent on this. It tells us only that the leper broke out into these
words: "Lord, if You will, You can make me clean!" What wonderful
faith! "Lord!" he said. He at once acknowledged Him as Lord of lords,
King of kings, Master of all things. "If You will, You can make me
649

68.8 Page 678

▲back to top


650
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
clean!" He did not say: "If You ask Your Eternal Father, He will hear
Your prayer and heal me!" No, he only said, "If You will, I shall be
healed!"
Jesus saw that the poor man's heart was well disposed - He wants
the heart! Wishing therefore to grant his prayer and reward his faith,
He said, "I will! Be you made clean!" He did not say, "I want you to
be made clean," but "I will!" and then issued the command: "Be you
made clean." Jesus had hardly spoken these words when the sores that
covered his whole body were instantly healed. Imagine how happy he
must have felt and how heartily he must have thanked Our Lord.
Before dismissing him, Jesus said to him: "Go, show yourself to the
priest." By this He meant: "True, I have cured you, but you must pre-
sent yourself to the priest; otherwise you will be sick again." You must
bear in mind that, at that time, those who were stricken with leprosy
were declared unclean by the priest and had to keep away from towns
and villages until they were cured. And even then, before returning to
their families, they first had to present themselves to the priest in order
to be declared clean again and be readmitted to society.
Now, my dear boys, listen to the meaning of this story. Leprosy is a
picture of sin. It makes our souls so loathsome that God no longer
looks on us as His own: He has to banish us, isolate us from His other
children. The soul in mortal sin is truly disgusting and hideous in His
eyes. How can one free himself from this leprosy? "Show yourself to
the priest," the Lord said. If we wish to be freed from sin, to be cured
of this most repulsive disease of the soul, we must go to the priest, to
whom God has given the power to cleanse us. Could not Our Lord have
simply told that man: "Be you made clean," without adding that he
should show himself to the priest? Most certainly! Yet, He did not, in
order to show us that, though He could forgive us without our having
to present ourselves to a priest, He will not do so unless we go to a
priest and sincerely confess our sins. Some people say, "Our Lord does
not have to ask one to go and tell his sins to a priest, for He can
forgive us without that." If these people were here present, I would say
to them, "The Lord could just as well make the wheat shoot up from
the ground at once, ripe and clean, and make it go of itself into barns
without the farmer's work." Of course He could! He is omnipotent.
Out of nothing He has made all that is on earth and in the heavens;
by one word, He has filled the sky with the countless, vast, magnificent
stars we admire on a clear night. Couldn't He make the wheat grow
completely ripened and go straight into storage by itself? Of course He
could. Why doesn't He? Ask Him. He will tell you!

68.9 Page 679

▲back to top


Appendix 8
651
I assure you that if you want to rid yourselves of your sins, the only
way is to go to confession. God will forgive you any sin, provided you
are truly sorry and confess it humbly to His appointed minister, the
priest.
Finally, Jesus forbade the leper to mention his miraculous cure to
anyone. Let us admire Jesus' humility in not wanting such an astonish-
ing miracle to be known. This is a good lesson for us! No sooner have
we done some little good than we want others to know and to praise us
for it. And if it goes unnoticed, we take good care to draw their atten-
tion to it, that they may think us good and worthy of their esteem.
Jesus did not act this way. He was satisfied to have His Heavenly
Father know all the good He was doing. So must we also do. We are
not to do good in order to be seen and praised by men, but only to
please God. As much as we can, we ought to conceal from other peo-
ple's eyes whatever little good we get done. If we can't succeed in this,
then let us be on our guard against vain complacency and pride, for
this would undo before God whatever good we have done.
Appendix 8
CONFERENCES TO THE BLESSED
SACRAMENT SODALITY
(See Chapter 15, footnote 1)
f'lrst Conjerenee
The Prophet Isaiah had foretold that at Our Lord's coming the
mountains would be shaken and the most hardened hearts would be
inflamed with love. And so it came to pass. But now, were Jesus to
look down from the kingdom of the blessed to this earth of ours, He
would see that the fervor which should hopefully have endured and
grown ever more intense to the end of time has rather in the main
turned lukewarm. The ancient patriarchs and Jews longed to see the
Messiah; they sighed for His coming and the blessings He would bring.
We now possess Him; we have Him really present in our churches
where we can adore Him, receive Him in our hearts, converse with
Him, and ask Him for anything, since He is Master of all. But how do

68.10 Page 680

▲back to top


652
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
we treat Him? To shake ourselves out of our indifference and ingrati-
tude, let us ask ourselves two questions: 1. What is Jesus doing for
us in the Blessed Sacrament? 2. What must. we do for Him?
In the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus keeps giving us the deepest example
of humility - a most necessary virtue. True, His whole earthly life
was an unending self-abasement. But the cave of His birth and His
bed of straw were offset by the angels' song and by a bright star an-
nouncing His birth to the Magi who at once set off to adore Him.
If we see Him despised, insulted by the scribes and Pharisees among
the crowds, we also see Him working astounding miracles wherever
He goes; if we see Him hanging on the Cross, we also see the heavens
joining in His agony - the sun is darkened, the earth trembles, and
the dead rise. The whole of creation, tempest-tossed, mourns the death
of God-made-man. But in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we see noth-
ing to suggest even faintly the awful presence of a God, omnipotent
and inexorably just as He is infinitely good and merciful. Why? For
love of us, to remain with us almost as our equal, to teach us humility.
And yet, were He to let a ray of His majesty shine through, who could
ever stand it? But then, were He to do so, what merit would we have?
Merit stems from faith; if Jesus showed Himself openly on our altars,
we would lose the merit of faith. Instead, by concealing Himself as He
does, He lovingly offers us an easy way to gain merit by believing His
words - the words of a Divine Friend.
But now, what sort of faith does He find in us? What are we to
think of our indifference to such a God's love? Some enter the church
thoughtlessly, not bothering to genuflect to the tabernacle, contenting
themselves with just a slight bow; some even do reverence as did those
Jews who blindfolded Him and knelt in mockery! My dear boys, when
you enter the church, look at the tabernacle. Though you do not see
Him, Jesus is truly there. Revive your faith; reflect that there dwells
the God in whose presence legions of angels tremble and multitudes
of saints kneel and adore.
Let me ask you another question: What does Our Lord do in the
Blessed Sacrament? Endlessly He prays to His Eternal Father on our
behalf and withholds the chastisements that our sins deserve. If now-
adays we do not see or hear of such frightful punishments as once
befell the Jewish people, it is not because our sins are fewer or less
outrageous! You are aware that today has its evil men too. Who is it
that unceasingly holds back Divine Justice every day, every moment?
None other than Our Lord Jesus Christ! In the Sacrifice of the Mass

69 Pages 681-690

▲back to top


69.1 Page 681

▲back to top


Appendix 8
653
He again offers Himself for us as a victim upon our altars. At the
sight of His sacred wounds, the destroying angel sheathes his sword ...
Second Con/erenee
Last time I told you what Jesus does for us in the Blessed Sacrament.
Let us now see what we ought to do for Him. Jesus in the Most Holy
Eucharist continually humbles Himself, immolates Himself, prays for us.
In grateful return we should repay His humiliations with a lively faith,
His sufferings with ardent love, His continual prayers on our behalf
with perfect sorrow for our sins.
First of all, so great a God remains hidden - as it were, annihi-
lated - under the appearances of a little bread and wine. This ought
to be an incentive for us to believe more firmly that He is the God
of love, abasing Himself for love's sake alone, for the love of us who
love Him so little. And yet, how many heretics there are who dare to
deny His real presence because they see no outward signs of His
divinity. These people would presume to see His divine features and
to hear the harmonies of the blessed spirits who eternally form a crown
around Him. Let these people know that whoever rejects Our Lord's
word shall be condemned and will never see His face. They are un-
concerned, ungrateful wretches, stiff-necked followers of those faithless
Pharisees who, unable to deny the miracles Jesus wrought in their pres-
ence, explained them away by attributing them to the devil's power!
Thus, then, my Divine Savior, do men requite Your self-abasement?
My Jesus, truly there are some so ungrateful as not to acknowledge
You. But many others too there are, such as these Your dear children,
who believe with all their hearts that You are really and truly present
in the Blessed Sacrament. Yes, they believe You are the Son of the
Eternal Father, of the Living God, the Absolute Master of all creation.
They believe You are the true Son of Mary, of whom You willed to be
born to rescue us from the bondage of the infernal enemy . . .
Secondly, my dear boys, how we envy those blessed times of the
ancient Church when the fervent champions of Jesus Christ so stood
out for their love of Him. Would that those times return! The deep
love of early Christians for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is a matter
of history. Not for one moment did they forget Calvary and the Cross.
How reverently, devoutly, and adoringly they knelt in His presence,
visited Him, assisted at the renewal of His sacrifice, and received Him

69.2 Page 682

▲back to top


654
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
in Holy Communion! Tears of joy flowed from their eyes, sighs of
ardent love rose from their breasts, ecstatic rapture beamed from their
faces! Holy virgins and innocent children sang their hymns to the Lamb,
as do the angels of heaven, and longed for the moment of their union
with Him. With Jesus in their hearts, for His sake alone, they went
forth, noble heroes, to face a glorious martyrdom and render thanks
with their blood for the Blood He had shed on the Cross for them. But,
alas, when I turn my eyes from them to today's Christians, what a
difference! What laxity, coldness, and lack of mortification! What else
can ever kindle love's fire in our hearts, if all that Jesus has done and
suffered for us cannot do it?
Lastly, Jesus' ceaseless prayers for us ought to move us to show
Him grateful, perfect sorrow. Who will not reproach himself for acts
of irreverence or countless distractions in his past life? For Com-
munions made coldly, indifferently, perhaps only for secondary motives?
Who knows, perhaps even at times for renewing Judas' betrayal by
sacrilege, while Jesus has ever been so good, so compassionate to-
ward us.
Let us all reflect a bit on our treatment of Jesus in the past, and
resolve from now on to warm our hearts with a more lively faith as
we acknowledge the many humiliations this good God of ours had to
undergo for our sake; to inflame our heart with a more fervent love
for the insults Our Lord had to endure in the Most Blessed Sacrament
from His ungrateful children; and to rouse ourselves to sincere re-
pentance for sin, to gratitude for the prayers He offers to His Eternal
Father on our behalf ...
Appendix 9
REGULATIONS OF ST. JOSEPH'S SODALITY
(See Chapter 15, footnote 8)
I. Purpose. This sodality aims at promoting God's glory and the
practice of Christian virtues, especially among the artisans of the Ora-
tory of St. Francis de Sales.

69.3 Page 683

▲back to top


Appendix 9
655
II. Membership. Membership is open to the Oratory catechists, to
artisans, craftsmasters, and assistants, and to all who will meet the
following conditions.
This sodality is governed by a president, a vice president, and a
secretary, appointed by the superior of the house.
III. Conditions for Membership.
1. An application must be submitted to the president.
2. The applicant must have already made his First Communion.
3. He must have given evidence of good behavior for at least two
months.
4. He must be considered acceptable by the officers and by the
superior of the house.
5. He must be acquainted with sodality regulations and promise to
observe them.
6. He must pass a two-month probation before being formally
accepted.
7. On the day of his reception, he will receive the sacraments and
be given a blessed medal of St. Joseph with a certificate of membership.
N.B. All are exhorted to wear this medal devoutly, in order to gain
the many indulgences attached to it.
IV. General Regulations. The members of this sodality, trusting in
the powerful help of their great patron, St. Joseph, promise:
1. To observe diligently all the rules of the house.
2. To obey their superiors faithfully and give them unlimited confi-
dence; to edify their companions by good example and charitable, timely
advice, encouraging them to do good and to avoid evil.
3. To strive with all charity, always and everywhere, to prevent
quarrels and disagreements among companions.
4. To avoid vigorously and to prevent firmly, either personally or
through others, bad talk and everything offensive to modesty.
5. Never to be idle, but to endeavor to be properly busy at all times.
6. To practice fearlessly their faith by freeing themselves of vain,
imaginary fears.
7. To mortify their external senses so as to keep themselves pure
and chaste in thought, word, and deed in imitation of St. Joseph, who
was the first to vow his purity to God and merited to be chosen
guardian of purity personified - Our Lord Jesus Christ.

69.4 Page 684

▲back to top


656
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
V. Particular Regulations.. Though no special prayers are prescribed,
the following practices of piety are recommended:
1. To receive the sacraments every week, or at least every other
week.
2. To honor our patron in a special manner on his feasts, such as
his holy espousal (January 23), his holy death (March 19), and his
patronage ( 3rd Sunday after Easter). It would be most praiseworthy
to prepare for these feasts by a novena of Holy Communions in his
honor.
3. To perform some special practice of piety each day of the month
of St. Joseph, to which non-members may also be invited.
4. As true devotees of St. Joseph, to receive the sacraments on all
solemn feasts of the year.
5. Should any member fall sick, the president will mention the fact
at the next meeting so that special prayers may be offered up for him.
6. Should the sick member need nightly assistance, the president
shall appoint two members to perform this charitable service. Should
the need continue, the members will give their service in turn, two at
a time, subject to the superior's approval.
7. In case of death, the members, with the approval of the director
of the house, will attend the funeral and escort the body to the ceme-
tery. Each member will receive Holy Communion for the repose of his
soul. At the next meeting, instead of other works of charity, the rosary
will be recited for him.
N.B. For tranquillity of conscience, we wish to declare that the
above regulations do not of themselves bind under pain of even venial
sin, except in matters already commanded or forbidden by the com-
mandments of God or of the Church.
V. Regulations for the Meetings.
1. Meetings are to be held weekly under the president's chairman-
ship. While waiting for all the members to be assembled, someone will
read aloud the life of St. Joseph or some other edifying book.
2. Meetings will open with an invocation to the Holy Spirit and
the roll call of members and applicants.
3. Devotion to St. Joseph, imitation of his virtues, spreading of good
books, and whatever else may further the members' spiritual and
material well-being will be the topics of the weekly meetings.
4. Applications of prospective members will be presented at the
meetings. The officers will state their opinions, but it rests with the

69.5 Page 685

▲back to top


Appendix 10
657
president, while taking into consideration the views of others, to accept
the new member or defer decision on the matter.
5. As a rule the meetings will be short and conclude with a Pater,
Ave, Gloria, and a prayer in St. Joseph's honor.
6. A monthly account shall be given to the director of the house
on the meetings, the growth or loss of membership, the observance of
regulations, and the sodality's progress.
Appendix JO
LA GAZZETTA DEL POPOLO
(See Chapter 21, footnote 2)
A New Pere Loriquet
Who hasn't heard of the notorious French history by Pere Loriquet 1
in which even the best known and commonly discussed events were
distorted very Jesuitically and grotesquely ad maiorem Botteghae glo-
riam [for the greater glory of the Pope's shop]? 2 No one would have
thought that some day even Pere Loriquet could be outdone, but now
the word "impossible" - already deleted from French vocabularies -
must also disappear from our own. But for other more pressing items,
we would have published this tidbit somewhat sooner. Besides, it was
desirable that matters should ease up a little for our Minister of Edu-
cation whose department has been swamped with extra work after
the annexation of new territories to Piedmont. After all, he may have
to look into this matter.
The miracle of outdoing Pere Loriquet was performed by Father
John Bosco in his Storia d'ltalia for secondary schools.
Of course, no one would quarrel with Don Bosco for writing a most
dreadful book, but we have it from reliable sources that he wrote it
1 Jean Nicholas Loriquet, S.J. (1767-1845) - a French historian - entered
the Reims seminary in 1778, was imprisoned during the French revolution, and
only in 1814 was able to join the Jesuits. His History of France (1814) aroused
violent opposition from anticlericals, who accused him of having distorted history.
He became their favorite target.
2 A derogatory anticlerical expression widely used in Italy. [Editor]

