21. Corrigan to Scalabrini⁴⁹

         New York, February 5, 1889

Most Esteemed Bishop:

The two Apostolic Missionaries, Giacomo Annovazzi and Oreste Alussi, came to me this morning with your welcome note of January 23. I thank you very much for the goodness you have shown towards me and towards the Italian immigrants in New York.

            Father Felice⁵⁰ is very hopeful for the future and everything seems promising.

            As for the Sisters, they will be welcome and they will certainly do some good, but I must confess to Your Excellency that I don’t see how we can obtain the necessary and opportune means. At the moment we have only twenty-five thousand lire, which is nothing when it is a question of establishing an orphanage in this city. Mrs. di Cesnola is full of confidence but she is not the Bishop and she does not feel the burden of the responsibility for this project. We must rely only on our own money and

not wait for any government subsidy. The present civil law forbids assigning grants to sectarian institutions, as they are saying here, namely to Catholic and any other religious community. However, the Sisters will always manage to live somehow; but precisely how, I cannot say. We shall do our best.

            I like the Missionaries very much. They are zealous, faithful to their duty and are loved by the people. Besides, the clergy is much respected here, more than in France or in Italy.

            I have learned with joy that other priests are coming in September to conduct Missions throughout the countryside. Our clergy will receive them with open arms.

            Don Carlo thanks Your Excellency very much for having thought of him and sends you his sincere respects.

            I am always in the midst of a stormy sea and therefore I recommend myself warmly to your prayers. However, I deserve a more severe punishment and I must learn to suffer in silence and in peace.

            Meanwhile, my Bishop, I am,

Your Very humble and devoted servant,

Michael Augustine, Archbishop