E IX, 4084

"Believe that religious life is a life of constant sacrifice and that each sacrifice is richly rewarded by God. Obedience alone, observance of the rules alone, hope of heavenly reward alone are our comfort in mortal life."

Pinerolo, 20 August 1884

My good Eulalia,

I blessed the Lord when you made the resolution to become a Sister; now I thank him with all my heart for preserving your good will to break definitively with the world and consecrate yourself totally to the good Jesus.

Make this offering willingly and reflect on the reward that is a hundredfold in this present life and the true reward, the great reward in the life to come.

But, my good Eulalia, this is not a joke, but serious. And remember the words spoken by Chantal's father when he found himself in a similar situation: ‘What is given to the Lord should never be taken away.’

Believe that religious life is a life of continuous sacrifice and that each sacrifice is richly rewarded by God. Obedience alone, observance of the rules alone, hope of the heavenly reward alone are our comfort in mortal life.

I have always received your letters with pleasure. I have not replied because I have not had the time.

May God bless you, Eulalia; may Mary be your guide and your comfort until you reach heaven. I hope we will see each other again in this life; otherwise, farewell: we will meet again to talk about God in the blessed life. Amen.

I wish every blessing to the Mother General and to all the sisters, novices and postulants of Mary Help of Christians.

Pray for me and for our whole family and always love me in Jesus Christ.

Your most affectionate uncle

Fr John Bosco