Letter 2,29 - to the praetor Justin, about protecting bishop Leo. july 592.
"The envy of the ancient enemy has this special quality. Those whom it cannot trick into the perpetration of evil acts, because God resists it, it destroys their reputations for the present by pretending false things.
Since therefore a wicked rumor has spread concerning out brother and fellow-bishop Leo, certain things contrary to the priestly way of life, we set up an inquiry with a long and strict examination to see whether they were true, and we found no fault in him concerning what had been said about him.
But so that nothing might appear to have been omitted, and so that no doubt remain in our heart, we made him swear many a solemn oath before the most holy body of Saint Peter.
After the performance of this, we rejoiced with great exultation, because in this way his innocence shone out most clearly."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.
Friday 31 December 2010
Thursday 30 December 2010
Guarding The Rebublic
Letter 2,28 - to Maurice and Vitalian, military commanders, concerning pilllage. June 592.
"On the eleventh day of this month of June, Ariulf sent this letter, which we have directed to you. And for that reason, read it again and see of the citizens of Soana have persisted in the loyalty that they promised to the republic. Take from them worthy hostages in whom you can trust, and bind them well with oaths once again, returning to them what you took as a pledge, and soothing them with your words.
But if you find out that they have quite obviously had talks with Ariulf about their submission, or have definitely given him hostages, as the letter of Ariulf which we sent to you makes us suspect, then study this with a sound deliberation, and so that your soul or ours is not in any way weighed down over their oaths, carry out whatever you judge to be in the republic's interest.
But let your Glory do it in such a way that there is neither anything over which your adversaries could condemn us, nor is anything neglected that the republic's advantage requires. Lord forbid it!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.
"On the eleventh day of this month of June, Ariulf sent this letter, which we have directed to you. And for that reason, read it again and see of the citizens of Soana have persisted in the loyalty that they promised to the republic. Take from them worthy hostages in whom you can trust, and bind them well with oaths once again, returning to them what you took as a pledge, and soothing them with your words.
But if you find out that they have quite obviously had talks with Ariulf about their submission, or have definitely given him hostages, as the letter of Ariulf which we sent to you makes us suspect, then study this with a sound deliberation, and so that your soul or ours is not in any way weighed down over their oaths, carry out whatever you judge to be in the republic's interest.
But let your Glory do it in such a way that there is neither anything over which your adversaries could condemn us, nor is anything neglected that the republic's advantage requires. Lord forbid it!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 210.
Wednesday 29 December 2010
On Battle
Letter 2,27 - to Maurice and Vitalian, military commanders. June 592.
"But that magnificent man Aldio, after the arrival of your men, wrote to us that Ariulf was already close by, and we were afraid that the soldiers snet To you mugje fall into his hands. Het here in Rome too, as far as God shell assist him, our Son and glorious military commander has prepared himself to meet him [Ariulf]. But your Glory also, of the enemy kraalt should come out in this direction, achieve what you can from his rear, with God's help, as has been your costum.
For our hopes are in the strength of almighty God and in that of Saint Peter himself, the prince of the apolstles, on whose birthday they long to shed blood, because they will without delay discover that Saint Peter himself is their adversary."
"But that magnificent man Aldio, after the arrival of your men, wrote to us that Ariulf was already close by, and we were afraid that the soldiers snet To you mugje fall into his hands. Het here in Rome too, as far as God shell assist him, our Son and glorious military commander has prepared himself to meet him [Ariulf]. But your Glory also, of the enemy kraalt should come out in this direction, achieve what you can from his rear, with God's help, as has been your costum.
For our hopes are in the strength of almighty God and in that of Saint Peter himself, the prince of the apolstles, on whose birthday they long to shed blood, because they will without delay discover that Saint Peter himself is their adversary."
Friday 24 December 2010
Merry Christmas
Homily i,8 - Held to the people in the Basilica of the Holy Virgin Mary - December 25, 590.
He came unto His own (John 1;11). In His own nature, He was begotten before time; in our nature He came into time. Because the Eternal One appeared as a temporal being, that into what He descended, was alien and strange to Him.
And because the prophet states: All flesh is as grass (Jes 40:6), the Son of Man changed our grass into wheat, as when He said of Himself: Unless the wheat of grain fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone (John 12:24).
That is why the Newborn is put into a manger, to strengthen all believers, seen as holy creatures, with the wheat of His body, so that they do not miss the taste of eternal knowledge.
What else does it mean that an angel, appeared to the watchful shepherds, the Lord's glory shining around them, that before anyone else, those deserved to see the Heaven-like, those who know how to lead the herd of the faithful."
Please click the link to the full latin text of this homily.
He came unto His own (John 1;11). In His own nature, He was begotten before time; in our nature He came into time. Because the Eternal One appeared as a temporal being, that into what He descended, was alien and strange to Him.
And because the prophet states: All flesh is as grass (Jes 40:6), the Son of Man changed our grass into wheat, as when He said of Himself: Unless the wheat of grain fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone (John 12:24).
That is why the Newborn is put into a manger, to strengthen all believers, seen as holy creatures, with the wheat of His body, so that they do not miss the taste of eternal knowledge.
What else does it mean that an angel, appeared to the watchful shepherds, the Lord's glory shining around them, that before anyone else, those deserved to see the Heaven-like, those who know how to lead the herd of the faithful."
Please click the link to the full latin text of this homily.
Monday 20 December 2010
Stand By Your Calling
Letter 2,26 - to Stephen, our recorder for Sicily, on the restoration of monks. 19 May 592.
"And so it has been suggested to us by the abbot of the monastery of Saint George, which is situated in the domain called Maratodis, that two monks have taken refuge there, and one of them has in fact already taken a wife from the locals, while the other lives a secular life, having become a layman.
They themselves assert that they are not from slaves of the domain, but are free men. But even if they have been tied to their situation, it was contrary to God that after receiving the sacrament of the divine office, they should go back to their secular life and clothing.
For that reason I encourage you to take consideration of the eternal judge, and make the monks hand themselves over without delay, so that the strictness of the other monasteries is not weakened by their example, with you at fault (God forbid!). But rather, with the support of your Greatness, let the hope of doing such things be removed from all other monks."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 208.
"And so it has been suggested to us by the abbot of the monastery of Saint George, which is situated in the domain called Maratodis, that two monks have taken refuge there, and one of them has in fact already taken a wife from the locals, while the other lives a secular life, having become a layman.
They themselves assert that they are not from slaves of the domain, but are free men. But even if they have been tied to their situation, it was contrary to God that after receiving the sacrament of the divine office, they should go back to their secular life and clothing.
For that reason I encourage you to take consideration of the eternal judge, and make the monks hand themselves over without delay, so that the strictness of the other monasteries is not weakened by their example, with you at fault (God forbid!). But rather, with the support of your Greatness, let the hope of doing such things be removed from all other monks."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 208.
Sunday 19 December 2010
About Castor
Letter 2,25 - to John, bishop of Ravenna. April 592.
"Your Fraternity showed your compassion, keen before to visit our brother and fellow-bishop Castor, suiting your convenience, and also to receive him afterwards in the city of Ravenna, because of the growing sickness of his body.
Wherefore you have without doubt indebted not just us, for the charity given by you, but God as well. For you have proved that you felt compassion over a brother's illness, and have not only visited him when sick with bodily pains, but also received him at your home.
In fact I myself refused totally to consecrate him there, because of his simple-mindedness. But the insistence of his supporters brought it about that I could in no way speak against him. But if it ca be done, you will greatly benefit me and yourself if you send him down to me even via Sicily, provided you judge that the journey is not painful for him."
"Your Fraternity showed your compassion, keen before to visit our brother and fellow-bishop Castor, suiting your convenience, and also to receive him afterwards in the city of Ravenna, because of the growing sickness of his body.
Wherefore you have without doubt indebted not just us, for the charity given by you, but God as well. For you have proved that you felt compassion over a brother's illness, and have not only visited him when sick with bodily pains, but also received him at your home.
In fact I myself refused totally to consecrate him there, because of his simple-mindedness. But the insistence of his supporters brought it about that I could in no way speak against him. But if it ca be done, you will greatly benefit me and yourself if you send him down to me even via Sicily, provided you judge that the journey is not painful for him."
Thursday 16 December 2010
To A Dear Friend
Letter 2,24 - to Rusticiana. April 592.
"But I was very surprised as to why you have put off your intention the journey you planned, to the holy lands, as well of your vows of a good deed, when it is necessary to complete an act of devotion quickly, if ever a good deed is conceived in one's heart as a gift to the Creator.
Otherwise, while the cunning entrapper strives to ensnare a soul, he at once suggests various obstacles by which one's mind is debilitated, and does not let one's desires reach fulfillment.
For this reason it is necessary for your Excellency to anticipate all the obstacles obstructing the path of holy causes, and to aspire to the rewards of a good deed with every effort of one's heart, so that one may both live with tranquillity in the present age, and may in the future possess a heavenly kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 207.
"But I was very surprised as to why you have put off your intention the journey you planned, to the holy lands, as well of your vows of a good deed, when it is necessary to complete an act of devotion quickly, if ever a good deed is conceived in one's heart as a gift to the Creator.
Otherwise, while the cunning entrapper strives to ensnare a soul, he at once suggests various obstacles by which one's mind is debilitated, and does not let one's desires reach fulfillment.
For this reason it is necessary for your Excellency to anticipate all the obstacles obstructing the path of holy causes, and to aspire to the rewards of a good deed with every effort of one's heart, so that one may both live with tranquillity in the present age, and may in the future possess a heavenly kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 207.
Visiting Churches
Letter 2,23 - to John, bishop, visitor to Nepi. March 592.
"Although we have imposed the task of visiting the church at Naples upon Paul, our brother and fellow-bishop, your Fraternity should not for that reason desist from undertaking the visitation of the church of Nepi, so that when the Easter festival requires it, whatever the solemnity of the sacred rites demands may be fully implemented, with your assistance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:207 .
"Although we have imposed the task of visiting the church at Naples upon Paul, our brother and fellow-bishop, your Fraternity should not for that reason desist from undertaking the visitation of the church of Nepi, so that when the Easter festival requires it, whatever the solemnity of the sacred rites demands may be fully implemented, with your assistance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:207 .
Wednesday 15 December 2010
An Important Ministry
Letter 2,22 - to Benenatus, bishop visiting Cumae. March 592.
"And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them.
He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of the same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of a bishopric, which we believe unlikely.
You will take care before else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 206.
"And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them.
He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of the same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of a bishopric, which we believe unlikely.
You will take care before else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 206.
Tuesday 14 December 2010
The Merit Of Upright Life
Letter 2,21 - to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. March 592.
"Felix, a most distinguished man, who bears this letter, has informed us that there is a priest in those parts who appears worthy of promotion to the rank of bishop, due to the merit of his upright life.
Therefore let your Fraternity arrange for him to be brought before you, and examine him diligently over the danger to his soul, of which I am certain. If your perceive that he deserves to be promoted to this rank, take care to send him to us, so that we can consecrate him bishop over a place that we shall provide for him, with the Lord's disposition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:206 .
"Felix, a most distinguished man, who bears this letter, has informed us that there is a priest in those parts who appears worthy of promotion to the rank of bishop, due to the merit of his upright life.
Therefore let your Fraternity arrange for him to be brought before you, and examine him diligently over the danger to his soul, of which I am certain. If your perceive that he deserves to be promoted to this rank, take care to send him to us, so that we can consecrate him bishop over a place that we shall provide for him, with the Lord's disposition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:206 .
Monday 13 December 2010
On Correspondence
Letter 2,20 - to Jobinus, praetorian prefect of Illyria. March 592.
"Although the rarity of letter-carriers, due to the enemy's occupation of the route, prevents us from delivering our offices of paternal love, yet whenever the occasion arises, we do not hesitate to visit your Excellency with exchanges of letters, so that those whose appearance we cannot see in our presence, we are able to look at to some extent with alternating correspondence.
And so we rejoice that our Lord has been willing to take care of an afflicted province, through the government of your Eminence, so that what he ulcerates on the one hand with the scourge of the barbarian devastation, on the other hand He may cure through your Eminence, as if through some added good health.
Pay attention therefore to the dignity bestowed on you from the gift alone of the Giver, and from the very administration of the rule granted to you, make your Creator more easily appeased towards you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 205.
"Although the rarity of letter-carriers, due to the enemy's occupation of the route, prevents us from delivering our offices of paternal love, yet whenever the occasion arises, we do not hesitate to visit your Excellency with exchanges of letters, so that those whose appearance we cannot see in our presence, we are able to look at to some extent with alternating correspondence.
And so we rejoice that our Lord has been willing to take care of an afflicted province, through the government of your Eminence, so that what he ulcerates on the one hand with the scourge of the barbarian devastation, on the other hand He may cure through your Eminence, as if through some added good health.
Pay attention therefore to the dignity bestowed on you from the gift alone of the Giver, and from the very administration of the rule granted to you, make your Creator more easily appeased towards you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 205.
Sunday 12 December 2010
The Case of Honoratus
Letter 2,19 - to Sub-deacon Antonius. March 592.
"And so once Honoratus has been reappointed archdeacon, the above mentioned bishop [Natalis], compelled by you, should send a person to us with instructions, who with allegations of proof could show me that his intention is or was just.
But we also order the same archdeacon to come to us, so that we can decide whichever is just, whichever pleases almighty God, once we know the assertions of each party. For we do not defend anyone because of personal affection, but preserve the rule of justice, with God's authority, disregarding our acceptance of any individual.
You will however take care to entrust Malchus, our brother and fellow-bishop, to a person providing surety, so that he can come to us as quickly as possible, and putting aside all delay and postponement, can give and account of his actions and then return home with full security."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 204 .
"And so once Honoratus has been reappointed archdeacon, the above mentioned bishop [Natalis], compelled by you, should send a person to us with instructions, who with allegations of proof could show me that his intention is or was just.
But we also order the same archdeacon to come to us, so that we can decide whichever is just, whichever pleases almighty God, once we know the assertions of each party. For we do not defend anyone because of personal affection, but preserve the rule of justice, with God's authority, disregarding our acceptance of any individual.
You will however take care to entrust Malchus, our brother and fellow-bishop, to a person providing surety, so that he can come to us as quickly as possible, and putting aside all delay and postponement, can give and account of his actions and then return home with full security."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 204 .
Thursday 9 December 2010
An Explanatory Letter
Letter 2,18 - to all the bishops appointed in Dalmatia. March 592.
"We have already warned him [bishop Natalis] with so many letters, but so far he has remained persistently obstinate. Therefore we have taken care with another letter directed to him, to advise him through the bearer of this letter to replace his Archdeacon Honoratus in his former position, as soon as the bearer of this letter joins him.
If his heart is still obstinate, perhaps, and he arrogantly puts off recalling him to the same rank, because of his repeated displays of arrogance, we have ordered him to be deprived of the use of the pallium, which was conceded to him by his see. If however even after losing the pallium, he still perseveres with the same obstinacy, we have ordered that he be removed from participation also in the body and blood of our Lord.
For it is fair that he should feel us harsh in our justice, given that he has despised us when complaint toward him from affection. We therefore do not even now deviate from the path of whose fault was not at all clear to us, has been restored to his proper position, which the above-mentioned bishop has despised.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 203.
"We have already warned him [bishop Natalis] with so many letters, but so far he has remained persistently obstinate. Therefore we have taken care with another letter directed to him, to advise him through the bearer of this letter to replace his Archdeacon Honoratus in his former position, as soon as the bearer of this letter joins him.
If his heart is still obstinate, perhaps, and he arrogantly puts off recalling him to the same rank, because of his repeated displays of arrogance, we have ordered him to be deprived of the use of the pallium, which was conceded to him by his see. If however even after losing the pallium, he still perseveres with the same obstinacy, we have ordered that he be removed from participation also in the body and blood of our Lord.
For it is fair that he should feel us harsh in our justice, given that he has despised us when complaint toward him from affection. We therefore do not even now deviate from the path of whose fault was not at all clear to us, has been restored to his proper position, which the above-mentioned bishop has despised.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 203.
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Polite But Angree
Letter 2,17 - to natalis, bishop of Salona. March 592.
I have learnt from many people coming from your city, dearest brother, that you have abandoned your pastoral care and are busy with nothing except for banquets.
But I would not believe what I heard, without the proofs that your actions provide.
For it has been proved that you in no way study the holy text, in no way pay attention to preaching, but rather ignore even the very custom of the ecclesiastical order, because you do not know how to show reverence to those placed over you.
For you were prohibited by a letter from my predecessor, of holy memory, from nurturing in your heart the pain of such a long resentment against your archdeacon, Honoratus, and you were strongly forbidden by me also from doing this. For you both neglected the commandments of God and despised what we wrote, trying to degrade the aforesaid Archdeacon Honoratus, under the clever pretext of promoting him to a higher rank. Thereby it has turned out that, with his removal from the position of archdeacon, you invited someone else who could comply with your way of life, when the aforesaid man displeased you in no way, except that he prohibited you from giving sacred vessels and garments to your parents.
But I know, and my predecessor of holy memory then, wanted to examine this case with a meticulous investigation. But you, conscious of what you have done, have putt off sending a person with instructions for the trail. Therefore let you Fraternity recover from the error of your wrongdoing, especially after so many repeated warnings, and as soon as you receive my letter, replace the aforesaid Honoratus in his office.
But if by change you put it off, know that your use of the pallium, granted to you by this see, is removed from you.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
I have learnt from many people coming from your city, dearest brother, that you have abandoned your pastoral care and are busy with nothing except for banquets.
But I would not believe what I heard, without the proofs that your actions provide.
For it has been proved that you in no way study the holy text, in no way pay attention to preaching, but rather ignore even the very custom of the ecclesiastical order, because you do not know how to show reverence to those placed over you.
For you were prohibited by a letter from my predecessor, of holy memory, from nurturing in your heart the pain of such a long resentment against your archdeacon, Honoratus, and you were strongly forbidden by me also from doing this. For you both neglected the commandments of God and despised what we wrote, trying to degrade the aforesaid Archdeacon Honoratus, under the clever pretext of promoting him to a higher rank. Thereby it has turned out that, with his removal from the position of archdeacon, you invited someone else who could comply with your way of life, when the aforesaid man displeased you in no way, except that he prohibited you from giving sacred vessels and garments to your parents.
But I know, and my predecessor of holy memory then, wanted to examine this case with a meticulous investigation. But you, conscious of what you have done, have putt off sending a person with instructions for the trail. Therefore let you Fraternity recover from the error of your wrongdoing, especially after so many repeated warnings, and as soon as you receive my letter, replace the aforesaid Honoratus in his office.
But if by change you put it off, know that your use of the pallium, granted to you by this see, is removed from you.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Your Appointment
Letter 2,16 - to Bishop Paulinus. 29 February 592.
"We want you to know that we have written to our brother and fellow bishop Maximian, to put your Fraternity in charge of the church of Lipari on our authority, and it is necessary for you to obey him in all ways.
We bid you to devote yourself properly to the interests of that church, and we want you to complete without delay everything which you recognize as needful for its benefits. But you will visit the church of Taurum whenever you believe it an opportune time."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
"We want you to know that we have written to our brother and fellow bishop Maximian, to put your Fraternity in charge of the church of Lipari on our authority, and it is necessary for you to obey him in all ways.
We bid you to devote yourself properly to the interests of that church, and we want you to complete without delay everything which you recognize as needful for its benefits. But you will visit the church of Taurum whenever you believe it an opportune time."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
No Vacancy
Letter 2,14 - to Maximian, Bishop of Syracuse. 29 February 592.
"A church in fortified places ought not to be without the office of a pastor. Since therefore the church of Lipari is known to lack a bishop, for that reason let your Fraternity decide that Paulinus, bishop of the church of Taurum, should be in charge of the aforesaid church of Lipari, to show the administration of this office with vigilance in that same church, and not cease to arrange whatever he learns to be suitable for its benefits."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
"A church in fortified places ought not to be without the office of a pastor. Since therefore the church of Lipari is known to lack a bishop, for that reason let your Fraternity decide that Paulinus, bishop of the church of Taurum, should be in charge of the aforesaid church of Lipari, to show the administration of this office with vigilance in that same church, and not cease to arrange whatever he learns to be suitable for its benefits."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
Friday 26 November 2010
Seeking Safety
Letter 2,13 - to John, bishop of Velletri. February 592.
"The nature of this time warns us to transfer the sees of bishops, established in certain cities long ago, to other places in the same diocese, which we think more secure, where the inhabitants might now be sent and the barbarian danger might be more easily avoided."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 200 .
"The nature of this time warns us to transfer the sees of bishops, established in certain cities long ago, to other places in the same diocese, which we think more secure, where the inhabitants might now be sent and the barbarian danger might be more easily avoided."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 200 .
An Appointment
Letter 2,12 - to bischop Importunus. January 592.
"Because we know that the church of Saint Mary, which is called Piso's, lying in your parish, is without a priest, we have certainly appointed the bearer of this letter, Dominic, to be in charge as priest in that same church.
For that reason your Fraternity should see to it that the profits of that church are provided to him without delay, and see that the revenues of the tenth indiction already received are restored to the man mentioned above, without delay, so that with God's help he can carefully obtain the benefits of the same church, from which his profits derive."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 200.
"Because we know that the church of Saint Mary, which is called Piso's, lying in your parish, is without a priest, we have certainly appointed the bearer of this letter, Dominic, to be in charge as priest in that same church.
For that reason your Fraternity should see to it that the profits of that church are provided to him without delay, and see that the revenues of the tenth indiction already received are restored to the man mentioned above, without delay, so that with God's help he can carefully obtain the benefits of the same church, from which his profits derive."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 200.
Thursday 25 November 2010
A New Oratory
Letter 2,11 - to Castor, bishop of Rimini. january 592.
"Themotea, an illustrious lady, has informed us with the notification of a petition (which is appended hereto) that she has founded an oratory within the city of Rimini in a place owned by her, for the sake of her own devotion, and she desires it to be consecrated in honor of the holy cross.
For that reason, dearest brethren, if the aforesaid construction is consistent with your city's regulations, and it is certain that no corpse has been buried there, you will solemnly consecrate the aforesaid oratory, without public masses.
But first receive the legal donation, that is eight twelfths of her whole property, all goods movable and fixed and self-moving (slaves excepted), their usufruct retained by her for all her days of her life, as registered with the municipal administration.
Let is be done in such a way that no baptistery is built in the same place, at some future date, and you do not incardinate a priest there."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 199.
"Themotea, an illustrious lady, has informed us with the notification of a petition (which is appended hereto) that she has founded an oratory within the city of Rimini in a place owned by her, for the sake of her own devotion, and she desires it to be consecrated in honor of the holy cross.
For that reason, dearest brethren, if the aforesaid construction is consistent with your city's regulations, and it is certain that no corpse has been buried there, you will solemnly consecrate the aforesaid oratory, without public masses.
But first receive the legal donation, that is eight twelfths of her whole property, all goods movable and fixed and self-moving (slaves excepted), their usufruct retained by her for all her days of her life, as registered with the municipal administration.
Let is be done in such a way that no baptistery is built in the same place, at some future date, and you do not incardinate a priest there."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 199.
Wednesday 24 November 2010
A Fair Warning
Letter 2,10 - to the clergy, senate and people living in Nepi. Januari 592.
"We advise your Beloved with the present letter that you should show obedience to him [Leontius] in every way, nor should anyone among you think that he may be scorned, since he handles things for your advantage.
For anyone who opposes his harmonious arrangements is considered to be resisting our command. Yet whoever listens to him in these matters mentioned above, will be listening to us. But if anyone thinks that he may be scorned after this warming of ours, which we do not think likely, he should know that it would most certainly place him in danger."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 199.
"We advise your Beloved with the present letter that you should show obedience to him [Leontius] in every way, nor should anyone among you think that he may be scorned, since he handles things for your advantage.
For anyone who opposes his harmonious arrangements is considered to be resisting our command. Yet whoever listens to him in these matters mentioned above, will be listening to us. But if anyone thinks that he may be scorned after this warming of ours, which we do not think likely, he should know that it would most certainly place him in danger."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 199.
Tuesday 23 November 2010
Fruits Of Your Words
Letter 2,9 - to Paul, bishop of Naples. December 591.
"If we administer the priestly office undertaken by us fearlessly, we shall without doubt receive both the help of God and the love of our spiritual sons. On account of this, let your Fraternity be keen to reveal yourself in all affairs, in such a way that the opinion which the clergy of the city of Naples has of you, like that of the nobility and people, may be reinforced by an increase in your goodness.
And so you ought to restrict your occupation to an assiduous encouragement of the aforesaid people. Thus the divine farmer may collect in his granaries the fruit of your word, which you have harvested from them."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 198.
"If we administer the priestly office undertaken by us fearlessly, we shall without doubt receive both the help of God and the love of our spiritual sons. On account of this, let your Fraternity be keen to reveal yourself in all affairs, in such a way that the opinion which the clergy of the city of Naples has of you, like that of the nobility and people, may be reinforced by an increase in your goodness.
And so you ought to restrict your occupation to an assiduous encouragement of the aforesaid people. Thus the divine farmer may collect in his granaries the fruit of your word, which you have harvested from them."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 198.
Monday 22 November 2010
On a New Bishop
Letter 2,8 - to the clergy, senate and people living at Naples. December 591.
" We congratulate you for having tested him [Paul] our so thoroughly, during just a few days, that you desire to have him incardinated as a bishop.
But because in very important matters a decision ought not to be hasty, we shall determine presently what should be done, with mature deliberation and the help of Christ.
As for you, it will become clearer to you after a period of time what sort of person he shows himself to be. And for that reason, most beloved sons, obey the aforesaid man, if you truly love him, and come to him with devoted minds and in a peaceful meeting.
Thus the enemy, flying around to do harm, cannot find in any of you a way by which to infiltrate and break up your unanimity."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 198.
" We congratulate you for having tested him [Paul] our so thoroughly, during just a few days, that you desire to have him incardinated as a bishop.
But because in very important matters a decision ought not to be hasty, we shall determine presently what should be done, with mature deliberation and the help of Christ.
As for you, it will become clearer to you after a period of time what sort of person he shows himself to be. And for that reason, most beloved sons, obey the aforesaid man, if you truly love him, and come to him with devoted minds and in a peaceful meeting.
Thus the enemy, flying around to do harm, cannot find in any of you a way by which to infiltrate and break up your unanimity."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 198.
Friday 19 November 2010
On Sick Priests
Letter 2,7 - to Candidus, bishop of Orvieto. December 591.
"When a bodily apoplexy occurs, whether for purging or for punishment (God's judgement is not recognized in this), we ought not to add affliction on those tormented, in case displeasure over their failing (Heaven forbid!) should fall on us.
The bearer of this letter, Calumniosus, asserts that, because of this seizure that he suffers, those goods customarily given to him by your church are being denied to him. And so we encourage your Fraternity with the present letter, to ensure that this sickness should not impede him at all in receiving what is customary for him, because with very different people in our Church fighting for God, various infirmities often arise, as you well know.
And if they are deterred by this example, you will no longer be able to find anyone to fight for the Church. But in accordance with that place's status, let your Fraternity contemplate divine judgement, and not cease to provide for him as a sick man, with what whatever could by provided for him as a sick man, with what whatever could be provided for him, if healthy, from the church's meager income."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 197.
"When a bodily apoplexy occurs, whether for purging or for punishment (God's judgement is not recognized in this), we ought not to add affliction on those tormented, in case displeasure over their failing (Heaven forbid!) should fall on us.
The bearer of this letter, Calumniosus, asserts that, because of this seizure that he suffers, those goods customarily given to him by your church are being denied to him. And so we encourage your Fraternity with the present letter, to ensure that this sickness should not impede him at all in receiving what is customary for him, because with very different people in our Church fighting for God, various infirmities often arise, as you well know.
And if they are deterred by this example, you will no longer be able to find anyone to fight for the Church. But in accordance with that place's status, let your Fraternity contemplate divine judgement, and not cease to provide for him as a sick man, with what whatever could by provided for him as a sick man, with what whatever could be provided for him, if healthy, from the church's meager income."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 197.
On Constructing A Church
Letter 2,6 - to Felix, bishop of Messina, on constructing a church. October 5th, 591.
"Januarius, deacon of the church of Messina, has informed us in the notification of a petition, which appears in an appendix, that as a mark of his own devotion, he has founded a basilica in the city of Messina, which he wants to be consecrated in honor of Saints Stephen, Pancras and Euplus.
For that reason, my dearest brother, if this place legally belongs to your city, and it is certain that no corpse is buried there, first of all receive the legitimate donation, that is to say from today, ten gold coins a year free of imperial tribute, and from the rest of his property let him just retain the usufruct.
Inquire carefully into all of this, to see that the amount of that income which is offered, or what he will leave at the time of his death, is sufficient for the repair of buildings, for the lighting, and also for the sustenance of servants, from an annual payment, the generous gift itself being registered with the municipal administration.
But if what we have said is not implemented through your Solicitude, you should not doubt that you or your heirs will satisfy the church' s requirements from your own property, for any difference.
And so with these provisions, let this prayed-for benediction proceed."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 196.
"Januarius, deacon of the church of Messina, has informed us in the notification of a petition, which appears in an appendix, that as a mark of his own devotion, he has founded a basilica in the city of Messina, which he wants to be consecrated in honor of Saints Stephen, Pancras and Euplus.
For that reason, my dearest brother, if this place legally belongs to your city, and it is certain that no corpse is buried there, first of all receive the legitimate donation, that is to say from today, ten gold coins a year free of imperial tribute, and from the rest of his property let him just retain the usufruct.
Inquire carefully into all of this, to see that the amount of that income which is offered, or what he will leave at the time of his death, is sufficient for the repair of buildings, for the lighting, and also for the sustenance of servants, from an annual payment, the generous gift itself being registered with the municipal administration.
But if what we have said is not implemented through your Solicitude, you should not doubt that you or your heirs will satisfy the church' s requirements from your own property, for any difference.
And so with these provisions, let this prayed-for benediction proceed."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 196.
Thursday 18 November 2010
Delegated Authority
Letter 2,5 - to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. October 591.
"And so we decree that you, Maximian, a most reverend man, my brother and fellow-bishop, should be in charge of all the
churches in Sicily, representing the apostolic see, so that anyone there rated as clergy should be subject to your Fraternity, on our authority.
Afterwards it would thus not be necessary for them to come to us for trivial reasons, by sailing over such great expanses of sea.
But if perchance difficulties are arising anywhere, which can in no way be settled by a judgment of your Fraternity, let these and these alone demand our judgment, so that when we are freed from minor cases, we can occupy ourselves more effectively in solving major ones."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 196.
"And so we decree that you, Maximian, a most reverend man, my brother and fellow-bishop, should be in charge of all the
churches in Sicily, representing the apostolic see, so that anyone there rated as clergy should be subject to your Fraternity, on our authority.
Afterwards it would thus not be necessary for them to come to us for trivial reasons, by sailing over such great expanses of sea.
But if perchance difficulties are arising anywhere, which can in no way be settled by a judgment of your Fraternity, let these and these alone demand our judgment, so that when we are freed from minor cases, we can occupy ourselves more effectively in solving major ones."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 196.
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Soldiers Preparing For Battle
Letter 2,4 - to Velox, military commander, on the persecution of Ariulf. September 591.
