St Ignatius, 20 July 1863

Bonetti, my dear friend,

Don't be the least concerned about what you have written to me. The devil sees that you want to escape his clutches absolutely, so he is trying to trap you. Follow my advice and go ahead in all peace of mind. Meanwhile you can overcome sadness by singing this hymn from St Paul: Si delectat magnitudo praemiorum, non deterreat multitudo laborum. Non coronabitur nisi qui legitime certaverit. Esto bonus miles Christi et ipse coronabit te.² Or sing with St Francis of Assisi: So great the good I have in sight/ That every pain is my delight,³ / Sorrow gives me great contentment, / Every trouble true enjoyment, / Every anguish thrills my heart.

Furthermore, pray for me and I will never cease praying for you too and will do everything I can to make you happy now and in eternity. Amen.

Yours most affectionately in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco

Venice, 14 October 1865

My dear Rinaudo,

You can and should look carefully at ways to inflame the hearts of all our confreres in the Society with the holy love of God, and do not stop until everyone is one heart and one soul in loving and serving the Lord with all our strength for all of our life. And certainly give them the example verbo et opere.⁵ God bless you. Pray for me, I am,

Yours affectionately in the Lord

Fr J. Bosco.

Trofarello, 22 September 1869

My dear Fr Belmonte,

A man said to the Saviour: Domine, sequar te quocumque ieris, sed permitte me primum ire et sepelire patrem meum. Jesus ait: Sequere me et dimitte mortuos sepelire mortuos. (Mt 8 :19). Tu vade, annuntia regnum Dei (Lk 9:60). Alius ait: Domine, sequar te quocumque ieris, sed permitte mihi renuntiare his, quae domi sunt. Ait ad illum Jesus: Nemo mittens manum etc. (ibid.).⁷ Therefore write the letter, then pray. I will do the same. Now let's move on to something else.

You added some words that demonstrate, or better, confirm the filial affection you have always felt for me, and that I have always strongly felt for you. I have always sought and endeavoured to offer you things that seemed to me to be in line with your character and would bring greater glory to God. With this in mind I would have been hesitant about entrusting you with the office of prefect at Mirabello. As you can see it is a huge step: today a simple subject, tomorrow superior and arbiter of an institute with almost 200 individuals in it! Nevertheless you will succeed:

1. By seeking God's glory in whatever you do. Doing good for whoever you can but evil to nobody. Vigilance in everything.

2. Filial dependence on your Rector, trying to support his ideas and helping him in his efforts. Many things will be beyond you, so some tasks will be reserved for the Rector.

3. Money will be kept with the Rector, payments he will do or you can with his consent.

4. Try to reconcile the economy of the house with the contentment of those under you. Let everyone have what they need: but be fearless in opposing abuses and wastage.

Something else I would advise you for peace of mind; send your brother to Turin. That will spare you worries and regrets. Let us put ourselves in the Lord's holy hands; he is with us, and let us say with St Paul: Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat.⁸

May God bless you and your efforts; greet Fr Provera and all our other confreres, and believe that I remain

affectionately yours in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco

[Turin, 8 August 1875]

My beloved daughter in Jesus Christ,

Your going to Mornese gave such a blow to the world that it has sent the enemy of our souls to disturb you. But listen to God's voice. He is calling you to save you with an easy and flat road, so put aside every suggestion to the contrary. Indeed, be happy with these disturbances and worries you are experiencing, because the way of the cross is the one that leads to God. If on the other hand you had been immediately happy and content, you would need to fear that the evil one was tricking you.

So consider the following:

1. We do not achieve glory without effort;

2. We are not alone, but Jesus is with us and St Paul says that with the help of Jesus we are all-powerful;¹⁰

3. Whoever leaves home. family, friends and follows the Divine Master is assured of a treasure in Heaven that nobody can take away;¹¹

4. The great reward prepared in Heaven should encourage us to put up with any kind of pain on earth.¹²

So take courage: Jesus is with us. When there are thorns, add them to the thorns in Jesus Christ's crown. I will pray to God for you at holy Mass. Pray for me. I am always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most humble servant,

Fr John Bosco

Keepsakes given to Salesian religious on 11 November [1875] as they were departing from the church of Mary Help of Christians to undertake the journey to the Argentine Republic.

1. Seek souls, but not money, honours, or rank.
2. Use charity and the greatest courtesy with all, but avoid conversations and familiarity with persons of the opposite sex, or persons of questionable life-style.
3. Do not go visiting, except for motives of charity or out of necessity.
4. Never accept invitations to dinner except for the most serious reasons. In these cases arrange for two of you to go.
5. Take special care of the sick, of the children, of the aged, and of the poor, and you will win for yourselves the blessings of God and the good will of people.
6. Pay due respect to all civil, religious, municipal and government authorities.
7. When meeting a person in authority in the street, be sure to greet him respectfully.
8. Do the same for ecclesiastics and religious.
9. Stay away from idleness and disputes. Great sSpiritual advice in personal correspondence with Salesians and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians

These brief letters, written in a familiar and unassuming style, contain precious advice on spiritual life. Don Bosco knows those whom he is writing to and advises them to focus on practical attitudes, but ones that are essential for them to nurture fidelity to the Salesian vocation and remain constantly in tune with God's heart.

St Ignatius, 20 July 1863

Bonetti, my dear friend,

Don't be the least concerned about what you have written to me. The devil sees that you want to escape his clutches absolutely, so he is trying to trap you. Follow my advice and go ahead in all peace of mind. Meanwhile you can overcome sadness by singing this hymn from St Paul: Si delectat magnitudo praemiorum, non deterreat multitudo laborum. Non coronabitur nisi qui legitime certaverit. Esto bonus miles Christi et ipse coronabit te.¹⁵ Or sing with St Francis of Assisi: So great the good I have in sight/ That every pain is my delight,¹⁶ / Sorrow gives me great contentment, / Every trouble true enjoyment, / Every anguish thrills my heart.

Furthermore, pray for me and I will never cease praying for you too and will do everything I can to make you happy now and in eternity. Amen.

Yours most affectionately in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco

Venice, 14 October 1865

My dear Rinaudo,

You can and should look carefully at ways to inflame the hearts of all our confreres in the Society with the holy love of God, and do not stop until everyone is one heart and one soul in loving and serving the Lord with all our strength for all of our life. And certainly give them the example verbo et opere.¹⁸ God bless you. Pray for me, I am,

Yours affectionately in the Lord

Fr J. Bosco.

Trofarello, 22 September 1869

My dear Fr Belmonte,

A man said to the Saviour: Domine, sequar te quocumque ieris, sed permitte me primum ire et sepelire patrem meum. Jesus ait: Sequere me et dimitte mortuos sepelire mortuos. (Mt 8 :19). Tu vade, annuntia regnum Dei (Lk 9:60). Alius ait: Domine, sequar te quocumque ieris, sed permitte mihi renuntiare his, quae domi sunt. Ait ad illum Jesus: Nemo mittens manum etc. (ibid.).²⁰ Therefore write the letter, then pray. I will do the same. Now let's move on to something else.

You added some words that demonstrate, or better, confirm the filial affection you have always felt for me, and that I have always strongly felt for you. I have always sought and endeavoured to offer you things that seemed to me to be in line with your character and would bring greater glory to God. With this in mind I would have been hesitant about entrusting you with the office of prefect at Mirabello. As you can see it is a huge step: today a simple subject, tomorrow superior and arbiter of an institute with almost 200 individuals in it! Nevertheless you will succeed:

1. By seeking God's glory in whatever you do. Doing good for whoever you can but evil to nobody. Vigilance in everything.

2. Filial dependence on your Rector, trying to support his ideas and helping him in his efforts. Many things will be beyond you, so some tasks will be reserved for the Rector.

3. Money will be kept with the Rector, payments he will do or you can with his consent.

4. Try to reconcile the economy of the house with the contentment of those under you. Let everyone have what they need: but be fearless in opposing abuses and wastage.

