To apostolic missionary Fr Giuseppe Persi, Genoa

E VI, 2911

He thanks him for his donation which comes at a time of great need – there are no difficulties if he wishes to become a Salesian permanently

Turin, 25 November 1878

My dear Fr Giuseppe,

Your letter was providential. I was looking for a loan to complete the equipment for our missionaries and yesterday I made several unsuccessful inquiries. I was looking for ten thousand francs. Just as I was completing the day's unsuccessful tasks, I received your letter informing me of your generous donation of precisely 10,000 francs for the missions.

I therefore gratefully accept your donation, but on condition that, should you find yourself in need, you may ask me for the annual interest and the capital should you deem it necessary.

As for becoming a Salesian forever, there are no difficulties: but we will discuss everything in person when we see each other in San Pierdarena or Turin.

God bless you and give you a hundredfold in this life, but the true reward in the future. Tell me how you donation can be made, while I am pleased to express, with gratitude and esteem, that I am

Your dear Lordship’s

most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco