To a young Salesian aspirant

E V, 2570

‘The religious vocation is a precious gift, it is a great grace that God grants to those who pray.’

Sampierdarena, Genoa, 23 July 1877

My dear friend in the Lord,

Your request to join our congregation cannot but be praised, for it tends to the greater glory of God and the benefit of your soul.

The religious vocation is a precious gift, it is a great grace that God grants to those who pray. Pray, therefore, and do not worry about specific matters concerning the Congregation to which you aspire. Come and try it out for a short time so that you can get to know your superiors and confreres, and they can get to know you.

Obtain a certificate from your parish priest or some other superior and come to Turin to spend some time with me at the Oratory of St Francis de Sales. There, we can talk and come to an understanding about everything.

The matter of interest will not be what prevents our deliberations. When you arrive in Turin, bring this letter with you, as it will serve as your introduction and welcome.

God bless you and pray for me, who am always, in Jesus Christ,

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco