Circular

E I, 312

Appeal on behalf of the lottery already approved by the general administration

Turin, 21 February 1857

The charity of the Gospel inspires man to perform the most beautiful acts of charity, even though it shuns the gaze of others. nevertheless, when the glory of God and the benefit of one's neighbour require it, it does not hesitate to overcome its reluctance and reach out to charitable people, sometimes recounting the good deeds done so that they may serve as an invitation and encouragement to others to come to the aid of those in need.

This reflection led the Commission set up for this lottery to decide to give an indication of the main works carried out in these oratories, so that everyone would know what the proceeds would be used for.

We believe that the one who is publicly known as Father John Bosco, in his desire to promote the moral welfare of abandoned youth, worked to have three boys' oratories opened on the three main sides of this city, where as many as possible of the young people at risk from the city and provincial towns who come to this capital are gathered on Sundays. These oratories have a chapel for religious services, some rooms for school and a garden for recreation. There they are enticed with prizes and entertained with a little gymnastics or other honest recreation after they have attended the sacred services. The number of those who attend sometimes exceeds three thousand. When the seasons of the year allow, there are classes in reading, writing, singing and music. A considerable number of pious gentlemen are eager to lend their services by teaching catechism and endeavouring to find work for the unemployed young people with upright employers, continuing to provide them with the loving assistance befitting a good father.

The Valdocco oratory also has day and evening classes especially for those children who, either because of their humble, tattered clothes or their indiscipline, cannot be accepted into public schools.

Evening classes are very popular. There, reading, writing, vocal and instrumental music are also taught, all with the aim of keeping them away from bad company, where they would certainly run the risk of losing their meagre earnings, their morality and their religion.

Among these young people, whether from the city or from provincial towns, there are some (mostly orphans) who are so poor and abandoned that they could not be trained in an art or craft without being given accommodation, food and clothing; and this need has been met with a house attached to the Valdocco oratory, where more than 150 of them are welcomed: they are given everything they need to become good Christians and honest craftsmen.

Having mentioned the state of these oratories, it is easy to see where the proceeds of the lottery are directed: the costs of renting the respective premises, maintaining the classrooms and churches, and feeding the 150 residents are a serious expense.

In addition, three years ago during the fatal cholera epidemic, a special facility had to be set up, where forty orphans were sheltered at that time, several of whom are still in the house. This year, a section of the building that had been under construction for several years had to be completed. All this work, although carried out with the utmost economy, required an expenditure of over forty thousand francs. With the help of charitable individuals, most of this sum has already been paid, but a debt of twelve thousand francs remains.

In order to cover these expenses and ensure that the good work begun can continue, we have been unable to find any other means than a lottery of items, such as will people of all circumstances to contribute in whatever way and to whatever extent their means and charity suggest.

To this end, the necessary authorisation was requested from the Royal Government, which favourably accepted the request and, by decree of 2 February, granted all the powers that seem appropriate for the success of the lottery.

We are deeply convinced that our fellow citizens and charitable people in the provinces, to whom the benefits of the oratories and the house also extend, will want to join us and play a significant part, sending items to be used as prizes and purchasing tickets. A select number of worthy individuals has kindly agreed to act as promoters, undertaking to collect items and sell tickets in accordance with the rules attached hereto.

We have only outlined the purpose of the oratories and the main means employed to achieve it. The work seems to us to be commendable enough in itself, without our adding any further words. We would only note that by taking part in this charitable work, you will be contributing to the public and private good, and you will be blessed by God and by people. By God, who will not fail to reward you; and by people, who will offer you their heartfelt gratitude, while every moment a host of young people will bless the benevolent hand that has rescued them from the dangers of the streets, setting them on the right path, to work and to the salvation of their souls.

The Commission¹