18.Scalabrini to Pius X¹⁸

         End of August 1904

Holy Father,

In the midst of the troubles and worries of your sublime ministry, please accept that one of your sons may come from far away to place his respects at your feet, wishing that God grant you light and strength as needed in the present circumstances. Since Your Holiness honors me with your fatherly benevolence, allow me to present what concerns me.

            I am in the State of Paraná. The President and all civil, military and ecclesiastical authorities were at the train station on my arrival. It has been a keen comfort for me after the hardships of the journey to reach up here (900 meters above see level), six days by sea and six hours by a train climbing along horrible precipices.

            I reside with my missionaries at S. Felcicitade. This is a model colony: the best run of all Brazil. The Missionaries were responsible for it from the start and, constantly cared for, it remained Christian, Catholic, fervent. Yesterday I gave communion to an extraordinary number of people. It reaches inland for 20 miles and these good priests are constantly on the move with missions not only in the colonies but also throughout the entire State. I have arrived at P., the last civilized outpost. Beyond there is only forest inhabited by savage Indians.

            His Eminence Cardinal Simeoni was often telling me: When the Missionaries will arrive near the Indians, they should think of doing something also for them. This is the case. The President of the State also spoke to me about this and assured all his support. For now 3 or 4 priests will suffice. While caring first of all for the Italian colonies they will study a way to communicate with the savages. If God will assist them and they will obtain his grace, I would send the missionaries ready to sacrifice themselves; if not, the good intention will be considered. These savages are the descendants of those converted by the Jesuits, but then abandoned and shelled with gunshots, they escaped into the forest. They still preserve some sign of Christian life in their ceremonies.

P.S. A prayer and a special blessing for this new work of charity

            My health, notwithstanding the hardships of the long trips, always remains the best. It is, I repeat, the result of your Blessing. I was seasick only for a day during a not so minor storm, and I said: perhaps the Holy Father forgot to bless me.

            In this big country the Spring hot weather is beginning and with it the usual illnesses, smallpox that reaps many victims, and here and there some cases of plague. I have already crossed the infected towns. I will continue on to the State of Rio Grande and, if God wants it, I think of returning at the beginning of October.

            Bent to kiss, etc.