Several years before, while negotiating with Father Gilardi of the Institute of Charity (Rosminians) in connection with some construction business, Don Bosco wrote: "As you can see, we have to use the simplicity of the dove and the prudence of the serpent; we have to keep everything cleverly secret so the enemy doesn’t come to sow cockle. But, since public things must be backed up by public legality, so that no party may be damaged in front of the law, I am presenting you, most illustrious and revered superior, with the following project”.599
Wisdom and firmness, Idealism and realism, human calculation and trust in God, patient waiting and onward thrust, diplomacy and frankness: this is what Don Bosco always keeps together and in dynamic balance. “Any ay, you know my good will. Wherever industriousness and goodwill can achieve anything for the glory of God you may count me in, and I will be there with all my strength”.600 This was one of Don Bosco's principles which finds its completion in another one which, in turn, spells out his practical and constructive 'Crusade', born of trust in God: “God is with us; be not afraid."601 But frankness does not exclude a thoughtful attitude based on knowledge of things and people, and also a conciliatory spirit, when needed, whenever there is a question of business matters and spiritual interests. "I desire and recommend that any discrepancy be smoothed out amicably, outside the civil courts, always relying on the judgment of a mutually trusted competent person”.602 “Tell me about the moral, material condition, about the hopes or fears. Without this knowledge, we cannot but walk surrounded by uncertainties”.603
In a particular circumstance Don Bosco asked a trustworthy religious in Rome for his opinion whether the approval of the Constitutions had been expressed by bishops too, who had sent a favorable letter of recommendation to Rome. He needed to know this to prepare, ahead of time, a tactical procedure to be used next. And this question was raised only to suggest a guideline, namely, “whether I should go along with their advice, or should act contrary to what they say to be sure I do what they want!”.604 For this reason, on certain questions Don Bosco wanted the opinions of his collaborators on his own ideas. "Be patient. Take courage. We shall fix everything up. It is an exceptional year: The material to build is available; only the spot needs to be figu red out... Things seem to look ok; eight or ten days from now, write to me again and let me know the difficulties you have; but, at the same time, express your opinion on the way to overcome them.” 605
However Don Bosco also allowed himself to show a certai n degree of impatience when it seemed urgent or just, because of delay or because of his anxiety to achieve his goal. “Things are all messed up. I have received your famous note. I am preparing some observations. But you have signed it. If you have anything to say tell me right away. Cardinal Nina was waiting for you to play the role of Punch. (Pulcinella). We will also get out of this mess as best we can”.606 This is a letter to one of the representatives in Rome. It is not the only one, especially in re ference to the very difficult construction of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Rome: “I would like to have the construction move on; I am making incredible efforts to find money; but if things are going on the way they are right now, when are we going to see the completion of the church?"607
insisted, to which Don Bosco objected that in the face of man y difficulties it was enough to do the good that one could:
cf. P. Braido, Un “nuovo prete” e la sua formazione culturale secondo Don Bosco, RSS 8 (1989): 14.
599 Letter of 15 April 1850, Em I 101.
600 Letter to Cav. Marco Gonella, 20 May 1867, Em II 370.
601 Letter to Bishop Cagliero, 10 Feb. 1885, E IV 313.
602 Letter to Arch. Francesco Vespignani, 9 May 1882, E IV 134.
603 Letter to Don Costamagna, 1 Oct. 1881, E IV 83.
604 Letter to Fr. Giuseppe Oreglia SI, 7 Aug. 1868, Em II 556.
605 Letter to Fr Lemoyne, Rector at Lanzo Torinese, 19 Oct. 1874, E II 413.
606 Letter to Fr Dalmazzo, his procurator in Rome, 28 June 1882, E IV 147. It refers to theConcordia, closing a long
dispute with the Diocesan Ordinary.
607 Letter to the Cardinal Vica, 5 July 1882, E IV 149-150; cf. also the letter to Fr Savio in Rome, 6 July 1882, E IV 150;