Featured: Letter of Don Rua 

Accompanying the first four Salesians on their expedition to the United States was a handwritten letter by Don Michele (Michael) Rua, Don Bosco's first successor.  Don Rua's letter was short, but within it contains a very important mandate accompanied by his paternal blessings.  He concludes with a reminder to his Salesian sons to always remain united with their brother Salesians all over the world in prayer.  Don Rua's letter is made available below.  To read the history of our province, visit www.donboscowest.org/province/history.

Oratory of St. Francis de Sales
Turin, Via Cottolengo, n. 32

My dearest Sons in Christ,

As I am sending you out to undertake a great task in San  Francisco, California, I extend to you my paternal blessing:

May God deign to bless you and your works; may he cause you to grow and multiply like the starts of heaven and the sands of the seashore, that you may save the greatest possible number of souls and that the kingdom of Jesus Christ may extend through all the regions of the earth.

Do not forget your brethren in your holy prayers and sacrifices, and above all remember them to God.

Turin
16 February, 1897

Yours in Jesus and Mary

Rev. Mich. Rua

Provincial Archives Office
1100 Franklin Street
San Francisco, California 94109
USA

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