5. Scalabrini to Pius X⁵

         Rome, November 25, 1903

Holy Father,

The interest Your Holiness shows for the missions on behalf of our poor migrants in America has given me great joy and I thank God for it from the bottom of my heart.

            The many priests involved, gathered into the Congregation that takes its name from the great St. Charles, have been working for this holy purpose with truly admirable zeal for many years. Some token of the appreciation and benevolence from the Holy See would increase their commitment and serve as an effective encouragement to do even better.

            I propose therefore that some honor be granted, like the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope), to the following

missionaries:

1.     Father Paolo Novati, Provincial Superior of the houses in North America

2.     Father Faustino Consoni, Superior in São Paulo, Brazil, and Director of that orphanage for the children of the immigrants

3.     Father Domenico Vicentini, Provincial Superior of the houses in Brazil

4.     Father Giacomo Gambera, former Provincial Superior in North America and now chaplain to the arriving immigrants at the port of New York

5.     Father Pietro Maldotti chaplain to the departing migrants at the port of Genoa

These missionaries are all distinguished for their zeal and virtue and deserve special consideration.

            Humbly kissing your feet, I am very honored to confirm myself of Your Holiness

Very obedient and devoted son,

Gio. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza