To the Salesian Brother in Rome, Federico Oreglia di S. Stefano

E I 1141

Thanks and prayers for benefactors and assures prayers – communicates the death of some benefactors in Turin – gives news of the difficult situation faced by the young people of the Oratory due to the intense cold – asks for some errands to be run in the city – hopes for a quick return to Turin

Turin, 21 January 1868

Dear Cavaliere,

I will say things as they come to mind.

I enclose a letter that comes from Modena.

We have received 1,600 francs from Count De Maistre, and another 1,087 francs from Father Verda, which the charity of the Romans has sent to this house through your kind intercession. We immediately divided it among our most pressing creditors, including Avezzana.

Now we are left with gratitude towards these charitable donors, for whom we will not fail to pray every day to God that the blessings of heaven may descend upon them, and especially that Mary Help of Christians may keep the scourge of disease, which many fear even this year, away from their families.

Many people you know here and benefactors of this house have died. Count Quaranta, Senator of the Kingdom; Countess Lomellini with her sister; His Excellency Gattinara; Countess Buffa Antonielli, aged 18, married a few months ago; Countess Mella-Berzetti, niece of Marquis Fassati. They are all benefactors whom God called from this life to the Blessed Life.

We held our usual religious service here, which consists of Mass, Communion for young people, and the Rosary together. Do your part there. I hope that they will pray from heaven that God will send us other benefactors.

Here we continue with very intense cold: today it reached -18 degrees; despite the fire in the stove, the ice in my room could not melt.. We delayed rising for the boys, and since most of them are still dressed for summer, each one put on two shirts, a jacket, a waistcoat, two pairs of trousers and military coats; others keep their blankets on their shoulders throughout the day and look like a crowd of carnival revellers. Despite this, this morning during recreation time, which is always so lively among our boys, there was not a single one in the courtyard.

We have arranged that artisans should go to their workshops, students to their studies, and anyone who wishes to do so to our Refectory.

Amidst so many calamities, our young people are cheerful and happy, and we haven't had anyone in the infirmary for months. Deo gratias.

Please thank the President of Torre de' Specchi very much: tell her that I intend for that sum to be used for the altar of St Joseph or for the altar of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, whichever she prefers. I will let Mary Help of Christians be the real one who rewards her; for my part, I intend that little by little our boys will receive communion as many times as there are francs in two thousand scudi; and this to invoke the blessings of heaven upon that holy monastery of Torre de' Specchi.

I am writing a note for Marchioness Marini. Please take it to her. As for your return, if you can settle Countess Calderari’s affairs so that you can be set free, come to St Francis de Sales, where I look forward to seeing our whole family gathered together.

At this moment, Cav. Villanova has arrived half frozen, asking for you and asking me to give you his regards, etc. We will offer special prayers in common for Countess Mellingen, for the worthy Maria Vitelleschi, for Marquis Ermete Cavalletti and for those you mention in your letter.

Today 13 the cold is -21 degrees cent., snow 60 centimetres, none of the boys is sick. We all send our greetings. Another letter soon; God bless you and your work, and believe me that I am, in the Lord,

your most affectionate friend

Fr J. Bosco