E IX, 4225

Advice on drafting reports on the status of Salesian missions to be sent to the appropriate institutions — available to intervene in Rome on behalf of the Argentine Church, including the appointment of the archbishop as cardinal — "Charity, patience, gentleness, never humiliating reprimands, never punishments, do good to those you can, do evil to no one. This applies to Salesians among themselves, among students, and others, external or internal — he intends to write to Fr Costamagna about the application of the Preventive System — he suggests rules of conduct for sisters and Salesians for new buildings or property purchases — he asks to work to obtain new vocations

Mathi, 6 August 1885

My dear Bishop Cagliero,

Your letter gave me great pleasure, and although my eyesight has become very weak, I wanted to read it myself from beginning to end, despite the handwriting that you say you learned from me, but which has degenerated from its original form.

Others will respond to administrative matters on my behalf. For my part, I will tell you the following.

In writing to the Propagation of the Faith, to the Work of the Holy Childhood Take into account everything that the Salesians have done at different times. I believe you have the forms you need to use when presenting our matters to these presidents, who are also happy to receive Italian documents if there are difficulties with French. If one is not enough, write several letters about the excursions of Fr Fagnano, Fr Milanesio, Fr Beauvoir, etc. Pay particular attention to the number of people baptised, confirmed, instructed, and cared for in the past or present. The idea is that in presentations for Propaganda you say everything but in general terms. For the Propaganda of the Faith, journeys, business and discoveries; for the Holy Childhood tell everything in great detail relating to boys and girls, the Sisters of the Salesians

If you happen to lack models for tracing these reports let me know and we will send you some. There is a great willingness to help us. However, it is good that I know at least in general terms what you write there, because I may be questioned about it at any time.

With regard to coadjutor bishops, I need to have some positive requests, and at this moment I hope to achieve something. The application for a coadjutor for the archbishop was well underway thanks to Cardinal Nina; but now, to our misfortune, he has passed away. I have already touched on another matter, and I will let you know about it in due course.

I am preparing a letter for Fr Costamagna, and for your sake, I will touch on in particular he Salesian spirit that we wish to introduce into the houses in America.

Charity, patience, gentleness, never humiliating reprimands, never punishments, doing good to those who can be helped, doing no harm to anyone. This applies to Salesians among themselves, among pupils, and others, both external and internal. In relations with our Sisters, use great patience, but be strict in observing their rules

In general, then, in our straitened circumstances we will make every sacrifice to come to your aid; but I recommend that everyone avoid building or purchasing properties that are not strictly necessary for our use. Never things to be resold; not fields or land, or dwellings from which to make a financial gain.

Try to help us in this regard. Do whatever you can to encourage vocations for both the Sisters and the Salesians, but do not take on too many tasks. Those who want too much achieve nothing and ruin everything.

When you have the opportunity to speak with Archbishop Espinosa or other similar figures, tell them that I am entirely at their service, especially with regard to matters concerning Rome.

Tell my niece Rosina to take good care of her health and to be careful not to go to Heaven alone. Let her go, yes, but accompanied by the many souls she has saved.

May God bless all our Salesian sons and our Sisters, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. May He grant them all health, holiness and perseverance on the path to Heaven.

Morning and evening we will pray for you all at the altar of Mary; and you pray also for this poor half-blind man who will always be yours in Jesus Christ.

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

PS. A multitude beyond number ask to be remembered to you and pay homage to you.