To Fr Biagio Foeri, Lanzo Torinese

E VI, 2907

He asks to send a missionary to America at his own expense because the expedition is already planned, but there is no money to carry it out.

Turin, 17 November 1878

My dear Fr Foeri,

Petite et accipietis, the Saviour says, and I am asking you precisely to obtain something. The Missionary expedition has been published, but I lack the means to carry it out.

Telling you to go would seem strange; therefore, send a missionary at your own expense, and the souls he wins for God will be to your credit. 2000 Francs.

See if you can make this sacrifice. It is for the Missionaries, for the Church, for poor Americans, it is a work of the Salesian Cooperators. It is true that there is so much work to be done, but this encompasses all other work. I have complete faith in your charity and ask on behalf of J. C., who died to save souls.

You love me in the Lord, believe that I am

your most affectionate friend

Fr J. Bosco