THE APOSTLE OF YOUTH
holy Simeon: Nunc dimittis servum tuum in pace?"
The Bishop of Liege, Msgr. Doutreloux, had long been soliciting of Don Bosco a Salesian foundation in his episcopal city of Belgium, but in vain. A personal visit, however, late in December, brought him at last the desired consolation; the founder consented, and even fixed the time and arranged some of the details of the foundation.
It is evident that Don Bosco had long foreseen the time of his death—the day, perhaps, as well as the year. It was in deference to his earnest entreaty that the consecration of the Church of the Sacred Heart was not postponed until 1888.
"I wish to see our church consecrated," he said; "if it is deferred I shall not see it."
When his disciples and friends alluded lovingly to the coming celebration of his "golden jubilee of priesthood" in 1891, he would smile and say, "You are under an illusion." In November, 1887, seated one day at the bedside of a Salesian Father who had received the last Sacraments, he said in a tone of decision: "You will not die; your turn is not yet come; another will take your place." The patient recovered his health; and Don Bosco when dying was actually placed in the bed he had occupied, it being more convenient for his attendants.
A noble benefactress of his works, whose last hour was near, desired to see her holy director.
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