In that school teachers, assistants and directors look after what is really good, the good of the soul.Letter to 1027

Two years later, Xavier, the same young man, would be a cause for concern. Don Bosco would tried his best to get a hold over him by sending him a book, and suggesting to his mother that she intervene directly and in person:

If you were to suggest he write to me and ask my advice, I would do my best to straighten

out some of his ideas. When I was in Rome he showed great esteem and deference towards

me: who knows if a new voice might cause him to think again?

1028

We also have record of advice given to “a most illustrious lady” in reference to her marriage:

I will not fail to pray that God may enlighten you so you may choose the person who might

be able to better help you save your soul. For your part, however, take into a account the

morals and religion of the individual. Don't look at appearances, look at reality.1029

Don Bosco's judgment on the potential dangers in education in the family is a severe one. He expressed

this in a letter to a lawyer from Toulon, France, a Mr. Colle:

In a few words I will spell out the core issue at hand: the parents were too affectionate

towards their only child. Too many caresses and too much affectionate attention. However,

he was always a well -behaved boy. Had he lived longer, he would haverun into great

dangers which might have dragged him towards evil after his parents’ death. This is why

God snatched him away from danger and took him with him in heaven. From heaven he

will protect his parents and those who have prayed or will pray for him.1030

1027 Letter to Baronness Cavallettiin Cappelletti, 22 October 1866, Em II 305.

1028 Letter to the same individual 25 May 1868, Em II 536.

1029 Letter to Miss Barbara Rostagno 27 June 1874, E II 391.

1030 Letter to lawyer Luigi Fleury Colle, 22 May 1881, E IV 55; his son was called Louis Antoine, 22 Sept 1864-3 April

1881. The parents were benefactors.