59. Corrigan to Scalabrini¹²⁸

         New York, September 17, l90l

Most Reverend and esteemed Excellency,

For some time I have been returned at my residence and back to work. Therefore, when Your Excellency will return to New York, we can spend a few hours together. In fact, I wish that Your Excellency would come to reside at the archbishop’s house for at least a few days. In this way I will have a greater opportunity to show Your Excellency the Catholic institutions of New York. I hope you will not fail to do me this favor.

            Regarding the Church of the Transfiguration,¹²⁹ the Rev. Consultors have determined that for now it is not possible to turn this church to the exclusive use of the Italians, because the American group, though small, could still create disturbances. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience and to satisfy both the American and Italian elements, perhaps in the future an English-language pastor will be named with two Italian assistant priests until the opportune moment will come to adopt a more satisfactory plan.

            Sorry I could not comply with the wishes of Your Excellency, with sentiments of esteem and sincere friendship, I remain

Your most devoted servant and friend,

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York