VI March 5, 1887

Petition of the Italian colonists of Benevento, State of Espirito Santo, Brazil, to His Excellency, the Bishop of Cremona.

It is almost three years, Excellency, since the Reverend Father Marcellino d’Agnadello, a priest of your most respectable diocese, appeared among us. Once in a while this poor priest came to visit us and we had the beautiful opportunity of hearing the word of God many times, receiving the Sacraments, seeing our children admitted to Communion and moreover, through his efforts, obtaining the Bishop for confirming them.

Now, however, this priest has given us the sad news that he can no longer visit us because he is old and he limits himself only to the Territory of Todos Los Santos. Still more, realizing that he is sick, he plans to come to Italy, with the idea of coming back. If he is in poor health, he plans to come to Your Illustrious Excellency to make a final effort to obtain for us a Lombard priest. Excellency, we address ourselves to you begging you to send us, if you can, some other priest, otherwise our children will lose the faith. We would always be grateful if we could obtain such a favor.

            Receive the deference of all the colonists and especially the undersigned, who, seeking your pastoral blessing, declare themselves very devoted children in Christ of Your Illustrious Excellency.

Follow the signatures of 231 heads of families.