THE VENERABLE DON BOSCO
and answered Don Bosco's prayers with unwonted fervor.
"Now," said the priest as they rose from prayer, "go and dress your master." Astounded and incredulous the servants demurred.
"Don Bosco must be obeyed," commanded the sick man.
The doctor now suddenly appeared upon the scene and forbade his patient to stir. But the sartorial work progressed rapidly, and soon the paralytic was walking across the room.
"My carriage at once!" he demanded; and while waiting he partook of a hearty meal. He then drove to the bank with Don Bosco, where he handed him the three thousand francs with a gratitude he could not express. "I am wholly recovered," he repeated again and again. And his offering was followed by many other contributions to Don Bosco's enterprises, especially to the Church of Our Lady.
The solemn dedication of the basilica to Mary, Help of Christians, took place on June 19, 1868, the festivities lasting a week, as Pius IX had granted a plenary indulgence to those who attended. Since that day this splendid shrine has been a sanctuary of pilgrimage and the walls are covered with votive offerings.
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