Departure from Rome

Their departure from Rome was most moving. Through the last letter of Fr. Francesia, he describes how in the train, both him and Don Bosco wept silently. They were welcomed by Cardinal de Angelis in Fermo, from their departure which was one day delayed from the plan. The Vitelleschi and Boncompagni families were the ones who brought them to the train station. All, including Count Vimercati asked for the Saints blessing maybe twice or thrice before leaving. And upon boarding the train, the agony of separation ate all of them. Don Bosco finally arrived in Turin at around noon on March 2. BM 60

Keep in mind that Don Bosco also had a difficult time in detaching from persons who have drawn close to him. He admits that their hearts are still in Rome as they depart. But he was able to transform it because he knew that all his work was for his boys and the salvation of souls.

Article 73: Poverty and the Salesian Mission “Don Bosco lived his poverty in detachment of heart and generous service of others; his manner was marked by austerity, hard wok and much initiative. Following his example we too live detached from all earthly goods, we participate with a spirit of enterprise in the mission of the Church and in her struggle for justice and peace, especially by educating those in need...”