THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
charges, happily working out the great destiny foretold by the founder.
One day during his visit Don Bosco was walking with Don Rua and Don Branda in the beautiful and spacious garden, when he suddenly pointed to a large field adjacent. "Buy that ground for your garden," he said to Don Branda, "for this one must be built upon."
"But I have no money," remarked Don Branda in surprise.
"You doubt Providence?" questioned the founder. "Nevertheless, this field must be purchased." Then, pointing to a neighboring garden, he continued: "Buy that garden also and establish there a house of Mary, Help of Christians, to educate poor young girls as nuns for the missions."
Don Branda, still more amazed, replied: "My Father, the proprietor has so great a love for this property that he would not part with it for two hundred thousand francs."
"Even though you had not a centime you must buy it; the Blessed Virgin desires there should be a home here for our Sisters. You will see how difficulties will vanish."
The certain awe that penetrated the two Fathers did not hinder Don Rua, who was his alter ego, from entreating Don Bosco to tell them how he had learned Our Lady's wish. The prophet related in the most simple manner that a few weeks before, on March 2, soon after his arrival in Barcelona, the Blessed Virgin had appeared to him,
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