To Count Pio Galleani d’Agliano

E I, 232

He expresses his gratitude for various acts of generosity shown to the Oratory - he invites himself to Caraglio Castle so that he can work in peace on the Letture Cattoliche [Catholic Readings].

Turin, 31 July 1855

Most Illustrious and Distinguished Sir,

Having returned from the spiritual exercises at Saint Ignatius, I feel compelled to write to Your Lordship to express my gratitude and put my conscience at ease.

Therefore, it is with sincere gratitude that I received one hundred and thirty francs for lottery tickets recommended to your charity; I also received 105 kg of breadsticks from the baker Fornello, which were used to feed the young orphans and poor people sheltered in this oratory; I also thank you for the charity you have kindly agreed to give of fifteen kilograms per month to this house.

These distinguished works of charity will be precious pearls which, together with others, will adorn the crown of glory that your Lordship, with the prudence of a serpent and the simplicity of a dove, is preparing and securing for yourself in heaven every day.

Now I find myself in a new predicament, but of a different kind. I have work to do on the Letture Cattoliche, which means I need to leave Turin for a few days so that I can concentrate on it. It crossed my mind several times to go to Caraglio, specifically to your Lordship’s house, but before entering, let us ask permission from the master. If you would be so kind as to provide me with a corner where I might lay my poor self with a few books and some notebooks, with something to refresh my hunger, I would leave here on the morning of the sixth of August and return on Saturday of the same week.

You will say to me: Will the board be paid? Thank goodness. We will split my salary in half. That is to say: if any benefit accrues to souls from that file, I will give you half of the proceeds for your hospitality.

In the meantime, I beg you with all my heart to accept this letter, which may have been written with too much familiarity; however, I will not fail to pray and ask God to watch over you and your family, while I hold you in the highest esteem and gratitude and consider it a great honour to be able to call myself

Your Most Illustrious and Distinguished Sir’s

most obliged servant

Fr John Bosco