19.  Scalabrini to Rampolla³⁴

Piacenza, July 29, 1894

The bearer of this letter is Fr. Giuseppe Venditti, a member of this Christopher Columbus Institute and for six years a most zealous missionary in Brazil. He would like to explain to you and, if possible, to the Holy Father as well, the appalling conditions of the Italians in those regions.

I will not add a word, having already written and spoken to you about this matter more than once. Only I beg you, Your Eminence, to listen to the missionary with your accustomed kindness and do what you can to fulfill his wishes, which are also the wishes of those who know the situation and love good.

            With the deepest veneration, I remain,

Your most humble and devoted servant,

John Baptist Scalabrini, Bishop of Piacenza