EV, 2308

News about the previous day’s papal audience - recommendations from Pius IX for vocations

Rome, Easter 1876

My dear Fr Barberis,

I am the bearer of good news, and you are the first to receive them. Yesterday at 7 p.m., I had an audience with the Holy Father and was able to spend about an hour with him. There was much discussion about the Congregation and our dear novices; then he read their letter from beginning to end, asking about the special qualities of each one and whether any of them showed extraordinary virtues. I tried to satisfy him. He was very pleased and said that their number was a miracle of God’s kindness.

Then he added these words: These are young olive trees that need to be cultivated; but the seedlings must allow the grower to cut away the roots and useless and harmful shoots. Remove any weeds and woodworm that could damage them. You understand me but you will explain it in detail later. These tender plants must grow on their own and then bear fruit for their master. Woe to you if the plant remains idle and does not bear fruit: it becomes useless to its owner.

May God bless these little plants, guide them and make them bear fruit for his greater glory.

Then he took up his pen and wrote in his own hand at the bottom of your letter: Dominus vos benedicat etc., as you can see in the letter I am returning to you because it bears the signature of the Holy Father.

Give my special regards to Peloso, Schiapino, Tosello, etc. I will write again at another time.

May God bless us all, and believe that in Jesus Christ I am

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

P.S. I received your letter and I agree with what you wrote. It is good for the ascritti [novices]to go for walks.