6. Scalabrini to Pius X⁶

         Rome, November 25, 1903

Holy Father

The Supreme Pontiff Leo XIII, of holy memory, granted me, as Superior General of the Congregation for the Italian Emigrants, vivae vocis oraculo (orally):

1. To grant the priests of the same Congregation and those not belonging to it but sent by me to offer spiritual care to the migrants during the going and return journey the faculty to celebrate holy Mass on ship; 2. To administer the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist; 3. To assist at weddings, in very special cases, in everything of course servatis de jure servandis (following the prescriptions of the law). Such faculty ceases when the missionary arrives in a territory dependent on some Ordinary, to whom he must present himself and ask, as duty requires, the necessary and opportune faculties.

            For the good of so many souls I humbly ask Your Holiness the renewal of these faculties.

            Prostrated I kiss your feet and with the deepest veneration I profess myself of Your Holiness.

Very obedient and devoted son,

Gio. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza