E IV, 2159

He accepts the proposals received from San Nicholas – appointing Fr Cagliero as the person in charge with full authority – five priests, a music teacher and two other coadjutors (brothers) will leave with him – Fr Cagliero will then be replaced by Fr Bonetti as the person in charge – Gazzolo will accompany them – he requests payment for some travel expenses – departure scheduled for mid-November – it is advisable to remain in contact by letter.

Turin, 28 July 1875

Very Reverend and dear Father in the Lord,

The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with us always.

Having duly considered the letters written by your very reverend Lordship and the two valuable documents that the Most Excellent Founding Commission of the College of San Nicolás was pleased to send me, I have decided that my sons should make every effort to leave for the Argentine Republic as soon as everything has been prepared for this purpose.

I would now ask you to kindly inform the members of the aforementioned esteemed Commission that:

1. I thank them wholeheartedly for the kind words they have written to me, and I hope that the Salesians, with their goodwill, will be able to live up to their expectations both in the running of the San Nicolás college and in the evening classes which are achieving such good results among us.

2. In order to comply with the constitutions of our Congregation, I am making some changes to the personnel that had been suggested to me. There will be five priests, all approved teachers and equipped with their certificates in our part of the world. They will be accompanied by a music teacher who will play and teach singing, piano, organ and other instruments both in churches, where necessary, and in the college and evening classes. Two Salesian coadjutors [Brothers], one of whom will take care of the church, the other of the college accommodation. I would prefer that all the service personnel be members of the Salesian Congregation, so that we can be even more confident in their actions; but when things get started, please write to me and we can make the necessary arrangements.

3. Father Giovanni Cagliero, Provincial or Vice-Superior of the Congregation, shall guide the Salesian members with full powers to negotiate and conclude any business that may arise with the civil or ecclesiastical authorities. Once the Salesians have settled into their respective roles, Professor Giovanni Bonetti, who has been head of a college of over three hundred students for many years and is already well known for various works he has published, will leave his position as rector. Fr Cagliero will then return to Europe to be able to correspond and provide whatever is necessary for the smooth running of the new college and other matters that divine providence may entrust to us.

4. Since this is the first voyage that the Salesians are undertaking over such a long stretch of ocean, I sincerely hope that they will be accompanied by Commendatore Giovanni Gazzolo, Argentine Consul in Savona. He is a person who has our complete trust, experienced in maritime affairs and knowledgeable about the countries and many people among whom our people will have to settle.

There are therefore ten travellers, and I commend myself to this respectable municipality for the same number of tickets, three of which may be second class. But if this causes difficulties, I will take responsibility for the passage of all those who are not considered able to pay. I am ready to make this and other sacrifices, because I sincerely desire that things go well, especially in terms of morality, and that nothing be lacking that can contribute to establishing a solid foundation for the San Nicolás work.

5. The Salesians will leave here around the middle of next November, and I will notify you of the exact date as soon as it is determined.

6. As for the names of the religious to be included on the bill of passage, a single bill could be drawn up in the name of Dr Giovanni Cagliero, or in the name of Commendatore Giovanni Gazzolo, to be valid for the number of persons deemed appropriate. This would avoid the difficulty that could arise if someone fell ill and was unable to travel at the appointed time.

7. Inform His Excellency the Archbishop of the matters noted herein in the manner you deem necessary.

To you, dear and respected priest of the Lord, I offer my humble and heartfelt thanks for the charity you have shown us in this pious undertaking. If, as I hope, some glory will come to God and some benefit to the young people of San Nicolás, you will certainly deserve most of the credit.

I am convinced that Your Lordship will find good brothers in the Salesians, who, following your wise advice, will satisfy the expectations of the civil and religious authorities, as we have done so far in the difficult situation in which public affairs find themselves in our part of the world.

Please write to me freely and promptly; I will then write you another letter as soon as possible to give you detailed information about the things we are preparing for the planned departure.

Finally, I commend myself, my Salesians, and all our pupils to the charity of your holy prayers, while I have the honour of professing gratefully and respectfully that I am

Your Reverend Lordship’s

humble servant and friend

Fr John Bosco