The beginnings of Don Guanella's activity were difficult and often marked by misunderstanding, given that he undertook many activities without worrying about the means necessary to carry them out. Even his superiors advised him to be more relaxed, not to expose himself to dangerous activities, not to make too onerous commitments. Don Guanella turned a deaf ear: he saw the needs of so many poor unhappy people: he did, he did and he trusted in Providence saying:
“Poverty can't wait. And we cannot stop until there are poor people to help!
The bishop of Como, Monsignor Teodoro Valfré di Bonzo, never tired of repeating to him when he heard him explain his audacious projects:
- Don Guanella, I recommend: prudence, prudence, prudence!...
Once an ecclesiastic who had been a teacher of theology was found in the presence of the bishop and Don Luigi, who, hearing the heartfelt recommendations of the pastor, wanted to underline the opportunity of teaching his doctrine from above and said:
- Remember, Don Luigi, that the first virtue is precisely prudence...
- Instead, I remember very well, professor, that when you taught us theology, you told us with certainty that the first virtue is faith!