To a cleric at the Seminary in Bra, Giacomo Del Prato

E I, 247

“But let us not delude ourselves: if you do not achieve complete victory over that inconvenience, you should not proceed, nor should you ever seek to enter holy orders until at least one year has passed without any relapses.”

Turin, 7 December 1855

Beloved son,

I received your letter: I greatly appreciate its candour and we thank the Lord for the goodwill that inspires you. Also, follow the advice of your confessor: qui vos aud.it, me audit, J.C. says in the Gospel. Strive to respond to the impulses of divine grace that beat within your heart. Who knows if the Lord is not calling you to a sublime degree of virtue!

But let us not delude ourselves: if you do not achieve complete victory over that inconvenience, you should not proceed, nor should you ever seek to enter holy orders until at least one year has passed without any relapses

Prayer – avoiding idleness and temptations – frequent reception of the Holy Sacraments – devotion to Our Blessed Lady (a medal around your neck) and to St Aloysius; read good books

But take courage. Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat, says St Paul. Let us love one another in the Lord, oremus ad invicem, ut salvemur and we can do God’s holy will.

St Ambrose, ora pro nobis.

Yours affectionately

Fr John Bosco