To noblewoman Angela Dupraz

E VII, 3310

He begs for a donation or a loan of ten thousand lire to fund the expedition of twenty-two missionaries to America

Turin, 3 January 1881

Honourable Ms Dupraz,

There is a task to be accomplished that is highly beneficial for both the living and the deceased. Listen.

On the 22nd of this month, I must send 22 missionaries to America. But I lack the means, and I would need you, as suffrage for your late husband, in order to save the souls of the savages of Patagonia, to grant me the generous charity of ten thousand lire, or at least lend it to me.

This is the generous work that I put to you. I pray to God that he will inspire you and enable you to do it. At your convenience, or even verbally, you can give me the answer that you believe is best in the Lord.

May God bless you, keep you in good health and comfort you every day of your life with the hope of paradise. Pray also for me who am, in J.C.

your most obliged servant,

Fr John Bosco