To the Secretary of Vatican Council I, Joseph Fessler

E III, 1375

Request for confirmation of the possibility of participating in the First Vatican Council as superior of the Salesian congregation

Turin, 22 November 1869

Your Excellency,

In need of clarification regarding the upcoming ecumenical council, I take the liberty of addressing a humble request to Your Excellency. Here it is in brief.

From some letters and private information from friends, I have been informed that the Superiors General of religious orders that have been definitively approved and have jurisdiction will be admitted to the next council; but I have not been able to ascertain whether ecclesiastical congregations are included in this number.

I am the Superior General of the Congregation of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales, definitively approved with jurisdiction, with simple but perpetual vows reserved to the Holy See.

If, out of Your Excellency’s great kindness, you would be so kind as to write to me a few words indicating whether this society should be included among those admitted or those excluded, you would do me a great favour.

I would not wish to miss anything that would be in deference to the Holy See, nor would I wish to speak on matters in which I should not interfere.

Convinced that you will kindly forgive me for the trouble I have caused you, I wish you good health and a happy life, while I remain, with deep gratitude,

Your Excellency’s

most obliged servant,

Fr John Bosco