Circular

E I, 291

Presents a school project — asks for financial help

Turin, 1 October 1856

Distinguished and worthy Sir,

Seeing the ever-growing need to educate children from the lower classes, I decided to open a day school to take in at least some of those who wander around during the day, either because their parents do not care for them or because they live far from public schools, since in the district of Borgo Dora, S. Barbara, Piazza Paesana, Borgo S. Donato, Collegno, and Madonna di Campagna, there are no fewer than thirty thousand inhabitants without either a church or a public school.

It is to help these children that I have begun the construction of a school capable of accommodating about one hundred and fifty of them.

As we need funds for teachers, construction work, school supplies and school equipment, I am appealing to your kindness and begging you to come to my aid, which is tantamount to coming to the aid of these young people who can truly be called abandoned, endangered and dangerous.

Your proven kindness gives me confidence that this serious need will be taken into kind consideration; therefore, full of gratitude and esteem, I wish you abundant blessings from heaven, and I am

Your worthy Excellency’s

Most obliged servant

Fr John Bosco