To eighteen-year-old Giovanni Garino

E I, 681

‘I was pleased to receive your letter and I am delighted by your firm determination to make yourself worthy of becoming an excellent cleric.’

St Ignatius (Lanzo torinese) 20 July 1863

My dear Garino,

I was pleased to receive your letter and I am delighted by your firm determination to make yourself worthy of becoming an excellent cleric. For my part, I will do everything I can; but I also need something from you. What? Boundless confidence in all matters concerning the welfare of your soul.

I would need to make you al hunter for souls, but for fear that you might be hunted by others I propose only that you be a model to your companions in doing good.

Moreover, it will always be a great fortune for you when you are able to promote some good or prevent some evil among your companions.

Love me as I love you in the Lord, pray also for me who am with all my heart

Yours most affectionately

Fr John Bosco