To a young woman who is undecided about her vocation

E VII, 3539

Quick thoughts on the happiness of a Christian life as a single woman

Turin, 4 December 1881

Dear Madam,,

I delayed replying to your letter because I wanted to write it myself. Thank you for your Christian thoughts about me. I will do my best to deserve such praise.

You ask me about a matter to discuss for the greater glory of God and the salvation of souls. I think this topic might be more useful than others: The happy spinster amid the world.

Practical adherence to the holy Catholic religion:

1. She is happy before God and her conscience.

2. And before civil society.

3. And before herself.

4. Before her birthplace too.

5. Before her family.

6. Happy on earth.

7. Happy one day in heaven.

If you like this and would like me to develop the idea a little further, I will be happy to do so. I have wanted to deal with this subject for a long time, but I have always lacked the time and now I have no hope of ever finding it.

In general, it should be a mixture of examples, analogies, apologetics and even suppositions, but these must always be preceded by some text or passage from the holy books that serves as a basis for what one wants to explain.

You think about it, and I will pray that God will inspire what is best for these calamitous times.

God bless you, keep you in his holy grace and good health, and please pray for me, who am, in Jesus Christ, always

your humble servant

Fr John Bosco