To Jesuit Father Giuseppe Oreglia di S. Stefano in Rome

Em II, 1202

Problems relating to the granting of dimissorial letters to clerics of the Salesian Society – specific questions to be put to Cardinal Berardi regarding the sincerity of various bishops – return from Sardinia of his brother Federico – greetings to the Fathers of ‘La Civiltà Cattolica’

Turin, 7 August 1868

Dear Fr Oreglia,

You are aware of the project of a small and fledgling religious congregation whose purpose is to preserve the spirit of our gatherings known as festive oratories. From the note I am enclosing, you will see how things stand with us.

I submitted a memorandum to the Holy Father, a copy of which I am enclosing, but I have not yet received a formal reply. However, I was informed in confidence that there are difficulties regarding dimissorial letters in general, and it is said that all the bishops who wrote the letters of recommendation for me, when questioned by Rome, replied negatively on this point, without exception. And so, Cardinal Berardi.

It seems, moreover, that there is a willingness to grant that such dimissorials may be given to a specified number each year and also to instruct clerics in a regular manner and according to the needs of the Oratories and of the Congregation itself, which is indispensable to me for reasons that you can easily imagine. This was only communicated to me verbally and in a rather vague manner.

Now I would ask you to consider this as a work of great charity and to arrange an audience with the aforementioned Eminence Berardi and also to ask him confidentially the following questions:

1. Whether the bishops who gave an opinion opposed to the approval of our rule are those of the province of Turin, from whom the letter of recommendation was not sent, or whether they are the very same ones who had written it and already sent it to the Holy See — and this solely for guidance: that is, whether I should proceed according to their advice, or act contrary to what they tell me in order to be sure of doing what they actually want.

2. If this is the case, is there anything that can be done, and could the support of the Cardinal Vicar, Cardinals Guidi and Consolini be of any help in this matter, or could you recommend me to others?

3. If the case is already before the Congregation for Bishops and Regulars; whether it is appropriate to promote it or let things take their course.

4. Archbishop Svegliati has never shown himself to be opposed, and if we could have his support, it would be very helpful.

5. There is a fear that clerics are being presented to the Orders without having studied sufficiently; but the test of twenty-four years excludes any such fear. Moreover, let it be understood that any bishop, when ordaining, has the right, indeed the duty, to examine the candidate on his studies and on matters concerning his vocation to the clerical state.

6. It seems that a trip to Rome would be in order to clarify matters, which might perhaps smooth over many apparent difficulties?

Here are the matter entrusted to your proven kindness. If your relationship with Cardinal Berardi is not such that you can discuss these matters, I would leave everything to your discretion.

Since everything would proceed confidentially, and it is only a matter of finding a way to ensure the existence of our Congregation before my death, I believe that you can discuss this with the aforementioned Most Eminent Berardi, who has been our father for many years and for whose preservation we offer special prayers to the Lord every day.

Federico [brother] has left for Sardinia; as you know, I know that he has arrived and nothing else. He has arrived unexpectedly at this moment; he is very well and sends his regards.

You would do me a great favour if you would convey my deepest respect to all the venerable Fathers of Civiltà Cattolica, for whom I have prepared a commemorative medal of our church, which I hope to have the opportunity to present to them shortly. God bless you and your efforts, and believe that I am, with the most heartfelt gratitude,

Your most obliged and affectionate servant

Fr John Bosco

P.S. The Count of Margherita is seriously ill; he improved and relapsed several times, and today he has worsened considerably. He is at the Margherita estate.