27. Corrigan to Scalabrini⁶¹

         Rome, June 27, 1890

Most Reverend Excellency:

I am so sorry to hear that Your Excellency suffers and has waited so long for my visit to Piacenza. To tell the truth, only in these last few days have I been able to plan my departure from Rome. I am here against my will. A rebellious priest⁶² has caused me great sorrow. As I arrived in Rome on February first, I presented to Cardinal Simeoni a brief printed report of my disagreement with this priest. Instead of writing to him, nothing was done until after my return from the Holy Land. I arrived in Rome on April 10. Propaganda did not write to this priest until May 3, giving him a period of 35 days to submit or to defend himself. He refused to perform any act of submission. Then the dossier of his case was prepared but was distributed only on Monday of this week and until then I did not know when I could leave. Now the General Congregation of Propaganda will be held on the 30th and after that I must wait for the decision of the Holy Father which will be taken during the audience of Sunday, July 6. Don Carlo and I will leave the following day and we hope to reach Levico on the 15th. This, dear Bishop, is our program. Right until these last days everything was uncertain that I was unable to decide anything. Thus, I could not conclude anything regarding the visit to Piacenza.

            From Milan we shall go to Verona and from Verona to Trent.

            If Your Excellency will give me your Levico address or any other pertinent information, provided this will not bother or disturb you, I will appreciate it.

            Our Don Carlo was made a Monsignor Chaplain of His Holiness. His health is very good now.

            Hoping to have the pleasure of meeting you soon and wishing you an improvement in your health, I recommend myself and my worries to your prayers and remain,

Your Excellency’s very humble and devoted servant,

Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York