Letter 4,34 - to Andrew, bishop of Tarentum. June 593
"We have found out with manifest truth that you have certainly had a concubine, concerning whom divided suspicions have arisen among some people. But since in ambiguous matters a judgement should not be absolute, we have decided that this should be left for your conscience. And so if you recall being stained by intercourse with her, while appointed to a holy order, you should lay aside your priestly rank and in no way presume to engage in church administration, knowing that your are ministering with danger to your soul, and that you are giving clear account to our God if, while conscious of this sin, you want to remain in the order which you now have by concealing the truth.
Wherefore we encourage you again, if you find that you have been deceived by the cunning of the ancient enemy, be quick to conquer him while you can with sustainable penitence, in case of the day of Judgement your are condemned as his partner, which we do not want. But if in your view you are not guilty of this charge, you must remain in the order in which you are now."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Friday 29 July 2011
Lost Property
Letter 3,43 - to Boniface, bishop of Reggio. June 593
"Indeed Stephania, who bears this letter, complains that some of her property was seizes by force in the time of your predecessor and one-time bishop, Lucius, by his agents. And because she has requested that this should be restored to her, with justice on her side, for that reason your Fraternity should, with the fear of God, take care accordingly to learn accurately what she asserts. And if you find that it is as the aforesaid women says, arrange for whatever has been wrongly taken from her to be restored, without any loss or delay. For it is very wrong to keep the property of others contrary to Church policy."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
"Indeed Stephania, who bears this letter, complains that some of her property was seizes by force in the time of your predecessor and one-time bishop, Lucius, by his agents. And because she has requested that this should be restored to her, with justice on her side, for that reason your Fraternity should, with the fear of God, take care accordingly to learn accurately what she asserts. And if you find that it is as the aforesaid women says, arrange for whatever has been wrongly taken from her to be restored, without any loss or delay. For it is very wrong to keep the property of others contrary to Church policy."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
Responsibilities
Letter 3,42 - to Felix, bishop of Siponto. june 593
"We expect your Fraternity to convert some people to God by your preaching, and to recall evil-doers to righteousness. We are greatly saddened over this matter, because in the depravity of your grandson Felix, by contrast, your fault has been clearly shown, as it was you who brought up such a person.
We had heard that the above-mentioned Felix deceived and seduced the daughter of our deacon, Evangelus. If this is true, although he should be punished with a heavy penalty, according to law, yet we alleviate the harshness of the law to some extent, seeing that it should be settled in the following way. That is, he should either marry the girl he defiled or else, if he thinks he must refuse, he should certainly receive quite severe corporal punishment, and should be excommunicated, and shut away in a monastery, where he can pay penance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
"We expect your Fraternity to convert some people to God by your preaching, and to recall evil-doers to righteousness. We are greatly saddened over this matter, because in the depravity of your grandson Felix, by contrast, your fault has been clearly shown, as it was you who brought up such a person.
We had heard that the above-mentioned Felix deceived and seduced the daughter of our deacon, Evangelus. If this is true, although he should be punished with a heavy penalty, according to law, yet we alleviate the harshness of the law to some extent, seeing that it should be settled in the following way. That is, he should either marry the girl he defiled or else, if he thinks he must refuse, he should certainly receive quite severe corporal punishment, and should be excommunicated, and shut away in a monastery, where he can pay penance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
Against Neglect
Letter 3,41 - to Felix, bishop of Siponto. June 593
"Concern over our interests disturbs us greatly. Accordingly with God's assistance, we must provide the defense of ecclesiastical affairs, in such a way that no loss might result from neglect in these matters.
Therefore your Fraternity, together with Boniface and with Pantaleo also, the bearer of this letter, both notaries of our see, must take care to describe in detail the Church properties which are known to exist at the church of Siponto, each of them individually. Thus when a trustful inspection of the properties has been made, you three should compile an inventory containing the vessels of the churches, as well as their silver usual, and whatever else there is. Nor should your Fraternity try to present any delay or excuse over this."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 262.
"Concern over our interests disturbs us greatly. Accordingly with God's assistance, we must provide the defense of ecclesiastical affairs, in such a way that no loss might result from neglect in these matters.
Therefore your Fraternity, together with Boniface and with Pantaleo also, the bearer of this letter, both notaries of our see, must take care to describe in detail the Church properties which are known to exist at the church of Siponto, each of them individually. Thus when a trustful inspection of the properties has been made, you three should compile an inventory containing the vessels of the churches, as well as their silver usual, and whatever else there is. Nor should your Fraternity try to present any delay or excuse over this."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 262.
Seduction And Punishment
Letter 3.40 - to Pantaleo, notary. June 593
"Evangelus, deacon of the church of Siponto, has complained to us that his daughter (terrible to relate!) has been seduced by Felix. Concerning this matter, it is necessary for you, supported by the authority of this order, to set out for the city of Siponto, and you will take pains to learn the truth with all care, with the support of the learned men there. And if you find that it is so, he must either accept the woman he has seduced as his wife, providing nuptial provisions, or you will be quick to give him corporal punishment in the monastery, and deprive him of communion, placing him in a monastery where he may carry out his penance, so that he has no license to leave that place in any way, unless perhaps you should allow it."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 262.
"Evangelus, deacon of the church of Siponto, has complained to us that his daughter (terrible to relate!) has been seduced by Felix. Concerning this matter, it is necessary for you, supported by the authority of this order, to set out for the city of Siponto, and you will take pains to learn the truth with all care, with the support of the learned men there. And if you find that it is so, he must either accept the woman he has seduced as his wife, providing nuptial provisions, or you will be quick to give him corporal punishment in the monastery, and deprive him of communion, placing him in a monastery where he may carry out his penance, so that he has no license to leave that place in any way, unless perhaps you should allow it."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 262.
Thursday 28 July 2011
Care For A Soul
Letter 3,39 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Campania. June 593
"Furthermore, since the defender Felix is said to own a female slave called Catella, who is seeking the robe of a religious life with many tears and most ardent desire, although her aforesaid master does not allow her to be converted, we therefore want your Experience to go and see the aforesaid Felix and to carefully examine the mind of the same slave-girl, and send her over here with some responsible people, to be placed in a convent, with God's help. But do this in such a way that the soul of the aforesaid slave-girl does not sustain any loss in her desire though your sluggish action."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 261.
"Furthermore, since the defender Felix is said to own a female slave called Catella, who is seeking the robe of a religious life with many tears and most ardent desire, although her aforesaid master does not allow her to be converted, we therefore want your Experience to go and see the aforesaid Felix and to carefully examine the mind of the same slave-girl, and send her over here with some responsible people, to be placed in a convent, with God's help. But do this in such a way that the soul of the aforesaid slave-girl does not sustain any loss in her desire though your sluggish action."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 261.
Careful Investigation
Letter 3,38 - to all the bishops of Corinth. May 593
"But since we do not allow those comments to remain not discussed, we have directed a deacon of our see to investigate them. For the nature of the wrongdoing reported to us strongly compels us not to cover up at all what we have heard. Especially when you indicated that the accusers and the accused have come to terms, we have to examine this more carefully, in case their agreement has perhaps been bought. And if it is established (Heaven forbid!) that is resulted not from love but from a payment, this must be punished with a greater correction. For we hasten to remove preceding evils, and we for no reason dismiss a fault recently committed, without punishment."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 260.
"But since we do not allow those comments to remain not discussed, we have directed a deacon of our see to investigate them. For the nature of the wrongdoing reported to us strongly compels us not to cover up at all what we have heard. Especially when you indicated that the accusers and the accused have come to terms, we have to examine this more carefully, in case their agreement has perhaps been bought. And if it is established (Heaven forbid!) that is resulted not from love but from a payment, this must be punished with a greater correction. For we hasten to remove preceding evils, and we for no reason dismiss a fault recently committed, without punishment."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 260.
Justice Must Be
Letter 3,37 - to Libertinus, praetor of Sicily. May 593
"But he [the Jew Nasas] is said to have both purchased Christian slaves, and allotted them to his own service and advantage. While he ought therefore to have been punished most severely for such great crimes, the glorious Justin, besmeared with the balm of avarice, as we have been informed, putt off punishing this injury to God.
But let your Glory inquire into all of this with a strict examination, and if you find that there is proof of this sort of crime, you must quickly inflict on this same wicked Jew so strict a corporal punishment, that you may obtain the grace of our God for yourself in this case.
Thus, by these examples you may show yourself to be worthy of imitation by future generations, for the reward you receive. But give their freedom of any of those Christian slaves clearly bought by him, as the law requires, without any ambiguity, so that the Christian religion is not polluted (Heaven forbid!) in subjection to Jews, Therefore correct everything so very carefully and hastily that we may not only give thanks to you for this discipline, but also provide a proof of your goodness wherever it should be necessary."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 260.
"But he [the Jew Nasas] is said to have both purchased Christian slaves, and allotted them to his own service and advantage. While he ought therefore to have been punished most severely for such great crimes, the glorious Justin, besmeared with the balm of avarice, as we have been informed, putt off punishing this injury to God.
But let your Glory inquire into all of this with a strict examination, and if you find that there is proof of this sort of crime, you must quickly inflict on this same wicked Jew so strict a corporal punishment, that you may obtain the grace of our God for yourself in this case.
Thus, by these examples you may show yourself to be worthy of imitation by future generations, for the reward you receive. But give their freedom of any of those Christian slaves clearly bought by him, as the law requires, without any ambiguity, so that the Christian religion is not polluted (Heaven forbid!) in subjection to Jews, Therefore correct everything so very carefully and hastily that we may not only give thanks to you for this discipline, but also provide a proof of your goodness wherever it should be necessary."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 260.
Tuesday 5 July 2011
A Fair Trial
Letter 3,36 - to Sabinus, defender of Sardinia. May 593
"Furthermore, since some wrongdoings have been reported to us concerning the person of the priest Epiphanius, it is necessary that you examine all of these quite diligently. Hurry also to bring here either the women with whom he is said to have erred, or others whom you feel know something about this same case, so that the truth can be clearly revealed for an ecclesiastical sentence.
But you will take care to carry out all of this so efficiently for both parties that no guilt over neglect applies to you, knowing as we do that it spells danger for you in every way, if this command of ours should be delayed in any way."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 259.
"Furthermore, since some wrongdoings have been reported to us concerning the person of the priest Epiphanius, it is necessary that you examine all of these quite diligently. Hurry also to bring here either the women with whom he is said to have erred, or others whom you feel know something about this same case, so that the truth can be clearly revealed for an ecclesiastical sentence.
But you will take care to carry out all of this so efficiently for both parties that no guilt over neglect applies to you, knowing as we do that it spells danger for you in every way, if this command of ours should be delayed in any way."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 259.
Saturday 2 July 2011
A New Bishop
Letter 3,35 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Campania. May 593
"Thus their own bishop van, with God's authority, be consecrated for that church. For we do not allow it to be without its own bishop any longer. If perhaps they try to put off your recommendation in any way, then exercise ecclesiastical vigor against them. For whoever will not concur in this desire will provide evidence of his own perverseness.
But see that a hundred gold coins and one orphaned young boy of his choice are given to our aforesaid brother and fellow-bishop, Paul in return for his hard work over the same church.
Advise those, however, who will come here on behalf of all, for the election of a bishop, to bring with them all the vestments of the bishop mentioned above, and whatever silver they shall anticipate as necessary, so that the bishop who has been consecrated can have it for his own use. However, be quick to implement all of these things vigorously and strictly, and send over here with all speed those elected from your clergy, as we have said. Thus, as various noblemen from the city of Naples are present here, we can both discuss together with them and deliberate about the bishop's ordination, with the assistance of the Lord."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 258.
"Thus their own bishop van, with God's authority, be consecrated for that church. For we do not allow it to be without its own bishop any longer. If perhaps they try to put off your recommendation in any way, then exercise ecclesiastical vigor against them. For whoever will not concur in this desire will provide evidence of his own perverseness.
But see that a hundred gold coins and one orphaned young boy of his choice are given to our aforesaid brother and fellow-bishop, Paul in return for his hard work over the same church.
Advise those, however, who will come here on behalf of all, for the election of a bishop, to bring with them all the vestments of the bishop mentioned above, and whatever silver they shall anticipate as necessary, so that the bishop who has been consecrated can have it for his own use. However, be quick to implement all of these things vigorously and strictly, and send over here with all speed those elected from your clergy, as we have said. Thus, as various noblemen from the city of Naples are present here, we can both discuss together with them and deliberate about the bishop's ordination, with the assistance of the Lord."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 258.
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