EVI, 2730

Joy at Comm. Dupraz’s health improvement, the increase in the number of pupils and the good spirit of the Salesians — recommends observance of certain rules — given the financial constraints, asks for economy

Rome, 8 March 1878

My dear Fr Luigi Guanella,

In due course I have always received your letters, which I read with great satisfaction. First and foremost, we must wholeheartedly thank the Lord who, in His infinite mercy, has restored Commendatore Dupraz to good health, enabling him to continue running the hospice he started. I also firmly believe that the number of pupils will always be large and that this will bring greater glory to God.

It was also a source of considerable consolation to me to hear that the Salesians at Trinità are in good health and are fulfilling their duties in an exemplary manner. Deo gratias. Let us take courage to continue the work we have begun; God has helped us and will not fail to comfort us in the future; let us only strive to cooperate on our part.

To this end, I recommend to you and to all our dear Salesians that you pay attention to three things:

1. Be vigilant in observing all of our rules and set aside one day each month to review the progress or lack thereof in observing them.

2. Show mutual charity in bearing with each other’s faults, giving each other good advice and good counsel whenever the opportunity arises. This should be practised especially in matters concerning the health of members, house finances and the duties of one’s state.

3. To strive in common accord to give good example in our external conduct and to ensure that no one in the world may find fault with the actions or words of any of our confreres.

When requesting the monthly rendiconto [manifestation or personal talk], keep to these guidelines and keep pushing until you see practical results.

This year, the Congregation is experiencing financial difficulties, and we can no longer count, at least for now, on the assistance we received from the Holy Father. Therefore, everyone should endeavour to economise in a manner compatible with our circumstances, except for what is necessary to maintain good health. In all things, maximum economy, but in cases of illness or in matters necessary for the preservation of health, do everything that can be done.

I will be pleased if you communicate the contents of this letter our dear confreres and tell them that I love them all in Jesus Christ, that I pray for them, that Leo XII loves us and sends his holy blessing to all.

I hope to be able to leave Rome in a few days. I commend myself to everyone's prayers, especially Traversino, who I am told has truly become a model of virtue. Isn’t that true?

May God bless us all and The grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ be with us always. Amen.

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco