14. Scalabrini to Pius X¹⁴

         Piacenza, June 3, 1904

Holy Father,

In deference to the desire expressed to me by Your Holiness, God willing,

I will leave on the 17th of this month for South America, taking along six new missionaries. Before going we most keenly would like to prostrate ourselves at your feet and receive a special blessing. If so great an honor will be granted, as we hope, we will be in Rome on the 14th to set out for Naples on the following day.

            It will be for me an ineffable consolation to be able to personally present again my most humble regards to you and to receive those orders and instructions you would like to impart.

            Meanwhile, please accept Holy Father, the sentiments of my deepest veneration with which, kissing your holy feet, I am honored to confirm myself,

Of Your Holiness most devoted servant and affectionate son,

Gio. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza