To the Provincial of the Franciscan Friars Minor, Fra Giovanni Pietro Alberti

E V, 2514

Suspends negotiations for the convent and sanctuary of Maria SS. delle Grazie in Mellea (Farigliano, Cuneo) and provides explanations for his behaviour in this regard.

Turin, 28 April 1877

Very Rev. Fr Provincial,

Fr Emanuele has not explained everything.

After being invited repeatedly to visit the premises, I went there and first sought out Father Guardian and begged him to inform the Provincial that I did not intend to purchase the house, but only to preserve it for the current religious community. Whenever they were able to return, I would have left them as absolute masters.

With this agreement, no purchase or sale was made, but the Municipality retained ownership, granting use to Fr Bosco. I also added that, since this was a beneficial undertaking for the religious, I made it a condition with Father Emanuele that he be our superior and our friend in all things.

Since the matter has been so misrepresented, I am withdrawing from all negotiations. I am only sorry that, as soon as I withdraw, a company will immediately step in that wishes to build a factory on the site of the convent and church.

I am very sorry that the first time I wished to do something in favour of the Friars Minor, my intention was not understood.

Today I am writing to the Town Hall to ask them to suspend any proposals they intend to make to me.

In everything, however, please believe that I am always in J. C.

your humble servant

Fr John Bosco