To Fr Domenico Belmonte

E II, 1360

He suggests how to respond to relatives who are inviting him to return to the family – he expresses his intention to entrust him with the office of prefect-economer in the college at Mirabello, and gives him some suggestions in advance to help him perform his duties in the best possible way.

Trofarello, 22 September 1869

My dear Fr Belmonte,

A man said to the Saviour: Domine, sequar te quocumque ieris, sed permitte me primum ire et sepelire patrem meum. Iesus ait: Sequere me et dimitte mortuos sepelire mortuos. (Mt 8:19). Tu vade, annuntia regnum Dei (Lk 9:60). Alius ait: Domine, sequar te quocumque ieris, sed permitte mihi renuntiare his, quae domi sunt. Ait ad illum Iesus: Nemo mittens manum etc. (ibid.). So write the letter and pray, and I will do the same. Now let’s move on to something else.

You add a few words that demonstrate or rather confirm the filial affection you have always felt for me, which I have always felt for you in a much more intense way.

I have always sought and endeavoured to place in your hands those things that seem to me to be in keeping with your character and in accordance with the greater glory of God.

With this in mind, I have planned to entrust you with the office of prefect in Mirabello. As you can see, it is a huge step: today a mere subject, tomorrow superior and arbiter of an institution housing almost 200 individuals! However, you will succeed:

1. By seeking God’s glory in what you do. Do good to those you can, harm to no one. Vigilance in everything.

2. Filial dependence on the rector, striving to support his aims and assist him in his efforts. Many things are beyond your control, so some responsibilities will be reserved for the rector.

3. The money shall be kept by the rector, and payments shall be made by him or with his consent.

4. Strive to reconcile the economy of the house with the contentment of your subordinates. What is necessary for everyone: but fearless in opposing abuse and waste.

Another thing I would recommend for your peace of mind is that you send your brother to Turin. This would save you from trouble and perhaps from disappointment. Let us abandon ourselves to the holy hands of the Lord; He is with us, and we will say with Saint Paul: ‘Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat’ (Philippians 4:13).

God bless you and your efforts, give my regards to Fr Provera and all our other brothers, and always believe that I am

Yours most affectionately in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco