To the provincial, Fr Giovanni Cagliero

E V, 2479

Various bits of information – “The Holy Father is enthusiastic about our Congregation” - Argentina, Chile, etc., which are intent on fighting and destroying the savages, not converting them – series of tasks to be carried out

Turin, 13 February 1877

My dear Fr Cagliero,

I have just received (12 February) the bill of exchange from Fr Fagnano dated 13 December 1876.

Two months' delay is a little too long: this should serve as a reason to pressure these bankers in other cases. However, we do not refuse it, nor are we offended even if it were twice as long.

In this regard, I have received a letter from Fr Lasagna stating that their Church is supported by the charity of wealthy faithful; therefore, take care that the many special items brought do not go to waste. You will know how to proceed in such cases. Entrust the distribution to an assistant or other trusted person, without the Salesian Fathers having to appear at all.

The Holy Father is enthusiastic about our Congregation. In addition to the Concettini house in Rome, he wants us to accept another: the Ospedale della Consolazione, and to encourage us, he gave me a gift of twenty thousand francs.

A thousand requests coming from elsewhere.

Our Sisters have opened a girls oratory in Chieri.

After a week of calculations and discussions, Comm. Gazzolo reduced his asking price to 60,000 francs for his 700 metres of land adjacent to the Church of the Misericordia. It is understood that he is limiting himself to this price in order to do us a favour. He would also include another property he owns in S. Nicolás, valued at 3,000 francs. When I mentioned your figure of 18,000 francs, he was amazed, saying: “That's exactly what I paid when I bought it myself”. As you can see, he paid 18,000, and to do us a favour, he is now offering it to us for 60,000. Ah Rogna Rogna! [‘Rogna’ is a term expressing annoyance, irritation]

Speak with Dr Carranza and think about what to do.

In another letter, tell me whether it would be advisable to send a new expedition soon, and, if it is not urgent, whether it would be better to wait a little longer. In this case, we could more easily settle matters in Rome. Try to put your affairs in order and, when you can say that business is running smoothly, notify me of your return, which, si fieri potest, should not be later than the end of August.

It would be advisable to inform Archbishop Aneyros that the Holy Father wishes to do something for Patagonia, and the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda Fide will perhaps write to him by the same courier about the advisability of establishing an Apostolic Prefecture in Carmen.

Once a house has been established, says the Holy Father, it is somewhat easier to extend its reach and expand its circumference. The Holy Father is particularly moved to do so by the distressing news he receives from countries bordering on savage territories, such as Argentina, Chile, etc., which are intent on fighting and destroying the savages, not converting them.

If Brazil or Paraguay make a formal request for missionaries, you may accept on these two conditions:

1.Help with the many expenses we have already incurred and which we must bear every day;

2. For 1878. The Holy Father proposes an Apostolic Vicariate in India and another in Australia. For now, I have accepted an expedition to Ceylon for 1878.

Right now I have been disturbed and cannot finish this letter, nor write to Fr Fagnano as I would like, nor even to Fr Lasagna or Fr Bodratto. It will be for another time; take my place, get involved.

May God bless us all. Give my regards to His Excellency the Archbishop and our other friends and benefactors.

Amen.

Yours affectionately

Fr John Bosco