"We certainly told your Glory some time ago that soldiers were ready to go there. But since your letter had signified that enemy troops had collected here also, and were on the move, that was the reason why we kept ours here. But now it seems useful for some soldiers to be transported there, and your Glory should be keen to advise and encourage them to be prepared for hard work.
And if you have a change, have a talk with our glorious sons, Maurice and Vitalian, and do whatever remains for you to do for the good of the Republic, with the help of God. If you learn that the unmentionable Ariulf is escaping, either here or in the region of Ravenna, then take action at his rear in such a way as is fitting for brave men, so that the fame you get from the quality of your hard work may bring greater benefits for the republic, with the help of God."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:195 .
"We certainly told your Glory some time ago that soldiers were ready to go there. But since your letter had signified that enemy troops had collected here also, and were on the move, that was the reason why we kept ours here. But now it seems useful for some soldiers to be transported there, and your Glory should be keen to advise and encourage them to be prepared for hard work.
And if you have a change, have a talk with our glorious sons, Maurice and Vitalian, and do whatever remains for you to do for the good of the Republic, with the help of God. If you learn that the unmentionable Ariulf is escaping, either here or in the region of Ravenna, then take action at his rear in such a way as is fitting for brave men, so that the fame you get from the quality of your hard work may bring greater benefits for the republic, with the help of God."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:195 .
A Warning
Letter 2,3 - to the clergy, nobility, senate and people living at Naples. September 591.
"Although the sincere devotion of its spiritual sons towards their mother Church might need no exhortation, nevertheless, to prevent it from thinking that it should be neglected, this devotion ought to be stimulated with an epistolary exhortation.
Because of this I approach your Beloved with a warning of fatherly love, that we should give thanks unanimously to our redeemer with tears in our eyes, as he has not allowed you to go astray under such a corrupt preacher, but has made public the sins of an unworthy priest.
For Demetrius, who had not earned the name of bishop beforehand, has been found to be implicated in business dealings of such magnitude and of such a kind, that if he had been judged without pity, in accordance with the nature of his crimes, he should have been punished without doubt by divine and human laws with an extremely cruel death."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 195.
"Although the sincere devotion of its spiritual sons towards their mother Church might need no exhortation, nevertheless, to prevent it from thinking that it should be neglected, this devotion ought to be stimulated with an epistolary exhortation.
Because of this I approach your Beloved with a warning of fatherly love, that we should give thanks unanimously to our redeemer with tears in our eyes, as he has not allowed you to go astray under such a corrupt preacher, but has made public the sins of an unworthy priest.
For Demetrius, who had not earned the name of bishop beforehand, has been found to be implicated in business dealings of such magnitude and of such a kind, that if he had been judged without pity, in accordance with the nature of his crimes, he should have been punished without doubt by divine and human laws with an extremely cruel death."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 195.
Monday 8 November 2010
The Threat Of A Deadly Epidemic
Letter 2,2 - to Bishop Praejectus. september 591.
"It has come to our attention that in your city, that is Narni, the sins hanging over it are causing a deadly epidemic everywhere. This matter has been all too distressing for us.
Therefore, in greeting your Fraternity, we persuade you most emphatically not to cease for any reason from admonishing and exhorting those Lombards or Romans who live in that place, and especially the pagans and heretics among them, so as to convert them to the true and righteous Catholic faith.
For in this way maybe either heavenly compassion will help in their conversion even in this life, or if they happen to be carried off, they cross over absolved of their sins, which is even more desirable."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 194.
"It has come to our attention that in your city, that is Narni, the sins hanging over it are causing a deadly epidemic everywhere. This matter has been all too distressing for us.
Therefore, in greeting your Fraternity, we persuade you most emphatically not to cease for any reason from admonishing and exhorting those Lombards or Romans who live in that place, and especially the pagans and heretics among them, so as to convert them to the true and righteous Catholic faith.
For in this way maybe either heavenly compassion will help in their conversion even in this life, or if they happen to be carried off, they cross over absolved of their sins, which is even more desirable."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 194.
A Helping Hand
Letter 2,1 - to Gregory's notary Peter. September 591.
"We have learnt that the monastery of the Holy Archangel which was built at Tropeae, has a shortage of provisions, as is indicated by the bearer of this letter. For that reason, your Experience should keep a careful watch over this matter, and if you find that the monks of the same place are conducting themselves well, and it proves abundantly clear that there are those in need among them, then you will hurry in every way to assist them, supporting by this authority, knowing that whatever you provide at our request is to be charged to your account."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 194.
"We have learnt that the monastery of the Holy Archangel which was built at Tropeae, has a shortage of provisions, as is indicated by the bearer of this letter. For that reason, your Experience should keep a careful watch over this matter, and if you find that the monks of the same place are conducting themselves well, and it proves abundantly clear that there are those in need among them, then you will hurry in every way to assist them, supporting by this authority, knowing that whatever you provide at our request is to be charged to your account."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 194.
Sunday 31 October 2010
Discretion But..
Letter 1,82 - to Hilary, notary of Africa. August 591.
"Felicissimus and Vincent, deacons of the church of Lamigenum, presenting a petition that can be seen below, suggested that they had suffered a serious injustice at the hands of Argentius, bishop of the same city. In return for bribes, they said, Donastists had been put above them in their churches, and they recalled that among other wrongdoings, the bishop had committed another, serious crime, which it would be wrong to mention.
For the reason we thought that with the letter bearing this instruction, we should enjoin your Experience to commit the aforesaid bishop to a suitable pledge without delay.
Through your initiative a council should be formed according to the local custom and, with a thorough investigation, all things should be looked into, in line with the text of the petition presented, according to canon law and before both parties Whatever is decided by their judgement should be carried out in every detail, with you seeing it through."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 192.
"Felicissimus and Vincent, deacons of the church of Lamigenum, presenting a petition that can be seen below, suggested that they had suffered a serious injustice at the hands of Argentius, bishop of the same city. In return for bribes, they said, Donastists had been put above them in their churches, and they recalled that among other wrongdoings, the bishop had committed another, serious crime, which it would be wrong to mention.
For the reason we thought that with the letter bearing this instruction, we should enjoin your Experience to commit the aforesaid bishop to a suitable pledge without delay.
Through your initiative a council should be formed according to the local custom and, with a thorough investigation, all things should be looked into, in line with the text of the petition presented, according to canon law and before both parties Whatever is decided by their judgement should be carried out in every detail, with you seeing it through."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 192.
In Need Of A Reprimand
Letter 1,81 - to Januarius, archbishop of Cagliari in Sardinia. August 591.
"Liberatus, about whom your Fraternity has spoken to us, and who is said to hold the office of deacon, if he was not incardinated by your predecessor, ought not to be put in charge of the deacons appointed by you for any reason, in case you seem to be critical of those whom you are known to have approved of by consecrating them, by somehow putting them under him.
And so at every instant restrain the aforesaid Liberatus from the depravity of his intention, as a spirit of ambition inspires him and he is in need of a reprimand.
Arrange for him to stand last among the deacons, in case while he strives illegally to put himself above them, he is judged undeserving of the rank which he now holds.
Yet if you were to be attracted by his obedience, and you wanted to incardinate him after this, remember that you must abstain from his incardination, unless he has earned the agreement of his bishop, as is the usual custom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 192.
"Liberatus, about whom your Fraternity has spoken to us, and who is said to hold the office of deacon, if he was not incardinated by your predecessor, ought not to be put in charge of the deacons appointed by you for any reason, in case you seem to be critical of those whom you are known to have approved of by consecrating them, by somehow putting them under him.
And so at every instant restrain the aforesaid Liberatus from the depravity of his intention, as a spirit of ambition inspires him and he is in need of a reprimand.
Arrange for him to stand last among the deacons, in case while he strives illegally to put himself above them, he is judged undeserving of the rank which he now holds.
Yet if you were to be attracted by his obedience, and you wanted to incardinate him after this, remember that you must abstain from his incardination, unless he has earned the agreement of his bishop, as is the usual custom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 192.
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Differences on Money
Letter 1,80 - to Laurence, bishop of Milan. August 591.
"Receiving the letter of your Fraternity, I offered thanks to almighty God for relieving me with a longed for report of your good health. But you tell me that a certain quantity of money has been raised from the revenue of the patrimony of the Sicilian province, by the right of the sacred church over which you preside with God's authority, for the reason that at the same time, the revenue of the patrimony of your church was being collected by agents of the holy Roman Church.
And so it was necessary, you said, in accordance with the tenor of the letter sent by you, to examine the sum of money received and entered, and to track down the value of the whole account with care.
After examining this, it has been alleged that nothing was refunded to your church from the holy Roman Church.
But while your deacon, Constantius, has alleged something different to what had been argued by our people. the examination of the business became doubtful, and it could be aired more precisely if there were a person who could settle something firmly.
Therefore, it is necessary for your Sanctity to nominate a person over this matter, with whose help the Roman Church should settle something definitely."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 191.
"Receiving the letter of your Fraternity, I offered thanks to almighty God for relieving me with a longed for report of your good health. But you tell me that a certain quantity of money has been raised from the revenue of the patrimony of the Sicilian province, by the right of the sacred church over which you preside with God's authority, for the reason that at the same time, the revenue of the patrimony of your church was being collected by agents of the holy Roman Church.
And so it was necessary, you said, in accordance with the tenor of the letter sent by you, to examine the sum of money received and entered, and to track down the value of the whole account with care.
After examining this, it has been alleged that nothing was refunded to your church from the holy Roman Church.
But while your deacon, Constantius, has alleged something different to what had been argued by our people. the examination of the business became doubtful, and it could be aired more precisely if there were a person who could settle something firmly.
Therefore, it is necessary for your Sanctity to nominate a person over this matter, with whose help the Roman Church should settle something definitely."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 191.
Monday 25 October 2010
For The Good Of Your Souls
Letter 1,79 - to the clergy and nobility of Corsica. Two equal letters. August 591.
"Although you yourselves are not upset that a church of God has been without a bishop for a very long time now, yet the care of the office we have undertaken compels us to think about its governing, and our affection for your Beloved selves very much obliges us to do so, knowing that the good of your souls depends at the same time on its proper guidance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 191.
"Although you yourselves are not upset that a church of God has been without a bishop for a very long time now, yet the care of the office we have undertaken compels us to think about its governing, and our affection for your Beloved selves very much obliges us to do so, knowing that the good of your souls depends at the same time on its proper guidance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 191.
Church Matters
Letter 1,78 - to the clergy, senate and people residing by the church of Bevagna. August 591.
"Whenever some matter is entrusted to several people to deal with, while each has a different view from the others, the door is opened to losses of money, rather that to profits. Foreseeing this, and so that is cannot happen at your church, we have decided that the church's care and profits should be entrusted to the priest Honoratus, for the present, so that the goods and services of the church can be looked after and guarded in every way by him."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
"Whenever some matter is entrusted to several people to deal with, while each has a different view from the others, the door is opened to losses of money, rather that to profits. Foreseeing this, and so that is cannot happen at your church, we have decided that the church's care and profits should be entrusted to the priest Honoratus, for the present, so that the goods and services of the church can be looked after and guarded in every way by him."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
Thursday 21 October 2010
Your Appointment
Letter 1,77 - to Martin, bishop in Corsica. August 591.
"We ought to lend a kindly ear to those asking for justice, so that those seeking remedies find what they hoped for, and the pastor's concern does not fail the Church.
The church of Tania, in which your Fraternity has long been decked with priestly honor, has been so occupied and torn apart by the enemy's ferocity, due to our sins, that no hope remains of returning there any more.
So with this authority we have appointed you without hesitation as incardinate priest to the church of Aleria, that has long since been destitute of the support of its bishop, in line with the manner of your request.
Therefore, dispose and organize these things in accordance with all the precepts of the Church canons, with vigilant care and in fear of God, so that your Fraternity is glad to have obtained its desires, and that the church of God is filled with the reciprocal joy, seeing that you have become its incardinate bishop."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
"We ought to lend a kindly ear to those asking for justice, so that those seeking remedies find what they hoped for, and the pastor's concern does not fail the Church.
The church of Tania, in which your Fraternity has long been decked with priestly honor, has been so occupied and torn apart by the enemy's ferocity, due to our sins, that no hope remains of returning there any more.
So with this authority we have appointed you without hesitation as incardinate priest to the church of Aleria, that has long since been destitute of the support of its bishop, in line with the manner of your request.
Therefore, dispose and organize these things in accordance with all the precepts of the Church canons, with vigilant care and in fear of God, so that your Fraternity is glad to have obtained its desires, and that the church of God is filled with the reciprocal joy, seeing that you have become its incardinate bishop."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Pastoral Care
Letter 1,76 - to Leo, bishop in Corsica. August 591.
"Pastoral care obliges us to help a church bereft of a priest's guidance with concerned care. And since we recognize that the church of Saona has been totally destitute for many years, since the death of its bishop, we have thought that the task of visiting it should be imposed on your Fraternity, as fas as its usefulness can be completed by your arrangements.
And in that church also and its parishes, we grant you the freedom to ordain deacons and priests. But with regard to them, be keen to examine them quite diligently, to ensure that none of them should be rejected by the sacred canons.
But those whom your Fraternity sees as worthy of such great ministry, recognizing their morals and actions as being in accord with this ordination, let it freely promote to the aforesaid office, with the permission of our authority."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 189.
"Pastoral care obliges us to help a church bereft of a priest's guidance with concerned care. And since we recognize that the church of Saona has been totally destitute for many years, since the death of its bishop, we have thought that the task of visiting it should be imposed on your Fraternity, as fas as its usefulness can be completed by your arrangements.
And in that church also and its parishes, we grant you the freedom to ordain deacons and priests. But with regard to them, be keen to examine them quite diligently, to ensure that none of them should be rejected by the sacred canons.
But those whom your Fraternity sees as worthy of such great ministry, recognizing their morals and actions as being in accord with this ordination, let it freely promote to the aforesaid office, with the permission of our authority."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 189.
Dearest Brethren
Letter 1,75 - to all the bishops of Numidia. August 591.
"You requested from our predecessor of blessed memory that all the customs of previous times should be preserved for you, which he preserved over a long past, from the very first regulations of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, right up to now.
And we indeed, in accordance with the sequence of your review, allow any custom to remain unchanged, provided however that it is known to employ nothing contrary to the Catholic faith, whether about the election of primates and the other chapters, except for those which affect the episcopate from the Donatists, whom we prohibit in every way from being promoted to the rank of primate, even though their clergy might raise them to this position.
Rather let it suffice for them just to take care of the common people entrusted to them, but not even to go before those bishops whom the Catholic faith has taught in the bosom of the Church, and has brought forth for the culmination, which is becoming a primate.
You therefore, dearest brethren, anticipate our admonitions with the zeal of your love for the Lord, knowing that a very strict judge is going to be brought down to examine all we are doing, and he will approve of each one of us not for the privilege of a more sublime rank, but for the merits of our deeds."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 188.
"You requested from our predecessor of blessed memory that all the customs of previous times should be preserved for you, which he preserved over a long past, from the very first regulations of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, right up to now.
And we indeed, in accordance with the sequence of your review, allow any custom to remain unchanged, provided however that it is known to employ nothing contrary to the Catholic faith, whether about the election of primates and the other chapters, except for those which affect the episcopate from the Donatists, whom we prohibit in every way from being promoted to the rank of primate, even though their clergy might raise them to this position.
Rather let it suffice for them just to take care of the common people entrusted to them, but not even to go before those bishops whom the Catholic faith has taught in the bosom of the Church, and has brought forth for the culmination, which is becoming a primate.
You therefore, dearest brethren, anticipate our admonitions with the zeal of your love for the Lord, knowing that a very strict judge is going to be brought down to examine all we are doing, and he will approve of each one of us not for the privilege of a more sublime rank, but for the merits of our deeds."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 188.
Monday 11 October 2010
Compliments
Letter 1,74 - to Gaudiosus, a general in Africa. August 591.
"Just as the light of a lamp spreads through the areas bordering it wherever it shines, even so the honesty of some person's good actions is recognized not only in the place where he spends his time, but also through various provinces, spread by his fame. And so since no sign of his presence can exist therein, the circulation of good report effects what the truth of the matter could have shown, if he were present.
For we have learnt that various judges, sent out to take administer the province of Africa, admire your Glory with a very great affection. This would not result, unless the sincerity of your mind were apparent among the same judges, so that they arranged the administration received by them with the participation of your counsel.
For this we give very great thanks to the Lord, as when we realize that the provinces have such fine inhabitants of their own, who are strong with innate nobility and stick close to men in power, and provide a remedy for their provincials, while making use of opportunities as they arise."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 188.
"Just as the light of a lamp spreads through the areas bordering it wherever it shines, even so the honesty of some person's good actions is recognized not only in the place where he spends his time, but also through various provinces, spread by his fame. And so since no sign of his presence can exist therein, the circulation of good report effects what the truth of the matter could have shown, if he were present.
For we have learnt that various judges, sent out to take administer the province of Africa, admire your Glory with a very great affection. This would not result, unless the sincerity of your mind were apparent among the same judges, so that they arranged the administration received by them with the participation of your counsel.
For this we give very great thanks to the Lord, as when we realize that the provinces have such fine inhabitants of their own, who are strong with innate nobility and stick close to men in power, and provide a remedy for their provincials, while making use of opportunities as they arise."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 188.
Thursday 7 October 2010
Glorious Victories
Letter 1,73 - to Gennadius, patrician and exarch of Africa. August 591.
"But when you anticipate future victories, the gift of God, not by earthly foresight but rather by your prayers, it comes about that this turns to amazement, seeing that your glory derives nor from earthly counsel, but from God bestowing it from above.
For where does loquacious praise of your merits not spread, which would speak of wars you frequently rush into, not from a desire to pour men's blood, but for the sake of extending the republic's domain, in which we see the worship of God, so that the name of Christ spreads in every direction through the subject nations, by preaching the faith. For just as external works of virtue make you distinguished in this life, even so internal moral distinctions, proceeding from a pure heart, glorify you in a future life with a heavenly participation in joys.
For we have learnt that your Excellency has been responsible in many ways with your services for pasturing the sheep of the blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, in such a way that you have restored some large sections of his patrimony, stripped bare by their own farmers, the prisoner-of-war tenants to whom it had been granted.
And whatever benefits you confer upon him with that most Christian mind, you ensure compensation for them in terms of hope, with our future judge."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 187.
"But when you anticipate future victories, the gift of God, not by earthly foresight but rather by your prayers, it comes about that this turns to amazement, seeing that your glory derives nor from earthly counsel, but from God bestowing it from above.
For where does loquacious praise of your merits not spread, which would speak of wars you frequently rush into, not from a desire to pour men's blood, but for the sake of extending the republic's domain, in which we see the worship of God, so that the name of Christ spreads in every direction through the subject nations, by preaching the faith. For just as external works of virtue make you distinguished in this life, even so internal moral distinctions, proceeding from a pure heart, glorify you in a future life with a heavenly participation in joys.
For we have learnt that your Excellency has been responsible in many ways with your services for pasturing the sheep of the blessed Peter, prince of the apostles, in such a way that you have restored some large sections of his patrimony, stripped bare by their own farmers, the prisoner-of-war tenants to whom it had been granted.
And whatever benefits you confer upon him with that most Christian mind, you ensure compensation for them in terms of hope, with our future judge."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 187.
Monday 4 October 2010
Victory Over Enemies
Letter 1,72 - to Gennadius, patrician and exarch of Africa. August 591.
"Just as the Lord has made your Excellency shine in this life with the brightness of your victories in wars against our enemy, even so you should oppose the enemies of his Church with all the force of your mind and body, so that from both triumphs your fame shines forth more and more, as you both earnestly resist adversaries to the Catholic Church in public wars, for the sake of the Christian people, and bravely fight ecclesiastical battles like a warrior for the Lord.
For it is known that men of heretical religion, if they are given the license to do harm (Heaven forbid!), rise up strongly against the Catholic faith, so as to transfuse the limbs of the Christian body with their own poisonous heresy, to pollute them if they can.
For we know that they are raising their heads against the Catholic Church, with the Lord opposing them, and want to bring down the faith of the Christian name.
But let your Eminence check their attempt, and press down their arrogant necks with the yoke of rectitude."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 186.
"Just as the Lord has made your Excellency shine in this life with the brightness of your victories in wars against our enemy, even so you should oppose the enemies of his Church with all the force of your mind and body, so that from both triumphs your fame shines forth more and more, as you both earnestly resist adversaries to the Catholic Church in public wars, for the sake of the Christian people, and bravely fight ecclesiastical battles like a warrior for the Lord.
For it is known that men of heretical religion, if they are given the license to do harm (Heaven forbid!), rise up strongly against the Catholic faith, so as to transfuse the limbs of the Christian body with their own poisonous heresy, to pollute them if they can.
For we know that they are raising their heads against the Catholic Church, with the Lord opposing them, and want to bring down the faith of the Christian name.
But let your Eminence check their attempt, and press down their arrogant necks with the yoke of rectitude."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 186.
Saturday 2 October 2010
Truth And Rights
Letter 1,71 - to Sub-deacon Peter in Sicily. August 591
"The more other churches show reverence to the apostolic see, the more it ought to be concerned over their protection. And they say that houses and properties which legally belong to the rights of the church of Taormina have been occupied by agents of our Church, against all reason.
Therefore, with the letter bearing this instruction, we charge your Experience to find out the truth, and if it is so, to restore to the former rights of the aforesaid church all that you have found occupied."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 185.
"The more other churches show reverence to the apostolic see, the more it ought to be concerned over their protection. And they say that houses and properties which legally belong to the rights of the church of Taormina have been occupied by agents of our Church, against all reason.
Therefore, with the letter bearing this instruction, we charge your Experience to find out the truth, and if it is so, to restore to the former rights of the aforesaid church all that you have found occupied."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 185.
Tuesday 28 September 2010
The Import Of Corn
Letter 1,70 - to Subdeacon Peter. August 591.
"But for the fifty pounds of gold, buy new corn from foreign traders and store it in Sicily, in places where it will not perish, so that in the month of February we may send many ships there as we can, to bring the same corn back to us. But if we are slow in exporting it, provide ships yourself, and with the help op the Lord, transport this same corn back to us in the month of February, except of course for the corn which we expect to be exported now, in the month of September or October, following our normal custom.
And so let your Experience do this in such a way that the Church's corn is brought together without annoying any of the farmers. For here the crops was so very small that, unless corn is brought in from Sicily, with God's help, a serious famine threatens. But in every way guard the ships that have always been entrusted to the Holy church. The letters sent to you by the glorious gentleman and ex-consul Leo agree with this also."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 184.
"But for the fifty pounds of gold, buy new corn from foreign traders and store it in Sicily, in places where it will not perish, so that in the month of February we may send many ships there as we can, to bring the same corn back to us. But if we are slow in exporting it, provide ships yourself, and with the help op the Lord, transport this same corn back to us in the month of February, except of course for the corn which we expect to be exported now, in the month of September or October, following our normal custom.
And so let your Experience do this in such a way that the Church's corn is brought together without annoying any of the farmers. For here the crops was so very small that, unless corn is brought in from Sicily, with God's help, a serious famine threatens. But in every way guard the ships that have always been entrusted to the Holy church. The letters sent to you by the glorious gentleman and ex-consul Leo agree with this also."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 184.
Give Help
Letter 1,69 - to Sub-deacon Peter. August 591.
"We ought to provide assistance with kindly intent, as far as reason permits, for those in need, with the help of our recommendation. For that reason we thought that Cyriacus and his wife, Joanna, bearers of this letter, should be recommended by our instruction to your Experience, so that you do not allow them to be oppressed and burdened by anybody, contrary to what is just. Rather, when it is necessary, let them enjoy your consolation, with the approval of justice, so that they may rejoice that our recommendation aids them in all ways, with your support, and equity is preserved."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 183.
"We ought to provide assistance with kindly intent, as far as reason permits, for those in need, with the help of our recommendation. For that reason we thought that Cyriacus and his wife, Joanna, bearers of this letter, should be recommended by our instruction to your Experience, so that you do not allow them to be oppressed and burdened by anybody, contrary to what is just. Rather, when it is necessary, let them enjoy your consolation, with the approval of justice, so that they may rejoice that our recommendation aids them in all ways, with your support, and equity is preserved."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 183.
Monday 27 September 2010
Fraud
Letter 1,68 - to all the bishops of Sicily. August 591.
"We know some men on the island of Sicily who are pretending to be defenders of the apostolic see, but are causing you trouble over transport payments and other matters. We have thought it necessary to put a stop their falseness with the present letter. For that reason we salute your Fraternity with the love owed to it, and warn you very strongly and hereafter no change at all should be left to such men to commit fraud. But whoever that person is, whether in fact a notary or a defender of our see, unless he bears a specific letter from us to you or that of a ruler of our patrimony, he is nog to take control of any transport payments in the name of our Church, nor must you let him impose any burdens on you. Rather, let him arrange his known journey with his own means and at his own expense."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 183.
"We know some men on the island of Sicily who are pretending to be defenders of the apostolic see, but are causing you trouble over transport payments and other matters. We have thought it necessary to put a stop their falseness with the present letter. For that reason we salute your Fraternity with the love owed to it, and warn you very strongly and hereafter no change at all should be left to such men to commit fraud. But whoever that person is, whether in fact a notary or a defender of our see, unless he bears a specific letter from us to you or that of a ruler of our patrimony, he is nog to take control of any transport payments in the name of our Church, nor must you let him impose any burdens on you. Rather, let him arrange his known journey with his own means and at his own expense."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 183.
Hire The Expert
Letter 1,67 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Sicily, August 591.
"Just as it is fitting that it is part of our desire to remove monks from the state's legal system, so that they may piously and wisely pay attention to divine ministries, even so it is necessary for us to arrange with our foresight how their businesses should be settled, so that a mind over-strained through various worries over legal cases should not break down and become dull and weak in the celebration of its usual offices.
And thus the bearer of this letter, the abbot John, has asserted that he has a great deal of business at his monastery. For this reason we ask your Experience with the order in this letter, that you should speak with Faustus, who was court secretary to Romanus, a magnificent gentleman and ex-preator. If your find that he feels favorable to this matter, your ought to commend the business of that monastery generally, and to arrange a salary."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
"Just as it is fitting that it is part of our desire to remove monks from the state's legal system, so that they may piously and wisely pay attention to divine ministries, even so it is necessary for us to arrange with our foresight how their businesses should be settled, so that a mind over-strained through various worries over legal cases should not break down and become dull and weak in the celebration of its usual offices.
And thus the bearer of this letter, the abbot John, has asserted that he has a great deal of business at his monastery. For this reason we ask your Experience with the order in this letter, that you should speak with Faustus, who was court secretary to Romanus, a magnificent gentleman and ex-preator. If your find that he feels favorable to this matter, your ought to commend the business of that monastery generally, and to arrange a salary."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
Sunday 26 September 2010
The Horror Of Stealing
Letter 1,66 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. August 591.
"The chief physician Fuscus, provoked by the ardor of his faith, is pouring out prayers in which he says that the deacon Opilio, as well as Servusdei and Crescentius, clerics of the church of Venafro, having forgotten their fear of the coming judgment, have sold holy treasures from the aforesaid church to some Jew, dreadful to relate. This consists of two chalices in silver, two crown lamps on dolphins, and lilies from other lamps, along with six larger and smaller hangings.
For that reason your Experience will soon receive the present order, suggesting that you should make the above-mentioned priests come to you quickly without delay. After you have found out the truth, if it turns out as has been suggested, ensure that the aforesaid Jew, who presumed to buy the sacred treasures, forgetting the force of law, is summoned by the provincial judge, and is compelled to restore the aforesaid holy items without delay. In this way nothing out of them may be lost from the oft-mentioned church.
As for the aforesaid deacon and priests,who committed such a deadly sin, please do not delay in binding them in penitence, so that with their tears they can wash away an offence so evil and so great."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
"The chief physician Fuscus, provoked by the ardor of his faith, is pouring out prayers in which he says that the deacon Opilio, as well as Servusdei and Crescentius, clerics of the church of Venafro, having forgotten their fear of the coming judgment, have sold holy treasures from the aforesaid church to some Jew, dreadful to relate. This consists of two chalices in silver, two crown lamps on dolphins, and lilies from other lamps, along with six larger and smaller hangings.
For that reason your Experience will soon receive the present order, suggesting that you should make the above-mentioned priests come to you quickly without delay. After you have found out the truth, if it turns out as has been suggested, ensure that the aforesaid Jew, who presumed to buy the sacred treasures, forgetting the force of law, is summoned by the provincial judge, and is compelled to restore the aforesaid holy items without delay. In this way nothing out of them may be lost from the oft-mentioned church.
As for the aforesaid deacon and priests,who committed such a deadly sin, please do not delay in binding them in penitence, so that with their tears they can wash away an offence so evil and so great."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
Wednesday 22 September 2010
Help For Those In Need
Letter 1,65 - to Peter. July 591.
"If we confront the needs of our neighbors with customary compassion and kindly intent, without doubts we find the Lord merciful to our requests. Indeed we have learnt that Pastor, who has a wife and slaves and suffers from an extreme weakness of vision, and who served with Jonathas, once of glorious memory, is subject to a great many needs. For that reason we order your Experience with the letter bearing this instruction not to delay in giving him annually enough measures of corn, and enough measures of beans also to sustain him, and these costs could be charged to your account afterwards."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
"If we confront the needs of our neighbors with customary compassion and kindly intent, without doubts we find the Lord merciful to our requests. Indeed we have learnt that Pastor, who has a wife and slaves and suffers from an extreme weakness of vision, and who served with Jonathas, once of glorious memory, is subject to a great many needs. For that reason we order your Experience with the letter bearing this instruction not to delay in giving him annually enough measures of corn, and enough measures of beans also to sustain him, and these costs could be charged to your account afterwards."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
Sunday 19 September 2010
Prayers, No Bribes
Letter 1,64 - to Felix, bishop of Messina. July 591.
"And for the rest, we are opposed to your being obliged to send anything extra to us. And since we are not pleased by presents, the palm-embroided roes which your Fraternity sent we have received with due thanks, but we have sold them at a good price and have sent the proceeds to your Fraternity as a single payment, so that you cannot suffer any loss therefrom.
But since w have learnt that your Charity wishes to come to us, we warn you with this letter that you should not take on the trials of the journey.
But pray for us, that the more the distance of the journey separates us, the more we are joined together in our minds with mutual love, with Christ's assistance, so that, by helping each other with an exchange of prayers, we may return the office undertaken by us to our coming Judge in a blameless condition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 181.
"And for the rest, we are opposed to your being obliged to send anything extra to us. And since we are not pleased by presents, the palm-embroided roes which your Fraternity sent we have received with due thanks, but we have sold them at a good price and have sent the proceeds to your Fraternity as a single payment, so that you cannot suffer any loss therefrom.
But since w have learnt that your Charity wishes to come to us, we warn you with this letter that you should not take on the trials of the journey.
But pray for us, that the more the distance of the journey separates us, the more we are joined together in our minds with mutual love, with Christ's assistance, so that, by helping each other with an exchange of prayers, we may return the office undertaken by us to our coming Judge in a blameless condition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 181.
Justice Must Be
Letter 1,63 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. July 591.
"And since we have been informed that some time ago the house of Petronius, a secretary of the holy Roman Church, over which we preside with God's authority, was claimed unreasonably by Constantius, a defender of that time, so we demand you Experience, by this letter's order, to avoid any excuse or delay and to lay aside the title, without delay restoring the same house to the bearer of this letter, Theodora, widow of the aforesaid Petronius, in case disadvantage should arise for widows (God forbid!), from where they ought to find the comfort of consolation."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 181.
"And since we have been informed that some time ago the house of Petronius, a secretary of the holy Roman Church, over which we preside with God's authority, was claimed unreasonably by Constantius, a defender of that time, so we demand you Experience, by this letter's order, to avoid any excuse or delay and to lay aside the title, without delay restoring the same house to the bearer of this letter, Theodora, widow of the aforesaid Petronius, in case disadvantage should arise for widows (God forbid!), from where they ought to find the comfort of consolation."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 181.
Saturday 18 September 2010
Protection 3/3
Letter 1,62 - to Januarius, archbishop of Cagliari in Sardina. July 591.
"(I)t has been suggested to us that Catella, a religious woman, (whose son is fighting here for the Holy Church of Rome over which we preside, with God's authority), is being troubled by the forced entries and disturbances of certain men, so we have thought it necessary concerning this matter to encourage your Fraternity with the present letter to provide protection for the same aforesaid woman.
To preserve justice, your Fraternity should not decline, knowing that from deeds of this sort it may both make the Lord its debtor and bind our love around it more tightly.
For we want the cases of the aforesaid women, whether they are active now or in the future, to be terminated by your judgment, so that her legal disturbance should be removed. Yet she should in no way be denied the justice of a judgement.
But I pray the Lord to direct your path towards him with a prosperous course, and once appeased, to lead you himself to the glory of the coming kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 180.
"(I)t has been suggested to us that Catella, a religious woman, (whose son is fighting here for the Holy Church of Rome over which we preside, with God's authority), is being troubled by the forced entries and disturbances of certain men, so we have thought it necessary concerning this matter to encourage your Fraternity with the present letter to provide protection for the same aforesaid woman.
To preserve justice, your Fraternity should not decline, knowing that from deeds of this sort it may both make the Lord its debtor and bind our love around it more tightly.
For we want the cases of the aforesaid women, whether they are active now or in the future, to be terminated by your judgment, so that her legal disturbance should be removed. Yet she should in no way be denied the justice of a judgement.
But I pray the Lord to direct your path towards him with a prosperous course, and once appeased, to lead you himself to the glory of the coming kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 180.
Protection, 2/3
Letter 1,61 - to Januarius, archbishop of Cagliari in Sardinia. July 591
"Although your Fraternity devotes yourself quite appropriately to justice with enthusiasm, for the defense of all sorts of people, we believe that you are more ready certainly to relieve those people who are commended to you by our letter.
Pompeiana therefore, a religious woman, has suggested through a person of hers that she is continually suffering many troubles from certain people, without any reason, and she is known to have begged us to commend her to you by our authority because of this.
For that reason, while saluting your Fraternity with a due feeling of love, we have necessarily thought that the aforesaid women should be commended to you. This, with the accompaniment of justice, your Fraternity might prevent her from being unfairly burdened in any way, or from inadvisably suffering any losses."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 180.
"Although your Fraternity devotes yourself quite appropriately to justice with enthusiasm, for the defense of all sorts of people, we believe that you are more ready certainly to relieve those people who are commended to you by our letter.
Pompeiana therefore, a religious woman, has suggested through a person of hers that she is continually suffering many troubles from certain people, without any reason, and she is known to have begged us to commend her to you by our authority because of this.
For that reason, while saluting your Fraternity with a due feeling of love, we have necessarily thought that the aforesaid women should be commended to you. This, with the accompaniment of justice, your Fraternity might prevent her from being unfairly burdened in any way, or from inadvisably suffering any losses."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 180.
Protection, 1/3
Letter 1,60 - to Januarius, archbishop from Cagliari in Sardinia. July 591.
"If our Lord himself, by witness of Holy Scripture, declares he is the husband of widows and father of orphans, then we also, as members of his body, ought to strive to imitate his head, with the greatest effort of our will, and preserving justice, we must defend orphans and widows."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 179.
"If our Lord himself, by witness of Holy Scripture, declares he is the husband of widows and father of orphans, then we also, as members of his body, ought to strive to imitate his head, with the greatest effort of our will, and preserving justice, we must defend orphans and widows."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 179.
Saturday 11 September 2010
The Order Of The Republic
Letter 1,59 - to Gennadius, patrician and exarch of Africa. July 591.
"The submission of the enemy's neck bears witness to the fact that you have the fear of God before your eyes and pursue justice incessantly. But so that the grace of Christ protects your Glory with the same prosperity, whatever wrongdoings you know are being committed, check them with a swift prohibition, in your customary manner. Thus protected by the armor of justice, you may overcome the enemy's attacks with the virtue of faith, all the sooner.
For Marinianus, our brother and fellow bishop of the city of Porto Torres, has informed us tearfully that the poor of his city are totally distraught and badly hit by the costs of commodities. Furthermore even religious members of his church are enduring heavy molestation and suffering injuries at the hands of the men of Theodore, their military commander. It has reached such a point, he says, that they are being thrown into prison, dreadful to relate. Even in cases concerning his church, he is being seriously impeded himself by the aforesaid glorious gentleman.
If these facts are really true, you know how contrary they are to the law and order of the republic. And since it is proper for your Excellency to rectify all of these abuses, I salute your Eminence and request you not to let it happen any longer."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 178.
"The submission of the enemy's neck bears witness to the fact that you have the fear of God before your eyes and pursue justice incessantly. But so that the grace of Christ protects your Glory with the same prosperity, whatever wrongdoings you know are being committed, check them with a swift prohibition, in your customary manner. Thus protected by the armor of justice, you may overcome the enemy's attacks with the virtue of faith, all the sooner.
For Marinianus, our brother and fellow bishop of the city of Porto Torres, has informed us tearfully that the poor of his city are totally distraught and badly hit by the costs of commodities. Furthermore even religious members of his church are enduring heavy molestation and suffering injuries at the hands of the men of Theodore, their military commander. It has reached such a point, he says, that they are being thrown into prison, dreadful to relate. Even in cases concerning his church, he is being seriously impeded himself by the aforesaid glorious gentleman.
If these facts are really true, you know how contrary they are to the law and order of the republic. And since it is proper for your Excellency to rectify all of these abuses, I salute your Eminence and request you not to let it happen any longer."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 178.
The Snares Of The Enemy
Letter 1,58 - to the clergy, senate and people, living in Perugia. July 591.
"For it is well known that a flock of sheep, left without the shepherd's care, wanders from the true path and for that reason falls more easily into the insidious snares of the enemy.
For this reason, it is necessary for you to search for one of those who are soldiers of the Church, with the fear of God before them, one who can take on the ministry of pastoral care in a worthy manner and in that role, with the protection of the Lord, can act as steward of the divine mysteries."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 178.
"For it is well known that a flock of sheep, left without the shepherd's care, wanders from the true path and for that reason falls more easily into the insidious snares of the enemy.
For this reason, it is necessary for you to search for one of those who are soldiers of the Church, with the fear of God before them, one who can take on the ministry of pastoral care in a worthy manner and in that role, with the protection of the Lord, can act as steward of the divine mysteries."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 178.
Help Those In Need
Letter 1,57 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. July 591
"If we confront the necessities of those nearest to us with customary compassion and kindly intent, without doubt we find the Lord merciful to our requests. Indeed, the illustrious lady, Palatina, has suggested to us that she is subject to a great many needs. due to the continual hostilities. For that reason we instruct your Experience with the present authority not to delay in giving her thirty gold coins per annum for her maintanance, which could be charged to your account afterwards."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
"If we confront the necessities of those nearest to us with customary compassion and kindly intent, without doubt we find the Lord merciful to our requests. Indeed, the illustrious lady, Palatina, has suggested to us that she is subject to a great many needs. due to the continual hostilities. For that reason we instruct your Experience with the present authority not to delay in giving her thirty gold coins per annum for her maintanance, which could be charged to your account afterwards."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
You Choose, I Choose Better
Letter 1,56 - to Duke Arsicinus, the clergy, the senate and the people of Rimini. July 591
"We advise your Charity with this present letter that nobody ought to tire himself out before us over the person of Ocleantinus [a bishop-elect]. But if someone is found in that same city capable of this office [of bishop], to the extent that we could no fault in him, let your election follow accordingly. However, it nobody is found worthy of this office, we have told the bearer of this letter about the person upon whom equally you should bestow your decision.
But you must pray unanimously and faithfully that whoever is consecrated bishop, can both become useful to you and can show a priestly service worthy of our God."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
"We advise your Charity with this present letter that nobody ought to tire himself out before us over the person of Ocleantinus [a bishop-elect]. But if someone is found in that same city capable of this office [of bishop], to the extent that we could no fault in him, let your election follow accordingly. However, it nobody is found worthy of this office, we have told the bearer of this letter about the person upon whom equally you should bestow your decision.
But you must pray unanimously and faithfully that whoever is consecrated bishop, can both become useful to you and can show a priestly service worthy of our God."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
Monday 6 September 2010
Election
Letter 1,55 - to Bishop Severus. July 591
"A letter from your Fraternity has informed us that some of you have agreed on the election of Ocleantinus as bishop. But, as we do not accept him, they ought not to waste tim on this person. But proclaim to the inhabitants of that same city that, if they find someone in the same church who is worthy of that office, they should all change their minds and elect him. Otherwise the bearer of this letter will indicate a person whom we have discussed with him, and a decree should be made over his election.
As for you, be wise and concerned in your visitation of the same church, so that its property is preserved undiminished, and its services are carried out in the usual manner under your guidance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
"A letter from your Fraternity has informed us that some of you have agreed on the election of Ocleantinus as bishop. But, as we do not accept him, they ought not to waste tim on this person. But proclaim to the inhabitants of that same city that, if they find someone in the same church who is worthy of that office, they should all change their minds and elect him. Otherwise the bearer of this letter will indicate a person whom we have discussed with him, and a decree should be made over his election.
As for you, be wise and concerned in your visitation of the same church, so that its property is preserved undiminished, and its services are carried out in the usual manner under your guidance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
Festivities
Letter 1,54 to Sub-deacon Peter. July 591.
"We indicate to you that with our Lord's help we have decided that in the month of August, the oratory of the blessed Mary, which was recently built in the monastery of the brethren where the abbot Marinianus is recognized as the superior, is to be dedicated with the greatest care. Thus what we set in motion is to be brought to a conclusion, with the assistance of God.
But because the poverty of that monastery demands that we must cooperate with you on the festival day itself, for that reason in celebrating the dedication, we want you to give ten gold coins to relieve the poor, and thirty amphorae of wine, two hundred sacks of corn, two large jars of olive oil, twelve rams and a hundred chicken."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 176.
"We indicate to you that with our Lord's help we have decided that in the month of August, the oratory of the blessed Mary, which was recently built in the monastery of the brethren where the abbot Marinianus is recognized as the superior, is to be dedicated with the greatest care. Thus what we set in motion is to be brought to a conclusion, with the assistance of God.
But because the poverty of that monastery demands that we must cooperate with you on the festival day itself, for that reason in celebrating the dedication, we want you to give ten gold coins to relieve the poor, and thirty amphorae of wine, two hundred sacks of corn, two large jars of olive oil, twelve rams and a hundred chicken."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 176.
Friday 3 September 2010
A Plea For Merciful Justice
Letter 1,53 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. July 591.
"I remember having warned you quite often not only with frequent injunctions, but also face to face, to administer our office there not so much for the sake of Church interests as for alleviating the needs of the poor, and more for protecting them against th oppression of whoever it may be.
(...) It is harsh that some who buy their freedom for the due price are reduced to slavery once more by the Church, that should have protected them against it. And so we find it necessary to advice your Experience again and again that if some questions arise there between poor people and the holy Roman Church, you must discuss them with total integrity of mind, and pursue the interests of the patrimony in such a way that you do not withdraw from merciful justice."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 175.
"I remember having warned you quite often not only with frequent injunctions, but also face to face, to administer our office there not so much for the sake of Church interests as for alleviating the needs of the poor, and more for protecting them against th oppression of whoever it may be.
(...) It is harsh that some who buy their freedom for the due price are reduced to slavery once more by the Church, that should have protected them against it. And so we find it necessary to advice your Experience again and again that if some questions arise there between poor people and the holy Roman Church, you must discuss them with total integrity of mind, and pursue the interests of the patrimony in such a way that you do not withdraw from merciful justice."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 175.
On Devotion
Letter 1,52 - to John, bishop of Sorrento. July 591.
"It is easy to give one's consent to religious desires, so that faithful devotion achieves a rapid outcome. And since Sabinus, abbot of the monastery of Saint Stephen on the isle of Capri, has advised us that he has long since held at his place the relics of the martyred Saint Agatha, as agreed to, and since he wants these holy relics themselves to be located in his monastery, for that reason we bid you to visit the aforesaid monastery and, if it is agreed that the body of no one has been buried there, you will place the aforesaid holy relics there with due solemnity, to achieve the purpose of her devotion."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 175.
"It is easy to give one's consent to religious desires, so that faithful devotion achieves a rapid outcome. And since Sabinus, abbot of the monastery of Saint Stephen on the isle of Capri, has advised us that he has long since held at his place the relics of the martyred Saint Agatha, as agreed to, and since he wants these holy relics themselves to be located in his monastery, for that reason we bid you to visit the aforesaid monastery and, if it is agreed that the body of no one has been buried there, you will place the aforesaid holy relics there with due solemnity, to achieve the purpose of her devotion."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 175.
Worthy Priests
Letter 1,51 - to Felix, bishop op Siponto. July 591.
"It has come to our attention that the church of Canusium is so destitute of the office of priesthood that the dying cannot receive penitence there, nor infants baptism.
Most disturbed therefore by the importance of something so holy and so necessary, we order your Beloved to go and visit the above mentioned church, supported by the authority of this injunction, and you should ordain two parish priests at least, but only those whom you have seen as worthy of such an office through holiness of their life and gravity of their morals, and men subject in no way to the rules of canon law, so that Canusium is provided with the worthy safeguard of a sacred church."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 175.
"It has come to our attention that the church of Canusium is so destitute of the office of priesthood that the dying cannot receive penitence there, nor infants baptism.
Most disturbed therefore by the importance of something so holy and so necessary, we order your Beloved to go and visit the above mentioned church, supported by the authority of this injunction, and you should ordain two parish priests at least, but only those whom you have seen as worthy of such an office through holiness of their life and gravity of their morals, and men subject in no way to the rules of canon law, so that Canusium is provided with the worthy safeguard of a sacred church."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 175.
Wednesday 25 August 2010
A Safe Place
Letter 1,50 - to the defender Symmachus. June 591.
"My son Deacon Boniface has said to me that your Experience had written that the monastery once founded by Lavinia, a religious woman, exists fully prepared and that monks ought to be ordained therein. I have certainly applauded your forethought. But I wish that another place should be provided besides that place which has already been freed for this purpose.However, I want this to be done in such a way that a place should be sought over the sea, considering the uncertainty of the time, a place which is either protected by the disposition of the place, or could certainly be fortified without great labor.
Thus we can send monks there, whereby the island itself, which had not had a monastery until now, ought to be improved even in the following of this Christian way of life.
To implement and provide for this establishment, we have sent Abbot Orosius, bearer of the present order, with whom your Experience may go around the coast of Corsica. And of whatever private person such a place can be found, we are ready to pay a just price for it, so that we can make some lasting establishment."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 174.
"My son Deacon Boniface has said to me that your Experience had written that the monastery once founded by Lavinia, a religious woman, exists fully prepared and that monks ought to be ordained therein. I have certainly applauded your forethought. But I wish that another place should be provided besides that place which has already been freed for this purpose.However, I want this to be done in such a way that a place should be sought over the sea, considering the uncertainty of the time, a place which is either protected by the disposition of the place, or could certainly be fortified without great labor.
