To thirteen-year-old Vittorio Cesconi

E IV, 1808

‘These holy principles of yours are undoubtedly the result of the sound education you receive from your mother and your tutor.’

Turin, 27 June 1873

My dear Victor,

It was with real pleasure that I received your letter giving me news of your health and that of your mother. I am very glad that you are well recovered and pray to God that he may grant you three S's in capital letters: Sanità [Health], Santità [Holiness], and Sapienza [Wisdom].

I will not fail to pray to God that he may preserve the precious days of maman’s life for a long time.

Your good wishes were very welcome, and I commend myself to the august Queen of Heaven that she may multiply them a hundredfold upon you.

You send me fr. 26 for my poor children. Excellent thought. God blesses charity, especially in children. By doing so, you will avoid the misfortune of those who find themselves at the end of their lives with coffers full of money but empty of merit for eternity.

These holy principles of yours are undoubtedly the result of the sound education you receive from your mother and your tutor. Be kind enough to give both my humble and respectful greetings.

Remember that we need to talk, and I hope that Providence will allow us to spend some time together in private conversation for the good of our souls and bodies.

My young friends, whom I told about your offer, thank you, and they told me that they will go to Holy Communion for you on one occasion.

My dear Victor, God bless you and grant you every good thing; pray for me too, who am always in J. C.

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco