To a lady from Lucca

E VI 2901

Tips for raising a difficult child

Turin, 11 November 1878

Dear Madam,

Your son is certainly in a bad position. Age, knowledge, and possessions are terrible snares that the devil uses to lead many unwary young people to spiritual and physical ruin.

In this case a Christian mother should:

1. Treat him kindly, accompany him everywhere, if he tolerates it. Reason with him, advise him to receive the Holy Sacraments, to listen to sermons, and to read good books. If he does not give in, be patient, but keep going.

2. If you wish, you can say with certainty that if he does not improve his behaviour, his life will be greatly shortened and perhaps...

3. Make every effort to associate him with relatives or other upright people, and keep him away from bad companions.

4. Pray to God and to St Monica.

As small as I am, I will also make special prayers to Mary H.C.

I really need her spiritual and corporal charity. I have a very abundant harvest at hand; many souls could be won, but I lack the material means. May God bless you, your whole family and pray also for him who will always be, in J C.

your humble servant

Fr John Bosco

P. S. A thousand respects to the Burlamacchi family. If they are still there.