To Cavaliere Carlo Fava

E VII, 3462

They continue to pray for his recovery — he invites him to the 50th anniversary Mass

Turin, 4 July 1881

Dear Cav. Fava,

I am very glad that Your Lordship and your entire family had a pleasant journey and were able to settle in Andorno before the intense heat arrived, which in just a few days has reached heroic proportions.

We have begun the regular sweat session that serves as a permanent bath from one midday to another. Despite this, there has still been no news that anyone has been cooked.

I am sorry to hear that your health is not yet in perfect condition. I hope that rest, fresh air, care and the many prayers we say every day will enable you to return to us in good health in due course.

You tell me you do not yet wish to die, but neither do I want you to leave us so soon. We still have many charitable works to accomplish, which must not remain incomplete; therefore, you must continue to live.

You accepted my invitation to attend my fiftieth anniversary Mass, which will be celebrated on Trinity Sunday in 1891. Do you want to miss out on an invitation you accepted? Furthermore, I have a business to entrust to your wife, who can be assisted by you and Miss Maria Pia; therefore, we must reiterate: you must continue to live.

What a time D. Bosco is having, you would say! It is true: but writing to you brings me relief amid the 500 letters I am about to start replying to.

God bless you, dear Cavaliere, and bless your entire family, granting you all good health and holiness in abundance.

Please also pray for me, who with respect and gratitude am, in O. L. J. C.

your most obliged servant,

Fr John Bosco