To fourteen-year-old Gregorio Cavalchini Garofoli from Tortona

E II, 927

‘I would certainly like to stay and talk with you, but the things I want to tell you cannot be entrusted to paper. If you would like to visit me during your next holiday, I will tell you what I would like to write to you.’

Turin, 1 June 1866

My dear Gregorio Garofoli,

I was delighted to receive your letter and have passed on your news to the young people who took part in the Tortona caravan. They were very pleased and have given me the pleasant task of thanking you and sending their regards.

I would certainly like to stay and talk with you, but the things I want to tell you cannot be entrusted to paper. If you would like to visit me during your next holiday, I will tell you what I would like to write to you.

As a friend of your soul, I cannot help but give you some basic reminders, and there are three f. f. fs Namely:

1. Flee idleness

2. Flee from companions who use bad language or give bad advice.

3. Fervently and fruitfully go to Confession and Communion.

Please give my regards to your two brothers, Emanuele Callori and the other Piedmontese at the Jesuit college in Mongré, France, whom you know I am acquainted with.

God bless you and keep you in his holy grace. Pray for me, who am

Yours most affectionately in the Lord

Fr John Bosco