To the Rector of the house in Marseilles, Fr Giuseppe Bologna

E VI, 3367

He is pleased with the goodwill shown by the boys and also by his confreres — he will send a sum of money if needed — he can also count on a local benefactor.

Roquefort, 27 February 1881

My dear Fr Bologna,

I have left; many things have been done in Aubagne; now I am in Roquefort, where I will have a day of rest. Tomorrow in Saint-Cyr, God willing.

1. In the meantime, tell our young people that I was very pleased with their goodwill and piety, and that I hope they will continue to improve. They should strive to break the devil's horns with the two hammers of confession and Holy Communion.

2. I left our priests and clerics and other confreres with satisfaction, seeing in their faces a great desire to be true Salesians, that is, salt in their words and light in their actions. God be blessed. Courage and perseverance.

3. I found some more banknotes among the papers (600 francs) and if you absolutely need them, I will try to send them to you, bringing the total to a thousand francs. But if you can do without them, I will take this money to Fr Ghivarello [Rector of the house at St Cyr-Tolone], who is waiting for money like the Jews waited for manna in the desert.

As you requested, I am writing to Madam Jacques, asking her to lend you a few thousand francs from the five thousand she has kindly agreed to give you as soon as possible. Please convey my apologies to Madam Brouquier, whom I had to leave in a hurry to go to Aubagne, where everyone was waiting for me at the church to say a few words to the Cooperators.

All is good, may God be blessed.

4. Put the enclosed tickets in envelopes and then send them to their destination.

May God bless us and keep us all in his grace, and pray for me who will always be in J.C.

Your friend

Fr John Bosco