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.
Sunday 31 October 2010
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.
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