Writings

[1077]
I read your letter of 30th April to my dear Mgr Massaia, who was edified by your constancy in remaining staunchly at your post, although it means great sacrifice. Fr Guiscardini has given a wise and holy counsel. “Please do me the favour” (these are Mgr Massaia’s words to me) “of writing to this good Rector Fr Bricolo that I must praise his behaviour and his attachment to a saintly Old Man who has so much merit in the eyes of God and of men and who must be forgiven a few weaknesses due to age: tell him that it is all too clear that he (the Rector) is working solely for the glory of God and the good of the Institute and therefore that whatever tempests and tribulations assail him, may he stand firm at his post and pursue his life of self-denial and sacrifice”.
[1078]
This is the way to work truly for the good of the Institute and to console an old man who has laboured all his life for the good of his fellow human beings etc. Monsignor told me to tell you so many things more or less of this kind and he finished by ordering me to greet you wholeheartedly on his behalf. Please also tell Fr Brighenti to hold tight. In his career as Bursar Fr Brighenti has led nothing but a life of sacrifice: I admire our dear Fr Donato, and love him as a brother. He bears the burden of all our creditors’ insults and curses. The philosophy he demonstrates in this is a great virtue; in fact I believe Fr Donato is as worthy as the missionaries in Africa, if not more so. Stick to your guns.
[1079]
For my part, until I perceive God’s will, I shall hold fast and will not abandon the Institute unless I am violently expelled. I am sure that if the old man had a better knowledge of the facts than he does now, he would be sorry at having committed some kind of injustice. Even the Pope knows that Fr Mazza no longer considers me a member of the Institute, but that does not matter. If the old man beats me I consider myself fortunate and honoured to take his beating; as long as I still belong to the Institute: if he scolds me I humbly accept: if he spreads the rumour or writes to Rome that I no longer belong to the Institute, fiat. God is with me, even if I am discredited in the eyes of men (just when the circumstances most require me to have credibility) fiat: I am prepared to do anything because I see clearly that this is God’s will. If the Superior throws me out of the real ordinary door, I will get back into the Institute through the Church; if he sends me out through the main gate which corresponds to the former shop of the old lady then I will get back in from the Belloria side; if he chases me out through the vegetable garden, I will come back through the farinato, and so on.
[1080]
Give my best regards to the good old man, and tell him that in spite of whatever he has had written or has written to Cardinal Barnabò in Rome, I belong and will belong to the Institute, because I love the Institute and the old man.
[1081]
In the midst of all this, of the mistrust the old man has for me, I am the happiest man in the world. The joy I feel here in Paris is incredible. I am with the crème of Paris, not the boue. Almost every evening Mgr Massaia and I celebrate Mass with some Catholic association. Three or four times a week we are at lunch either with the Apostolic Nuncio, the Bishop of Paris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Drouin de Louis, the Duchess of Valence or some English Lord spending the springtime in Paris (at the moment Paris is truly an earthly paradise) etc. It is not because of the sumptuous meals, God forbid: but because in this way I am being introduced into the intimacy of distinguished persons whose influence can be of benefit to Africa. The fact is that in these meetings the discussion is always increasingly about Africa, and I am the one who speaks more than anyone.
[1082]
Blessed be the Lord. In Paris it is believed that the Mazza Institute is the first and the most beautiful Institute in the world. It would be, but for its great economic problems and the fact that everything rests on the judgement of one man alone.
[1083]
As I read your letter of the 30th I am surprised not to find any reference to my two letters written from Paris in Passion week. In one of these there was a photograph of Mgr Massaia, which this holy Bishop sent to the Superior with a hand-written inscription saying: “Torcular vineae africanae calcabo solus?… O Pater Mazza!!! Viribus unitis quidem”.
+ Fra G. Massaia, Bishop of Cassia, Vicar Apostolic of Gall. etc.

[1084]
In the second letter I explained the way to purchase without any headaches all the Greek and Latin texts for the Institute, all the volumes, all the sacred books published by Abbott Migne’s famous press, etc. I also included a letter to the Superior, written as a son ought to his father: it was open, so that before you gave it to the old man you might read it. In it, as in the one I wrote you, my dear Rector, I expressed my surprise at having read in a letter from Cardinal Barnabò to Mgr Massaia these words: “Comboni does not belong to the Mazza Institute: the project presented to me for the conversion of Africa is truly his production and creation and not Canon Mazza’s”.
[1085]
God knows the great consolations and comforts He has given me in bearing this blow which could have been fatal for my future; but it seems the Virgin Mary has helped me, and that the trust Rome placed in me is not weakening at all. Fiat. Now I entreat you as much as I can and know how, dear Rector, to write to me by return post on this matter, telling me whether you received my letters, etc. I have reason to believe you have received them, but am not sure: tell me even in confidence that they have not had any effect: I have the support of Providence, and all my hope is in God. If you have received nothing I will write again, both to you and to the Superior. I await a reply by return post on this matter.
[1086]
Anyway I thank my dear Rector for the favour and protection he has shown towards me and of which I am proud. I give you my word of honour that you will never regret it and that in good time God will give you his divine reward for having defended the truth. This binds me immensely to you and to the Institute; and now I must suffer. But God will grant peace. Let us both take courage! The knowledge that I am not alone in the struggle is a great comfort. God is certainly with us and in his own time he will bless those who persecute us. Each day things are already becoming clearer, mysteries are being revealed; let us pray. Please accept my warmest thanks. I thank Fr Beltrame for his letter in which he wrote to me about Fr Giusto. Weeping, the Monsignor kissed this little letter again and again. He will send it immediately to Cardinal Barnabò: it is written by a true missionary and brought great consolation to the holy prelate. Please give my greetings to all the priests, the clerics, Canterane, the Cavattoni woman and to Fr Cesare, etc. in the name of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and give my greetings to Fr Beltrame

