To the assistant parish priest at La Boca in Buenos Aires Fr Taddeo Remotti

E VI 2672

“I know you have a lot of work to do, but do what you can and no more. All things are difficult at first, and that is where we are now.”

Rome, 12 January 1878

My dear Fr Remotti,

I was delighted to receive your letter, your news and your good wishes. I pray to God that he will multiply them and give you health, wisdom and holiness so that you can work for at least ten years until the middle of the next century.

I know you have a lot of work, but do what you can and no more. All things are difficult at first, and we find ourselves in this situation. But omnia possum in eo qui me confortat, as St Paul says.

Give my regards to Gioia, Scavini and our other brothers. I would be pleased if Scavini wrote to me. Tell Gioia not to doubt: I love him, I pray for him, and I will reply to him as soon as possible.

Please also give my regards to our dear pupils, or rather young people at the hospice, especially those who have become or show a desire to become Salesians.

I commend myself to everyone's prayers; you too pray for me, and I will always be with you in J C.

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco