To the Spiritual Director of the Pious Work of the Refuge, Giovanni Borel

E I, 16

He sends news of his health and his stay in Castelnuovo — he announces his imminent return to the Oratory

Castelnuovo, 11 October 1845

Dear Father,

Today is the ninth day since we parted, a time that already seems very long to me. On the day of my departure, I arrived happily in Chieri; but once there, the exhaustion I had felt in Turin grew so strong that, after a light refreshment, I had to lie down. The following day, feeling somewhat stronger, I got up and went home.

For four days I felt unwell, which stemmed from a kind of melancholy caused by not being able to be there and enjoy our usual recreation, which I find very pleasant. Since Sunday, thanks to a bit of rabello [noise] and singing with Pietro, Felice Ferrero and Natalino, I feel considerably better.

My current activities are: eating, singing, laughing, running, going around, etc. etc. Fr Pacchiotti still not coming down? Not even yourself? A visit from either one would be enough to make me completely better. Come on, come down, you rascals. [expression of disappointment]

We will begin harvesting next Thursday; we have a good, beautiful harvest, while the neighbouring villages have been affected by either woodworm or hail (Genta and Gamba are disturbing my writing with their racket).

I am preparing a nice glass of wine, not for you, but for Fr Pacchiotti. Next Sunday (oh, what a nuisance, what a racket!) we’re having a little party here, and we’ll get things boiling and pouring, and we’ll sing Mass with our boys:

How is Fr Pacchiotti? Did catechism go well? I have seven here, but they're all little rascals. Next week si Dominus dederit I will be there. Exeunte hebdómada.

Things will continue. I can do no other.

John Bosco