To the Archpriest of Bernezzo (Cuneo), Pietro Durbano

E I,191

Information about the misconduct of cousin Luciano — requests that he write to the young man

Turin, 6 April 1854

Very Reverend and dear Archpriest,

The desire I have shown to have your cousin Luciano study for the priesthood with me may perhaps cast some doubt on our common expectation, given that I have never mentioned his conduct to you.

That’s right: he told me that he would continue with the same commitment to study and piety that he had shown me before coming to the Oratory. But he cooled down: far from being able to persuade him to resume his studies, the object of my desires, I could hardly get him to consider taking the exam. His faults are: he is not very close to Don Bosco, he rarely socialises with others, he wastes most of his time on useless things outside of study; he has no interest in religious practices, and he does not willingly spend time with those companions who would be a good example to him. On the contrary, he enjoys spending time with those who are distracted.

I had high hopes for the spiritual exercises that have just ended, but I saw no fruit whatsoever. I have warned him several times, but the special affection I showed him at the beginning of the year has made him proud; he promises, but never follows through. I had been threatening to write to you for some time, which he fears greatly, and he flattered me with words and nothing more.

What do we do now? He is a good young man and there is still time. A pressing letter from you in which you recommend:

1. Exemplary conduct in religious practices and observance of the rules of the house.

2. Punctuality in getting up and going to study.

3.Mixing with his classmates who stand out for their good conduct and with whom he can have useful conversations.

With this reprimand, I hope to bring him round to his senses, and that in time I will be able to write to you with some good news. Only the good and those who wish to be good can remain here among us, but the lazy...

So there, my dear Archpriest, are the things I must write to you about this promising young cleric, who needs a keen eye on him.

Please forgive this inconvenience. We pray that the Lord will bless our efforts, and I, for my part, wish you all the best from heaven as I say I am

Your Reverend and Dear Archpriest’s

most affectionate and devoted servant

Fr John Bosco