CHAPTER XVIII
THE SALESIAN APOSTOLATE IN PATAGONIA
From that ever-memorable day in 1854, when Don Bosco stood by the bedside of the youthful Cagliero, dying of cholera, and beheld the realistic vision of the boy's future mission among "a savage people of tall stature and fierce aspect, of copper-colored skin, with thick black hair tied by a string at the forehead," his apostolic heart had gone often to the wilds of Patagonia, and their savage races had been an attraction for his zeal and prayers. And when Archbishop Aneyro proposed that the Salesians should attempt to evangelize the tribes, Don Bosco eagerly assented. In 1879 Don Costamagna with several other Salesians and Sisters became pioneers in this new field of apostolic labor, full of hardships and dangers. In 1880 Don Bosco wrote to his Co-operators (the third Salesian Order): "Patagonia is the most glorious field offered by Providence for your charitable works, where until now teachers of the Gospel could not penetrate; but the time of mercy has arrived…… The first trial, although painful and dangerous, has succeeded; five hundred natives received baptism." He complains feelingly of a lack of money to assist this distant
103
