THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
would have become one of the most eminent among the Italian clergy.
A record of his dying moments from the pen of Don Bosco will move and instruct my readers as it has moved and instructed me:
"Suddenly he said, 'Stay with me, Father.'
"'Be sure,' I said, 'I shall not leave you until you are with our Saviour in Heaven; but as you are going to leave this world, would you not like to say farewell to your mother?"
"'I do not like to give her such pain.'
"'But you will send her a message, at least?'
"'Yes, Father; ask her to pardon all the sorrow and trouble I caused her during my life; tell her I repent bitterly, that I love her very much; she must be brave, and I shall wait for her in Heaven.'
"At these words those present could not restrain their tears. I suppressed mine as well as I could, and asked him a few questions now and then.
"What shall I say to your companions?"
"'Tell them always to make good confessions.'
"'Which of the actions of your life gives you now most pleasure?'
"'The remembrance of even the little I have done in honor of the Blessed Virgin. O Mary, Mother of God, how happy it is to die your servant! Yet, Father, one thought troubles me. When my soul separates from my body, and enters the eternal kingdom, what shall I do?
"'Do not be afraid', I answered, 'the Blessed
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