To the Provincial, Fr Francesco Bodrato

E VI, 2923

He promises to respond individually to all the Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians in Buenos Aires and makes some pedagogical recommendations.

Turin, 31 December 1878

My dear Fr Bodrato Francesco,

I have received your letters and those from my dear sons living in Buenos Ayres. I will try to reply to each of them with a few words. You will then distribute the letters you receive from our confreres and sisters. Let us bless the Lord who favours us so greatly.

Keep this in your memory:

1. Make every sacrifice to preserve charity and unity with your Confreres.

2. When you need to give corrections, or give particular advice, never do so in public but always inter te et illum solum.

3. When you have made a correction, forget the offence and show the offender the first kindness.

This is the will and testament of your friend and father, Don Bosco. You will receive further news from our dear ones who are going to offer their services to assist you.

Please give my warmest regards to the children at the Hospice, telling them that I bless them and love them dearly in the Lord. May God bless you and your work, and believe me, I am entirely in J. C.

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

P. S. Our humble respects and best wishes to Dr Carranza and the Prior of the Misericordia.