27. Scalabrini to Merry del Val²⁹

         Piacenza, May 17, 1905

Most Reverend Eminence:

Forgive me if I importune you once more regarding the familiar plan Pro Emigratis Catholicis. This project seems to me very important. In the Memorial I have just sent to you about it I wrote: “The Commission should be composed, I believe, by the representatives of the various nationalities which provide the greatest number of immigrants, etc. These representatives should be chosen among competent persons well informed about the conditions and needs of their compatriots and who can also speak Italian in order to facilitate the communications of the various members with the person called to head this Congregation and with other related Congregations.” “This,” I added, “could be easily done by preferably turning to the religious congregations which have dedicated themselves to the assistance of their emigrated compatriots.”

            Now, to come to the point and give the plan the greatest possible help, I would like to propose that three missionaries of the Congregation of St. Charles (two from the North and one from the South) be called to Rome.

            These missionaries should dedicate themselves to the preparatory work, employing for this purpose the experience they have gained and the studies they have done, as well as the knowledge of other missionaries residing in Rome.

            If through the present reorganization of the parishes we could have in Rome a church with an attached house, the project could be realized soon without too much fanfare and with little expense, and it would be precisely that “mustard seed” that later on, as Your Eminence wrote to me, with God’s help could expand ever more.

            I trust that, in spite of the pressing work you have to do, you would welcome this idea of mine, and in such hope I recommend myself to your prayers and reaffirm myself with the deepest respect.

            Of Your Eminence

Most humble and affectionate servant,

+Giov. Battista, Bishop of Piacenza