Something else I would advise you for peace of mind; send your brother to Turin. That will spare you worries and regrets. Let us put ourselves in the Lord's holy hands; he is with us, and let us say with St Paul: Omnia possum in eo qui me confortat.²¹

May God bless you and your efforts; greet Fr Provera and all our other confreres, and believe that I remain

affectionately yours in Jesus Christ

Fr John Bosco

[Turin, 8 August 1875]

My beloved daughter in Jesus Christ,

Your going to Mornese gave such a blow to the world that it has sent the enemy of our souls to disturb you. But listen to God's voice. He is calling you to save you with an easy and flat road, so put aside every suggestion to the contrary. Indeed, be happy with these disturbances and worries you are experiencing, because the way of the cross is the one that leads to God. If on the other hand you had been immediately happy and content, you would need to fear that the evil one was tricking you.

So consider the following:

1. We do not achieve glory without effort;

2. We are not alone, but Jesus is with us and St Paul says that with the help of Jesus we are all-powerful;²³

3. Whoever leaves home. family, friends and follows the Divine Master is assured of a treasure in Heaven that nobody can take away;²⁴

4. The great reward prepared in Heaven should encourage us to put up with any kind of pain on earth.²⁵

So take courage: Jesus is with us. When there are thorns, add them to the thorns in Jesus Christ's crown. I will pray to God for you at holy Mass. Pray for me. I am always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most humble servant,

Fr John Bosco

Keepsakes given to Salesian religious on 11 November [1875] as they were departing from the church of Mary Help of Christians to undertake the journey to the Argentine Republic.

1. Seek souls, but not money, honours, or rank.
2. Use charity and the greatest courtesy with all, but avoid conversations and familiarity with persons of the opposite sex, or persons of questionable life-style.
3. Do not go visiting, except for motives of charity or out of necessity.
4. Never accept invitations to dinner except for the most serious reasons. In these cases arrange for two of you to go.
5. Take special care of the sick, of the children, of the aged, and of the poor, and you will win for yourselves the blessings of God and the good will of people.
6. Pay due respect to all civil, religious, municipal and government authorities.
7. When meeting a person in authority in the street, be sure to greet him respectfully.
8. Do the same for ecclesiastics and religious.
9. Stay away from idleness and disputes. Great sobriety in food, drink and rest.

10. Love, revere, respect the other religious Orders, and always speak well of them. This is a way to gain the esteem of all, and to promote the good of the (Salesian) Congregation.
11. Take care of your health. Work, but only to the extent your strength allows.
12. Let the world know that you are poor in clothing, food, dwelling, and you will be rich in the sight of God and you will win people's hearts.
13. Love one another, counsel one another, correct one another, but do not give in to either envy, or resentment; on the contrary, let the good of one be the good of all; the pain and suffering of one be considered the pain and suffering of all, and let each one try to eliminate, or at least ameliorate them.
14. Keep your Rules, and never forget the monthly Exercise for a Happy Death.
15. Every morning recommend to God the work of the day, in particular Confessions, classes, religious instruction, preaching.
16. Constantly recommend devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
17. To the young people recommend frequent Confession and Communion.
18. To cultivate vocations to the priesthood and religious life instil 1) love of chastity; 2) horror of the contrary vice; 3) the avoidance of undisciplined companions; 4) frequent Communion; 5) charity, by means of special signs of kindness and goodwill.
19. In disputed matters, listen to both sides before coming to a decision.
20. Amidst toil and suffering never forget that a great reward awaits us in Heaven - Amen.

Turin, 1 December 1877

My dear Scavini,

Word has come to me that you have been tempted to leave the Salesian Congregation. Do not do this. You are consecrated to God with perpetual vows; you are a Salesian missionary, you were amongst the first group to go to America; you are a great confidant of Don Bosco's, and you want to return to the world where there are so many dangers of perversion? I hope you will not take this serious step.

Write down the things that are bothering you and as a father I will give advice to my beloved son that will help make you happy now and in eternity.

May God bless you. Believe that I am always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

Turin, 31 December 1878

My dear Fr Remotti Taddeo,

I am so happy with the straightforward way you have so often written to me. Continue to do so like this. But keep some advice that are my testament for you, as a basis:

1. Put up with others' defects even when they harm us.

2. Cover over other's faults, never ridicule someone when he might be offended.

3. Work, but work for love of Jesus; suffer everything but never be uncharitable. Alter alterius onera portate et sic adimplebitis legem Christi.²⁹

May God bless you, dear Fr Remotti; goodbye here on earth, if this is the divine willi; for heaven has been prepared and may divine mercy grant it to us. Pray for me. I am now and will always be in Jesus Christ

Most affectionately

Fr John Bosco

Turin, 31 January 1881

My dear Audisio,

An old friend of your soul sends you a greeting and recommends that you n ever forget your eternal salvation. Work, work, but for Heaven.

Exactness in practices of piety is everything. Obedience, then, is the key to all virtues.

may God bless you, my dear Audisio, may he preserve you in his holy grace. Pray for me. I will always be, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

Turin 31 January 1881

My dear Calcagno,

Are you always good, my dear Calcagno? I hope so. But never look back. Let us look to Heaven which awaits us. We have a great reward prepared for us there.

Work, win souls and save your own for me. Sobriety and obedience are everything for you.

Write to me often. may God bless you and keep you always in his holy grace. And pray for the one who is always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

Nizza Monferrato, 12 August 1881

Reverend Mother Superior General,

Here are some more sweets to distribute to your daughters. Always practise kindness, with everyone; but always be ready to receive bitter things, or better, bitter mouthfuls when it so pleases God to send them your way.

May God bless you and give you virtue and courage to sanctify yourself and all the communities entrusted to you. Pray for me. I am, in Jesus Christ

Your humble servant,

Fr John Bosco

Pinerolo, 20 August 1884

My good Eulalia,

I blessed the Lord when you made the decision to become a religious; now I thank him with all my heart that he preserved your good will to break definitively with the world and consecrate yourself totally to the good Jesus.

Make this offering willingly, and reflect on the recomepnse of a hundredfold in this present life and the true reward, the great reward of future life.

But, my good Eulalia, that is no joke; it is true. And remember the words of the father of Chantal when she found herself in a similar situation: “Whatever you give to the Lord, never take it back again”. Believe that religious life is a life of constant sacrifice and that every sacrifice and that God gives great recompense for every sacrifice. Only obedience, only observance of the Rule, only hope of a heavenly reward are a comfort in our mortal life.

I have always received your letters with pleasure. I have not answered because I lack the time.

May God bless you, Eulalia; may Mary be your guide, your comfort until Heaven. I hope we will still see each other again in this life; otherwise, goodbye: we will see each other and speak of God in a blessed life. Amen.

Please wish every blessing to Mother General and all the Sisters, novices and postulants of Mary Help of Christians.

I owe Mother an answer, and I will give it. Pray for me and for all our family. I am always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate Uncle

Fr John Bosco

Mathi, 14 August 1885

My dear Fr Tomatis,

Since I rarely get letters from you, I must suppose you to be very busy, and I believe it. But letting your dear Don Bosco know how you are getting on surely merits being one of the matters you should not overlook. You will ask, "What should I write about?" Tell me about the state of your health, and that of your confreres; whether the Rules of the Congregation are faithfully observed; whether the monthly Exercise for a Happy Death is made, and how well; how many pupils you have, and what hopes you hold for their success. Do you do anything to cultivate vocations, do you have any hopes in this regard? Is Archbishop Ceccarelli always a friend to the Salesians? I am looking forward with great pleasure to your replies to these matters.
Given that my life is racing at speed to its conclusion, so things I want to write to you in this letter are those I would want to recommend to you in the last days of my earthly exile, that is, my testament to you.
Dear Fr Tomatis, keep firmly in mind that you became a Salesian to save your soul. To all our confreres preach and recommend the same truth. Remember it is not enough to know things, they must be put into practice. May God help us so that the Lord's words, “Dicunt enim et non faciunt”.³⁵ not be addressed to us.
Try to see the things that concern you with your own eyes. When some one is lacking, or negligent, warn him promptly, without waiting for evils to multiply.
Through your exemplary manner of life, by your charity in speaking, in giving orders, in putting up with the defects of others, many will be won over to the Congregation.
Constantly recommend attendance at the sacraments of Confession and Communion.
The virtues that will make you happy in time and in eternity are humility and charity.
Always be a friend and father to our confreres. Help them in every way you can both in spiritual and secular matters. Know how to make use of them for every thing that will bring glory to God.
Each of the thoughts expressed on this page need something of an explanation. You can do this on your own behalf, and for others.
God bless you, my ever-dear Fr Tomatis. Give my warmest greetings to all our confreres, friends and benefactors. Tell them I pray for them every morning during the Holy Mass, and that I humbly commend myself to the prayers of all.
God grant we might be able to see each other again in this mortal exile, but that in any case we might one day praise the holy name of Jesus and of Mary in a blessed eternity. Amen.
Before long I will write to you, or have others write, on matters of some importance.
May Mary keep us safe and guide us along the path to heaven. Amen

