THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
boys from the proximity of vicious examples. He hastened to make overtures to the proprietor, which were at once accepted; and the necessary funds for the purchase poured in with promptitude.
"And now, madre mia," he said to his chief and most cherished counsellor, "I am going to erect a beautiful church on the site of the Giardiniera, and dedicate it to St. Francis of Sales."
"But where will the money come from?" inquired practical Margaret. "You know we have nothing—but debts."
"Madre mia, would you contribute if you could?"
"Certainly, you know I would, poverello mio."
"And do you think God is less liberal?"
"You are always right, my son; we will pray with the innocent children God has intrusted to us. If we are imprudent, it is in His service."
His heart full of gladness and hope he began the enterprise; the cornerstone was laid July 21, 1851, and on June 20, 1852, the new church, free of debt, was consecrated under the title of St. Francis of Sales, a solemn and ever-memorable day for the Oratory, and for the gentle Bishop of Geneva an increase of devotion as the beloved patron of the Institute.
The evening after the sacred ceremony beheld him closeted anew with "madre mia", all on fire with another project. His children must no longer live in such a ruined house; they must have a
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