69.6 Page 686

▲back to top


658
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
specifically for use as a textbook. The cover informs us that it is sold
for the benefit of the St. Aloysius, Guardian Angel, and St. Francis de
Sales oratories. Since it is a textbook, the matter becomes more serious
and justifies the time and trouble needed for a close look at this
work's bias. Leaving aside the beginnings of Italian history and even
Don Bosco's sui generis coverage of the events of 1821 and 1831,
which - according to him - aimed "at making one republic out of
the whole peninsula," we shall come immediately to the events of
1847 . . .3 Since we have heard that this fanciful opuscule is actually
used as a textbook in certain schools of our city, we thought it our
duty to alert the Minister of Education. Maybe this will suffice. It
would be intolerably outrageous for our fatherland and for truth and
honesty to permit the spreading in our schools of such shameless his-
torical travesties as are found in the Storia d'Italia for secondary schools
by this new Pere Loriquet.
Appendix 11
L'ARMONIA
(See Chapter 21, footnote 4)
We have greeted with well-deserved praise the publication of the
thrilling and spirited Storia d'ltalia for secondary schools by Father
John Bosco, but we are not the only ones to have done so. Other
periodicals extolled this work, which is so very valuable in safeguarding
our youth from that permanent conspiracy against truth which has
paraded as history for the past three centuries.
Lest some attribute our favorable comments - at least partially -
to partisan spirit, we deem it opportune to report the judgment of a
critic totally above suspicion - Niccolo Tommaseo himself. We shall
quote in full his article on Don Bosco's Storia d'ltalia as it appeared
in L'lstitutore:
"If a book's excellence were to be measured by its real usefulness,
we would have a much more accurate gauge than the one commonly
used by literary critics. Unavoidably, they would have to reverse or
3 We are omitting these details of Italian history because they are of minimal
interest to our readers. [Editor]

69.7 Page 687

▲back to top


Appendix 11
659
at least temper many a verdict tainted by servile admiration or arrogant
contempt. Here is an unpretentious book that scholars and harsh his-
torians would perhaps hardly dignify with a look; nonetheless, it can
teach history far better than certain other renowned works.
"Teaching experience is not of itself sufficient in preparing text-
books for the young, but it is certainly a great help and rounds out
other necessary skills. This is even more true of compendiums, which
in their genre must thoroughly cover their topic and avoid cutting cor-
ners or presenting a mere skeleton. The unpretentious book of Father
John Bosco offers well-selected and lucidly presented highlights of
Italy's entire history. Mindful of his fellow Piedmontese, he also brings
out events more closely connected with the history of Piedmont, set-
ting an example to teachers to illustrate less known, remote incidents
by others more recent and known. It should be a foregone conclusion,
therefore, that teachers must know how to adapt textbooks - even
good ones - to their pupils' needs. No matter how dramatic a book's
narration, teachers should know how to further enliven it and draw
practical conclusions suited - with reason - to each pupil's need.
"Order and clarity of presentation - notwithstanding a mass of ma-
terial - stem from Don Bosco's serene mind and instill a pleasurable
serenity into the youthful readers. Clarity is also enhanced - in my
opinion - by his assembling, in a distinct chapter, general considera-
tions about religion, institutions, customs, and usages. Some eighteenth-
century historians failed in this because their procedure was to weave
such considerations into the narration itself to make it fast-moving
and lively. I am not saying that every single consideration of a general
nature should be severed from the description of events; it might make
both parts imperfect. What I mean is that historians of more remote
centuries - on this point an example to all of us - used to treat of
mankind's customs either as an introduction to their histories or as a
comment on events therein described. This method benefits both mem-
ory and intelligence, especially of the young. To do otherwise would
necessitate needless repetition for an adequate exposition of what per-
tains to the native character of national groups.
"I will not pass over the fact that, in some case or other, the author
could have availed himself more often of the results of historical re-
search by giving greater attention to his sources; I will not say that
all his reflections upon events are beyond dispute, or that all the events
happened exactly as described, but I must add that not a few of the
overexalted findings of modem critique are themselves still open to

69.8 Page 688

▲back to top


660
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
question, and very often concern circumstances unessential to the
intrinsic truthfulness of history. I will also add that most of the author's
conclusions or reflections seem to me in accordance with genuine
progress and sound morality. In an almost familiar, conversational tone
with his young readers, he wisely looks at public events from the point
of view of individual morality which is better known and more directly
salutary.
"Trying to turn children into statesmen by having them pass judg-
ment on the destiny of empires and the reasons why this or that
decisive battle was won or lost is pedantry. It is not always innocent
either, because it accustoms inexperienced minds to pass judgment-
at somebody else's prompting - upon things they do not understand;
it also creates a false conscience in them and fails to train them to
apply reasonably the teachings of history to their daily lives. In con-
trast, truly great historians and famous poets of the past delighted in
bringing out the private person concealed under the symbol or - as it
were - the mask of the public figure; in the citizen and in the prince
they made us see father, son, and brother. This gives rise to the greater
value of the historical and poetical work of the ancients, over and
above their wisdom and usefulness.
"Many historians and poets of today, instead, start off with an ax
to grind. They pursue this purpose relentlessly, bending and twisting
events and consequences, bringing themselves and their set ideas to
the fore on every possible occasion, stubbornly showing only their
point of view, and repeatedly presenting it in different forms ad nau-
seam. They are neither historians nor poets but simply importunate
declaimers. And it does not even dawn on them that history- as well
as the whole of nature - is, so to speak, a great parable proposed by
God. To attempt to draw from it only a single application is to drain
the inexhaustible richness of truth and impoverish the divine concept."
Appendix 12
LA CIVILTA CATTOLICA
(See Chapter 21, footnote 6)
Nowadays Don Bosco's name is in itself a guarantee of the quality
of his writings zealously geared to the education of youth, on whose

69.9 Page 689

▲back to top


Appendix 13
661
behalf he has been working for so many years with praiseworthy
endeavor.
His Storia d'Italia particularly deserves acclaim. With rare discern-
ment the author has managed to condense diligently in only 518 pages
the main events of our country's history. We do hope that many other
superficial or slanted histories of Italy will soon give way to Don Bosco's
work. May it become the textbook for our youngsters who are about
to begin studying the history of our most beautiful land.
Appendix 13
TWO LETTERS BY DON BOSCO
(See Chapter 22, footnote 3)
Turin, December 16, 1859
To Baron Feliciano Ricci des Ferres, Cuneo
My dear Baron,
Divine Providence will not fail to help us all. Since your letter
makes it clear that it is imperative for the boy Magliano to be taken
in at once, I have decided to give priority over more than a thousand
other applicants and to make room for him on the first Monday after
the Epiphany [January 9, 1860]. Kindly notify Chevalier Ferraris to
this effect and tell him that, as President of the St. Vincent de Paul
Society, he owes me a few Hail Marys in payment for the admission
of his protege.
I set no rate; I will only say that this house is in grave straits. I
therefore recommend it to your charity, my dear Baron, and to that
of Chevalier Ferraris and of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
You will soon get the books you generously ordered, if you have
not as yet received them.
I in particular, dear Baron, wish you the holy virtue of patience. I
recommend myself and my large family to your devout prayers.
Yours devotedly,
Fr. John Bosco
A few days later Don Bosco replied to another distinguished friend
as follows:

69.10 Page 690

▲back to top


662
THE BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO
Turin, December 21, 1859
My dear friend in the Lord,
Try as I may, it is simply impossible to make room for more boys in
this already crowded house. Moreover, I sent a number of boys last
summer to my brother Joseph in the country. I must now take them
back as soon as I can make room, because he has nothing they can do
there in the winter and they will only become idle and lazy. As you see,
it can't be helped. I will ask the Lord to assist you and the boy's mother
so that the salvation of his soul may be provided for.
God bless you and your many activities.
Your devoted friend,
Fr. John Bosco
Appendix 14
REGULATIONS FOR VISITORS
(See Chapter 43, footnote 4)
1. Pupils are not allowed to talk to outsiders without their superiors'
explicit permission. They may not be called to the parlor more than
twice a month, and then only on weekdays from 12:30 to 2 P.M.
2. Pupils are not allowed outside the premises with their parents or
others.
3. Pupils may not receive wine or cordials, nor may they keep
money in their possession. Money must be deposited with Father
Prefect, who will return it as needed.
4. All incoming and outgoing parcels must be handled by the door-
keeper.
5. No smoking or eating is allowed in the parlor.
6. Visitors must leave promptly when visiting time is up.
7. Visitors are not allowed in the dormitories.
8. Visitors may see the pupils only in the parlor. They are not al-
lowed in the playgrounds without express permission.

70 Pages 691-700

▲back to top


70.1 Page 691

▲back to top


Appendix 15
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE YEAR 1860-61
(See Chapter 56, footnote 1)
Artisans
1. They must be full orphans.
2. Twelve to eighteen years old.
3. Poor and uncared for.
Students
1. They must have completed the elementary grades and want to
complete secondary school courses.
2. Have the necessary intellectual and moral qualities.
3. Undergo a two-month trial period during which board and tuition
will be twenty-four lire monthly, subject to reduction to suit one's cir-
cumstances.
General Norms
1. Pupils are strictly forbidden to keep money. They must deposit it
with Father Prefect, who will return it on request according to need.
2. Fees must be paid quarterly in advance.
3. The school will supply an iron bed and straw mattress. Other bed-
ding and clothes must be provided by parents or guardians unless they
can show their inability to do so.
663

70.2 Page 692

▲back to top


Appendix 16
INVITATION TO A LATIN PLAY
(See Chapter 66, footnote 1)
Sacerdos Bosco Xaverio Provana Equiti a Collegno Salutem Dicit.
Latina prodit in scenam fabula, quam agent
Qui domi Sancto Francisco dictae, scholas
Celebrant. Minerva[ dicitur: nam ut possit
Magistro discipulus Minerva[ solvere
Quod obliguriit cum a patre acceperit,
Furtum facere cum sociis inducit animum.
Illam apud nos alumni agent, die
Prima post decimam mensis; de prandio
Secunda hora. At pauci spectatores erunt;
Sed qui paucis placere student, illi optimis
Placent. Deinde satis multi erunt situ adsis
Qui ex paucis es; fac igitur intersis. Vale.
Augustae Taurinorum, quarto idus April A.D. MDCCCLXI.
Greetings from Don Bosco to Chevalier Xavier Provana of Collegno.
A Latin play is to be staged by pupils of the Oratory of St. Francis de
Sales. The play is entitled "Minerva!" [fees paid to a teacher] because it
tells the story of a pupil who squanders his father's money and then
plans a theft with his companions in order to pay his school fees. Our
pupils will present the play on April 11, at two in the afternoon. The
audience will undoubtedly be small, but whoever strives to please a few
is pleasing the best. Our audience will be large enough if you - who
are one of the few - will attend. Do us, then, the honor of your pres-
ence. Fare you well!
Turin, April 10, 1861
664

70.3 Page 693

▲back to top


Appendix 17
INVITATION TO A LATIN COMEDY
(See Chapter 70, footnote 7)
Sacerdos Bosco Equiti ampl. Xaverio Provana in Domino salutem.
Minerva[ quod placuit, refertur denuo
Multorum oratu. Dabitur mensis huius
Die vigesima tertia a prandio,
Ad aedem Sancti Francisci nomine dictam,
Secunda hora. Schedula haec erit tibi tessera,
Quam ostendes, ut fiat spectandi copia.
Quum exspectarem paucos venere plurimi:
N unc plurimos exspecto: ne faxis sint
Pauci. Si primum interfuisti, pervelim
Te iterum adesse: hinc tibi placuisse fabulam
lntelligam. Sin abfuisti, te rogo
Ut nunc saltem adsies. Te ergo exspecto.
Vale.
Augustae Taurinorum, XIII Calendas lunii, anno MDCCCLXI
Don Bosco greets the illustrious Chevalier Xavier Provana.
Minerval, a charming comedy, is to be staged again by popular demand.
It will be presented on the 23rd of this month, at two in the afternoon,
at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales. This note will serve as your ad-
mission ticket. At its premiere, I expected only a few, and crowds came.
Now I expect crowds; see to it that there shall not be only a few. If you
were present at its premiere, I very much desire to see you again. By
this I will know that you like the play. If you missed it the first time,
please at least come now. I shall expect you. Fare you well!
Turin, May 20, 1861
665

70.4 Page 694

▲back to top


70.5 Page 695

▲back to top


INDEX

70.6 Page 696

▲back to top


70.7 Page 697

▲back to top


Index
ABBREVIATIONS
D.B.
D.S.
J.C.
I.C.S.
L.C.
M.H.ofC.
s.c.
Don Bosco
Dominic Savio
Immaculate Conception
Immaculate Conception Sodality
Letture Cattoliche
Mary, Help of Christians
Salesian Congregation
A
Academic Degrees see Degrees, Aca-
demic
Accidents see Mishaps
Adversaries: D.B.'s suggestions for deal-
ing with, 313f; D.B.'s reaction to, 397f
Affability see Amiability
Affection: tips for winning the pupils',
212f; D.B.'s opinion on external mani-
festations of, 408
Albera, Paul, Fr.: biographical notes,
24; arrival at the Oratory, 35; appli-
cation to the S.C., 292; co-signatory
of letter to ordinary, 361f; seen by
D.B. in a dream, 540; reputation
among peers, 553; photographed with
D.B., 568; D.B.'s confidence in, 598;
clerical investiture, 630
Aloysius Gonzaga, St.: D.B.'s devotion
to, 13; Oratory celebration of the
feast of, 588f, 638ff
Altar Boys: all Oratory boys expected
to join the, l 12f; D.B.'s regard for
245
'
Alumni: D.B.'s solicitude for, 86f, 222
398f
,
Amiability: fostered by D.B. among his
co-workers, 108, 525; an outstanding
trait of D.B., 2:0f, 223f, 246 306
466
''
Anger: D.B.'s mastery of, 164· correc-
tions not to be given in, 216 '
Anticlericalism: in Piedmont and other
parts of Italy, 156, 303f, 347, 369f,
416,503
Assistance (Salesian): D.B.'s insistence
on and practice of, 37f, 116, 215f,
224f, 244f, 439; meritorious nature
of, 452
Authorities, Civil: D.B.'s cleverness in
dealing with, 276f, 342f; boys recom-
mended to D.B. by, 276f, 316, 396;
respect for, 307, 395; harassment of
D.B. by, 308, 310, 313ff, 316-29,
379ff; tips on how to react to harass-
ment by, 313, 384; a written state-
ment by D.B. to, 365ff; audience with
Farini and Cavour, 384-93; beneficial
effects of harassment by, 395f
Authorities, Ecclesiastical: defended by
one of D.B.'s clerics, 26f; D.B. ac-
cused of trying to become indepen-
dent of, 189; D.B.'s cooperation with,
405f, 418ff, 425
B
Backbiting: a lesson by D.B. to one in-
dulging in, 412f; D.B.'s defense of
victims of, 603f; abhorrence of, 604
Bible: D.B.'s respect for the, 603. See
also Inscriptions, T estamentino
Biographical Memoirs of St. John Bosco,
The: sources, x, 282f; establishment
of committee to record D.B.'s words
and activities, 505ff; authenticity of,
507
669

70.8 Page 698

▲back to top


670
INDEX
Bishops: an Oratory cleric's defense of
his ordinary, 26f; visits to the Ora-
tory, 271, 469; D.B.'s predictions
about future bishops among his cler-
ics, 458, 553; regard for D.B., 469f
Blasphemy: one of three evils not toler-
ated by D.B., 216
Blessed Sacrament see Eucharist
Blessing (D.B.'s) : curious effect of a,
125f; cure obtained through, 500f
Blessings, Table see Grace at Meals
Blood: lake of, 510
Bonetti, John: biographical notes, 31;
founder of St. Joseph's Sodality, 104f;
decision to stay with D.B., 181f;
Chronicle, 283, 294, 295-99, 431, 434,
484ff, 495, 497ff, 501, 508-18, 555,
569, 578ff, 626f; co-signatory of letter
to the ordinary, 362; Cinque Lustri,
475ff, 554f; member of the committee
to record D.B.'s activities, 506; seen
by D.B. in a dream, 540
Books: provided by D.B. to soldiers,
128; a novel and its sad effects on a
boy, 135ff; submitted to D.B. for ap-
proval, 139
Boys: D.B.'s concern about the spiritual
welfare of, 40f, 86f, 139, 210, 212f,
221f, 277f; D.B. and a fugitive boy,
134-38; influence over, 162f, 223f; ap-
proach to, 212ff, 223-54, 277f, 439f;
tips for spotting morally dangerous,
217f; personal interest in, 219ff, 224;
their love for D.B., 223; type of boys
that shunned D.B., 233f, 262f, 265.
See also Pupils
Bread: D.B.'s multiplication of, 453ff
c
Cafasso, Joseph see Joseph Cafasso, St.
Cagliero, John: biographical notes, 12;
musical compositions, 12; defense of
Archbishop Fransoni, 26f; D.B.'s ef-
forts to have him exempted from
military service, 69ff; decision to stay
with D.B., 181f; loyalty to the Holy
See,435
Cassock: a symbol of moral qualities,
37; donated by D.B. to one of his
priests, 56
Catechism, Teaching of see Religious
Education
Catholic Press: D.B.'s plan for promot-
ing the, 279. See also Letture Cat-
toliche
Cavour, Camillo: Oratory house search-
es, 310, 389-93; death and funeral,
575f
Cecilia, St.: a sermon by D.B. on, 641-
46
Ceremonies see Rites and Ceremonies
Character Education see Moral Educa-
tion
Charisms: Oratory boys endowed with,
285f, 578ff. See also Visions
Charisms (D.B.'s): reading of hearts,
13f, 257, 259, 260-65, 267f, 410f, 478-
82, 484f, 489, 495, 497ff, 523, 547,
573; knowledge of doings of Oratory
boys, 38, 250, 495, 497f, 504, 595;
Oratory boys' and clerics' faith in, 59,
259, 337ff; sacrifices entailed by, 291;
multiplication of bread and Hosts,
453ff, 580f; healing of the sick, 455ff,
500f, 623; effects on Oratory's spiri-
tual life, 478, 484-89, 498, 545f; prom-
ise of rain, 571f. See also Dreams
(D.B.'s), Predictions
Charity (D.B.'s): with orphans, 123,
284f, 307; with soldiers, 127f; with
the sick, 164, 339f; and the Preven-
tive System, 209; with past pupils,
221f; with the sorrowful, 247; with
unruly youths, 277f; with adversaries,
397ff; with friends, 443; with fallen-
away priests, 584f
Cheerfulness: of the Oratory boys, 2f,
145ff, 223; essential for the education
of youth, 3; of D.B. in all circum-
stances, 3f, 225ff; D.B.'s efforts to
foster, 226f
Christian Doctrine see Religious Educa-
tion
Christian Education see Religious Edu-
cation
Chronicles (Oratory) : authors of the,
282f. See also Bonetti, Ruffino
Church: D.B.'s efforts to promote love
of, 41; harassment in Piedmont and
other parts of Italy, 284, 303f, 369f,
416,503
Clerical Habit see Cassock
Clerics (Salesian) : intellectual, moral,
and spiritual formation of, 106, 187,
203, 452, 470; apostolic zeal of the,
106, 476f; D.B.'s firmness in weeding

70.9 Page 699

▲back to top


INDEX
671
out the unfit, 107; reliance on, 158,
219; outsiders' attempts to alienate,
187f; love for and trust in D.B., 218f,
338f, 467; temporal needs of, 339f;
scholastic rating of, 451; character-
istic traits of the, 526. See also Albera,
Bonetti, Cagliero, Provera, Ruffino
Communion, Holy: D.B.'s views on fre-
quency of, 6, 77f, 185; criticism of
D.B. for promoting, 184ff; and the
education of youth, 209, 214; D.B.'s
multiplication of Hosts, 580f
Conferences (D.B.'s): to teachers and
assistants, 36f; to the Oratory students,
112; nature and purpose of, 176; to
prospective members of the S.C., 176-
82; to Salesians, 556, 601f, 626f
Confession: frequency of, 77f, 185; nec-
essary to moral reform, 77f, 213f;
D.B.'s efforts to bring boys to, 86,
213, 232f, 265; sincerity in, 172f, 198,
522, 534; D.B.'s charism in regard to,
257-67, 485; boys' eagerness to con-
fess to D.B., 258ff; and incidents dur-
ing trips by D.B., 296, 439, 599f;
monkeys seen by D.B. choking boys
to prevent them from making a good
confession, 534f, 576ff. See also Gen-
eral Confession
Confessor: change of, 185; obedience
to and trust in, 197f, 501, 534; D.B.
the boys' favorite, 258ff; qualities re-
quired of a, 522
Confidence: in superiors, 209; D.B.'s
ways to win the boys', 210ff, 229f,
246f, 251; of boys in D.B., 225f, 232f
440
Confidence in God see Trust in God
Congregation, Salesian see Salesian Con-
gregation
Conscience, Reading of see Charisms
(D.B.'s)
Constitutions (Salesian Society) see Sale-
sian Congregation - Rules
Conversation: tips by D.B. on, 114f; of
D.B. aimed at saving souls, 210f, 221;
of D.B.: witty, wholesome, amusing,
225ff, 239f, 412f; foul conversation
symbolized in a dream, 533
Conversions: of fallen-away Catholics,
16-20, 287; of non-Catholic youths at
the Oratory, 270ff; of unruly youths,
277f; of a young man at a retreat
with D.B., 400f
Convitto Ecclesiastico: Father Cafasso's
successor, 374; D.B. always welcome
at the, 374
Correction, Fraternal: D.B.'s way of
giving, 38, 116f, 162, 235f, 247f, 462f;
tips to superiors on, 216f; a sign of
love, 420
Correspondence see Letters
Criticism: of D.B. as regards: biography
of D.S., 78ff; promotion of Holy Com-
munion, 184ff; education and forma-
tion of clerics, 186, 191f, 606; plans
for expansion, 342
Cross, Sign of the: D.B.'s strenna for
1860, 202; punishment for belittling
the, 289ff
Crucifix: a boy's vision of Our Lord
crucified, 579
Cures (by D.B.): of an Oratory cleric,
375; of an Oratory boy, 455ff
Customs (Salesian) see Traditions (Sale-
sian)
D
Death: a frequent topic of D.B., 40f,
460; fulfillment of predictions of, 67,
466, 505, 524; seen by D.B. threaten-
ing a boy, 486; D.B. ever mindful of,
528, 631. See also Predictions
Degrees, Academic: sought by D.B. for
his priests or clerics, 190; D.B.'s sug-
gestions as regards moral dangers in
secular universities, 191
Detachment: from family ties, 177ff;
from earthly things, 203
Devil: preventing boys from making
good confessions, 534f, 551, 576ff;
distracting boys during Mass, 627f
Disasters see Mishaps
Discipline: D.B.'s firmness in dealing
with breaches of, 164ff
Divine Providence see Providence, Di-
vine
Dominic Savio, St.: first biography of,
76ff; criticism of biography and re-
buttal, 78ff; favors received through
intercession of, 12lf, 168, 375, 456,
459,468
Don Bosco see John Bosco, St.
Dormitories: Oratory customs, 52; choice
of books for reading in the? 215;

70.10 Page 700

▲back to top


672
lightning strikes the Oratory on one
of the, 559ff
Dramatics see Theater
Dreams: an Oratory cleric's nightmare,
622ff
Dreams of St. John Bosco: lethal touch
of a mysterious man, 160; a little
marmot, 160f; mysterious personages
appearing in various dreams, 160f,
509, 531-44, 570; an impending house
search at the Oratory, 312; Fourteen
Tables, 410; Consciences Revealed,
478-83, 484-90; general comments on
the, 482f, 493f; death threatening a
boy, 486; Hiking to Heaven, 508-20;
The Wheel of Eternity, 530-44, 546-
57; importance of, 545f; veracity of
the, 545-50; an infirmary at the Ora-
tory, 565; an Oratory cleric waver-
ing in his vocation, 568; Two Pines,
569f; The Handkerchief of Purity,
582-84; devils distracting boys at
Mass, 627f
E
Education, Christian see Religious Edu-
cation
Education, Moral see Moral Education
Education, Religious see Religious Edu-
cation
Educators: D.B. a model to, 209-52;
tips to, 215ff
Enemies see Adversaries
Equanimity: of D.B. in praise or blame,
501
Etiquette: weekly lesson at the Oratory
on, l 13f, 118; D.B. a model of, 114f,
246
Eucharist: D.B.'s reliance on boys' visits
to the, 94ff. See also Communion,
Holy
Exercise for a Happy Death: at the
Oratory nearly always preceded by
predictions of death, 214, 575, 604f;
never omitted, 613
Exercises, Spiritual see Retreats
Expedients (D.B.'s) : confidential words,
212, 230ff; games, 224f, 243; sayings,
226f, 236; pleasantries, 228f, 242;
presents, 233, 243; glances, 234f;
tricks, 235f, 243f; taps on the cheek,
237; rewards, 245f; walks, 248; little
notes, 249ff, 265£, 571
INDEX
F
Faith (Virtue) : the basis of D.B.'s con-
cern for the salvation of souls, 36,
210, 256; D.B.'s exhortation to a
young cleric, 486
Familiarity: of Oratory boys with D.B.,
39
Farini, Carlo: recommendations of or-
phans to D.B., 276, 326, 368, 383,
396; harassment of D.B., 309£; D.B.'s
written statement to, 365f; audience
to D.B., 384-93
Favors, Spiritual: best time to obtain,
501
Fear of God: a moral guide and con-
trol, 41; the basis for the application
of D.B.'s method of education, 209;
D.B.'s high regard for the, 401, 491
Feasts, Ecclesiastical: devout celebration
at the Oratory, 130f; D.B.'s instruc-
tion to teachers about, 216. See also
under names of specific feasts
Festivals: announced in advance to keep
the boys' minds busy, 47; marked at
the Oratory by the reception of the
Sacraments, 129f. See also Name Days
Festive Oratories: celebration in honor
of Pius IX, 1lf; success of the, 82ff;
enticements offered by the, 84f; open-
ing of a new festive oratory (1859),
85f; beneficial effects on the boys'
parents, 87f; D.B.'s evaluation of the
effectiveness of the, 471
Festive Oratory of St. Aloysius: success
and wholesome spiritual climate, 82f
Festive Oratory of St. Joseph: opening
ofthe,85
Festive Oratory (Valdocco): enticements
offered by the, 85; causes of declining
attendance at, 85f
Firmness: of D.B. in matters of justice,
morality, and discipline, 164ff
First Communion: D.B.'s keepsakes to
a young boy on his, 252; D.B.'s sug-
gestions in preparation for, 601
Forbearance see Patience
Forgiveness: tips to superiors on, 217;
readily granted by D.B., 166f, 397ff
Formation (Salesian): characteristics,
traits of, 293, 526
Fortitude: of D.B., 306£, 360, 368, 385-
95, 397£
Francesia, John Baptist: poetical talent,

71 Pages 701-710

▲back to top


71.1 Page 701

▲back to top


INDEX
12, 377, 409; teaching duties, 35, 158,
354, 451, 621; biographical notes, 71,
543· military draft and D.B.'s efforts
to have him exempted, 69ff; decision
to stay with D.B., 181f; member of
the committee to record D.B.'s activ-
ities, 505f; seen by D.B. in a dream,
539
Francis de Sales, St.: feast of (1859),
65,273,648
Fraternal Correction see Correction,
Fraternal
Friends: meaning of "Being friends with
D.B.," 211
G
Galantuomo, II: 1859, 42; 1860, 205ff;
1861, 472ff, 572; 1862, 629
General confession: induced by a dream
of D.B., 485f
Generosity: of D.B. with his needy
Salesians, 56, 339f; of D.B. in tipping,
148f
Giaveno Seminary: negotiations between
diocesan authorities and D.B., 342-
47 405ff; D.B.'s acceptance of the,
418ff; preparations for the reopening
of the, 424ff; reopening and growth
of the, 427f; close relationship be-
tween the Oratory and the, 589f; a
painful rift, 590-94, 617ff; success of
the, 619
Gifts, Spiritual see Charisms
Glory of God: constant topic and maxim
of D.B., 334, 420, 469, 489, 621, 632
God, Fear of see Fear of God
Good Nights (Salesian): Nov.-Dec. 1858,
40f, 47-52; importance and efficacy,
45ff, 52, 161; topics and aims, 46f;
for the I.C. novena in 1859, 169-73;
for the Christmas novena in 1859,
193-200; last day of 1859, 202ff; in
preparation for the feast of St. Francis
de Sales in 1861, 4i94
Grace at Meals: and a scoffer's punish-
ment, 288ff; a lesson by D.B. about
saying, 430f
Grace, Habitual: dreams symbolizing
state of, 411, 479, 488
Graces see Favors, Spiritual
Gratitude: stressed to the Oratory boys,
129, 200; of D.B. toward benefactors,
410
673
Guardian Angels: D.B.'s devotion to, 460
H
Habit, Clerical see Cassock
Habits: D.B.'s tips for correcting, 197
Hail Mary: and the conversion of a
father, 17f; for peace in the house,
248; before important calls, 384; and
the promise of salvation, 496f
Hands-off: D.B.'s insistence on, 38, 116,
464,513
Health: D.B.'s suggestions for, 161; lack
of concern for his own health, 46 lf,
465, 555f, 568
Heaven: promised to D.B. for several
thousand boys, 496f; a dream: Hik-
ing to Heaven, 508-18; offered to an
Oratory cleric by D.B., 623
Hell: a dream showing the way to, 514f
History of Italy (D.B.'s) see Storia
d'Italia
Holiness: testimonials on D.B.'s, 452,
527f
Holy Communion see Communion, Holy
Holy Eucharist see Eucharist
Holy Scripture see Bible
Housekeepers: D.B.'s ways with, 28ff,
462f
Human Respect: to be disregarded in
the performance of one's religious
duties, 50ff, 191, 275, 602; D.B.'s ex-
ample in breaking it down, 430f
Humility: of D.B. in various circum-
stances, 203, 527, 544; recommended
to superiors, 215; symbolical repre-
sentation of lack of, 539; of an Ora-
tory lad, 553f
I
Idleness: D.B.'s abhorrence of, 434
Immaculate Conception, Feast of the:
"Good Nights" in preparation for,
169-73, 460; dedication of a statue in
fulfillment of a promise, 629. See also
Novenas
Impurity: one of three evils not toler-
ated by D.B., 216; D.B.'s charism in
sensing sins of, 264f; dreams showing
pitiful condition of victims of, 514,
534ff, 551; means to overcome demon
of, 535
Innocence (Baptismal): shining in the

71.2 Page 702

▲back to top


674
INDEX
Oratory boys' faces, 240; symbolized
in dreams, 411, 512
Inscriptions: on and about Fr. Cafasso's
catafalque, 376; on Oratory report
cards, 452; on a new Oratory portico,
566
J
Jews: a Jewish boy accepted at the Ora-
tory, 159; baptism of a Jewish lad,
270f
John Bosco, St.: traits, lff, 164, 214,
386, 390; life-span, 56; photographs,
526,568f
Joseph, St.: D.B.'s devotion to, 103f
Joseph Cafasso, St.: financial help to
D.B., 89, 341f, 373; alerted by D.B.
about house search, 331, 347; D.B.'s
love and veneration for, 336f, 370ff,
414f; illness and death, 336f, 369ff;
devotion to Mary, 371; funeral and
suffrages, 372ff, 376, 414; inscriptions
around catafalque, 376; biography by
D.B., 376; teachings, 415; advice to
D.B. about dreams, 546
K
Keepsakes (D.B.'s): to a boy on his
First Communion, 252; at the close
of a spiritual retreat, 294. See also
Strenn11
L
Laity: vocation symbolized in a dream,
538
Leonard Murialdo, St.: biographical
notes, 82; and the St. Aloysius Fes-
tive Oratory, 82ff
Letter-writing: a means for D.B. to
promote spirituality, 249-55; D.B.'s
promptness in replying, 250; D.B.'s
suggested topics for the Oratory boys'
letters, 621f. See also Letters (D.B.'s)
Letters (D.B.'s): to benefactors, 3, 661;
to Michael Rua, 21f, 404; to a pro-
curator, 90; to the founder of an in-
stitution, 105f; to a pastor, 122; to
Oratory boys and clerics, 401-05, 446;
to a layman, 662
Letture Cattoliche: issues, 9, 14, 22, 23,
26, 42, 80, 89, 120, 142, 157, 269,
275, 278f, 287, 305, 377, 465, 491,
572, 587, 597; D.B.'s collaborators,
464f, 629
Lightning see Mishaps
Liturgy: weekly conference for the boys
on, 112f
Love of God: and D.B.'s preventive
system, 209; burning in D.B.'s heart,
461
Love of Neighbor see Charity
M
Magone, Michael: devotion to the Bless-
ed Virgin, 4, 44, 63f; spiritual progress,
4ff, 27, 30, 44; apostolic zeal, 6f; grati-
tude, 28, 31; ominous incidents, 58,
61; illness and death, 61-65; a keep-
sake for his schoolmates, 64
Mary, Blessed Virgin: Oratory boys' de-
votion to, 4, 63f, 252f, 450f, 554, 559,
562; D.B.'s trust in and love of, 8,
58, 92f, 169, 310, 360, 384, 555, 564;
and the gift of memory to a lad, 451;
boys and young men led to the Ora-
tory by, 477ff; and the promise of
heaven for several thousand boys,
496f; and Her protection in epidemics
and accidents, 559, 562, 564, 567;
dedication of a statue of, 629. See
also May Devotions, Novenas
Mary, Blessed Virgin - Apparitions and
Miracles: at Lourdes, 42ff; at the
Oratory, 451
Mary, Blessed Virgin - Feasts see
names of specific feasts
Mary, Blessed Virgin - May Devotions
see May Devotions
Mass: all Oratory pupils required to
know how to serve, 112f; tips on how
to assist at, 501; and D.B.'s strenna
for 1862, 631
Maxims (D.B.'s): Servite Domino in
Zaetitia, 3; Virgo Parens, studiis sem-
per adesto meis, 4; Sanita, Studio,
Santita, 227; Salve, Salvando, Salvati,
227; Est caput plectendum, 228, mis-
cellaneous, 2, 217, 236, 399, 434
May Devotions: of Magone in 1858, 5;
at the Oratory in 1860, 294; in 1861,
554f
Mercy of God: D.B. an instrument of
the, 15-20; a constant topic of D.B.,
632
Miserere: recited by D.B. before night's
rest, 528

71.3 Page 703

▲back to top


INDEX
675
Mishaps: an Oratory dormitory hit by
lightning, 559-64; collapse of a new
wing, 564
Missions: D.B.'s interest in the, 241, 465
Monkeys: seen by D.B. choking boys to
prevent good confessions, 534f, 576ff
Moral Education: tips by D.B. for a, 3,
115, 215f, 621
Moral Reform see Reform, Moral
Morality: D.B.'s utmost concern for and
firmness in matters of, 164; D.B.'s
vigilance on, 217, 220
Mortification: D.B.'s insistence on, 6, 33,
249; essential to the following of
Christ, 556
Murialdo, Leonard see Leonard Murial-
do, St.
N
Name Days: of D.B., 129, 375, 588; of
Oratory teachers, 129f
Newspapers: campaign against D.B.,
156f, 309f, 332, 379
Nosegays (D.B.'s): for the I.C. novena,
169-73, 460f; for the Christmas no-
vena, 193-200,467f
Novenas: fatal to some Oratory pupils,
460, 556f, 630. See also Nosegays
0
Obedience: D.B.'s stress on, 7f, 164f; a
sermon by D.B. on, 635-38
Oratories, Festive see Festive Oratories
Oratory (Valdocco): admission require-
ments, 663; boarders: 1857-58, 21;
1858-59, 123; 1859-60, 349; 1860-61,
471; 1861-62, 615; resident secondary
school, 35, 158; family spirit, 39, 223f,
240ff, 246, 338f, 475ff, 587ff; deaths:
1858, 58; 1859, 204; 1861, 631; ex-
pansion, 143; spiritual climates, 214f,
251-55, 475ff; records of the early
years of the, 218, 312; love of study,
220; a pupil's prediction about the,
285f; police searches of the, 316-29,
33 lf, 348-59; regulations for visitors,
342, 662; police harassment of em-
ployees, 363f; D.B.'s memorandum to
civil authorities, 365ff; visit of Card-
inal Corsi, 377f; priestly vocations,
596. See also Charisms, Festivals, Mis-
haps, Outings, Predictions, Sodalities,
Traditions
Oratory, Festive (Valdocco) see Festive
Oratory (Valdocco)
Oratory of St. Francis de Sales see Fes-
tive Oratory (Valdocco), Oratory (Val-
docco)
Orphans: readily accepted by D.B., 142f
Outings: of the Oratory boys: 1858, 30f;
1859, 143-54; 1860, 436-43; 1861,
608-14; of the festive oratories, 84f;
practices of piety during, 146f, 149,
151, 613
p
Papal States: D.B.'s intervention with
Victor Emmanuel II in the war against
the, 174f; D.B.'s firm stand against
seizure of the, 353
Papacy see Popes
Parents: and the religious vocation (con-
ference), 177f; and their trust of D.B.,
439
Parolina see Expedients
Past Pupils see Alumni
Patience: of D.B. in disputes and audi-
ences, 90, 246, 380f; necessary in deal-
ing with boys, 216
Penance: and D.B.'s system of educa-
tion, 209, 211; D.B.'s high regard for
the sacrament of, 256. See also Con-
fession
Peter's Pence: contribution of the Ora-
tory boys to, 287f
Photos (D.B.'s) see John Bosco
Piety: and D.B.'s system of education,
214f; symbolized in a dream, 538;
lack of piety a cause for dismissal
from the Oratory, 602
Pius IX: amiability, lOf; Oratory boys'
love for, l lf, 160, 287f; and secret
mission entrusted to D.B., 155f; brief
to D.B., 270; harassment of, 281;
D.B.'s prediction to, 288
Politics: Fr. Cafasso's advice to priests
on, 119; constantly shunned by D.B.,
308, 314, 366, 390, 393, 396, 416;
warning by D.B. to his Salesians about,
601f
Poor: D.B.'s identification with and re-
spect for the, 3, 114; generosity of a
poor woman, 1OOf
Popes: D.B.'s love of the, 41; steadfast
loyalty to the, 275f, 282, 287f, 307f,
390; Oratory clerics' loyalty to, 435

71.4 Page 704

▲back to top


676
Poverty: an asset for religious orders,
177; D.B.'s practice of, 375
Prayer: D.B.'s trust in the power of, 18,
56, 71, 94-98, 384; and silence after
night prayers, 94
Prayers: D.B.'s view about vocal prayers
by the young, 6, 94; concern for the
devout recitation of, 93f, 595; predic-
tions of an Oratory pupil about the
slovenly recitation of, 285
Prayers, Table see Grace at Meals
Predictions (D.B.'s): about religious and
priestly vocations, 24, 54f, 141f, 437,
440, 458, 547ff; about illness and
deaths, 58f, 66f, 291f, 304, 457f, 466,
468, 567, 575, 604; Oratory boys' re-
action to the, 59f, 242f, 605; about
M.H. of C. Church, 124f; about poli-
tical events, 133f, 284, 292, 336, 360,
414ff, 435, 504; to Pius IX, 288; about
own life-span, 502f; about boys' and
clerics' future, 458, 547ff, 552, 598;
about natural calamities, 473, 493;
about difficult times for the Oratory,
504; about the recovery of a cleric
and subsequent infirmities, 624ff
Presence of God: Oratory boys trained
to live in the, 231
Press, Catholic see Catholic Press
Preventive System (Salesian) : basis of
the, 209; D.B.'s practice of the, 209-
38; results of the application of the,
471
Pride: an obstacle to moral reform, 534;
D.B. chided in a dream because of,
536
Priesthood: D.B.'s reverence for the, 54ff
Priests: what D.B. expected of, 94, 210;
strenna for, 203; and politics, 396f;
D.B.'s charity with, 584f
Priests - Vocation: a mother's punish-
ment for resisting her son's vocation,
55f; sacrifices entailed in following,
177f; and D.B.'s charism, 267; D.B.'s
efforts for, 342, 429ff, 434, 440; a
talk by D.B. on, 463; curious start of
a, 522f; symbolized in a dream of
D.B., 552; at the Oratory, 596
Prophecies: reasons for their obscurity,
493f
Protestants: issues of L.C. refuting er-
rors of, 81, 157, 282, 287, 305, 377,
491, 505; and proselytizing in Flor-
INDEX
ence, 585f
Provera, Francis: vocation, 25; clerical
investiture and biographical notes,
157; decision to stay with D.B., 181,
362; member of the committee to re-
cord D.B.'s activities, 505f; seen by
D.B. in a dream, 538f; nightmare and
its aftermath, 622ff
Providence, Divine: D.B.'s trust in, 92f,
177; interventions in D.B.'s behalf,
94-101, 333, 351
Prudence: of D.B. in ticklish situations,
73ff; in winning the boys' confidence,
213; in political matters, 308, 416; in
dealing with adversaries, 313f, 395
Punishments: kinds of, 162; tips on, 216f
Pupils: D.B.'s concern for the eternal
salvation of the, 36, 40f, 210, 212,
22 lf; ways to win the affection of,
212f; first thing D.B. expected of,
213f; suggestions for ferreting out the
undesirables, 217f, 220f. See also Boys
Purgatory: Oratory suffrages for the
souls in, 132; symbolized in a dream,
516,520
Purity: tips for preserving the virtue of,
5f, 34; a sem1on by D.B. on, 32ff;
vigilance to prevent dangers to, 37f;
a dream on, 582ff
R
Rain: D.B.'s promise of rain to some
villagers, 571f
Rattazzi, Urbano: indignation at police
searches of the Oratory, 365
Reform, Moral: sought by D.B. from
new pupils, 211ff; instances of, 277f
Religious Education: imparted by D.B.
to his young catechists, 108f
Religious Life: dangers to the, 177; sac-
rifices required by the, 178, 556; D.B.'s
careful efforts to instill love of the,
180f
Retreats: a retreat preached by D.B. to
seminarians, 495f
Rites and Ceremonies: D.B.'s regard for
the teaching of, 11 lf
Rosary, Feast of Our Lady of the: at
Becchi, 30f, 144, 437, 609
Rua, Michael: letters by D.B. to, 21f,
404; entrusted with Testamentino les-
sons, 11O; decision to stay with D.B.,
181; elected as spiritual director of

71.5 Page 705

▲back to top


INDEX
677
the S.C., 182; priestly ordination,
407ff; D.B.'s great esteem for, 410;
member of the committee to record
D.B.'s activities, 505f; seen in a dream
byD.B., 540
Ruffino, Dominic: biographical notes,
110, 293; Chronicle, 282f, 335f, 375f,
415, 435, 458, 460f, 464, 551ff, 568ff,
578ff, 627f; hints of his future activi-
ties, 303, 539
Rules (Salesian Society) see Salesian
Congregation - Rules
s
Sacraments: D.B.'s solicitude for the
frequent reception of the, 57f, 214f;
and moral formation, 77
Sacred Ceremonies see Rites and Cere-
monies
Sacrifice: D.B.'s spirit of, 239
Salesian Congregation: D.B.'s confer-
ences to prospective members, 176-
81; birth of the, 181f; membership
growth, 274, 292f, 492, 501, 571, 627,
630f; policy as regards applicants, 293,
440ff; plans for expansion, 343, 400,
429; membership in 1861, 361f; prog-
ress report, 475ff
Salesian Congregation - Rules: read-
ing and acceptance of the, 360f; pre-
sentation to ordinary for approval,
361f; observance of the, 420; exam-
iner's report on the, 421ff
Salesian Schools: basic purpose of, 36,
210; D.B.'s tips for the smooth run-
ning of, 161f, 215
Salvation: D.B.'s greatest concern, 36,
173, 203, 210ff, 222, 231, 249, 256,
343, 398, 576, 632, 662; the first and
last word to the boys, 40f, 210, 212,
22 lf, 628; and school activities, 130;
the gauge to start new works, 334
Sanctifying Grace see Grace, Habitual
Sanctity see Holiness
Savio, Dominic, St. see Dominic Savio,
St.
Sayings see Maxims
Scandal: D.B.'s grief in a case of, 164;
D.B.'s suggestions to prevent, 216ff
Self-denial see Mortification
Seminarians: of several dioceses at the
Oratory, 158, 433f, 616f; D.B.'s suc-
cessful retreat for, 495ff
Seminaries see Giaveno Seminary
Serenity: of D.B. in trying circumstances,
2, 379, 384, 560; a fruit of heroic
meekness, 399
Sermons (D.B.'s): readiness to preach,
438, 461; on hell, 495; on obedience,
635-38; on St. Cecilia, 641-46; on sin,
649-51
Sign of the Cross see Cross, Sign of the
Silence: importance D.B. gave to, 94,
452
Sin: a frequent topic of D.B., 40f; at-
tachment to venial sin and Holy Com-
munion, 185; D.B.'s efforts to prevent,
244f; D.B.'s charism concerning state
of, 257-66, 410f, 480, 533ff, 628; sym-
bols of state of, 410f, 480, 487f, 513ff,
533ff; how to avoid relapsing into,
501; a homily by D.B. on, 649-51
Sodalities: at the Oratory in 1859, 102ff;
and zeal of the clerics, 106
Sodality of St. Joseph: origin and growth,
103ff; regulations, 654-57
Soldiers: D.B.'s concern for the welfare
of, 127f
Souls, Salvation of see Salvation
Souvenirs see Keepsakes
Speech: the Oratory boys' freedom of,
78f; D.B.'s efficacy of, 162, 210f, 230f,
495,525
Spirit (Salesian): D.B.'s tips for pre-
serving the, 452. See also Conferences,
"Good Nights," Letters, Religious Life
Spiritual Exercises see Retreats
Stealing: one of three evils not tolerated
by D.B., 216
Storia d'Italia: new edition (1859), 80f,
134; anticlerical attacks against, 156,
657f; praise of, 658ff
Strenna: to the whole Oratory for 1859,
57f; for 1860, 202ff; for 1861, 482;
for 1862, 63 lf; to individuals, 204,
470,632
Superiors: qualifications for the office
of superior in boarding schools, 16 lf;
D.B.'s tips to, 212f, 215ff; dialogue
between D.B. and, 219f
T
Table Blessings see Grace at Meals
Table Prayers see Grace at Meals
Teachers: D.B.'s efforts for the certifica-

71.6 Page 706

▲back to top


678
INDEX
tion of, 189f; and their influence over
the Oratory pupils, 45 lf
Temptations: ways to overcome, 6, 172,
191; D.B.'s expedients to free his boys
of, 237f
Testamentino: origin and method, 109ff;
D.B.'s comments at one of the lessons,
492f
Theater: Latin play staged by the Ora-
tory boys, 521, 573, 664f; regulations
for the, 646ff
Theban Legion: D.B.'s trust in the pro-
tection of three martyrs of the, 124
Time: preciousness of, 195, 434; fleeting
nature of, 202; D.B.'s good use of,
434,600
Traditions (Oratory) : announcement of
"Lost and Found" at the "Good
Nights," 46; priority of religion ex-
ams, 109; Testamentino lessons, 109f;
weekly lesson on etiquette, 113; class-
room and workshop customs, 130f;
practices of piety, 214f; best pupils at
Sunday dinner with superiors, 245;
awards on the feast of St. Francis de
Sales, 273; public reading of regula-
tions, 451
Triduums: at the Oratory fatal to some
pupils, 556f
Trust in God: of D.B., 92f, 333f, 380,
384, 397. See also Faith (Virtue)
u
Undertakings: D.B.'s policy as regards,
334,420,489
Union with God: of D.B., 31, 461
v
Vacations: spiritual dangers of, 27, 548
Victor Emmanuel II: request to be ab-
solved from censures, 126; subsidy
to D.B., 143; confidential message of
Pius IX to, 155f; D.B.'s warning to,
174f; king of Italy, 504
Vincent de Paul Society, St.: affiliated
chapters in D.B.'s festive oratories,
281
Visions: by Oratory boys, 285f, 578ff.
See also Dreams, Charisms
Vocation, Salesian: D.B.'s way for fos-
tering a, 246f; confirmed by D.B.'s
charism, 267, 440; testing of appli-
cants, 441; and Our Lady's interven-
tion, 447; shown to boys in dreams,
449f, 538ff; loss of vocation shown in
a dream, 542, 548
w
Wealth: the ruin of religious orders, 177
Will, Divine: means for discernment of,
415; D.B.'s readiness to accept, 420
Work: D.B.'s dedication to, 498, 524,
621; an antidote to sin, 535
z
Zeal: of D.B. for the salvation of souls,
86, 287, 343, 438, 461, 465, 576f; for
the spiritual welfare of his neighbor,
127f, 461f

71.7 Page 707

▲back to top


71.8 Page 708

▲back to top