42. Corrigan to Scalabrini¹⁰⁰

         New York, August 29, 1893

Most Reverend Excellency:

Yesterday I had the pleasure of receiving your telegram “ad multos annos,” and although an answered has already been sent the same way, I wouldn’t want to avoid my duty to thank you also by letter, especially since for some time I wanted to write to Your Excellency but I did not have the courage to do so. Some weeks ago Father Vicentini handed me your June 21st Latin letter in which you ask also for some news about the Missionaries of St. Charles.¹⁰¹

            In fact, I didn’t know what to say about Father Morelli. But, today I finally read in the newspapers that the judge has condemned him with

three separate sentences to pay some debts amounting to thirty thousand Italian lire. Then, the debts for the Church of the Most Precious Blood amount to six hundred and twenty-five thousand lire, and to-date only its basement has been completed. This morning it was agreed to allow the sale of that Church since we realize that the debt cannot be paid. The Curia has already uselessly lost several thousand lire in this venture.

            I regret very much speaking of these things. It is the first time in my Episcopal life that such misfortune happens to sell a sacred place. The fault lies completely with Father Morelli who never wanted to act like the other diocesan pastors.

            With this disgrace always threatening, I have not written earlier regarding the visit of Your Excellency to the United States. I will be very happy and grateful if you will come any time, even this year.

            Father Vicentini is very obedient and gives me very great satisfaction. As far as I know, the other Missionaries are doing well.

            I beg you to always pray for me and sincere veneration I remain,

Your very devoted and affectionate servant,

Michael Augustine, Archbishop