To the rector Fr Giuseppe Lazzero and the young artisans at Valdocco

E IV, 1896

“I don’t need to tell you how much affection I have for you, I have given you clear proof of that. I don’t need you to tell me that you love me, because you have constantly shown me that. But what is the basis for this mutual affection we feel for each other?

Rome, 20 January 1874

My dear Fr Lazzero and my dear artisans,

Although I have written a letter to all my beloved sons at the Oratory, nevertheless, since the artisans are like the apple of my eye and I have asked the Holy Father for a special blessing for them, I believe I will please you by satisfying my heart with a letter.

I don’t need to tell you how much affection I have for you, I have given you clear proof of that. I don’t need you to tell me that you love me, because you have constantly shown me that.

But what is the basis for this mutual affection we feel for each other? Is it based on money? Not on mine, because I spend it on you; not on yours, because, no offence, you don’t have any. So my affection is based on my desire to save your souls, which were all redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and you love me because I try to lead you on the path to eternal salvation. Therefore, the good of our souls is the foundation of our affection.

But, my dear boys, does each one of us truly behave in a way that tends to save our souls, or rather to lose them?

If our divine Saviour were to call us to his divine tribunal at this moment to be judged, would he find us all prepared? Resolutions made and not kept; scandals exposed and not repaired; conversations that taught evil to others, these are things for which we must fear being reproached.

However, while Jesus Christ could rightly reproach us, I am convinced that there would be many who would present themselves with a clear conscience and their souls in good order, and this is my consolation.

In any case, my dear friends, take courage; I will not cease to pray for you, to work for you, to think of you, and you give me your help with your good will.

Put into practice the words of Saint Paul, which I translate here for you: Exhort young people to be sober, and never forget that it is appointed for all to die, and that after death we must all appear before the judgement seat of Jesus. Those who do not suffer with Jesus Christ on earth cannot be crowned with glory in heaven with him. Flee from sin as your greatest enemy, and flee from the source of sin, which is evil conversation, the ruin of morals. Set a good example for one another in your actions and words, etc. etc.

Fr Lazzero will tell you the rest. In the meantime, my dear boys, I entrust myself to your charity, asking you to pray especially for me and for those in the St Joseph’s Sodality, that the most fervent among them may receive Holy Communion for me.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us always and help us to persevere in doing good until death. Amen.

Your most affectionate friend

Fr J. Bosco