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.
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