When he was sure that the funds for the financing of Don Guanella's first Opera were guaranteed, the bishop of Como, Monsignor Valfré, was happy to give his consent and his blessing to the start of the enterprise, even if previously it was not he was enthusiastic about it. However, knowing his man, he recommended that, for the moment, no more room should be given to the opening of new Houses.
A certain prudence and a certain patience were not characteristics of Don Guanella, so, after a short time, he presented himself to the bishop saying candidly:
— Excellency, forgive me if I didn't heed your recommendation, but there was a truly providential opportunity and I couldn't let it slip away... So I bought a vast building, called "La Binda", which Your Excellency certainly know, and now I have a debt of 40.000 lire... But there's no need to worry because Providence will certainly help us... I'm sure.
The bishop didn't swallow it: he smiled bitterly, stammered something and, shaking his head, went on to say goodbye, dismissing his priest rather abruptly.
Some time later Don Guanella reappeared to the bishop who imagined that he was coming to bring him his troubles, deriving from the imprudence he had committed, and prepared himself for a full blown outburst.
Don Guanella with great naturalness said instead:
— Your Excellency, Providence has taken care of it: I have been given a villa on a hill overlooking Menaggio, mirroring the center of Lake Como, with a beautiful Swiss chalet and more than 50.000 lire in cash
The bishop looked at him for a few moments with his mouth open, helpless and helpless, with his eyes widening with wonder and he could only say resignedly:
- Go calmly, Don Luigi, and do what you have to do because I see that Providence is on your side. All I have to do is bless you! God's ways do not always pass alongside those traced by men.
{podcast id=13}