To Cooperators in Milan and Lombardy

E X, 4367

Invitation to the Salesian Conference in support of the missions in Patagonia — programme and venue of the meeting celebrated by the choir from Valdocco — with the patronage and perhaps even the presence of the archbishop — missionary Fr Luigi Lasagna will speak — he is confident that he will be able to attend in person — the Pope grants a plenary indulgence

Turin, 1 September 1886

Worthy Cooperators,

Many Salesian Cooperators in Lombardy have expressed to me, both verbally and in writing, their keen desire for a public conference to be held in the city of Milan, so that the charitable purpose of the pious Association of St Francis de Sales, to which they gave their name, may be better known.

I have taken their wise observations into consideration, and I have judged that such a gathering would be to the glory of God and of singular benefit to poor and abandoned youth, especially to the Christian and civil culture of the savage tribes of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, whose evangelisation was entrusted by the Supreme Pontiff to the care of the Salesians.

The pious meeting will therefore take place on the 12th of this month, Sunday, in Milan, at 4:15 p.m. in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Via Magenta. In order that the religious gathering may be pleasing to all and deserve God's blessing, I consulted His Excellency the Most Reverend Archbishop on the matter, and he not only gave his consent and approval, but was delighted to be able to contribute to the pious conference achieving its full effect; indeed, if his advanced age and episcopal duties allow, he will take part in it personally. The presence of his venerable person will be the main honour of our gathering and one of the many proofs of his paternal benevolence towards our humble Institute. Added to this is another special circumstance, namely the presence of the Salesian missionary Fr Luigi Lasagna, who has recently returned from his apostolic travels in the Republic of Uruguay and the immense empire of Brazil. Speaking to those gathered, he has many interesting things to tell them for their instruction and encouragement. A group of young people from the Oratory of St Francis de Sales will perform various motets and the Tantum Ergo, and as far as our weak forces will allow, with the help of the excellent Fr Carlo Nardi, parish priest of S. Vittore, and the most respectable clergy of the city, we will ensure that the religious function is performed with the greatest possible decorum for common edification. Despite the inconveniences of life, I am confident that I will still be able to attend the Conference, because I wish to meet and renew my acquaintance with a good number of people from the clergy and laity of Lombardy, who on several occasions have shown generous charity towards the works that divine Providence has placed in my poor hands. I therefore humbly but warmly invite the Cooperators, not only from the city and the vast Archdiocese of Milan, but from all its surroundings, to attend the Conference in large numbers. For any further encouragement, consider that the Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII grants a plenary indulgence to those who attend, and he is pleased to bless them from the bottom of his paternal heart. In the hope that the Cooperators will gladly accept this humble invitation, I pray to God to shower upon them and their loved ones the most abundant blessings, and at the same time, commending myself to their prayers, I am delighted to be able to express my high esteem and deep gratitude.

Your esteemed persons

Most obliged servant

Fr John Bosco

Notices

1. Members are entitled to bring their relatives and anyone else who wishes to learn about the pious Association of Salesian Cooperators to this meeting.

2. The meeting will begin with a short reading, followed by the singing of a motet.

3. Fr Luigi Lasagna, missionary, on behalf of his fellow missionaries, will report on what the Salesians have already done in foreign missions for the benefit of the poor savages with the help of the Cooperators, and will also say what will be done if the support of good Catholics does not fail.

4. A collection will be taken up for the above-mentioned missions.

5. The Cooperators are therefore requested to collect alms and offerings from those members and charitable persons who are unable to attend the Conference.

6. The event will conclude with the singing of another motet and the Tantum Ergo in music and with the Blessing of the Blessed Sacrament.