Yours affectionately in Jesus Christ,

Fr John Bosco. obriety in food, drink and rest.

10. Love, revere, respect the other religious Orders, and always speak well of them. This is a way to gain the esteem of all, and to promote the good of the (Salesian) Congregation.
11. Take care of your health. Work, but only to the extent your strength allows.
12. Let the world know that you are poor in clothing, food, dwelling, and you will be rich in the sight of God and you will win people's hearts.
13. Love one another, counsel one another, correct one another, but do not give in to either envy, or resentment; on the contrary, let the good of one be the good of all; the pain and suffering of one be considered the pain and suffering of all, and let each one try to eliminate, or at least ameliorate them.
14. Keep your Rules, and never forget the monthly Exercise for a Happy Death.
15. Every morning recommend to God the work of the day, in particular Confessions, classes, religious instruction, preaching.
16. Constantly recommend devotion to Mary Help of Christians, and to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
17. To the young people recommend frequent Confession and Communion.
18. To cultivate vocations to the priesthood and religious life instil 1) love of chastity; 2) horror of the contrary vice; 3) the avoidance of undisciplined companions; 4) frequent Communion; 5) charity, by means of special signs of kindness and goodwill.
19. In disputed matters, listen to both sides before coming to a decision.
20. Amidst toil and suffering never forget that a great reward awaits us in Heaven - Amen.

Turin, 1 December 1877

My dear Scavini,

Word has come to me that you have been tempted to leave the Salesian Congregation. Do not do this. You are consecrated to God with perpetual vows; you are a Salesian missionary, you were amongst the first group to go to America; you are a great confidant of Don Bosco's, and you want to return to the world where there are so many dangers of perversion? I hope you will not take this serious step.

Write down the things that are bothering you and as a father I will give advice to my beloved son that will help make you happy now and in eternity.

May God bless you. Believe that I am always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

Turin, 31 December 1878

My dear Fr Remotti Taddeo,

I am so happy with the straightforward way you have so often written to me. Continue to do so like this. But keep some advice that are my testament for you, as a basis:

1. Put up with others' defects even when they harm us.

2. Cover over other's faults, never ridicule someone when he might be offended.

3. Work, but work for love of Jesus; suffer everything but never be uncharitable. Alter alterius onera portate et sic adimplebitis legem Christi.³⁸

May God bless you, dear Fr Remotti; goodbye here on earth, if this is the divine willi; for heaven has been prepared and may divine mercy grant it to us. Pray for me. I am now and will always be in Jesus Christ

Most affectionately

Fr John Bosco

Turin, 31 January 1881

My dear Audisio,

An old friend of your soul sends you a greeting and recommends that you n ever forget your eternal salvation. Work, work, but for Heaven.

Exactness in practices of piety is everything. Obedience, then, is the key to all virtues.

may God bless you, my dear Audisio, may he preserve you in his holy grace. Pray for me. I will always be, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

Turin 31 January 1881

My dear Calcagno,

Are you always good, my dear Calcagno? I hope so. But never look back. Let us look to Heaven which awaits us. We have a great reward prepared for us there.

Work, win souls and save your own for me. Sobriety and obedience are everything for you.

