3.    Scalabrini to Elder²⁶

         Piacenza, June 21, 1893

Most Reverend Sir,

Nothing is closer to my heart than the spiritual welfare of the Italians who migrate abroad. To that end are directed all my efforts in founding the Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Charles as assistance to the Bishops in the dioceses where our Italians settle.

            I have a clear conviction that these Missionaries cannot reach their objective without full submission and obedience to the Ordinaries of place, not only for what concerns jurisdiction and the observance of ecclesiastical laws, but also for the execution of their mission. My firm will is that the same Missionaries should undertake nothing without the advice and the permission of the Ordinaries.

            It is very important, Excellency, that you know all this so to be free to act with the greatest freedom and authority over the Missionaries, admonishing them, correcting them and, if necessary, even by obliging them through ecclesiastical penalties. In all this, for what is necessary, you will find me and the Provincial Superior in agreement.

            In the meantime, you will do me a favor if you will refer also to me what you find you have to correct in my priests.

            I take this opportunity to invoke on you from God every happiness and express my regards and I remain always in the S. Heart of Jesus,

Your Excellency’s most devoted servant and brother,

Gio. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza