Most Reverend Father Agostino Gemelli,
I am an eighteen-year-old boy who has been a teacher for a year: ever since I met the University of the Sacred Heart, and it was then in the early days of his life, together with my admiration for the magnificent institution, a confused hope was born in my soul of being able to be a pupil one day, although I followed an order of study which could not prepare me for entering it. With the opening of the Istituto Superiore di Magistero the way was open for me too. One day I read that no more men's subscriptions were being received. I was still a student then, yet I felt a real sense of sorrow as if the great ideal nurtured with long love had collapsed forever. Hardly believing myself, later hope reappeared fueled by a lively desire. Having passed the qualifying exam in Milan because my family wanted me to have a year off, not being old enough to exercise my office, I entered the local Cesare Arici College of the Jesuit RPs, where I spent a happy year actively taking care of the schools of the children. To become a teacher and give myself entirely to the education of the little ones has always been my supreme ideal; for it I sacrificed the future offered me by the old paternal company of which, as an only child, I was soon to take over the direction. Next year I could start my teaching life: but I think I will be able to do better when I have a broader preparation of mind and spirit: the Istituto di Magistero dell'U comes to mind. and great hope rekindles me. Are its doors really closed to me? Will I have to give up on continuing in that study for which I felt like the call of a vocation? So in these days I was thinking with a deep bitterness in my heart, when the Review of the Friends of the month of July reached me: Your invitation, so lofty, so broad, gives me the audacity to write to you and to make you my ardent prayer: Father welcome me as your pupil, but as one of your most devoted sons. It would be my intention to attend the three-year course for teaching management, then continue the study of philosophy and pedagogy. I know that other young people attend the Institute because they have previously enrolled: if it is to become only female, I will be able to leave school after the first two years. The entrance exam for Latin worries me a lot, although this year I intend to pass it: I will do my best during these months. I place every trust in the assistance of that God who is the joy of my youth. I hope a lot and I pray: Father… I await your word
