To the young students and artisans at Valdocco, Turin

E I, 685

‘But in the midst of so many people, my heart felt a deep regret. Why? I couldn’t see my dear young students.’

From the Shrine at Oropa (Biella), 6 August 1863

My dear boys, students.

If you, my dear boys, were standing on this mountain, you would certainly be moved. A large building with a devout church at its centre forms what is commonly known as the Shrine of Oropa. There is a constant coming and going of people here. Those who thank the Blessed Virgin for graces received from her; those who ask to be freed from spiritual or temporal evil; those who pray to the Blessed Virgin to help them persevere in good, those who pray for a holy death. Young and old; rich and poor; peasants and lords; knights, counts, marquises, artisans, merchants, men, women, cowherds, students of all conditions are constantly seen in large numbers approaching the holy sacraments of confession and communion and then going to the feet of a beautiful statue of Mary Most Holy to implore her heavenly help.

But in the midst of so many people, my heart felt a deep regret. Why? I couldn’t see my dear young students. Ah! Yes, why cannot I have my sons here, bring them all to Mary’s feet, offer them to her, place them all under her powerful protection, make them all Dominic Savio, all Saint Aloysius?

To find comfort in my heart, I went before her marvellous altar and promised her that when I arrived in Turin, I would do everything in my power to instil devotion to Mary in your hearts. Commending you to her, I asked for these special graces for you. Mary, I said, bless our entire house, remove from the hearts of our young people even the shadow of sin; be the guide of students; be the seat of true wisdom for them. May they be all yours, always yours, and may you keep them always as your children and keep them always among your devotees.

I believe that the Blessed Virgin will have heard me, and I hope that you will lend me a hand so that we may respond to Mary’s voice and to the grace of the Lord.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary bless me, bless all priests and clerics and all those who devote their efforts to our house, bless you all. May she help us from heaven, and we will make every effort to deserve her holy protection in life and in death.

Amen.

Your most affectionate friend in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco