To the Count and Countess Louis-Antoine and Marie-Sophie Colle, Toulon

E IX, 4296

He expresses gratitude for their kindness and charity towards the Salesian congregation — currently the only benefactors due to the cholera epidemic — with special thanks from Russia, Prussia, and Poland — a dream in China accompanied by their son Louis — Fr Rua will provide information about the orphanage in Rome.

Turin, 15 January 1886

Dear C.te and M.me the C.sse,

I speak of you every day, and I can say every moment, but my poor head is always a little troubled, so I have to write very little compared to what I should do to thank you for all the kindness and charity you show us.

At this moment, you are not only supporting our work and the Salesians, but in recent days you have become almost our only benefactors. Because at this time, donations have decreased alarmingly, especially in our houses in France and in our missions in America.

But our charitable beggar, Our Lady Help of Christians, began to come to our aid with exceptional graces in Russia, Prussia, and especially in Poland.

Fr Rua will send you news of the orphanage in Rome. Rome is an eternal city. Saying a lot, doing a lot, and doing things very slowly. Patience.

You will also receive notification of the trip to China with our good friend Louis. When God gives us the grace to speak among us personally, we will have much to talk about.

As a reward for your charity, may God grant you all happiness on earth, but assure you of the great and eternal happiness of Heaven with all our relatives and friends. Amen.

I will always be with the most sincere gratitude and veneration in J. C.

Your humble and affectionate

Fr J. Bosco