To the President of the Oblates in Rome, Mother Maria Maddalena Galeffi

E IV, 1809

He attaches a letter for Mrs Graziani – recommending a medal of Mary Help of Christians and saying a Salve Regina [Hail Holy Queen] as an antidote against cholera – thanking her for the donations from benefactors in Rome – reassuring her about the future of the religious house – asking for news of some benefactors – expressing his delight that he father’s niece intends to become a saint.

Turin, 29 June 1873

Dear Sister President,

I do not know if Mrs Amalia Graziani is in Rome or not. You will know; and if she is absent, please send this letter, which she is expecting, to her address. The newspapers are reporting cases of cholera in Rome. Do not worry. Have a medal placed around your daughters’ necks, the medal of Mary H. of C., and then introduce the recitation of a Salve Regina every day until the danger has passed, and assure all your daughters that none of them will be victims, as long as they place their hope in Mary.

I received your dispatch, from Marchioness Villarios and Beppina. We welcomed her with applause and music, and everyone thanked her for her exquisite courtesy. When you need to send us money, I think it would be best to use registered mail, and Mr Sigismondi can help us with this, as he is very knowledgeable about postal matters. So no one knows our business.

I hope Torre de’ Specchi is still peaceful, but even if you encounter some disturbance, do not worry, it is the devil’s work, which will cause no harm.

When you write to me, I would be delighted to hear news of Marchioness Villarios, Rosa Mercurelli, Mrs Maria Zaveria, and your entire household.

God bless you all, pray for me, who, with gratitude, am

your humble servant

Fr John Bosco

P. S. I was told that Miss Beppina wants to become a saint at any cost. Is that true?