To the Duke of Norfolk, Henry Fitzalan-Howard

E X, 4577

Letter of introduction and recommendation for two Salesians leaving for London

The Oratory, Turin, 13 November 1887

My Lord Duke,

When Your Highness honoured our humble hospice with your presence, the pious and lamented Countess, your wife, was pleased to see the young people of this house practising the Christian religion, and expressed her pleasure that I might undertake a similar foundation in the English metropolis.

At that time, such an undertaking was impossible due to a lack of English-speaking personnel; but now (thanks to Your Highness’s pious zeal) I would be willing to attempt this foundation, and in fact it has already begun with the taking over of a church in Battersea, London.

For now, I intend to send no fewer than five Salesians to Battersea, and I hope to be able to send others to join them.

I must confess, Your Highness the Duke, that this undertaking has caused me no little anxiety. Because a work of this kind in London will encounter many great difficulties, and therefore require more energy and courage than I fear I am capable of. But since God has always helped us in the past, I hope that he will help us in the present undertaking, which I take the liberty of placing under Your Highness’s benevolent patronage.

The church, which God has seen fit to place under our responsibility, has already been furnished by a few pious individuals with the most necessary items for divine worship; but so far we have been unable to procure a suitable residence for the priests who will officiate there. Therefore, Your Highness, I have taken the liberty of turning to Your Grace for help and advice.

Our fathers, Father Edward MacKiernam and Father Charles B. Macey, while taking the liberty of visiting Your Grace in person and offering my best respects, will gladly accept all the help and advice that Your charity will deign to give them.

At the Oratory, we will always remember with deep gratitude your kindness towards us; and both I and my poor orphans will pray every day that God will bless and protect you, and, if it is his holy will, restore your noble heir to perfect health and vigour.

With deepest respect, I remain, Your Highness,

Your Grace’s most humble and obedient servant

Fr John Bosco