E VI, 2860

“God is great, God is merciful. Sometimes we do not think of him, but he thinks of us, and seeing us run away, he gives us a pat on the shoulder and stops us and brings us back to him.”

Turin, 26 September 1878

My dear friend in Jesus Christ,

Your frankness in writing shows your good will and invites me to speak with complete confidence. God is great, God is merciful. Sometimes we do not think of him, but he thinks of us and, seeing us flee far away, he pats us on the shoulder and stops us and brings us back to him. Isn't that true? Let the Lord be blessed in all things and his decrees be worshipped.

If your health allows you to resume your studies, I will not hesitate to advise you to continue on to the priesthood. If you love the secluded life in community and want to come with me, I will count you among my dear and beloved sons.

In the meantime, prayer, work, mortification, frequent confession and communion will make you victorious over that ancient enemy of your soul.

Other matters cannot be entrusted to paper.

Farewell, dear friend, God bless you. Pray for me, and I will always be, in Jesus Christ,

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco