To Canon Francesco Maria Tribone

E X 4462

Deep gratitude for the providential donation sent by his aunt for the reconstruction of the house in Bordighera damaged by the earthquake – ‘I am a poor old man, half blind, and I cannot write even half a page.’

Turin, 4 March 1887

Very Reverend and Dear Canon,

I have received the generous offer of L. 1,000 in promissory note as promised.

When I read your letter, I felt like crying with consolation. The news of the earthquake had been troubling me greatly for several days.

Your Lordship knows we have several houses on the coast, right on the line where the terrible disaster struck. Among others, the Bordighera-Torrione building was so badly damaged that it was no longer habitable. As a result, orphan girls and Sisters were scattered, and the house had to be rebuilt, precisely where our people were and are the only bulwark against the Protestants who are doing so much harm in those areas.

It was therefore the Lord himself who inspired your aunt’s charitable thought to send us the aforementioned sum. May God be blessed in all things, and blessed be his generous charity.

Rest assured that Mary Help of Christians will not be less generous and will soon grant the grace she has begun. To this end, all my little orphans and I will continue to offer special prayers, which will certainly be answered according to the greater good of souls.

Please forgive me for not writing the letter myself. I am a poor old man, half blind, and I cannot write half a page, so I will limit myself to a few words. I commend myself to your holy prayers. May Mary Most Holy console us with her maternal protection.

Finally, please accept my humble respects and believe me when I profess that I am, now and always, yours, with brotherly affection and profound gratitude,

Fr John Bosco