Thus we can send monks there, whereby the island itself, which had not had a monastery until now, ought to be improved even in the following of this Christian way of life.
To implement and provide for this establishment, we have sent Abbot Orosius, bearer of the present order, with whom your Experience may go around the coast of Corsica. And of whatever private person such a place can be found, we are ready to pay a just price for it, so that we can make some lasting establishment."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 174.
Rules of Montecristo
Letter 1,49 - to all the monks settled on the island of Montecristo. June 591.
"It has come to our attention that you observe none of the precepts of the monastic rule. For which reason the have been compelled to send to you Abbot Orosius, bearer of the present command, to inquire carefully into all your activities, and to settle whatever seems just to him, and to report back to us whatever was arranged."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 174.
"It has come to our attention that you observe none of the precepts of the monastic rule. For which reason the have been compelled to send to you Abbot Orosius, bearer of the present command, to inquire carefully into all your activities, and to settle whatever seems just to him, and to report back to us whatever was arranged."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 174.
Monday 23 August 2010
Barbarians, Monks, and Women
Letter 1,48 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. June 591.
"But we have discovered that on the island which is called Eumorfiana, on which it is known that an oratory of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, had been built, many men have taken refuge with their wives, coming there from various patrimonies under the duress of barbarian savagery.
We have judged this unsuitable. For while there are other places of refuge nearby, why should women life there with the monks?
We therefore instruct your Experience with this present order, from now on not to allow any woman to life or remain there any longer, whether they are under ecclesiastical law or any other law, but let them provide a refuge for themselves wherever they wish, since there are many places nearby, as has been said, that all intercourse with women should be removed from there.
Otherwise if we desist from showing the care that is in us and from opposing the snares of the enemy, if any disaster should arise (Heaven forbid!), we ourselves may thereby be at fault."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 173.
"But we have discovered that on the island which is called Eumorfiana, on which it is known that an oratory of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, had been built, many men have taken refuge with their wives, coming there from various patrimonies under the duress of barbarian savagery.
We have judged this unsuitable. For while there are other places of refuge nearby, why should women life there with the monks?
We therefore instruct your Experience with this present order, from now on not to allow any woman to life or remain there any longer, whether they are under ecclesiastical law or any other law, but let them provide a refuge for themselves wherever they wish, since there are many places nearby, as has been said, that all intercourse with women should be removed from there.
Otherwise if we desist from showing the care that is in us and from opposing the snares of the enemy, if any disaster should arise (Heaven forbid!), we ourselves may thereby be at fault."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 173.
Saturday 14 August 2010
In All Fairness
Letter 1,47 to Deacon Honaratus. June 591.
"The glorious military commander Theodore, who is known to have taken on the dukedom of the island of Sardinia, is carrying out many things there contrary to the orders of his most holy emperor (...). For this reason we want you to inform our most holy emperor at an appropriate time about what the provincials of the aforesaid island justly and properly demand.
For already in the seventh indiction, an imperial decree addressed to the glorious gentleman Edantius, then duke of Sardinia, had arrived ordering all the troublesome sections to be removed, so that its orders, proceeding from the generosity of His Holiness, might be obeyed, unchanged by any dukes who happened to be in charge at the time, and so that their reward should nog be dissipated by costs of administration.
Thus they will pass a quiet life under the merciful command of their emperor, and at the arrival of the eternal judge, they will receive, with increased recompense, the consideration peacefully bestowed by them upon their own subjects."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 172.
"The glorious military commander Theodore, who is known to have taken on the dukedom of the island of Sardinia, is carrying out many things there contrary to the orders of his most holy emperor (...). For this reason we want you to inform our most holy emperor at an appropriate time about what the provincials of the aforesaid island justly and properly demand.
For already in the seventh indiction, an imperial decree addressed to the glorious gentleman Edantius, then duke of Sardinia, had arrived ordering all the troublesome sections to be removed, so that its orders, proceeding from the generosity of His Holiness, might be obeyed, unchanged by any dukes who happened to be in charge at the time, and so that their reward should nog be dissipated by costs of administration.
Thus they will pass a quiet life under the merciful command of their emperor, and at the arrival of the eternal judge, they will receive, with increased recompense, the consideration peacefully bestowed by them upon their own subjects."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 172.
In The Light Of Day
Letter 1,46 - to Theodore, duke of Sardina. June 591.
"The justice that you bear in your mind you ought to demonstrate before people with the light of your works.
For Juliana, abbess of the convent of Saint Vitus, which Vitula, of worthy memory, once constructed, has suggested to us that the legal possession of the aforesaid convent is being held by Donatus, an official of yours. While this gentleman sees that he is surrounded by the protection of your Excellency, he does not deign to submit to being examined in court.
But now your Glory must order this same official to appear before a court of arbitration, with the aforesaid nun, so that whatever is decided by the verdict of the judges over such a dispute as theirs, may be put into effect.
In this way whatever he sees himself either losing or retaining, it must be ascribed to the justice of law and not to an act of man."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 172.
"The justice that you bear in your mind you ought to demonstrate before people with the light of your works.
For Juliana, abbess of the convent of Saint Vitus, which Vitula, of worthy memory, once constructed, has suggested to us that the legal possession of the aforesaid convent is being held by Donatus, an official of yours. While this gentleman sees that he is surrounded by the protection of your Excellency, he does not deign to submit to being examined in court.
But now your Glory must order this same official to appear before a court of arbitration, with the aforesaid nun, so that whatever is decided by the verdict of the judges over such a dispute as theirs, may be put into effect.
In this way whatever he sees himself either losing or retaining, it must be ascribed to the justice of law and not to an act of man."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 172.
Sunday 8 August 2010
About Conversion
Letter 1,45 - to Virgil of Arles, and to Theodore, bishop of Marseilles, in Gaul. June 591.
"(In fact) a lot of the Jewish faith who reside in that province [of Gaul], and often travel in parts of Marseilles on various business, have brought to our notice that many of the Jews living in that district have been brought to the baptismal font more by force than by preaching.
For it is my opinion that the intent of this sort is certainly praiseworthy, and I acknowledge that it derives from a love of our Lord. Yet unless this same intention is accompanied by a suitable display of Holy Scripture, I am afraid that either no reward may come from there, or else losses may follow in terms of some of the souls ('God forbid!'), which we want to be saved.
For when anyone approaches the baptismal font not due to the sweetness of preaching, but under constraint, he returns to his former superstition from where he seemed to be reborn, and dies in a worse state.
Therefore, let your Fraternity call people of this sort to God with frequent preaching, so that they desire to change their old way of life more due to sweetness of their teacher. For thus what we intended is correctly accomplished, and the soul of the convert does not revert again to its former vomit."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 171.
"(In fact) a lot of the Jewish faith who reside in that province [of Gaul], and often travel in parts of Marseilles on various business, have brought to our notice that many of the Jews living in that district have been brought to the baptismal font more by force than by preaching.
For it is my opinion that the intent of this sort is certainly praiseworthy, and I acknowledge that it derives from a love of our Lord. Yet unless this same intention is accompanied by a suitable display of Holy Scripture, I am afraid that either no reward may come from there, or else losses may follow in terms of some of the souls ('God forbid!'), which we want to be saved.
For when anyone approaches the baptismal font not due to the sweetness of preaching, but under constraint, he returns to his former superstition from where he seemed to be reborn, and dies in a worse state.
Therefore, let your Fraternity call people of this sort to God with frequent preaching, so that they desire to change their old way of life more due to sweetness of their teacher. For thus what we intended is correctly accomplished, and the soul of the convert does not revert again to its former vomit."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 171.
Sunday 1 August 2010
Practicalities
Letter 1,44 - to Sub-deacon Peter. June 591.
"The commandments of God exhort us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and when they order us to love them with charity, how much more ought we to help them with subsidies for their bodily necessities, so as to relieve their shortages in these, if not in all ways, at least with a few provisions!
Since, therefore, we have seen that this Filimuth, son of a most worthy gentleman, suffers need not only through the loss of sight but also from a shortage of provisions, we have thought it necessary, as far as possibility allows it, to provide him with a decision.
Therefore, with this present order we instruct your Experience to supply him with twenty four measures of wheat each year, and twelve measures of beans also and twenty casks of wine, for the maintenance of his life."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 170.
"The commandments of God exhort us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and when they order us to love them with charity, how much more ought we to help them with subsidies for their bodily necessities, so as to relieve their shortages in these, if not in all ways, at least with a few provisions!
Since, therefore, we have seen that this Filimuth, son of a most worthy gentleman, suffers need not only through the loss of sight but also from a shortage of provisions, we have thought it necessary, as far as possibility allows it, to provide him with a decision.
Therefore, with this present order we instruct your Experience to supply him with twenty four measures of wheat each year, and twelve measures of beans also and twenty casks of wine, for the maintenance of his life."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 170.
Love Your Neighbor
Letter 1,43 - to all the bishops throughout Illyria. May 591.
"You should (therefore) show yourself obedient in this matter, and first of all to the heavenly Prince, and you should consent to the emperor's orders also, that is, you should freely undertake to console the brethren and fellow bishops, who are oppressed also by the difficulties of captivity and of diverse shortages of live, and to have them live with you with Church support.
The dignity of the episcopal throne should certainly not be divided through this communion, but they should be allowed to receive sufficient sustenance from the Church, as far as is possible.
Thus, we are shown to love both our neighbor in God and God in our neighbor. For although we have attributed no authority to them in your churches, yet we encourage you most strongly to support them with your consolation."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 169.
"You should (therefore) show yourself obedient in this matter, and first of all to the heavenly Prince, and you should consent to the emperor's orders also, that is, you should freely undertake to console the brethren and fellow bishops, who are oppressed also by the difficulties of captivity and of diverse shortages of live, and to have them live with you with Church support.
The dignity of the episcopal throne should certainly not be divided through this communion, but they should be allowed to receive sufficient sustenance from the Church, as far as is possible.
Thus, we are shown to love both our neighbor in God and God in our neighbor. For although we have attributed no authority to them in your churches, yet we encourage you most strongly to support them with your consolation."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 169.
Thursday 29 July 2010
Care For Justice
Letter 1,42 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Sicily. May 591.
"It has also come to our notice that in case of the farmer's marriages, immoderate taxes are being collected. On this matter we order that no marriage tax should ever exceed the sum of one gold coin. If some are poor, they ought to pay even less, but if some are rich, they should never pay more than the sum of the aforesaid gold coin.
We in no way want this marriage tax to be credited to our account, but rather to augment the profits for the tenants.
We have also learnt that as certain tenants are on their deathbed, their own parents are not permitted to have access to them, but their property is dragged of for Church use.
On this matter we advice that the parents of those dying who live on a Church property, ought to have access to them as their heirs, and that nothing else should be subtracted from the fortune of those dying.
But if someone leaves poor young sons, until they reach such an age that they can control their own property some sound people should be selected, and the property of the boy's parents should be handed over to them to watch over.
(...)
Read all of this again with great care, and put aside all that customary negligence of yours. See that the writing I have sent about the farmers are read throughout all the Church domains, so that they know how they should defend themselves through our authority against violent acts done to them, and let them be given the originals or copies of my writings"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 162.
"It has also come to our notice that in case of the farmer's marriages, immoderate taxes are being collected. On this matter we order that no marriage tax should ever exceed the sum of one gold coin. If some are poor, they ought to pay even less, but if some are rich, they should never pay more than the sum of the aforesaid gold coin.
We in no way want this marriage tax to be credited to our account, but rather to augment the profits for the tenants.
We have also learnt that as certain tenants are on their deathbed, their own parents are not permitted to have access to them, but their property is dragged of for Church use.
On this matter we advice that the parents of those dying who live on a Church property, ought to have access to them as their heirs, and that nothing else should be subtracted from the fortune of those dying.
But if someone leaves poor young sons, until they reach such an age that they can control their own property some sound people should be selected, and the property of the boy's parents should be handed over to them to watch over.
(...)
Read all of this again with great care, and put aside all that customary negligence of yours. See that the writing I have sent about the farmers are read throughout all the Church domains, so that they know how they should defend themselves through our authority against violent acts done to them, and let them be given the originals or copies of my writings"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 162.
Sunday 25 July 2010
Dearest Friend
Letter 1,41 - to Leander, bishop of Spain. April 591.
"I have sent codices to your Fraternity, so very dear to me, and I have inserted a note below about them. But those things which had been said in my Exposition on the blessed Job, and which you write should be sent to you, because I had made these remarks with words and senses that flow through my Homilies, I was keen anyway to change them into the form of books, which are now still being written down by the copyists. And if the haste of the letter's carrier had not restricted me, I should have wanted to send all of it to you without any restriction. Most of all because I wrote this work itself for your Reverence, so that I might seem to have worn myself out on my work, for him whom I love before all others.
Furthermore, if you know how to allow yourself some time from your ecclesiastical occupation, you know how it is now. Although still absent in body, I always see you present before me, because I carry an image of your face imprinted in the depth of my heart.
May God guard you in safety, my most dear and reverend brother."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 160..
"I have sent codices to your Fraternity, so very dear to me, and I have inserted a note below about them. But those things which had been said in my Exposition on the blessed Job, and which you write should be sent to you, because I had made these remarks with words and senses that flow through my Homilies, I was keen anyway to change them into the form of books, which are now still being written down by the copyists. And if the haste of the letter's carrier had not restricted me, I should have wanted to send all of it to you without any restriction. Most of all because I wrote this work itself for your Reverence, so that I might seem to have worn myself out on my work, for him whom I love before all others.
Furthermore, if you know how to allow yourself some time from your ecclesiastical occupation, you know how it is now. Although still absent in body, I always see you present before me, because I carry an image of your face imprinted in the depth of my heart.
May God guard you in safety, my most dear and reverend brother."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 160..
Wednesday 21 July 2010
No Wandering Monks
Letter 1,40 - to sub-deacon Anthelm. April 591.
"(S)ome monks from monasteries located in the diocese of Sorrento are changing their abodes from monastery to monastery. With the desire for secular things, they are abandoning the rule of their own abbot. Moreover, individuals are applying themselves to their personal gain, which is known to be illegal.
For that reason we command your Experience with the present order not to allow any monk to move his abode from monastery to monastery any further, nor to permit any one of them to have any personal interests.
But if anyone should presume upon this, he must be returned with due coercion to the monastery where he became a monk, and back under his abbot's rule, from which he fled. Otherwise, if we leave such great sin uncontrolled and unamended, the souls of those perishing may be examined by the soul of their superiors (..). For in this way you will please the eyes of God and will be found participant in full recompense."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 121.
"(S)ome monks from monasteries located in the diocese of Sorrento are changing their abodes from monastery to monastery. With the desire for secular things, they are abandoning the rule of their own abbot. Moreover, individuals are applying themselves to their personal gain, which is known to be illegal.
For that reason we command your Experience with the present order not to allow any monk to move his abode from monastery to monastery any further, nor to permit any one of them to have any personal interests.
But if anyone should presume upon this, he must be returned with due coercion to the monastery where he became a monk, and back under his abbot's rule, from which he fled. Otherwise, if we leave such great sin uncontrolled and unamended, the souls of those perishing may be examined by the soul of their superiors (..). For in this way you will please the eyes of God and will be found participant in full recompense."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 121.
Wandering Monks
Letter 1,39 - to sub-deacon Peter. March 591.
"The venerable gentleman Paulinus, bishop of the city of Taurum, in the province of Calabria, has told us that his monks were dispersed by barbarian incursions, and are even now wandering through the whole of Sicily, and being without a bishop, are neither taking care of their souls nor maintaining the discipline of their habit.
On this matter, we order you to search out those same monks with all care and concern, to bring them together as one, and locate them with the aforesaid bishop and their ruler in the monastery of Saint Theodore, set in the city of Messina.
Thus those who are there now, whom we have found to lack a bishop, and those from his community, whom you will find and bring back, can with his leadership serve the almighty God in unity."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 159.
"The venerable gentleman Paulinus, bishop of the city of Taurum, in the province of Calabria, has told us that his monks were dispersed by barbarian incursions, and are even now wandering through the whole of Sicily, and being without a bishop, are neither taking care of their souls nor maintaining the discipline of their habit.
On this matter, we order you to search out those same monks with all care and concern, to bring them together as one, and locate them with the aforesaid bishop and their ruler in the monastery of Saint Theodore, set in the city of Messina.
Thus those who are there now, whom we have found to lack a bishop, and those from his community, whom you will find and bring back, can with his leadership serve the almighty God in unity."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 159.
Tuesday 20 July 2010
Spice Your Humility
Letter 1,38a - to sub-deacon Peter. 16 March 591.
"(I)f you see anything that can justly comply with Church law, be careful in case you are ever keen to protect it with force, especially as I have also issues a decree with anathema added to it, that our Church should never place titles on estates in the city of in the countryside.. But whatever supports the poor with reason, should be defended with reason, so that, when something good is not being done well, what we justly complain about, even before almighty God, is not unjustly refuted.
However the noble laymen and the glorious praetor should love you for your humility, and not shrink from you due to your arrogance.
And yet when you realize that those men are perhaps doing unjust deeds against any destitute people, then turn your humility into pride at once, and always when they behave badly. But act in such a way that your humility is not remiss, nor your authority rigid, so that rectitude adds spice to your humility and your humility adds sweetness to your very rectitude."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 157.
"(I)f you see anything that can justly comply with Church law, be careful in case you are ever keen to protect it with force, especially as I have also issues a decree with anathema added to it, that our Church should never place titles on estates in the city of in the countryside.. But whatever supports the poor with reason, should be defended with reason, so that, when something good is not being done well, what we justly complain about, even before almighty God, is not unjustly refuted.
However the noble laymen and the glorious praetor should love you for your humility, and not shrink from you due to your arrogance.
And yet when you realize that those men are perhaps doing unjust deeds against any destitute people, then turn your humility into pride at once, and always when they behave badly. But act in such a way that your humility is not remiss, nor your authority rigid, so that rectitude adds spice to your humility and your humility adds sweetness to your very rectitude."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 157.
Saturday 26 June 2010
Serve With Zeal
Letter 1,38 - to Felix, bishop of Messina. March 591.
"We are confident that it is welcome to you, of the travel burdens of your brother, the most venerable gentleman Bishop Paulinus, were to be relieved, and under his rule, at common expense, the monastry of Saint Theodore founded in your city, were to serve almighty God with more zeal. We have also learnt from a report of his that you already wanted to do this."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 156.
"We are confident that it is welcome to you, of the travel burdens of your brother, the most venerable gentleman Bishop Paulinus, were to be relieved, and under his rule, at common expense, the monastry of Saint Theodore founded in your city, were to serve almighty God with more zeal. We have also learnt from a report of his that you already wanted to do this."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 156.
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Care of the Poor
Letter 1,37 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. March 591.
"As you were leaving, I gave orders (and I remember enjoining you afterwards with instructions which went back and forth) that you should take care of the poor, and if you knew who where in need, you should indicate to me in a letter of repley.
And you have taken care to do so hardly any of them."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 156.
"As you were leaving, I gave orders (and I remember enjoining you afterwards with instructions which went back and forth) that you should take care of the poor, and if you knew who where in need, you should indicate to me in a letter of repley.
And you have taken care to do so hardly any of them."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 156.
Thursday 17 June 2010
Justice
Letter 1,36 - to Malchus, bishop of Dalmatia. March 591.
"John, a most eloquent gentleman and counselor of that most excellent gentleman, Lord George, prefect of Italy, has suggested to us that he has some controversial matter to sort out with Stephen, bishop of the city of Scutari (...). For that reason we have taken care to advise your Fraternity with the present injunction, to compel the aforesaid bishop to come and select a tribunal. And whatever is determined by the judgement of those elected (...) you must not fail to make it effective. Thus may both the plaintiff give thanks that justice has resulted, and the defendant, when his case is brought to trail, make no complaint over a miscarriage of justice against himself."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 155.
"John, a most eloquent gentleman and counselor of that most excellent gentleman, Lord George, prefect of Italy, has suggested to us that he has some controversial matter to sort out with Stephen, bishop of the city of Scutari (...). For that reason we have taken care to advise your Fraternity with the present injunction, to compel the aforesaid bishop to come and select a tribunal. And whatever is determined by the judgement of those elected (...) you must not fail to make it effective. Thus may both the plaintiff give thanks that justice has resulted, and the defendant, when his case is brought to trail, make no complaint over a miscarriage of justice against himself."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 155.
Friday 11 June 2010
Support and Certainty
Letter 1,35 - to John, bishop of Ravenna. March 591.
"If we are attentive to the promise of out order, and to the office that we administer, we should help those afflicted as far as we can, with the support of justice.
And so, since we have learnt that the splendid gentleman and ex-prefect, Maurilio, is residing in Fossa Sconii, I want your Fraternity to help him at once, as far as possible.
Not because we have any doubt, Heaven forbid, about the justice of that most excellent gentleman, the prefect Lord George, or think that he is in some way turning from the path of reason, a man whom we have got to know in all good ways, even before the administration of this high office."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 155.
"If we are attentive to the promise of out order, and to the office that we administer, we should help those afflicted as far as we can, with the support of justice.
And so, since we have learnt that the splendid gentleman and ex-prefect, Maurilio, is residing in Fossa Sconii, I want your Fraternity to help him at once, as far as possible.
Not because we have any doubt, Heaven forbid, about the justice of that most excellent gentleman, the prefect Lord George, or think that he is in some way turning from the path of reason, a man whom we have got to know in all good ways, even before the administration of this high office."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 155.
Not By Threats But By Sweetness
Letter 1,34 - to Peter, bishop of Terracina. March 591.
"The Jew, Joseph, bearer of this letter, has informed us, concerning a certain place in which the Jews residing in the castle of Terracina had been accustomed to meet together, to celebrate their holy festivals, that your Fraternity had expelled them from it, and that they had migrated to another place to carry out their religious festivities in a similar manner, with your knowledge also, and with your consent.
And now they complain that they are being expelled once again from the same place.
But if that is so, we want your Fraternity to avoid that sort of complaint, and we want them to be allowed to gather as their custom was, at that place which they obtained for their meeting with your consent, as we said above.
For one must bring those who disagree with the Christian religion to the unity of faith, with clemency and kindness, by making suggestions and being persuasive.
Otherwise, they mau be repelled by threats and terrors, when they could be invited to believe in Christ through the sweetness of preaching and the coming terror of the future judge."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 155.
"The Jew, Joseph, bearer of this letter, has informed us, concerning a certain place in which the Jews residing in the castle of Terracina had been accustomed to meet together, to celebrate their holy festivals, that your Fraternity had expelled them from it, and that they had migrated to another place to carry out their religious festivities in a similar manner, with your knowledge also, and with your consent.
And now they complain that they are being expelled once again from the same place.
But if that is so, we want your Fraternity to avoid that sort of complaint, and we want them to be allowed to gather as their custom was, at that place which they obtained for their meeting with your consent, as we said above.
For one must bring those who disagree with the Christian religion to the unity of faith, with clemency and kindness, by making suggestions and being persuasive.
Otherwise, they mau be repelled by threats and terrors, when they could be invited to believe in Christ through the sweetness of preaching and the coming terror of the future judge."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 155.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Considering Divine Judgement
Letter 1,33 - to Venantius, patrician ex-monk. February 591.
"You know that divine judgement will condemn us for idle talk, and will examine our reason for useless words with great care. Consider therefore what this judgement will do concerning a perverse deed, if it will condemn some in its court for their words.
Ananias had solemnly promised to give money to God, but afterwards he withdrew it,overcome by the persuasion of the Devil. But you know with what death he was punished.
If therefore he who withdrew from God the money he had given deserved the danger of death, consider how great the danger you will deserve before the divine tribunal, you who have withdrawn from almighty God not money, but yourself, after devoting yourself to Him in you monk's habit."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 152.
"You know that divine judgement will condemn us for idle talk, and will examine our reason for useless words with great care. Consider therefore what this judgement will do concerning a perverse deed, if it will condemn some in its court for their words.
Ananias had solemnly promised to give money to God, but afterwards he withdrew it,overcome by the persuasion of the Devil. But you know with what death he was punished.
If therefore he who withdrew from God the money he had given deserved the danger of death, consider how great the danger you will deserve before the divine tribunal, you who have withdrawn from almighty God not money, but yourself, after devoting yourself to Him in you monk's habit."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 152.
No Flock Without a Shepherd
Letter 1,32 - to Romanus, patrician and exarch of italy. February 591.
"It has come to our notice that your excellency has already detained Blandus, the bishop of the city of Ortona, in the city of Ravenna for a long time. And it happens that a church without a bishop, and its people, just like a flock without a shepherd, disperse, and in that place infants die without baptism for the remission of their sins. Again, because we do not believe that your Excellency would have held him, unless for some likely case of aberration, it is necessary that a synod be held and the matter be brought out into the open, if any charge would be brought against him."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 152.
"It has come to our notice that your excellency has already detained Blandus, the bishop of the city of Ortona, in the city of Ravenna for a long time. And it happens that a church without a bishop, and its people, just like a flock without a shepherd, disperse, and in that place infants die without baptism for the remission of their sins. Again, because we do not believe that your Excellency would have held him, unless for some likely case of aberration, it is necessary that a synod be held and the matter be brought out into the open, if any charge would be brought against him."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 152.
Thursday 3 June 2010
Love & the Burdens of Office
Letter 1,31 - to Philip, count of the imperial guard. February 591.
"I was not worthy to take on the burdens of the episcopate, yet I subjected myself to the command of almighty God and to your wishes, you who wanted me to preside over this office more through generosity or your kindness than by the reckoning of your judgment.
For God, because of whom you love me, unworthy as I am, has the power to recompense you for ever for this payment, so that you can find the kindness which you bestow on his unworthy servants repaid by Him many times over."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 151.
"I was not worthy to take on the burdens of the episcopate, yet I subjected myself to the command of almighty God and to your wishes, you who wanted me to preside over this office more through generosity or your kindness than by the reckoning of your judgment.
For God, because of whom you love me, unworthy as I am, has the power to recompense you for ever for this payment, so that you can find the kindness which you bestow on his unworthy servants repaid by Him many times over."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 151.
Wednesday 2 June 2010
"Each Day I Groan"
Letter 1,30 - to John ex-consul, patrician and quaestor. February 591.
"I have been made bishop not of the Romans but of the Lombards, whose treaties are swords and whose gratitude is revenge. Just see where your patronage has led me. Each day I groan and oppressed by occupations, I cannot breathe any more.
But you who are still able to do so, flee from the occupations of this world; because the more someone had made progress in it, the more fully, as I see it, he shrinks from the love of God.
Furthermore I have sent over a very sacred key from the body of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, which placed over the sick, normally produces many brilliant miracles."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 150.
"I have been made bishop not of the Romans but of the Lombards, whose treaties are swords and whose gratitude is revenge. Just see where your patronage has led me. Each day I groan and oppressed by occupations, I cannot breathe any more.
But you who are still able to do so, flee from the occupations of this world; because the more someone had made progress in it, the more fully, as I see it, he shrinks from the love of God.
Furthermore I have sent over a very sacred key from the body of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, which placed over the sick, normally produces many brilliant miracles."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 150.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Body and Mind
Letter 1,29 - to the illustrious Andrew. February 591.
"May almighty God inform your most charming heart that, even absent in body, I have not withdrawn from love of you in my mind. For I cannot forget your goodness even if I wanted to.
But as for you knowing that I have obtained episcopal rank, if you love me, weep for me. For here the occupations of this world are so great that I see that I have almost been separated from the love of God by this episcopal rank.
I bewail this incessantly and I ask you to pray to the Lord on my behalf."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 150.
"May almighty God inform your most charming heart that, even absent in body, I have not withdrawn from love of you in my mind. For I cannot forget your goodness even if I wanted to.
But as for you knowing that I have obtained episcopal rank, if you love me, weep for me. For here the occupations of this world are so great that I see that I have almost been separated from the love of God by this episcopal rank.
I bewail this incessantly and I ask you to pray to the Lord on my behalf."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 150.
A Word of Consolation
Letter 1,28 - to Aristobulus, ex-prefect and imperial secretary. february 591.
"I have heard that you labor under some adversities. But I am not all that distressed over this. For very often a ship, able to reach the open sea after a period of good weather, is checked at the very start of its sea-voyage, with the wind against is, and driven back, it is recalled to port."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 150.
"I have heard that you labor under some adversities. But I am not all that distressed over this. For very often a ship, able to reach the open sea after a period of good weather, is checked at the very start of its sea-voyage, with the wind against is, and driven back, it is recalled to port."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 150.
Monday 31 May 2010
A Friend to a Friend
Letter 1,27 - to Sebastian, bishop of Resini. February 591.
"I spurn my negligence and I awaken my torpor with incitements of love, so that he who is unwilling on his part to pay his dues, he may learn to pay back what he owes on pain of being spurned.
Furthermore I inform you that I have made a suggestion before the most pious of princes, filled with most earnest prayer, that he ought to send over the ex-patriarch Lord Anastasius, a most blessed gentleman, allowed the use of the pallium, to the Church of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, to celebrate the solemn rites of the Mass with me, so that, if he were not allowed to return to his own see, he might at least live with me, his honor intact.
But the bearer of this letter will notify you what reason stopped me from sending that same letter to you. However, get to know the thoughts of this same Lord Anastasius, and indicate to me in your letter what would please him concerning this matter."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 149.
"I spurn my negligence and I awaken my torpor with incitements of love, so that he who is unwilling on his part to pay his dues, he may learn to pay back what he owes on pain of being spurned.
Furthermore I inform you that I have made a suggestion before the most pious of princes, filled with most earnest prayer, that he ought to send over the ex-patriarch Lord Anastasius, a most blessed gentleman, allowed the use of the pallium, to the Church of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, to celebrate the solemn rites of the Mass with me, so that, if he were not allowed to return to his own see, he might at least live with me, his honor intact.
But the bearer of this letter will notify you what reason stopped me from sending that same letter to you. However, get to know the thoughts of this same Lord Anastasius, and indicate to me in your letter what would please him concerning this matter."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 149.
Following God's Will
Letter 1,26 - to Anastasius, archbishop op Corinth. February 591.
"The more inscrutable the judgements of God are, the more they should be feared by human minds. And so, because mortal reason cannot comprehend them, it must subjugate itself before them, by humbling the heart's neck, so that wherever the Lord's will leads the reason, there it follows with the obedient footsteps of the mind.
But considering that my infirmity could in no way attain to the pinnacle of the apostolic see, I preferred to decline this burden, to avoid succumbing to a charge of unjust administration in pastoral rule.
But because it is not possible to oppose the decision of the Lord who disposes, I have obediently followed what the merciful hand of the Lord wished to be done concerning me. For it was necessary for your Fraternity to be informed that, even if a occasion did not eventuate at the time, the Lord had deemed me worthy of presiding over the apostolic see, although unworthy of it."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 148.
"The more inscrutable the judgements of God are, the more they should be feared by human minds. And so, because mortal reason cannot comprehend them, it must subjugate itself before them, by humbling the heart's neck, so that wherever the Lord's will leads the reason, there it follows with the obedient footsteps of the mind.
But considering that my infirmity could in no way attain to the pinnacle of the apostolic see, I preferred to decline this burden, to avoid succumbing to a charge of unjust administration in pastoral rule.
But because it is not possible to oppose the decision of the Lord who disposes, I have obediently followed what the merciful hand of the Lord wished to be done concerning me. For it was necessary for your Fraternity to be informed that, even if a occasion did not eventuate at the time, the Lord had deemed me worthy of presiding over the apostolic see, although unworthy of it."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 148.
Thursday 27 May 2010
A Letter to a Friend
Letter 1,25 - to Anastasius, ex-patriarch of Antioch. February, 591.
"(Thus) losing totally all the rectitude of my mind and giving up the sharpness of my contemplation, I may say not in spirit of a prophesy but through experience: 'I have been cast down and humiliated everywhere' (Ps. 118:107).
Indeed so great are the occupational burdens which press me down, that my soul cannot in any way raise itself to things above. I am shaken by many waves of affairs, and after these quiet hours of peace, I am so afflicted by the storms of a tempestuous life that I can rightly say: 'I have come into the depth of the sea; and a tempest has overwhelmed me' (Ps. 68:2).
Stretch out the hand of your prayer to me, therefore, in my time of peril, you who stand firm on the shore of virtues."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 147.
"(Thus) losing totally all the rectitude of my mind and giving up the sharpness of my contemplation, I may say not in spirit of a prophesy but through experience: 'I have been cast down and humiliated everywhere' (Ps. 118:107).
Indeed so great are the occupational burdens which press me down, that my soul cannot in any way raise itself to things above. I am shaken by many waves of affairs, and after these quiet hours of peace, I am so afflicted by the storms of a tempestuous life that I can rightly say: 'I have come into the depth of the sea; and a tempest has overwhelmed me' (Ps. 68:2).
Stretch out the hand of your prayer to me, therefore, in my time of peril, you who stand firm on the shore of virtues."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 147.
Wednesday 26 May 2010
On Pastoral Care
Letter 1,24a - to (the) most holy and fellow-bishop John. February, 591.
"For one must think hard about how each man should attain to the pinnacle of power, when the necessity of affairs demands this, and duly reaching it, how he should live his life, and living it honestly, how he should teach others, and teaching rightly, with how much consideration he should recognize his own weakness, each day, so that his humility does not flee from accession to power, nor his life speak against his reaching it, nor his learning forsake his life, nor his self-assurance applaud his learning.
And so let fear first temper his appetite. But afterwards, let his life recommend him for high office, which is undertaken by the person who does not seek it.
Then the pastor's goodness, which is shown by the way he ives his life, must also be spread by the way he speaks."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 147.
"For one must think hard about how each man should attain to the pinnacle of power, when the necessity of affairs demands this, and duly reaching it, how he should live his life, and living it honestly, how he should teach others, and teaching rightly, with how much consideration he should recognize his own weakness, each day, so that his humility does not flee from accession to power, nor his life speak against his reaching it, nor his learning forsake his life, nor his self-assurance applaud his learning.
And so let fear first temper his appetite. But afterwards, let his life recommend him for high office, which is undertaken by the person who does not seek it.
Then the pastor's goodness, which is shown by the way he ives his life, must also be spread by the way he speaks."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 147.
Monday 24 May 2010
Intercessor for a Sinful People
Letter 1,24 - to John of Constantinople, Eulogius of Alexandria, Gregory of Antioch and John of Jerusalem, and to Anastasius ex-patriach of Antioch, from the same original. February, 591.
"(For) why is a bishop chosen before the Lord except to intercede on behalf of sinful people? And so with what confidence do I come before Him as an intercessor for other people's sins when I am not secure about my own sins in his presence?
Just suppose somebody appearing before a man of power were to ask that I become his intercessor, and that man of power was both angry with him and unknown to me, I should reply at once; 'I cannot come to intercede, because I have no knowledge of him from a long-time friendship.'
Therefore if I should rightly blush to become an intercessor as a man before another man, about whom I would make no presumption, what great audacity it is to hold the position of the people's intercessor before God, when I do not recognize myself as a friend of His due to a life of merit.
In which matter there is still something else, which I should fear more seriously. For as we all clearly know, when one who displeases is sent to intercede, the mind of an angry party is provoked to a worse state. And I am extremely afraid that the Christian people entrusted to me may perish with the addition of my guilt, whose faults our Lord always used to tolerate with equanimity hitherto. But whenever I somehow suppress this fear and apply my consoled mind to the studies of pontifical work, considering the very immensity of the business, I am terrified."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 135.
"(For) why is a bishop chosen before the Lord except to intercede on behalf of sinful people? And so with what confidence do I come before Him as an intercessor for other people's sins when I am not secure about my own sins in his presence?
Just suppose somebody appearing before a man of power were to ask that I become his intercessor, and that man of power was both angry with him and unknown to me, I should reply at once; 'I cannot come to intercede, because I have no knowledge of him from a long-time friendship.'
Therefore if I should rightly blush to become an intercessor as a man before another man, about whom I would make no presumption, what great audacity it is to hold the position of the people's intercessor before God, when I do not recognize myself as a friend of His due to a life of merit.
In which matter there is still something else, which I should fear more seriously. For as we all clearly know, when one who displeases is sent to intercede, the mind of an angry party is provoked to a worse state. And I am extremely afraid that the Christian people entrusted to me may perish with the addition of my guilt, whose faults our Lord always used to tolerate with equanimity hitherto. But whenever I somehow suppress this fear and apply my consoled mind to the studies of pontifical work, considering the very immensity of the business, I am terrified."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 135.
Sunday 23 May 2010
Earthly Help and Heavenly Rewards
Letter 1,23 - to sub-deacon Anthelm. February, 591.
"It has been suggested to us that some nuns in the city of Nola, while staying in the Aborida, endured an excessive deprivation of food and clothing. From the precept of God, it is fitting that we help them and relieve their want as far as we can, with the Lord's giving.
For that reason we charge your Experience with the present order: from this present ninth indiction, you should give them forty gold coins and thereafter at subsequent indictions provide twenty gold coins each year, which you may charge to your accounts. (..) Do this therefore in such a way that you also participate in a future reward."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 134.
"It has been suggested to us that some nuns in the city of Nola, while staying in the Aborida, endured an excessive deprivation of food and clothing. From the precept of God, it is fitting that we help them and relieve their want as far as we can, with the Lord's giving.
For that reason we charge your Experience with the present order: from this present ninth indiction, you should give them forty gold coins and thereafter at subsequent indictions provide twenty gold coins each year, which you may charge to your accounts. (..) Do this therefore in such a way that you also participate in a future reward."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 134.
Thursday 20 May 2010
An (Allmost) Unconditional Friendship
Letter 1,22 - to George, praetorian prefect of Italy. February 591.
"The goodness of your Excellency I have always knows, and now I have renewed my knowledge of it with an added experience. Wherefore I pray to our almighty Lord to guard you with his protection, and to bestow his grace on you both in Heaven and in the palace of our most serene emperor. If no depravities of men who are among us force us apart, know with full certainty that I am your friend."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 134.
"The goodness of your Excellency I have always knows, and now I have renewed my knowledge of it with an added experience. Wherefore I pray to our almighty Lord to guard you with his protection, and to bestow his grace on you both in Heaven and in the palace of our most serene emperor. If no depravities of men who are among us force us apart, know with full certainty that I am your friend."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 134.
A Promise
Letter 1,21 - to Nonnosus. February 591.
"May almighty God make known to your heart with what great devotion I am united with you. Although I cannot fulfill it through a letter, yet if ever I find an opportunity, I shall take care to show it to you with my deeds."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 133.
"May almighty God make known to your heart with what great devotion I am united with you. Although I cannot fulfill it through a letter, yet if ever I find an opportunity, I shall take care to show it to you with my deeds."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 133.
Sunday 16 May 2010
The Burden of Office
Letter 1,20 - to Natalis, bishop of Salona. January 591.
"(R)eason was advising us to rejoice with you over your rank as bishop. For that reason, made more joyful because of your greeting, we describe our feelings, admitting that I have taken on the burdens of this same office with a heavy heart. But because I was not able to fight against divine decrees, I have by necessity recalled my mind to a happier state.
For which reason, we beseech your Reverence with the words of this letter that we ourselves may enjoy the solace of your prayer, as does the Christian flock committed to our care, so that we can thereby overcome the storms of these times with the firmness of your support."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 133.
"(R)eason was advising us to rejoice with you over your rank as bishop. For that reason, made more joyful because of your greeting, we describe our feelings, admitting that I have taken on the burdens of this same office with a heavy heart. But because I was not able to fight against divine decrees, I have by necessity recalled my mind to a happier state.
For which reason, we beseech your Reverence with the words of this letter that we ourselves may enjoy the solace of your prayer, as does the Christian flock committed to our care, so that we can thereby overcome the storms of these times with the firmness of your support."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 133.
Saturday 15 May 2010
Concord Must Be
Letter 1,19 - to Natalis, bishop of Salona. January 591.
"We have found that the acts that you have directed to us, carried out in the conclave of your council, by which Archdeacon Honaratus is indicted, are full of seeds of dispute. For at one and the same time a person is unwillingly promoted to the rank of priest, and is removed from the office of deacon as if undeserving.
And just as it is right that nobody should be compelled to be promoted against there wishes, even so I think it should be agreed similarly that nobody who is innocent, should be unjustly demoted from the office of his order.
However, since it is discord hateful to God that excuses your party, we advise you to restore his place and function to Archdeacon Honoratus, and in concord show the servitude suited to the service of God."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 133.
"We have found that the acts that you have directed to us, carried out in the conclave of your council, by which Archdeacon Honaratus is indicted, are full of seeds of dispute. For at one and the same time a person is unwillingly promoted to the rank of priest, and is removed from the office of deacon as if undeserving.
And just as it is right that nobody should be compelled to be promoted against there wishes, even so I think it should be agreed similarly that nobody who is innocent, should be unjustly demoted from the office of his order.
However, since it is discord hateful to God that excuses your party, we advise you to restore his place and function to Archdeacon Honoratus, and in concord show the servitude suited to the service of God."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 133.
A Flock Needs A Shepherd
Letter 1,18 - to Sub-deacon Peter. January 591.
"If some cities in the province of Sicily are known to be without the rule of a priest, through the loss of priests because of misdemeanors, see if someone can be found worthy of a priestly position. Inquire first of all into the gravity of their morals, and then send them over to us, as the flock of every single place ought not to be found destitute for a long time, due to a pastor's lapse.
But if, in fact, you will find some positions vacant, but nobody from that same church is discovered suitable for such an honor, report back to us after a similarly thorough inquire, so that God can decide whom he judges worthy of such ordinations.
For it should not happen that, through one person's deviation, the Lord's flock may be scattered through rugged places without a shepherd. For in this way, proper order results for the parishes, and no suspicion will remain for those who have lapsed of reverting to there former state, so that they are more rightly penitent."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 132.
"If some cities in the province of Sicily are known to be without the rule of a priest, through the loss of priests because of misdemeanors, see if someone can be found worthy of a priestly position. Inquire first of all into the gravity of their morals, and then send them over to us, as the flock of every single place ought not to be found destitute for a long time, due to a pastor's lapse.
But if, in fact, you will find some positions vacant, but nobody from that same church is discovered suitable for such an honor, report back to us after a similarly thorough inquire, so that God can decide whom he judges worthy of such ordinations.
For it should not happen that, through one person's deviation, the Lord's flock may be scattered through rugged places without a shepherd. For in this way, proper order results for the parishes, and no suspicion will remain for those who have lapsed of reverting to there former state, so that they are more rightly penitent."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 132.
Thursday 13 May 2010
True Faith And Eternal Life
Letter 1,17 - to all the bishops of Italy. January 591.
"The most wicked Autharit (..) prohibited the children of the Lpmbards from being baptized into the Catholic faith (..) so it is right that your Fraternity should advice all the Lombards in your dioceses that,in view of the grim pestilence which is threatening everywhere, they should reconcile those same children of theirs, who were baptized in the Arian heresy, to the Catholic faith, so as to placate the anger of our almighty Lord.
Therefore, warn those whom you can, with whatever courage you can, bring them to the true faith, and constantly preach eternal life to them (..)."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 131.
"The most wicked Autharit (..) prohibited the children of the Lpmbards from being baptized into the Catholic faith (..) so it is right that your Fraternity should advice all the Lombards in your dioceses that,in view of the grim pestilence which is threatening everywhere, they should reconcile those same children of theirs, who were baptized in the Arian heresy, to the Catholic faith, so as to placate the anger of our almighty Lord.
Therefore, warn those whom you can, with whatever courage you can, bring them to the true faith, and constantly preach eternal life to them (..)."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 131.
The Communion of Faith
Letter 1,16 - to Severus, bishop of Aquileia. January 591.
"(For) not to know the truth involves less of an aberration than not to remain in the same truth once it is known, and what is committed by one who has gone astray is one thing, and what is perpetrated through knowledge is another. And indeed, if we had rejoiced over how far you had been incorporated, long ago, into the unity of the Church, we are most upset that you are now so abundantly disassociated from Catholic society.
For this reason, as soon as the bearer of this letter arrives, following the command of the most Christian and serene Lordship of all, we wish you to come to the tomb of Saint Peter the apostle with your followers, so that with God's support, in a special synod,a decision may be made about that doubt which is prevalent among you all."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 131.
"(For) not to know the truth involves less of an aberration than not to remain in the same truth once it is known, and what is committed by one who has gone astray is one thing, and what is perpetrated through knowledge is another. And indeed, if we had rejoiced over how far you had been incorporated, long ago, into the unity of the Church, we are most upset that you are now so abundantly disassociated from Catholic society.
For this reason, as soon as the bearer of this letter arrives, following the command of the most Christian and serene Lordship of all, we wish you to come to the tomb of Saint Peter the apostle with your followers, so that with God's support, in a special synod,a decision may be made about that doubt which is prevalent among you all."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 131.
Monday 10 May 2010
Pastoral Care
Letter i,15 - to Balbinus, bishop of Rosellano. januari 591.
"It has come to our attention that the church of Populonae has been so destitute of the office of priests that neither can the last confession be administered there to the dying, nor can baptism be provided to infants. Most disturbed therefore by the importance of such a holy and such a necessary matter as this, we order your Beloved to go as visitor to the above mentioned church, strengthened by the authority of this decree."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 130.
"It has come to our attention that the church of Populonae has been so destitute of the office of priests that neither can the last confession be administered there to the dying, nor can baptism be provided to infants. Most disturbed therefore by the importance of such a holy and such a necessary matter as this, we order your Beloved to go as visitor to the above mentioned church, strengthened by the authority of this decree."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 130.
Saturday 8 May 2010
One Faith
Letter 1,14 - to Demetrius, bishop of Naples. December 590.
"Stephen, the bearer of this letter, when his mind was wavering from the path of truth concerning certain articles of faith, had suspended himself from the communion of the Catholic Church because of his doubts over this matter, until God, the discloser of truth, should recall him to the path of righteousness. Please recognize that he has satisfied us and has taken communion, accepting the Catholic faith. (..) We give you this advice with the present letter, by virtue of our faith and at risk to us, that they [Stephen and a group sharing his earlier doubts, AS], that they themselves seem to have demanded. Receive them into the Catholic faith and communion, and recall them from the darkness into light in whatever ways you can, so that after a case of this sort has been brought to us, even if we pass over it in silence, we cannot endure the failure of negligence over their souls."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 130.
"Stephen, the bearer of this letter, when his mind was wavering from the path of truth concerning certain articles of faith, had suspended himself from the communion of the Catholic Church because of his doubts over this matter, until God, the discloser of truth, should recall him to the path of righteousness. Please recognize that he has satisfied us and has taken communion, accepting the Catholic faith. (..) We give you this advice with the present letter, by virtue of our faith and at risk to us, that they [Stephen and a group sharing his earlier doubts, AS], that they themselves seem to have demanded. Receive them into the Catholic faith and communion, and recall them from the darkness into light in whatever ways you can, so that after a case of this sort has been brought to us, even if we pass over it in silence, we cannot endure the failure of negligence over their souls."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 130.
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