To the Rector of the Irish Seminary in Rome, Toby Kirby

E IV, 2020

He says he cannot accept the conditions set by the Irish missionaries — all that is left is to rely on candidates from more humble backgrounds.

Turin, 24 October 1874

Reverend and Dear Msgr,

I have received the letter from Mr Liston and Mr Halinan, which I enclose herewith. It sets out the latest conditions they wish to impose on me, which are impossible for me to meet. The college at Valsalice is for the nobility and the boarding alone costs 100 francs a month, and with extras it comes to almost 150; moreover, they exclude the central house where I live, and where, should they come, I have written that I would place them at my table; yet they want food, clothing and accommodation like great lords, and pay nothing; and to be completely free to leave as they please once their studies are finished.

Note that I wrote that I would place them in Valsalice but that they should not impose this obligation on me, and that they should at least leave me the choice of missions. This was not agreed to.

That being the case, I must limit myself to choosing only poor young people who are content with the ordinary food of this house. If more is expected of them, I believe it is impossible for them to succeed as missionaries. Especially since each student treated as above would cost me fr. 1800 per year, which is beyond my means.

I hope that things can be sorted out on other grounds, and by welcoming young people from other backgrounds. May you continue to show me your kindness; we will pray for you as I gratefully profess that I am

most obliged to you in J. C.

Fr J. Bosco