Fr Daniel Comboni

[1087]
Please allow me to inform your Most Reverend Eminence of a few things which are bound to please you. During the last fortnight of Eastertide I was in Prussian Rhineland in order to see what active role Catholic Germany can assume in favour of black Africa. I hope I am not mistaken: in this part of Europe a small start has been made, which by developing through time and constant labour, will prove most fruitful and beneficial to the African race. In Cologne, which is Germany’s Rome, there is a small Association of which I have been a member and correspondent for three years. Inspired as it is by a truly Catholic spirit and in view of the interests which motivate it, it has every possibility of developing marvellously.
[1088]
The Committee of this Association, under the protection of the Most Eminent Cardinal Geissel of happy memory, is determined to distribute its money in the way that will be of greatest advantage to the regeneration of Africans. Soon, after it has reached an agreement with the future Archbishop, it will send Your Eminence regular reports and will begin in the best way possible, in accordance with your advice and judgement. In the Declaration I enclose herewith, and the 12th issue of their Annals which I will send you personally, Your Eminence will see a good, though small, beginning of support for my ideas on the regeneration of Africa.
[1089]
But the most important thing I did in Prussia, it seems to me, is to have inspired the foundation of a minor Seminary for the African Missions in Cologne which should pave the way for vocations for Africa among the German ecclesiastics (excluding Austria for which I have other plans, either in Verona or in Venice). I first expressed my idea confidentially to the president of the Association who is a minor Don Bosco of Turin, a man of great initiative, founder of another Institute. I told him of my wish to create four places in the Archdiocesan Seminary or his Institute for four seminarians who might feel inclined towards the African missions.
[1090]
The project was well received by him and a few others, who were intimately convinced and motivated to manage in this way to lay the foundations of the planned Seminary. It is really too soon to say that the success I hope for is assured: but I am quite confident, knowing the make-up of the German spirit when it is eminently Catholic. I hope that in a few years Propaganda will be able to entrust a Central African Mission to the Cologne Seminary. It is still too early for me to tell you my tactics and the places in Europe where I intend to promote the foundation of other minor Seminaries for the African Missions. It is necessary to develop all the moral forces of Catholicism and direct them towards the true benefit of Africa. I therefore find any clamour at the beginning harmful: act and be silent, and speak only when it is useful and necessary. That is the maxim I must follow.
[1091]
Your Most Reverend Eminence deigned to write to me last January saying that the Plan I submitted presents many difficulties. In view of the difficulties I am encountering in promoting agreement between the Superiors of the different African Missions, I am convinced of the truth of your observation, and that in just one glance you see much further than I ever could with my own short sight, even after a whole lifetime of meditation. In the very way I expressed my Plan, I offended so many sensibilities that this prevents me from going ahead. Before any good results may be obtained, it is certainly necessary to ensure reciprocal agreement between the Superiors of the African Missions and to invoke the special support of the pious Associations of Lyons and Paris. In order to reduce little by little the difficulties and prepare the way for the desired agreement, I have thought of altering the organisation of the Plan and I now permit myself to explain this to you as best I can in a few lines.
[1092]
The necessity remains of adhering to the system outlined by my Plan of surrounding Africa with small Institutes of African boys and girls, entrusted to the religious Orders and ecclesiastical Congregations, and under the jurisdiction of the Vicars and Prefects Apostolic. These Institutes have the aim of training an indigenous clergy and also indigenous workers of both sexes and all kinds, who are to advance step by step into the regions of Central Africa to establish the Faith there. The principle is also established that each Superior should train and educate the African boys and girls in his own way, according to the spirit of his own Institute and without any interference from anyone. Yet having said all this, it seems to me that it would be extremely useful to set up a select Committee, either in Rome or in Paris, made up of individuals of good mind, open heart and great activity, recruited above all from the Orders and Societies to whom the different Missions of Africa are entrusted.
[1093]
Thus composed the Committee would have as its special aim the task of applying for Africa’s benefit all the rich possibilities and means offered by world Catholicism which at present are lacking in the regeneration of the poor Africans. It would stir up and develop those elements already existing for the same purpose. It would initiate the bringing together for the purposes of communication, and perhaps confederation, of the various Superiors of the African Missions. It would gather ideas and the results of practical experience, and would provide new enlightenment in trying to obtain a better result in all the missions of the unfortunate peninsula. The thought of what the Church has wisely done to direct and implement special activities in oriental matters, a work certainly of less importance than the regeneration of the entire black African race, leads me to believe that the proposal of a simple Committee for the regeneration of Central Africa would not seem strange to you.
[1094]
