To fifteen-year-old Severino Rostagno

E I, 463

‘Take courage, therefore, my son, be steadfast in the faith, grow every day in the holy fear of God, and beware of bad companions.’

Turin, 5 September 1860

My beloved son,

Your letter gave me pleasure. If you felt great consolation during the short time we spent together exchanging a few words, how great will be our joy when, with God’s help, we live forever in heaven, where we will be one voice praising our Creator for all eternity?

Take courage, therefore, my son, be steadfast in the faith, grow every day in the holy fear of God; beware of bad companions as you would poisonous snakes, frequent the sacraments of confession and communion; be devoted to Our Blessed Lady and you will certainly be happy.

When I saw you, it seemed to me that I recognised some design of divine Providence in you; I will not tell you about it yet, but if you come to see me again, I will speak more clearly and you will understand the reason for certain words I said then.

May the Lord grant you and your mother health and grace; pray for me who with all my heart am

Yours most affectionately

Fr John Bosco