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.
Tuesday 28 September 2010
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.
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