JANUARY 15

We should note, while speaking of the little slips how Don Bosco used to keep the most important with great jealousy so that they might serve as reminders for the future. How often would a boy forget the promises made to God and turn towards evil and see that little slip placed before his eyes as a sweet reproach of his infidelity. How often did certain ones, who some time before had left the Oratory I receive that eloquent slip by post when they least expected it In the midst of their affairs, dissipations and even too free a life, having, alas, forgotten the Oratory. That little slip which reminded them of those years of grace arrived to urge them to return to the right road again. Some of these little slips were found in Don Bosco’s drawer after his death. They were written on certain solemn occasions by boys who became models

of virtue in the civil and sacerdotal life. All the others were destroyed by the good father. But from those which we still have in our possession we will transcribe a few for the edification of those who read these notes. 

The first alludes to the special care Don Bosco used to take of those fortunate children who were going to receive their first Communion.

"Souvenir given by dear Don Bosco on the occasion of my first Communion:

Grace to be asked:

1. To die in the grace of God

2. To be able to receive the Sacraments before dying

3. Modesty, and abhorrence for the contrary vice. 

Promises to be made to Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist who is going to come into my heart.

1. To go to confession once a month and even oftener according to the advice of my confessor.

2. Rigorous sanctification of feasts  

Souvenirs

1. Never to go about with bad companions

2. Never to be idle

3. Fundamental souvenir: Obedience to my parents

John Ruggero 

Let us not omit the little slip of another good boy of one of the higher classes of the high school whose writing possesses in truth an endearing frankness.

"Rules which, with the help of Mary and on the advice of my confessor I propose to follow: 18th Sept 1857.

"Penance here below then no penance up above. Here little or no penance, then an eternity of penance.

(Continued on January 16, 1997 - on the subject of 'slips')