The Committee would not be at all concerned with the financial and material means for the maintenance of these Institutes or with subsidising existing activities in Africa. Should these be established under the authority and with the approval of Propaganda, it is incumbent upon the existing pious Associations, and especially the Association of Lyons and Paris, to subsidise them, at Propaganda’s request or at the request of the Superiors of Missions under whose jurisdiction the Institutes and Works are placed.
[1095]
The Committee would be concerned with providing, within the limits of its resources and capacities, the material means for the preparatory Works in Europe for the African missions, such as the foundation of minor Seminaries and arts and crafts establishments. Providence has granted the religious Orders the exalted task of carrying out the Apostolate in Africa and to reap the most august rewards for it. In order to obtain the best results it would be very useful if the way to the African Apostolate were to be opened to all vocations from the secular clergy, who are so effective in the Missions, as the results of the different Mission Seminaries, especially Paris, eloquently show.
[1096]
Such sublime work would be the task of the Committee I intend to form, which by means of highly dynamic and holy men, of which there is an abundance in the Church, would found minor Seminaries for the African Missions. I am not at all scared by the idea of creating seven minor Seminaries in the seven most important places in Europe, if one establishes as a base the system of Gospel poverty, as practised by Cottolengo and Don Bosco in Turin; for such a system is very economical and the most appropriate for the formation of apostles who have to go around Africa sleeping on reed mats and sheltering in grass huts. I am confident that, step by step, by the grace of God and with unflinching constancy, we shall achieve this end.
[1097]
In view of the fact that forging an agreement between the Superiors of the African Missions is extremely difficult from the outset, unless Propaganda itself promotes it, the Committee, each time it found personnel ready for an Institute, after having assured itself that the pious Associations could grant the necessary ad hoc subsidy, would then take the matter up with the Superior of the African Mission concerned for the setting up of the hospice for the education of the African boys and girls and for the housing of the Missionaries. This system of addressing Vicars and Prefects Apostolic toties quoties to gain permission to set up the Institutes seems to me simpler and more practical than seeking agreement from all the Superiors of African Missions. For the time being this will not be necessary for certain points on the Coasts of Africa from which it is impossible to push into the interior, such as the Missions of Senegambia, Sierra Leone, Dahomey and Guinea because, as Your Eminence knows, the fact that over the last two centuries 14 million slaves were wrenched from the western coasts of Africa and transported to America to work in the mines has so angered the populations of the interior, that not only Europeans but also Africans who try to penetrate these territories from the coast would be instantly slaughtered.
[1098]
Perhaps later on Providence will open the way also in these western parts. This is why the Committee’s first efforts will be directed towards eastern and north-eastern Africa, and especially on the great Ethiopian plateau, where the climate is most satisfactory and the people are more susceptible to receiving Catholicism and European culture.
[1099]
Your Most Reverend Eminence will ask if it is possible to forma Committee of this kind! I answer that if the substance of the project is right, reasonable and well thought out, the Committee is feasible, for in that case I am certain that Your Most Reverend Eminence will extend your protection over it. I attach the greatest importance to the Committee which I would like to see formed in the way I have described, for it is this element that will liven the spirit, fire the zeal and promote the greatest interest in the Catholic world for the most forsaken race on earth, the black race. If Providence were to allow this Committee to be blessed by Rome, then, as I see it, the beneficial repercussions for Africa would be very numerous!
[1100]
Little by little the Superiors would come closer in spirit. There would be an exchange of ideas, enlightenments and efforts so that viribus unitis the objectives would be reached more easily and more rapidly. Moreover, all the existing works aimed at helping the Africans, which are all God’s works, currently operating separately from each other and producing scarce and incomplete results, would thus be united together and focused on the single purpose of planting the faith firmly in the heart of Africa. They would acquire greater vigour, develop more easily and become most effective in achieving the desired objective.
[1101]
I will not speak of Fr Lodovico da Casoria’s work in Naples, where there is most sturdy material for Africa, or of my beloved Superior Fr Nicola Mazza’s little Work. I will be so bold as to remind Your Most Reverend Eminence of the proposal I made to you last October: to assign to these two Institutes the two Missions of the Eastern and Western Nile, the former having as its borders Egypt in the North and the river Sobat in the South; and the latter, Egypt and the Libyan desert in the North and the river Ghazal in the South. To this effect, I have asked the most zealous Canon Mitterrutzner of Bressanone to reach an agreement with the Society of Mary in Vienna for the subsidy of both the Institutes. The work of the Mazza Institute, being Austrian, will certainly be subsidised: I have a positive reply on this: The Canon has not yet had a reply for the Naples Institute, from which Africa will certainly receive immense benefits.
[1102]
I will not speak of the small Association in Cologne, which will grow admirably as the work of the African missions progresses. When Germans read and see that work is being done and there is action, they are generous. For the first eight years the Cologne Association published nothing in its annals but the redemption of slaves, their placement in Convents in Europe, the death of the African girls, their religious professions, so that its development was meagre. Instead it has grown better in the last few years when the annals covered the African missions and the conversion of Africans.
[1103]
I will not yet speak of the Work for the slaves of Fr Capella from the Amiens Diocese. Having summoned him to Paris for consultations over the last few days, following Mgr Massaia’s advice, we concluded that before making any agreement with the Lyons Association he should go on a trip to Spain and under the protection of some Archbishop, as a Spaniard, examine the possibility of founding the Association there for greater advantage and hopes of success. In this agreement I have decided not to appear in person at all in Lyons, because it would be damaging to me. However, from the way we reached the agreement with Fr Capella, I am most firmly confident that the work for the slaves will be carried out. The Bishop of Amiens is most intent upon it.
[1104]
I say just a word about the Work of the late Fr Olivieri, which could be of immense value and most fruitful if it were to address and co-operate with the African missions and join in the work for the regeneration of Africa. If this Institute, instead of spending vast sums of money buying children in Africa and bringing them to Europe with thousands of difficulties from the Egyptian government and the European Consulates, simply limited itself to redeeming the young Africans and entrusting them to the Institutes in Africa, whose purpose is the education of African youth for the training of workers for the conversion of Africa, I am sure it would enjoy greater development and again be more beneficial to the Church. Since this Institute is in fact incorporated and united with the Trinitarian Order, as stated by the Decree of the Sacred Congregation for Bishops and Regulars dated 21st March 1855, Providence could in some way call to the Apostolate for Africa some of the Religious in this Holy Order, whose original purpose, by Divine Mercy, ceased to exist a few centuries since.
[1105]
This is an outline of what I wish to submit to Your Most Reverend Eminence’s judgement. It is what appears to me as most advantageous in the effort to do more for the Africans. It seems to me that the Plan, thus conceived, is simpler than before. Should Your Most Reverend Eminence’s wise judgement not deem it appropriate to approve the substantial modifications of the Plan, I will bless the Lord and redouble my efforts to meditate and think up a simpler and more feasible Plan. The problem I am attempting to solve is certainly extremely difficult: but when I think that until now the Church has had only rather poor consolations from Africa, and that the African race is the most unfortunate in the world, and that the more time passes the more the regeneration of Africa will become difficult, then I know that no torment will shake me, no labour discourage me, no difficulty stop me; even death would be dear tome if it might be of some use to the Africans. May God inspire Your Most Reverend Eminence to decree that which is most beneficial to the undertaking.
[1106]
Mgr Massaia, with whom I have been residing for the last four months, has told me that Your Eminence had let him know that I no longer belong to the Mazza Institute. I was truly surprised, since I have received no communication about this, neither before Your Eminence’s letter nor after. I wrote several times to my holy elderly founder and I received numerous letters from the Director of my Institute, and never was it mentioned that I no longer belong to the Mazza Institute. It would be a great impudence on my part to print in my Plan that I belong to the Mazza Institute, if I did not. When I returned from Rome to Verona, my old Superior welcomed me as his most beloved son and he encouraged me to concern myself with Africa.
[1107]
During my stay in France, my Director only wrote to me that the good Old Man spoke these words: “With his projects Fr Comboni is hindering my own”, which is hardly in keeping with the welcome he gave me in Verona. Before I go to Rome I shall pass through Verona to settle this matter of which I know nothing yet. I received a second life from my old man Fr Mazza: I would be most afflicted if, after twenty-three years, he were disappointed with me. The Bishop of Verona who knows the Institute, the holy old man who is the founder, and the most unworthy of its members, after examining the matter, if this is necessary and there is sufficient cause, will inform you of his venerable dispositions, to which I submit wholeheartedly. I assure Your Most Reverend Eminence that my trip to France will have done some good and has enlightened me on many things I did not know. In person I shall prove to Your Eminence that by inspiring me to go to France you gave me wise and useful advice.
[1108]
For about a month now, Mgr Massaia’s relations with the French government have been going marvellously: it is a question of having almost reached the decision to establish an embassy to the Abyssinian Empire, in the Catholic sense and in conformity with Monsignor’s wishes. If this succeeds I see a happy future for the eastern part of Central Africa. All this is secret. May Your Eminence forgive me if I write at too great a length: I am never able to express my ideas in few words. I hope that I have made myself clear enough. In the hope that God little by little will bless my efforts for Central Africa, trusting in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and in the Apostle Paul who being destined to convert the people has not yet finished his mission, but will pursue it for the people of Africa, I kiss the Sacred Purple and declare myself in all veneration

Your Most Reverend Eminence’s
most humble and devoted son
Fr Daniel Comboni

The Declaration of the Cologne Association follows.
[1109]
no n. 1109

[1110]
Your letter of 28th April filled me with joy because in it I see a loving disposition of your spirit to sustain me in this awkward enterprise with the help of your venerable counsels and your authoritative co-operation. I am certain that you have fully understood my sentiments. Being young and without experience, I did not think I would encounter obstacles in a sort of union or confederation among the different Superiors of the African Missions. Now I am convinced of the immense difficulties. However I shall never stop reflecting and doing something for Africa until I die. With your most wise advice and that of Mgr Massaia, with whom I have been residing for four months, we will begin little by little, until the desired agreement is obtained later on, which should be the start of a new era for Africa.
[1111]
You have already begun the foundation of two establishments in Egypt: go ahead, and rest assured that the financial means will not be lacking. For I hope, by the grace of God, to contribute greatly, if God gives me life, to making money rain down on you. Remember that your Institutes in Naples, especially the ones for African boys and girls and craftsmen, are the most solid foundation for the Mission to the black races of Africa.
[1112]
In my mind I have formulated my Plan as follows: The principle remains that of surrounding Africa with small Institutes of African boys and girls under the jurisdiction of the Vicars and Prefects Apostolic for the training of evangelical workers of all kinds who are to advance step by step into the regions of Central Africa to establish the Faith there. The principle is also established that each Superior should train and educate the African boys and girls in his own way, according to the spirit of his own Institute and without any interference from anyone. It seems to me that it would be useful to set up a select Committee (may God will that it be made up of individuals drawn from the Orders or Congregations to which the Missions are entrusted!) made up of men of great initiative, with the aim of deploying in Africa’s interest all Catholicism’s means, which are currently lacking, for the regeneration of Africans and of developing existing resources to this end. Should it prove impossible for the time being to set up this Committee in Rome or Paris, I shall try to associate myself with two or three priests and we will set to work little by little on one spot. We shall form the Committee.
[1113]
Once personnel has been found to create a small Institute and means for its maintenance have been guaranteed by the existing Associations, we shall apply for permission to the Superior under whose jurisdiction the place where we intend to found the Institute is. This system of applying to the Superiors of the African Missions toties quoties is simpler than the utopia of trying to make all the Superiors of African Missions agree, as Rome would like. If you will support me in my weakness, I think I will manage to do something myself too. Since the Holy Father has encouraged me to work for Africa, I will never look back but will think and try to do things until I die.
[1114]
I would really like to know whether the Society of Mary in Vienna is granting subsidies for your Works in Egypt. As long ago as last November I went to Bressanone and charged Mgr Mitterrutzner, who is Vienna’s right eye, to instruct the Committee to give at least half its rich donations to you. I have had no reply on this matter. Should the Vienna Committee not have expressed itself on this yet, I would take it up with another important figure to obtain the desired result. At the beginning of next June I should go to Rome: but if things have not gone according to my wishes with the Committee’s decision, I would go to Verona and perhaps to Vienna, and would have enough reasons to incite the Committee to show more consideration for your Works. I would like you to write to me about this within this month in Paris.
[1115]
The Cologne Association, which has issued a declaration that shows how much consideration it has given to my poor efforts for Africa, is still small: but looks as though it will become more colossal than that of Vienna. Everything depends on us, Most Reverend Father, and on what we can achieve in Africa. If we do a lot and give good news, we will not need anyone. In the wake of the great commitment it is now showing for Africa, this Association will make an appeal to the whole of Catholic Germany (excluding Austria); and you will see that in a few years this Association will become colossal. I went on many trips in the Cologne area with all five members of the Committee: the clergy is most lively. Let us pray to God that he grants the first See of Germany an Archbishop comme il faut, and you will see what an advantage this will be for Africa.
[1116]
The Pious Association for the Propagation of the Faith in Lyons and Paris is a work of God, although it has a strong human element: that is, to be opposed to all Works of the same kind. However, by negotiating with the various members in Lyons and Paris, I have learned the way to obtain money, providing the missions or Institutes are already founded with Rome’s consent. If Austria does not collaborate, you will see that we will bring the Association of Lyons and Paris into play. On all this I have much to tell you in person.
[1117]
The Holy Childhood Association cannot grant anything this year because their requests from China have multiplied. I assure you that next year you will have subsidies for Alexandria and Cairo. I shall tell you either in person or in writing the right tactics for corresponding with this Association, from which some advantages are to be had.
[1118]
The Association for the Schools of the East has promised me a most valid support for Africa. I gave a short but interesting description of the Palma Works and was asked to write down everything that concerns the mission for Africa. I have promised to have all the printed documents sent from Naples. These Frenchmen were not able to gather much from that pamphlet written at Capponi which I gave them. If you were to put together a substantial description of the Palma Institute and added a brief report on the two Institutes in Alexandria and Cairo, I guarantee that even this year they would give a small amount which would gradually increase year by year. I am on the best of terms with the excellent Monsieur l’Abbé Fr Soubiranne, a most talented and active man: he is most excited about Africa. I any case I can assure you that your Institutes will soon be able to count on the support of l’Oeuvre des Ecoles d’Orient.
[1119]
When I was in Rome, a parish priest from the Diocese of Amiens, a Spaniard, was sent there by his Bishop to found an Institute for slaves. The Cardinal wrote to the Bishop that the Spaniard was to reach an agreement with me. I have the letter from Propaganda before my eyes. With Mgr Massaia, we all three agreed that he should go and found his Institute in Spain, where the Association of Lyons and Paris does nothing at all, precisely because of the French way it is formed. I have good hope that in three years we will have great subsidies because I have made a confidential pact that all the offerings will be allocated for my plan. This is why I will channel the majority of the said offerings through your African Institutes and for the African Missions the Palma Institute will undertake.
[1120]
All these things are for the future: but time flies past rapidly, dear Father, and I hope all this will come to pass. Since I am convinced that Africa must convert under the auspices of St Francis of Assisi, during this month dedicated to Mary I have therefore begun my noviciate for the Third Order in Paris, and I hope to make my profession at the feet of Fr Lodovico. Please pray to our Seraphic Father that he may obtain from God a spark of love and humility, as he had on earth, for I am frozen and very proud.
[1121]
From Rome I shall get to Naples, I hope with Mgr Massaia. You will see a true apostle of J.C. Imagine, apart from all the other virtues I have admired in the four months I have been living with him, that he was a completely barefoot Bishop for 15 years in Africa on its thorny paths, etc. I have his sandals, the ones in which he spent four years in Abyssinia and consecrated Mgr de Jacobis, the Neapolitan. Give my greetings to Fr Francesco, Giuseppe Habaes, the brothers and all
the African boys and girls, and ask the Stigmatines to pray for me. I kiss your hands with respect and send you all my affection

Your most unworthy servant

Fr Daniel Comboni

[1122]
I will bring to you in Naples the Cologne yearbook for 1864. In it you will find a compendium of our Cologne Association. Please give the enclosed to Fr Pedemonte. Mgr Massaia is sending him a photograph of Mgr De Jacobis, a Neapolitan, Bishop and Vicar of Abyssinia, whom he consecrated a bishop and who died in the odour of sanctity, renowned for several miracles.

[1123]
The Most Illustrious and Reverend Vicar Apostolic of the Gallas was kind enough to tell me what in Your Eminence’s venerated letter to him you deigned to indicate to him, that is, that I no longer belong to the Mazza Institute. I am greatly surprised by this. I have always shown Mgr Massaia all my communications with my Institute in Verona, exactly as they reached me; and I have done so for the last four months or more that I have had the good fortune of residing with him and candidly opening my heart to him with all the trust a son has in his Father.
[1124]
The Most Reverend Father Francesco Bricolo, Rector of the Institutes for men founded by Fr Mazza and therefore my immediate Director, writes to me very frequently. He has told me, it is true, of considerable differences which reign inside the Institute amongst the members, of which I am one (wretched situations all due to the extreme poverty of the Institute, which, apart from the integrity of its regular discipline, lacks absolutely all material means for basic necessities); but he never told me that I no longer belong to the Mazza Institute.
[1125]
My beloved Superior Fr Mazza himself, when he received me with all his paternal bounty upon my return from Rome, never communicated a thing to me, nor did he in any way indicate that I no longer belong to the Mazza Institute, despite two letters I wrote to him after Your Eminence’s first letter to Mgr Massaia in which I asked him to clarify in technical terms whether it is true that I do not belong to his Institute, as seems to have been reported to Rome. I do not know how to explain this behaviour on the part of my dear Superior; nor can I convince myself that the venerable old man, without telling me anything or giving any reasons, should wish to exile me from this Institute, which I joined at the age of 10 and to which I have belonged for 23 years during which, following the orders or with the consent of the Superior himself, I have exercised my priestly ministry in a thousand ways, in a manner that I hope has not made me unworthy of the good will of my Superiors, as the last three Bishops of Verona can testify, especially my present venerable Bishop Canossa.
[1126]
How can it be, now that I need his moral support to protect my own weakness in the work I am trying to promote in favour of the poor Africans, that my old Father (for that is what he has been for 23 years) should abandon me to my own resources? Eminence, I cannot understand a thing!
[1127]
This is why, always adoring the plans of Providence who disposes everything for the greater glory of God and the good of souls, always prepared to suffer any humiliation or bitterness God may wish upon me, I have decided, also following the advice of Mgr Massaia, to go to Verona in two week’s time to see for myself how things are. After that on to Rome, since it seems the Bishop intends to charge me with an important and delicate affair which it would be imprudent to explain in writing. I shall therefore be pleased personally to tell you the true story of this distasteful comedy about which Mgr Massaia, who seems to have my interests rather more at heart, is highly surprised and which neither he nor I can explain.
[1128]
As regards the purpose of my trip to France, I have nothing to add to what I told you in my last letter after my return from Prussia. I place my trust in the Most Sacred Heart of Mary, whom we venerate in this beautiful month, that through all these difficulties and even more serious ones, by the grace of God and under the shield of Your Most Reverend Eminence’s protection, I may soon be able to start something useful for the wretched Africans, in accordance with what I wrote in my last letter. Praying that the Lord may keep you long for the good of the holy Missions, and especially of Africa, I kiss the sacred purple and declare myself in all veneration

