After the previously described scene, the mysterious guide told Don Bosco “Come, I will show you the triumph of the Congregation of St. Francis de Sales. Climb that rock and you will see!”
A huge boulder stood in the middle of that boundless field, and I climbed on it. A limitless panorama spread before me. I would never have thought that the field was so immense; it seemed to cover the entire earth. People of every race, color and nation were gathered there. They were such a multitude that I never thought the world could hold so many. I carefully observed the first who came into my view. They were dressed like us. Those in the front ranks I could recognize. I saw many Salesians leading groups of boys and girls; they were followed by other Salesians with more groups, and more came after them and still more whom I did not know, until they became a huge blur. They were numberless. To the south I could see Sicilians, Africans, and an innumerable host of people I did riot know. All had Salesians in the lead, but I could recognize only those in the first few ranks.
“Turn around,” the man ordered.
My gaze met countless masses of other people wearing animal skins and a kind of cloak of velvet sheen, brilliantly dyed in various colors. I was told to face the four points of the compass. Among other things, in the east I saw women whose feet were so tiny they could barely stand or walk. The wonder of it all was that everywhere I saw Salesians leading squads of boys and girls and countless crowds of adults. I always recognized those in the front ranks, but not those who followed, not even the missionaries.
Then my guide said to me, “Look and pay close attention, even though you will not understand what I am now telling you. What you have seen is the harvest a waiting the Salesians. Do you see how immense a harvest it is? This vast field you stand on is the Salesians' field of labor. The Salesians whom you see are already at work and you know them, but then the horizon extends as far as you can see, filled with people yet unknown to you. This means that not only in this century but also in the next and in future centuries, Salesians will labor in fields of their own. Do you know under what conditions the achievements you have seen are to be reached? I will tell you. Take heed: you must have these words engraved on your coat-of-arms as your watchword, your badge. Note them well: WORK AND TEMPERANCE WILL MAKE THE SALESIAN CONGREGATION FLOURISH. Have these words explained repeatedly and insistently. Compile and print a handbook that will clearly explain that work and temperance are the legacy you are bequeathing to the Congregation, and will be also its glory.”
“I will most willingly do so,” I replied. “It is wholly in keeping with our purpose. It is what I keep insisting upon day after day and stress upon every occasion.”
“Are you really quite convinced? Have you thoroughly understood me? This is the heritage you will leave them. Tell them clearly that as long as they live by it, they will have followers from the south, the north, the east and the west. Now bring the spiritual retreat to a close and send them on their way. These will set the norm; others will follow.”
Then coaches suddenly appeared to take us all to Turin. I kept looking at them. They were quite peculiar, the strangest I had ever seen. Everybody began to step aboard, but since they had neither railings nor sides, I feared that our boys might fall off, and so I didn't want to let them go. But my guide told me, “Let them go. They are quite safe if they faithfully abide by the words: ‘Stay sober and alert.’ If these words are diligently carried out, no one will fall, even though the coach has no hand grips and is in rapid motion.”
