3. Corrigan to Scalabrini¹³

         New York, December 16, 1887

Most Reverend Excellency,

With the greatest satisfaction I read in Catholic newspapers that Your Excellency is now engaged in founding a Seminary for the training of good

Missionaries destined for the spiritual well-being of Italian emigrants in Brazil.

            If Your Excellency could also favor me with some priests for the Italians in this city, I would be very grateful and much obliged. Very gladly would I meet the expenses for their seminary training. Or, after completing two years of theology, the students could come to our seminary here to spend two more years, and in this way, while learning English, they would become more acquainted with the customs of the people, and much more useful in the missions.

            Should the Missionaries not wish to remain here permanently, exiles from their native land, they could stay five years, for example, but then, upon their return to Italy, not be deprived of some well deserved promotion to some parish responsibility should the opportunity present itself. Such is also the idea of Father Marcellino Moroni¹⁴ who recently arrived here, and I propose it to the kind consideration of Your Excellency.

            In any event, see that you send me some good Italian priests.

            Since your Excellency has so much zeal for your fellow countrymen, I dare to speak to you clearly and implore your help.

            Wishing you a most merry Holy Christmas, I remain

Your Excellency’s Most Humble and Devoted Servant,

+Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York