30. Scalabrini to Corrigan⁶⁵

         Piacenza, December 8, 1890

Most Reverend Excellency:

Infinite thanks for everything. My heart would not have allowed me to let the Missionaries leave without sending you a line in order to renew the expression of my respectful affection. You, my esteemed and venerable Archbishop, may read there a world of pleasant and happy things.

            Father Zaboglio bearer of this letter will explain to you the plan for some personnel changes made necessary for the good governance of our Congregation. Father Morelli, as Provincial Superior, must visit the houses and be absent for a good part of the year. His place will be taken by Father Domenico Vicentini,⁶⁶ one of the best priests I know, but he hides his good qualities behind his modesty and his deepest humility.

            To the same Father Zaboglio Your Excellency may communicate all your desires and the new workers will always be ready at any you order.

            I have received the check for 1,000 lire but I have not been able to see the director of the Catechist, absent in the last few days, in order to pay your debt, that should be minimal, if there is one. What shall I do with the rest of the money? Shall I give it to the Mother House of the Missionaries, which is in great need, as a generous offering from Your Excellency? If I do not receive your request to send it back, I will act in that way.

            Any writing contributed by Your Excellency regarding the Catechism will always be precious for us. Your Excellency, writes Italian very well. Nevertheless, if only to encourage you, I promise you that I will review your work regarding the language and thus you will not have to worry.

            The short time, too short indeed, that I spent with you and Don Carlo did me a lot of good, and to express it with a verse of Dante, ancor da me non si parti’ il diletto (Still the beloved has not departed from me).

Please accept, Archbishop, a little gift that Father Zaboglio will offer you in my name at the conclusion of the festivities for your glorious jubilee.

            My secretary, Canon Mangot, sends his best wishes to you and to his esteemed colleague.

            Finally recommending myself to your prayers, I embrace you in the Lord and I remain

Your Excellency’s very affectionate friend and confrere,

Gio. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza