To the Prefect and Vicar Fr Micahel Rua

E III, 1552

He has had two audiences with the Pope – he asks him to tell Fr Angelo Savio to promote the construction of the church of St John the Evangelist – important talks between the Holy See and the Government of the Kingdom of Italy – he gives instructions for the feast of St Aloysius.

Rome, 1 July 1871

My dear Fr Rua,

I had two audiences with the Holy Father and dealt with everything in the most satisfactory manner. Tonight I am leaving for Florence, where I will stay for two days to collect a little money, if possible.

Tell Fr Savio to promote the construction of the church of St John the Evangelist. I believe we can set the feast day of St Aloysius for the 16th of this month.

Say hello to all our dear boys, tell them that I am eager to see them, I hope to be with them on Tuesday, and I will talk to them more; I thank them for their prayers for me; I have always recommended them to the Lord in Holy Mass.

Now this is a matter that concerns the whole world, whose success depends on prayer and the war against sin. So courage.

From Florence I will write the time of my arrival; but recommend to everyone not to have a celebration on my return: Non est conveniens luctibus ille color.

Greet Goffi and Fr Berto. May God bless us all and know that I am yours

most affectionately in J. C.

Fr J. Bosco

P. S. The necessary steps shall be taken for the redemption of Ambrogio Sala of the 1st Regiment, 3rd Company.

Go and see at the Holy Family of St Donato if a girl named Avalle was taken in, for whom I am obliged to pay 400 francs if she is accepted. I would need you to write to me about it in Florence, as per my usual practice. She is protected by Comm. Bona.