To the pupils at the college at Mirabello Monferrato-2

E II, 792

‘Those voices, those cheers, that kissing and shaking hands, that warm smile, that heartfelt conversation, that mutual encouragement to do good are things that were balm for my heart, and I can hardly think about them without feeling moved to tears.’

Turin, 30 December 1864

To my dear boys at Mirabello,

The kindness and signs of filial affection you showed me when I had the great pleasure of visiting you, the letters and greetings that many of you sent me and which I will keep as a fond memory, encouraged me to return as soon as possible to spend some time with you, my dear and beloved sons.

I have not been able to fulfil this desire of mine yet, but I will soon. In the meantime, to satisfy in some way the affections of my heart, I feel compelled to write you a letter that will be the harbinger of my arrival there.

But what is a letter worth to express the many things I would like to say to you? I will summarise things briefly.

I would therefore like to thank you for all the kindness you have shown me and for the trust you placed in me on that beautiful day I spent in Mirabello. Those voices, those cheers, that kissing and shaking hands, that warm smile, that heartfelt conversation, that mutual encouragement to do good are things that were balm for my heart, and I can hardly think about them without feeling moved to tears.

So my thoughts often turn to you, and I rejoice in seeing the large number who frequently approach Holy Communion; but if I did not love them so much, I would give Prot Maggiore, Pernigotti, Cigorza... I forgot those names, I don’t want to say anything else.

I will also tell you that you are the apple of my eye and that I remember you every day in Holy Mass; I ask God to keep you in good health, in his grace, to help you progress in your studies, so that you may be a consolation to your parents and a delight to Don Bosco, who loves you so much.

But what will Don Bosco give you as a strenna [New Year’s gift]? Three very important things: a warning, a piece of advice and a means.

A warning. Flee, my dear boys, from every sin of immodesty; deeds, thoughts, looks, desires, words, and conversations contrary to the sixth commandment should not even be mentioned among you, as St Paul says.

An advice. Guard with the utmost jealousy the beautiful, sublime, queen of virtues, the holy virtue of purity.

A means. A very effective means of defeating the enemy and ensuring that you retain this virtue is frequent communion, but received with the necessary dispositions.

I would like to tell you more here, but a letter is not sufficient. I entrust you to Fr Rua, asking him to give you at least three brief instructions or considerations on each of the above-mentioned topics.

Finally, my dear boys, let me tell you that I love you very much and wish to see you again soon. I want you all to give me your hearts so that every day I can offer them to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament while I say Holy Mass. I am coming to see you with a great desire to speak to each of you about the things of your soul and to tell each of you three things: one about the past, one about the present, and one about the future.

May the Blessed Virgin keep us all safe and always hers, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us always. Amen.

Long live my dear boys at Mirabello.

Your most affectionate friend in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco

P.S. I wish courage, patience and endurance to the rector, prefect, teachers, assistants, servants, dear papà Provera and his entire family, Maman Rua and my little friend Meliga, Chiastellardo, dear Ossella who wrote me a beautiful letter, etc.