Your Most Reverend Eminence’s
most humble and unworthy son

Fr Daniel Comboni

[1129]
Tomorrow I leave Paris for Bayeux on the Atlantic, on an errand for our dear Bishop Canossa, to collect Documents on the famous Bishop Canossa. I will then return to Paris and from there to Verona.
[1130]
Last Sunday I had the pleasure of being received in private audience for 35 minutes by Her Majesty the Empress of the French in the company of Mgr Massaia. I spoke at length about Africa. The holy Bishop, true confessor of the faith, wanted to speak of other things concerning Napoleon III’s current policy with regard to the Church; but the Empress was too impressed with Africa. I had the intention of focusing her attention and preparing her to receive the words of an apostle: but she never actually addressed me directly. However, the holy bishop did make her understand that the prosperity of the empire and the future of her son, the Imperial Prince, depends on France’s satisfactory agreement with the Pope; and that her son’s life would be in danger should Freemasonry triumph. Mgr Massaia is a true Apostle. The Empress was most kind to us and received from the Bishop the present of a religious object from Abyssinia. In the five months I have spent in the company of this Bishop I have witnessed the most sublime virtues.

D. Comboni

[1131]
I have already begun to apply the 60 Mass intentions which you suggested in your most dear letter of 8th May, and I hope the academy will be a marvellous success. From your last letter I gather that things are more serious than ever in the Institute and that discord reigns between superiors and inferiors on account of the false system adopted by our beloved Old Man who has allowed himself to be surrounded by two-faced people, and not by simple and open ones.
[1132]
Let us bless the Lord who disposes all for our greater good. Although God has given me a merry temperament, and such that I am joyful and always content, and perhaps few people in the world are happier than me, nevertheless, these things distress me and wound me to the heart. Since in Rome it is still thought that I no longer belong to the Institute and perhaps that I have been expelled from the Institute, as indicated in a letter from Cardinal Barnabò to Mgr Chigi the Apostolic Nuncio in Paris, and I have had no direct communication of this from the Superior, as I requested in a letter even after my return from Prussia, I have therefore thought of leaving Paris and coming to Verona to see how things
[1133]
You can imagine, my dear Rector, how damaging it would be to me in the eyes of Propaganda if it were said: “D. Comboni was expelled from the Mazza Institute” and I knew nothing about it except that the Superior had told my Rector that for some reason I should remove myself from the Institute and nothing else after that. May the Lord be blessed forever; but as you see, my dear Rector, I am treated with little charity and kindness when, behind my back, without being told a thing, such letters are written to Rome. Fiat semper voluntas Dei in omnibus. All I have is the sweet comfort of a conscience which feels guiltless of all this.
[1134]
Within next week I shall be leaving Paris and in 10 or 12 days I hope to be in Verona. My dealings with the Propagation of the Faith are going very well. I have formed a most intimate friendship with the illustrious author Nicolas, who is one of the most active members of the Association, and you cannot imagine how mutual this is, for he is a great soul. I have explained to him my concerns: then little by little I introduced Mgr Massaia to Nicolas. The former is quite beside himself with pleasure at having met so great and pious a soul. In short, these two great men introduced me to the Paris Council during a full extraordinary session; and the President, after a long discussion of my ideas, assured me that the Association for the Propagation of the Faith, as I gradually find the personnel, etc., will help Africa with particular pleasure. I have thus formed ties of friendship with the following members of the Propagation of the Faith, who are all great men:
1. M. Boudin, President of the Saint Vincent de Paul Conferences for the whole world;
2. M. Cochin, a great Catholic writer and Senator of the realm;
3. The Rector of the St Sulpice Seminary (France’s leading Seminary);
4. M. Theyr, Senator;
5. M. Doulqualy, etc., etc. So I shall have no headaches at all regarding the materials or money for my plan, because whatever foundations I make, I will gather the necessary funds in a short time.

[1135]
The Association for the Schools of the East and the Holy Childhood will also both issue a yearly cheque for each Institute whose foundation I will promote. I mean all the Institutes to be established in Africa. I have to think of the Institutes in Europe as well as the foundation of the Minor Seminaries, etc. and the personnel. I shall have great worries over this, but I trust in God to succeed. In two years you will see a Seminary for the African missions appear in a place already designated by me. I have already got my eye on men of action and fiat. I will certainly be greatly held up on account of my dealings with the Superior and the Institute in which, being the weakest, I will always have to lose and to suffer; but I trust in God who will give me the strength to overcome all this. I will tell much more when I see you again in Verona. I shall stop two days in Turin. Give my greetings to Preti, Fr Beltrame, my porter, Fr Bolm, Fr Lonardoni, etc., Fr Fochesato, etc., and Hans, set me in your heart as you are in Fr Daniel’s.
[1136]
Ask the good people and the Urbani ladies to pray for me. Give my greetings to my Protestant women. I would be pleased if you wrote to me in Turin. In Verona I want to have my dealings with the Superior unravelled, explained and brought to light. Should I be found lacking or at fault, I am prepared to suffer what I deserve, just as I am prepared also to suffer what I do not deserve, because I am a great sinner before God. Out of discretion I have not written or mentioned anything to the Bishop, because I know that in general the Superior does not like this; but in case it should be necessary for the Bishop to be the judge, he will certainly listen and give my words the value they deserve. We shall see, for there will certainly be an explosive situation.
May God be with the poor

D. Comboni

Mgr Massaia sends you his best wishes.

