To the Salesians and pupils at the college in Lanzo Torinese

E V, 2248

‘Let me tell you, and no offence intended, you are all thieves. I say it and I repeat it, you have taken everything from me.’

Turin, 3 January 1876

To my dear friends the rector, masters, teachers, pupils and all the residents at the college in Lanzo,

Let me tell you, and no offence intended, you are all thieves. I say it and I repeat it, you have taken everything from me.’ When I was in Lanzo, you charmed me with your kindness and affection; you overwhelmed me with your piety; all that remained was this poor heart, whose affections you had already stolen from me entirely.

Now your letter, signed by 200 friendly and dear hands, has taken possession of this whole heart, which has nothing left but a lively desire to love you in the Lord, to do you good, and to save the souls of all.

This generous gesture of affection invites me to visit you again as soon as possible, which I hope will not be too long delayed. On that occasion, I really want us to be cheerful in body and soul and show the world how cheerful we can be in body and soul without offending the Lord.

I thank you most sincerely for everything you have done for me; I will remember you every day in Holy Mass, praying to God’s goodness to grant you health for you to study, strength to fight temptations, and the special grace to live and die in the peace of the Lord.

A proposal. On the 15th of this month, dedicated to St Maurice, I will celebrate Mass for your intentions; and will you do me the kindness of receiving Holy Communion on that day so that I too may go with you to Paradise?

May God bless you all and believe me that I am always, in J. C.

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco