E V, 2286

‘Listen to me, dear Tomatis, a missionary must be ready to give his life for the greater glory of God; and must he not then be able to bear a little antipathy for a companion, even if he has notable faults?

Alassio, 7 March 1876

My dear Fr Tomatis,

I have received news of you and was very pleased to hear that you had a good voyage and that you are willing to work. Keep it up.

A letter you wrote in Varazze revealed that you are not on good terms with some of your confreres. This made a bad impression, especially as it was seen publicly.

Listen to me, dear Tomatis, a missionary must be ready to give his life for the greater glory of God; and must he not then be able to bear a little antipathy towards a companion, even if he has notable faults?

So listen to what St Paul says to you: Alter alterius onera portate, et sic adimplebitis legem Christi [Gal 6:2]. Charitas benigna est, patiens est, omnia suffert, omnia sperat, omnia sustinet [1 Cor 13:4-7]. Et si quis suorum et maxime domesticorum curam non habet, est infideli deterior [1 Tim 5:8] etc.

So, my dear friend, give me this great consolation, indeed do me this great favour, it is Don Bosco who asks you, that in the future Molinari be your great friend and if you cannot love him because he is flawed, love him for God's sake, love him for my sake. You will do so, won't you? After all, I am happy with you, and every morning at Holy Mass I commend your soul and your labours to the Lord.

Do not forget the translation of the arithmetic [book], adding the weights and measures of the Argentine Republic.

Tell the worthy Dr Ceccarelli that I have not been able to receive the catechism of that archdiocese and I would like to have it, the small one, in order to include the acts of faith in the Giovane provveduto [Companion of Youth] in accordance with the diocesan ones.

God bless you, dear F Tomatis, do not forget to pray for me, for I will always be with you in Jesus Christ,

your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco