D. Tuae. Addictissimus, Al. C. Barnabo, Pr.
[Transcriber's note: English translation.]
Very Reverend Sir:
Inasmuch as the Sovereign Pontiff, our Holy Father the Pope, amid his many afflictions, has received great joy at hearing, through many different sources, that your Reverence is taking such great care to spread the knowledge of our most holy religion through Catholic publications, adapted to refute false doctrine and to defend the rights of this Apostolic See, he has desired to give you a testimony of his paternal affection. Accordingly, it will be most pleasing to your Reverence to receive, together with this, the letter of his Holiness, by which I trust you may be encouraged to pursue the work you have undertaken with still greater zeal and alacrity.
Adding to the sentiments of good will which the Holy Father declares toward you, the expression of my own regard, I pray God that He may grant to your Reverence every kind of prosperity.
Rome, Office of the S. Cong. of the Propaganda,q January 5th, MDCCCLXIX.
Most affectionately, Al. C. Barnabo, PR.
Dilecto Filio, I. T. Hecker, Presbytero Ac Rectori Missionariorum Collegii A S. Paulo Nuncup., Neo-eboracum.
PIUS, PP. IX.