To Mother General Caterina Daghero

Em X, 4490

He expresses gratitude for the money raised for earthquake damage and urges caution when dealing with people of the opposite sex, including the chaplain; in Rome, he will carry out what is requested.

Turin, 16 April 1887

Reverend Sister Caterina Daghero,

I am replying to your welcome letter of yesterday, and first of all I would like to thank you for the collection of money you made for me when I visited your houses. Please extend my heartfelt thanks to those concerned for everything.

The news of the good conduct that reigns in your homes has greatly consoled me, as has that of your commitment to practising economy in whatever way possible in order to alleviate our hardships in some way, and for all this, may Jesus and Mary be praised and blessed.

As for the case of N., let us not cease to be vigilant: you for the sisters, we for the parish priest; in the meantime, let us pray that the devil will not be able to interfere; it would be advisable for you to discreetly find out, by questioning the sisters privately, whether they have any reason to fear danger to their souls in dealing with the parish priest; in the meantime, recommend to them respect and courtesy towards him, but never familiarity with persons of the opposite sex.

I will gladly see and speak to Sister Mariani's relatives when I am in Rome. Pray for my journey to be a happy one, and I will also pray wholeheartedly for all of you, that you may become great saints and work hard to save so many souls so dear to the heart of your Heavenly Spouse.

May He therefore keep you in good health, bless you, and deliver you from all danger, and may Mary Most Holy, Help of Christians, always protect you,

In J. and M.

Fr John Bosco