Write to me often. may God bless you and keep you always in his holy grace. And pray for the one who is always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate friend

Fr John Bosco

Nizza Monferrato, 12 August 1881

Reverend Mother Superior General,

Here are some more sweets to distribute to your daughters. Always practise kindness, with everyone; but always be ready to receive bitter things, or better, bitter mouthfuls when it so pleases God to send them your way.

May God bless you and give you virtue and courage to sanctify yourself and all the communities entrusted to you. Pray for me. I am, in Jesus Christ

Your humble servant,

Fr John Bosco

Pinerolo, 20 August 1884

My good Eulalia,

I blessed the Lord when you made the decision to become a religious; now I thank him with all my heart that he preserved your good will to break definitively with the world and consecrate yourself totally to the good Jesus.

Make this offering willingly, and reflect on the recomepnse of a hundredfold in this present life and the true reward, the great reward of future life.

But, my good Eulalia, that is no joke; it is true. And remember the words of the father of Chantal when she found herself in a similar situation: “Whatever you give to the Lord, never take it back again”. Believe that religious life is a life of constant sacrifice and that every sacrifice and that God gives great recompense for every sacrifice. Only obedience, only observance of the Rule, only hope of a heavenly reward are a comfort in our mortal life.

I have always received your letters with pleasure. I have not answered because I lack the time.

May God bless you, Eulalia; may Mary be your guide, your comfort until Heaven. I hope we will still see each other again in this life; otherwise, goodbye: we will see each other and speak of God in a blessed life. Amen.

Please wish every blessing to Mother General and all the Sisters, novices and postulants of Mary Help of Christians.

I owe Mother an answer, and I will give it. Pray for me and for all our family. I am always, in Jesus Christ,

Your most affectionate Uncle

Fr John Bosco

Mathi, 14 August 1885

My dear Fr Tomatis,

Since I rarely get letters from you, I must suppose you to be very busy, and I believe it. But letting your dear Don Bosco know how you are getting on surely merits being one of the matters you should not overlook. You will ask, "What should I write about?" Tell me about the state of your health, and that of your confreres; whether the Rules of the Congregation are faithfully observed; whether the monthly Exercise for a Happy Death is made, and how well; how many pupils you have, and what hopes you hold for their success. Do you do anything to cultivate vocations, do you have any hopes in this regard? Is Archbishop Ceccarelli always a friend to the Salesians? I am looking forward with great pleasure to your replies to these matters.
Given that my life is racing at speed to its conclusion, so things I want to write to you in this letter are those I would want to recommend to you in the last days of my earthly exile, that is, my testament to you.
Dear Fr Tomatis, keep firmly in mind that you became a Salesian to save your soul. To all our confreres preach and recommend the same truth. Remember it is not enough to know things, they must be put into practice. May God help us so that the Lord's words, “Dicunt enim et non faciunt”.⁴⁴ not be addressed to us.
Try to see the things that concern you with your own eyes. When some one is lacking, or negligent, warn him promptly, without waiting for evils to multiply.
Through your exemplary manner of life, by your charity in speaking, in giving orders, in putting up with the defects of others, many will be won over to the Congregation.
Constantly recommend attendance at the sacraments of Confession and Communion.
The virtues that will make you happy in time and in eternity are humility and charity.
Always be a friend and father to our confreres. Help them in every way you can both in spiritual and secular matters. Know how to make use of them for every thing that will bring glory to God.
Each of the thoughts expressed on this page need something of an explanation. You can do this on your own behalf, and for others.
God bless you, my ever-dear Fr Tomatis. Give my warmest greetings to all our confreres, friends and benefactors. Tell them I pray for them every morning during the Holy Mass, and that I humbly commend myself to the prayers of all.
God grant we might be able to see each other again in this mortal exile, but that in any case we might one day praise the holy name of Jesus and of Mary in a blessed eternity. Amen.
Before long I will write to you, or have others write, on matters of some importance.
May Mary keep us safe and guide us along the path to heaven. Amen

Yours affectionately in Jesus Christ,

Fr John Bosco.