THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
dignation, said: "Do you not see she is dying, sir?"
"But Our Lady, Help of Christians is all-powerful," answered Don Bosco with a serene smile. "And if you will pray also, we shall obtain your cure with your wife's."
"Mine?" was the rather sharp rejoinder; "I am not ill."
Don Bosco's response was only to kneel and recite the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Hail, Holy Queen, enjoining them to continue the prayers daily.
A few days after, the official conducted his wife, now wholly recovered, to early Mass, and with tears of pious gratitude she received the Holy Communion from Don Bosco's hand. After Mass Don Bosco greeted them, and said gently to the husband: "Now I confidently await the second recovery." The gentleman understood, confessed on the spot, and became from that time forth a fervent, practical Catholic. This double miracle caused a great stir in the parish; hearts were profoundly moved, and many remarkable conversions consoled Don Bosco and the rector of the church, who had to call on three priests to assist him. Moreover, the happy effect of Don Bosco's brief presence in the town was rendered lasting; a pressing appeal for a foundation was made to him, accompanied with the offer of a suitable house. He gladly acceded to the desires of priest and people; a beautiful church was erected, and an
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