To sixteen-year-old Marquis Emanuele Fassati

E II 1214

‘You are going through the most dangerous, but also the most beautiful, period of your life. Take heart: every little sacrifice made in youth brings a treasure of glory in Heaven.’

Trofarello, 14 September 1868

My dear Emanuele,

Your letter gave me great pleasure, and I did not fail to join my humble prayers to your pious intention. Now I don’t know if God has answered us or not: you will know. I assure you, however, that if your request is for things that are useful for the soul and you continue to ask with faith, you will certainly be heard.

You would give me great pleasure by extending your warmest regards to the whole family and wishing everyone good health, happiness and many happy years to come.

Tell bonne Maman Countess De Maistre that if she passes through Turin, I would be delighted to pay her my respects; and if you know in advance the day of her arrival, you would do me a great favour by letting me know with just a few lines.

My dear Emanuele, you are going through the most dangerous, but also the most beautiful, period of your life. Take heart: every little sacrifice made in youth brings a treasure of glory in Heaven.

Pray also for my poor souls and believe that I am always

your most affectionate friend

Fr J. Bosco