[1137]
Last Sunday, with Mgr Massaia, we were granted a long private audience with Empress Eugénie. I spoke at length: the holy bishop told the Empress something with apostolic courage that I will tell you when I see you. The Empress was kind to both of us.

[1138]
Propaganda has assigned the Shellal Station in Africa to Fr Lodovico da Casoria of Naples. It seems the Franciscans have the intention of pursuing the mission in Central Africa with the system outlined in my Plan. Since the Vienna Society is not giving aid to Fr Lodovico, I do not know whether the Franciscans will surrender, with no further conditions, another part of their Mission to others. In any case I hold the keys to overcome any obstacle and ensure that by the Autumn a Mission set up for Central Africa be entrusted to our Institute as you wish it to be, dependent only on Propaganda. Fr Lodovico of Naples has written tome that he wants his Works for Africa to be included in my Plan and asks me to help him financially: I have promised him my co-operation for all the foundation.
[1139]
The Holy Childhood Association and the Society for the Schools of the East have promised me their assistance for every foundation in Africa. Following a letter from Cardinal Barnabò to the Bishop of Amiens, ordering him to concert with me for the foundation of the Association for the Slaves, under Mgr Massaia’s guidance I have arranged for the first attempts to be made in Spain. For this purpose, the Bishop of Amiens will make available the holy priest Capella, who will soon be taking the initiative under the auspices of the Archbishop of Tarragona. I hope the Association will be founded within two years. Nearly all the funds from this Association are destined for the projected Plan for the regeneration of Africa.
[1140]
Mgr Massaia introduced me to the Council in Paris at an extraordinary session on the 24th of last month. Following the support expressed by the illustrious apologist Nicolas, member of the Council, the President promised to assure Rome of the special contribution of the Lyons and Paris Association for the Propagation of the Faith in favour of all foundations in Africa. It seems to me that the Lord has blessed every step I take.
[1141]
Fr Bricolo will have informed you of my intention to place at your perpetual disposal, should this be appropriate, a cheque for the sum of one hundred thousand francs given to me by the Prussian Association. I have had no reply from you.
[1142]
Mitterrutzner has written to me that the Vienna Society (which is a bit discouraged at present), is certainly well disposed towards our Institute and yourself. So you may rest assured, dear Superior, that you will have a Mission at your disposal by the autumn. You need only desire it and be able to provide a few Missionaries.
[1143]
This said, on the advice of Mgr Massaia, who also has most important business with the Holy Father to entrust to me, as he will tell you, I intend to come to Verona immediately and then, with your permission to proceed to Rome where I shall concert with Cardinal Barnabò on some matters for the good of Africa on the basis of what I have done in accordance with your advice. How happy I would be if you were to set up a house in Egypt, or anywhere in Africa, by this Autumn!
[1144]
Since you did not answer my last letter, I hope that all is over and that I will be considered as your son. Indeed I cannot live far from the dependence of my good father, whom I love so much. It would be a great sorrow for me, now that I have reached the age of being useful to the Institute, and paying back the good it has done me for so many years, if I had to leave the Institute. No I cannot live far from my Father’s heart, and far from his authority. If you chased me out the door of the Institute, I would climb back in through the window. Anyway, when we meet again, my dear Father, in a few days: beat me, thrash me, punish me; but do not chase me away. Until death I want to be in your heart and

your most faithful son Fr Daniel Com.

[1145]
Please give my greetings to Fr Cesare, the teacher Elena and Tregnaghi.

[1146]
In a few days I shall have the good fortune of being in Rome to conclude some most important matters resulting from my Plan with Your Eminence. Although I left Rome and Verona without the slightest recommendation, though full of confidence in the accomplishment of God’s will, I was able to organise something for the good of Africa. I have at the ready a choice company of respectable Missionaries from my beloved Institute. They are all distinguished professors in the Seminary or zealous agents of evangelisation, most thoroughly familiar with the ministry, learned in oriental languages, all ardent with zeal and ready to fly to the conquest of our beloved Africans as soon as Your Eminence, at my Superior’s request, will deign to grant them an African territory to cultivate in accordance with my Plan. As their head the Superior has appointed the most zealous Fr Beltrame, who is venerated in Egypt and Africa, who knows the customs and the country and has already exercised the Gospel ministry in those parts for ten years. I already have the necessary means not only to start the Institute, but also to perpetuate it. I have always belonged and I belong to the Mazza Institute, as he himself will write to you; he never gave me any indication of my being cut off from the Institute.
[1147]
This is nothing but a small part of the many important and useful things of which I must inform you. I place myself under Your Most Reverend Eminence’s protection so that I may continue the work I have in mind in favour of Africa and which within this year will thrive. Imploring the divine Saviour each day to grant a long and precious life to Your Eminence, I kiss the Sacred Purple and declare myself in all respect

Your Most Reverend Eminence’s
most humble and most unworthy son

Fr D. Comboni