IX

Diocese of Cleveland

1.    Scalabrini to Gilmour³²

         Piacenza, May 2, l889

Most Esteemed and Rev. Excellency:

The Most Eminent Card. Simeoni, Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of Propaganda Fide, in his letter dated April 6 last, informed me of the wishes of Your Most Rev. Excellency regarding a young student to be sent there. I answered as follows:

            “Most Rev. Eminence, I am sorry that I am not able to comply as I would like with the request of the Most Revered Bishop of Cleveland, since I do not have the young man he seeks. Even if I had him, I would not be able to send him because at his age he would be subject to military service. Then too, I would not allow a young cleric to stay so far away, alone and without a companion from the Congregation. On my part, I am more convinced than ever that the Missionaries for the Italian emigrants, who want to preserve the spirit of their vocation, must, much more so if young, keep themselves united as much as possible or be in such conditions as to be able to meet often. This is even more true if they are young. Therefore,

if the Bishop of Cleveland would wish to provide in this manner for the Italians emigrated there, I would try to send him, as soon as I can, a couple of Missionaries who would also know English sufficiently well. I will wait for your directives, etc.”

            Now, with another letter of his under date of the 29th of last month, the same Card. Simeoni advises me to be in touch with Your Excellency directly on this matter, and this I do very gladly.

            I repeat, therefore, to Your Ex. what I wrote to Card. Simeoni and for the same reasons, adding that together with the two Missionaries, I would be willing to send two lay brother catechists also for the education of children, and for the good order of the church, etc.

            What I want for my missionaries is that they have a house, even though a very modest one; but it must be set apart, so that they may be able to lead a common life and so combine the spirit of the Congregation with freedom to exercise the Sacred Ministry. It is well understood that this ministry will always be under the dependence and good pleasure of Your Most Rev. Ex., whose rare gifts of mind and heart I greatly appreciate.

            In the event that we cannot comply with this request, would Your Ex. be kind enough to suggest how and to whom I might return the check of 500 francs which was sent to me by the good pastor D.P. Capitani, whom, in fact, I want to thank and warmly greet.

            Awaiting your answer, my wish is that God’s blessing be with you. With the sentiments of my deepest veneration, I have the honor to be, Most Rev. Exc.,

Your most humble and devoted servant and confrere,

John Baptist, Bishop of Piacenza

P.S. For your greater satisfaction, I am attaching to this letter an excerpt of the Rules approved by the S. Congregation of Propaganda Fide.