8. Scalabrini to Corrigan²⁷

         Piacenza, April 30, 1888

Most Illustrious and Reverend Archbishop,

I very much thank Your Excellency for all you are doing do on behalf of the poor Italian emigrants. I am well convinced of the seriousness of the difficulties that you must overcome as you mentioned in your letter dated April 13. Therefore, in order to facilitate the way to attain our purpose, I have decided to place at the complete disposal of Your Excellency two or three of my Missionaries for whom, for the time being, a house in which to live together with some lay brothers will suffice.

            Therefore Your Excellency should write and as soon as I receive notice I will send them. If on the other hand, Your Excellency should prefer that first I send the Secretary General of the Congregation to plan with Your Excellency what to do, I will act as you will judge more convenient.

            I trust the Lord will help us obtain what we ardently desire, much more so that Mary, in whose month we are about to enter, will assist us with her effective patronage.

Renewing my thanks, I present to your Excellency . . .

P.S. The presence of these priests, who from what is written to me are very much desired, would encourage the Italians to contribute and the consoling project of Your Excellency of providing a church will be reached much more easily.