To Waldenian pastor Luigi De Sanctis

E I, 208

He reaffirms the affection he and others hold for him, and confirms his readiness to meet.

Valdocco, Turin, 30 November 1854

Dear Sir,

i am truly pleased that my letter was well received by your dear and distinguished self; and since you tell me that you are in affliction, I would wish that, while deigning to accept my humble yet sincere friendship, you might grant me the opportunity to offer you some comfort. However, I would like you to be convinced that the number of those who sincerely love and respect you is perhaps greater than you imagine.

Canon Anglesio, Rector of the Cottolengo charity, Fr Borrelli, Rector of the Refuge, Fr Cafasso, head of the conference and Rector of the St Francis of Assisi Convitto [Residential college for clergy], and many others share my feelings towards you and would be very happy to have an opportunity to show you the truth of what I am saying.

Since you are kind enough to call me your friend, I would very much like to speak with you, both to get to know in person the man I love without ever having seen him, and to confirm in person what I have written to you.

If you would like me to visit you, or would like to arrange a place for me in the city; or, and this would be a favour to me, if you would like to come to my house, I believe it would be mutually satisfactory, and you would not have to feel uncomfortable in front of anyone. I would just like you to tell me the day and, if possible, the time, so that I can be at home and you don’t come here and find me out.

Please accept my warmest regards, and as I ask you to continue our friendship, I wish you all the best from heaven,

Your dear an distinguished Lordship’s

most affectionate servant and friend

Fr John Bosco