I have taken a trip: Alba – Diano – Millesimo – Savona, which gives me so much to say: of the visit to the tunnel, of the Apennines, of the sea in semi-stormy weather, of the Shrine1, of the birthplace of Julius II and of Gabrielo Chiabrera2. I was also in Asti: an increase of five francs for room and board, diminution of personnel, other changes are being considered. Viale is already in Villafranca3, the assignments of the others are uncertain. I have no news from anyone, everybody is asleep. Goria is chaplain at St. Carl’s. I am doing very well: the festivities are over and I am enjoying the ineffable sweetness of solitude.
Forgive me if I have ruined your eyes4. Do you want to know the reason? Because by writing a letter in a relaxed manner, I would not have been able to refrain from making the usual chitchat without end – Time is precious in these last days and I have already lost so much of it. Besides, within a few days we shall see each other – I hasten in desire that great moment. Stay healthy and always in friendship of your
Marello
The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy in Savona where he had gone on a pilgrimage as a child and where he will celebrate his last Mass on May 27, 1895. ↩
Pope Julius II (1443-1513, was born in Albissola (Savona). The poet Garbielo Chiabrera was born in Savona in 1552. ↩
Fr. Carl Viale, assigned as associate pastor at Villafranca d’Asti (cfr. Letter 15). Father Goria, a seminary friend, assigned as Chaplain at St. Carl’s in San Damiano d’Asti. ↩
The letter is written in the minutest handwriting on two sides of a small piece of paper, 2.4 by 0.8”. ↩