Ask for help

After the solemn laying of the new cornerstone of the new church, Don Bosco sent out a circular' to solicit lottery prizes. The results were gratifying. Within a short time he received eight hundred and forty items officially appraised at over twentythree thousand lire. He then secured a lottery I permit and immediately spread thousands of flyers throughout northern and central Italy to enlist the support of prominent people. In addition, he himself wrote personal letters to acquaintances and friends. The lottery did well, but the drawing of prizes had to be postponed for various reasons until 1867  a boon for the sale of tickets, but hardly a help to Don Bosco's current financial difficulties. He therefore had to turn again confidently to his old friends, particularly Chevalier Xavier Provano of Collegno, who at this time was at his country home at Cumiana: Turin, July 5, 1865 My dear Chevalier: I am having a hard time with the construction of the Church of Mary, Help of Christians. May I interest you in footing the bill for some such item as roof shingles, laths, rafters or beams? Each of these items will cost (please don't be frightened) some four thousand lire, payable in installments within this year. What does your heart say to this? I am sure that Our Lady would reward you for contributing to the construction of Her house on earth by preparing a dwelling in heaven for you and your dear ones. I am happy to tell you that the walls have now risen to the arched ceilings of the side chapels. I hope that the roof will be completed by mid-August. I make this request knowing your generous heart. Do what you can and I shall be satisfied. In any case, I shall always invoke God's blessing on you and your growing children, to whom I wish the best of everything. I recommend myself and my poor boys to your prayers. Obligingly yours, Fr. John Bosco BM Vol. 8, ch. 11, p.77-78

Keep in mind that Don Bosco was creative in all things, especially in the skill of asking for help, under the reliance in Divine Providence. He did not think that he could do it alone. He did not think that blessings will drop like manna in the desert. He asked people for help, and above all, he was not afraid, nor was he timid, just in case he was refused. In fact, it was very difficult for his benefactors to refuse such a humble request, which, very often, Don Bosco made.

Article 76: Christian sharing of goods “After the example of the first Christians, we share together our material goods, the fruits of our work, the gifts we receive and whatever comes to us from pensions, subsidies and insurance policies. We do the same with our talents, our energies and our experience...”