| The first missionaries set sail from Genoa on 17 December 1905. Don Michael Rua had requested for them a blessing from the Holy Father who replied through the Secretary of State, Card. Merry del Val: “The Holy Father imparts his special blessing to Fr. George Tomatis and his companions who are about to leave for India, that God not only protect them during their long journey but also render fruitful their efforts, so that the new mission may render the sons of Don Bosco all the more distinguished in the Church.”
(Bolletino Salesiano 30, 1906, Annali III, 571. KAPPLIKUNNEL, p. 16)
|