Blessed Scalabrini leaves behind a number of writings of diverse character and nature: from the Conferences on the Vatican Council I, while still a pastor in Como (1873), to his articles and correspondence on catechism; from his involvement with the controversy dividing transigenti (liberals) and intransigenti (conservatives) within the Church (1885); to his interventions in matter of migration, and to the pamphlet: "Socialism And The Ministry Of Priests" which in the course of 1899 enjoyed two printings.

After his passing, more of his manuscripts were edited and published: the Memorial on the Roman Congregation or Commission "Pro Emigratis Catholicis", 1905, the correspondence Scalabrini-Bonomelli (1868-1905), and the collection of his Pastoral Letters (1876-1905).

These writings reveal the pastoral call of Scalabrini's soul: a man of thought first of all, but a Bishop and a Shepherd concerned with the welfare of the people entrusted to his care and not only them. He was defined, in fact, "a Bishop for whose heart a diocese was not enough", due to his invovement with issues concerning the whole Church, migration first and foremost.