Letter 4,8 - to Januarius, bishop of Cagliari in Sardinia. September 593
"That is, she should construct a convent for the nuns with the Lord's help, in a house belonging to her, which she claims to own at Cagliari. But as she says that guests and casual visitors are overrunning her aforesaid home, we exhort your Fraternity to take care to give her assistance in all these matters, and to offer the help of your protection to her devotion. Thus, your cooperation and concern may make you a participant in the reward for her late husband and for her sense of duty.
We want relics, however, which she asks to be gathered in that house, to be placed there by your Fraternity, with the veneration they deserve."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 292.
Thursday 29 September 2011
The Way Of The Fathers
Letter 4,7 - to Gennadius, patrician and exarch of Africa. September 593
"And so we impose on you the correction of ecclesiastical cases all the more gladly, as we trust in the pious intent of your mind. For your Excellency should know that news has been brought to us by men coming from parts of Africa, that in the council of Numidia, many things are being committed contrary to the way of the Fathers and the statues of the canons.
And because we could no longer tolerate at all the frequent complaints over these matters, we have committed their investigation to Columbus, our brother and fellow-bishop. His reputation is well known and does not allow us to have any further doubts about his gravity.
For this reason, we greet you with fatherly affection, and ask your Excellency to lend him the strength of your assistance, in all matters that concern Church discipline."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 291.
"And so we impose on you the correction of ecclesiastical cases all the more gladly, as we trust in the pious intent of your mind. For your Excellency should know that news has been brought to us by men coming from parts of Africa, that in the council of Numidia, many things are being committed contrary to the way of the Fathers and the statues of the canons.
And because we could no longer tolerate at all the frequent complaints over these matters, we have committed their investigation to Columbus, our brother and fellow-bishop. His reputation is well known and does not allow us to have any further doubts about his gravity.
For this reason, we greet you with fatherly affection, and ask your Excellency to lend him the strength of your assistance, in all matters that concern Church discipline."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 291.
Monday 26 September 2011
A Monstrous Crime
Letter 4,6 - to Cyprian, our deacon and defender of Sicily. September 593
"It has been brought to our attention that a lady called Petronella, who was born in the province of Lucania, became a non through the encouragement of Bishop Angellus. She bestowed on the convent that she had entered, by a special title of gift, all of her property in possession, although by law it could have remained her property. And we heard that on the death of the aforesaid bishop, he left half of his fortune to Angellus, a son of his who is said to be a notary of our Church, and half to the same convent.
But when they had fled to Sicily because of the disaster threatening Italy, the above-mentioned Angellus [the son, not the father and bishop] is said to have seduced her, after corrupting her morals. Sensing that she was pregnant, he removed her from the convent, and stole all of her property, and that which he could hold in possession, as by his father's right.
After perpetrating such a monstrous crime, he is said to be claiming all the property by right of ownership.
We exhort your Beloved, therefore, to have the aforesaid man and the aforesaid woman brought before you under a strict indictment, and to investigate this same case according to its merits, with a most careful examination."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 291.
"It has been brought to our attention that a lady called Petronella, who was born in the province of Lucania, became a non through the encouragement of Bishop Angellus. She bestowed on the convent that she had entered, by a special title of gift, all of her property in possession, although by law it could have remained her property. And we heard that on the death of the aforesaid bishop, he left half of his fortune to Angellus, a son of his who is said to be a notary of our Church, and half to the same convent.
But when they had fled to Sicily because of the disaster threatening Italy, the above-mentioned Angellus [the son, not the father and bishop] is said to have seduced her, after corrupting her morals. Sensing that she was pregnant, he removed her from the convent, and stole all of her property, and that which he could hold in possession, as by his father's right.
After perpetrating such a monstrous crime, he is said to be claiming all the property by right of ownership.
We exhort your Beloved, therefore, to have the aforesaid man and the aforesaid woman brought before you under a strict indictment, and to investigate this same case according to its merits, with a most careful examination."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 291.
Church Discipline
Letter 4,5 - to Boniface, bishop of Reggio. September 593
"We wish you also to show concern for the reputation of the aforesaid clergy of yours, so that nothing evil is heard about them, and nothing that tends to be contrary to Church discipline. for their office ought to reflect their embellishment of it, not the foulness of their actions.
However, we have decreed that what we decided concerning the Sicilian subdeacons, should be observed with regard to yours also. Do not allow that decision of ours to be spoilt by anyone's arrogance or temerity. Thus, as long as you have most strictly obeyed all of our commands, you should not show yourself to be a sinner against our warning (as we also believe). Nor would the order of pastoral rule entrusted to you accuse you in any way, as being guilty of slackness."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 290.
"We wish you also to show concern for the reputation of the aforesaid clergy of yours, so that nothing evil is heard about them, and nothing that tends to be contrary to Church discipline. for their office ought to reflect their embellishment of it, not the foulness of their actions.
However, we have decreed that what we decided concerning the Sicilian subdeacons, should be observed with regard to yours also. Do not allow that decision of ours to be spoilt by anyone's arrogance or temerity. Thus, as long as you have most strictly obeyed all of our commands, you should not show yourself to be a sinner against our warning (as we also believe). Nor would the order of pastoral rule entrusted to you accuse you in any way, as being guilty of slackness."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 290.
Sunday 25 September 2011
The True faith
Letter 4,4 - to Theodelinda, queen of the Lombards. September 593
"For we confess, with or conscience as our witness, that nothing has been removed from the faith of that same holy council of Chalcedon, nor anything violated. However, whatever was done at the time of the aforementioned Justinian, was done in such a way that the faith of the council of Chalcedon might be disturbed in no way. However, if anyone presumes to say or to know anything contrary to the faith of the same synod, we condemn this view under the imposition of anathema.
Therefore, since you understand our integrity from the testimony or our conscience, it remains for you never to separate yourself from communion with the Catholic Church. Otherwise so many tears of yours and such great and good works may be wasted, if found alien to the true faith.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 289.
"For we confess, with or conscience as our witness, that nothing has been removed from the faith of that same holy council of Chalcedon, nor anything violated. However, whatever was done at the time of the aforementioned Justinian, was done in such a way that the faith of the council of Chalcedon might be disturbed in no way. However, if anyone presumes to say or to know anything contrary to the faith of the same synod, we condemn this view under the imposition of anathema.
Therefore, since you understand our integrity from the testimony or our conscience, it remains for you never to separate yourself from communion with the Catholic Church. Otherwise so many tears of yours and such great and good works may be wasted, if found alien to the true faith.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 289.
Monday 19 September 2011
Unity
Letter 4,3 - to Constantius, bishop of Milan. September 593
"For with truth guiding us and with conscience our witness, we confess that we preserve the faith of the holy synod of Chalcedon as inviolate in every way, and dare to add nothing, and to subtract nothing from its definition. But if anyone is seeking, contrary to the faith of the same synod, either to add of to subtract from it to suit his interpretation, we anathematize him without any delay, and decree that he is alienated from the bosom of the mother Church.
Therefore, he who is not cured by that confession of mine, no longer loves the synod of Chalcedon, but hates the bosom of the mother Church.
And so, if they have presumed to say with a passionate spirit those very things that they seem to have dared to say, it remains for them to return to unity with your Fraternity, having received this assurance, and not to divide themselves from the body of Christ, which is the holy, universal Church."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 289.
"For with truth guiding us and with conscience our witness, we confess that we preserve the faith of the holy synod of Chalcedon as inviolate in every way, and dare to add nothing, and to subtract nothing from its definition. But if anyone is seeking, contrary to the faith of the same synod, either to add of to subtract from it to suit his interpretation, we anathematize him without any delay, and decree that he is alienated from the bosom of the mother Church.
Therefore, he who is not cured by that confession of mine, no longer loves the synod of Chalcedon, but hates the bosom of the mother Church.
And so, if they have presumed to say with a passionate spirit those very things that they seem to have dared to say, it remains for them to return to unity with your Fraternity, having received this assurance, and not to divide themselves from the body of Christ, which is the holy, universal Church."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 289.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
Schism
Letter 4,2 - to Constantius, bishop of Milan. September 593
"And if there has been any mention of the Three Chapters in anything said or written, your Fraternity remembers it well, although Laurence, the predecessor to your Fraternity, sent a very strict pledge to the apostolic see, witnessed by most noble men, in number as prescribed by law. Among them I also added my signature to theirs, as at that time I was acting as urban praetor. This was because, after such a schism had arisen for no reason, it was right that the apostolic see should take care in every way to protect unity in the minds of priests of the universal Church.
But is it being said that our daughter, Queen Theodelinda, after hearing this report, has withdrawn herself from communion with you. It is quite evident that, although she has been seduced to some small degree by the words of wicked men, yet when Hippolitus the notary and Abbot John arrive there, she will be seeking communion with your Fraternity in every way."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 287.
"And if there has been any mention of the Three Chapters in anything said or written, your Fraternity remembers it well, although Laurence, the predecessor to your Fraternity, sent a very strict pledge to the apostolic see, witnessed by most noble men, in number as prescribed by law. Among them I also added my signature to theirs, as at that time I was acting as urban praetor. This was because, after such a schism had arisen for no reason, it was right that the apostolic see should take care in every way to protect unity in the minds of priests of the universal Church.
But is it being said that our daughter, Queen Theodelinda, after hearing this report, has withdrawn herself from communion with you. It is quite evident that, although she has been seduced to some small degree by the words of wicked men, yet when Hippolitus the notary and Abbot John arrive there, she will be seeking communion with your Fraternity in every way."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 287.
Priestly Virtues
Letter 4,1 - to Constantius, bishop of Milan. September 593
"Therefore it is proper for you to respond to their behavior with priestly kindness in all things, and to agree with their needs with holy compassion. If some of these happen to have vices, you should ensure them with timely criticisms, so that your priestly indignation is itself combined also with the virtue of sweetness. Thus you should also be loved by your subjects then, even when you shall be gravely feared.
This approach will also provide your person with great reverence in their judgement. For, just as hasty and repeated fury is despised, even so discrete indignation against faults very often becomes all the more frightening, as it is slow to arise.
But John, our sub-deacon, returning here has reported to us many good things about your Fraternity. Concerning these, we ask almighty God to complete what He himself has begun, so that he may show that you have made progress inwardly and outwardly, now among men and afterwards among the angels."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 287.
"Therefore it is proper for you to respond to their behavior with priestly kindness in all things, and to agree with their needs with holy compassion. If some of these happen to have vices, you should ensure them with timely criticisms, so that your priestly indignation is itself combined also with the virtue of sweetness. Thus you should also be loved by your subjects then, even when you shall be gravely feared.
This approach will also provide your person with great reverence in their judgement. For, just as hasty and repeated fury is despised, even so discrete indignation against faults very often becomes all the more frightening, as it is slow to arise.
But John, our sub-deacon, returning here has reported to us many good things about your Fraternity. Concerning these, we ask almighty God to complete what He himself has begun, so that he may show that you have made progress inwardly and outwardly, now among men and afterwards among the angels."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 287.
Monday 12 September 2011
Friendship
Letter 3,65 - to Theotimis, physician. August 593
"There were some ancient philosophers who said that there was one soul in two bodies, not joining the two with love, but dividing the single substance of the soul into two. But we say by contrast that we have one soul, not by dividing the substance, but by joining hearts. For it was written about those first Christians: "there was in them one heart and one soul." I read this in the Acts of the Apostles in such a way that I recognize it in the case of Lord Theotimus and me.
For he is such a kindred spirit, that when present in body he never lets me down, and when absent in body, he is always made present through the spirit.
And I offer thanks to almighty Lord, who fills the innermost parts of our mind with the grace of his love."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 286.
"There were some ancient philosophers who said that there was one soul in two bodies, not joining the two with love, but dividing the single substance of the soul into two. But we say by contrast that we have one soul, not by dividing the substance, but by joining hearts. For it was written about those first Christians: "there was in them one heart and one soul." I read this in the Acts of the Apostles in such a way that I recognize it in the case of Lord Theotimus and me.
For he is such a kindred spirit, that when present in body he never lets me down, and when absent in body, he is always made present through the spirit.
And I offer thanks to almighty Lord, who fills the innermost parts of our mind with the grace of his love."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 286.
Silent Diplomacy
Letter 3,64 - to Theodore, physician. August, 593
" For he [the emperor] has decreed that nobody should be allowed to become a monk who has had a public occupation (..). If our most serene Lordship did this because perhaps many soldiers were becoming monks and the army was decreasing, did almighty God subjugate the empire of Peria to him through the courage of his soldiers at all? was it not that his tears alone were heard, and by that order which our Lordship knew not, God subjected the Persian empire to his empire? It seems very harsh to me that he prohibits his soldiers from the service of God, who has provided him with everything, and who allowed him to be ruler not only of troops but of priests also.
If his intention is to save property, how were those same monasteries, which had taken in the soldiers, unable to pay off their debts, and keep the men just simply for a religious way of life?
I have suggested to the same Lordship that this greatly upsets me. But would your Glory offer my suggestion to him privately, at an opportune moment? I do not want it to be given by my emissary in public, because you who serve him as a friend can say more openly and freely what is the good of his soul."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 285.
" For he [the emperor] has decreed that nobody should be allowed to become a monk who has had a public occupation (..). If our most serene Lordship did this because perhaps many soldiers were becoming monks and the army was decreasing, did almighty God subjugate the empire of Peria to him through the courage of his soldiers at all? was it not that his tears alone were heard, and by that order which our Lordship knew not, God subjected the Persian empire to his empire? It seems very harsh to me that he prohibits his soldiers from the service of God, who has provided him with everything, and who allowed him to be ruler not only of troops but of priests also.
If his intention is to save property, how were those same monasteries, which had taken in the soldiers, unable to pay off their debts, and keep the men just simply for a religious way of life?
I have suggested to the same Lordship that this greatly upsets me. But would your Glory offer my suggestion to him privately, at an opportune moment? I do not want it to be given by my emissary in public, because you who serve him as a friend can say more openly and freely what is the good of his soul."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 285.
Thursday 8 September 2011
Too Much Too Do
Letter 3,63 - to Narses. August 593
"As for your Beloved asking me in your letters to offer thanks on your behalf to my son, Lord Theodore, chief doctor and ex-prefect, I have done so. Nor have I ceased to commend you as much as I was able to do. But I beg you to pardon me for replying to your letters so briefly, but I am oppressed by such great tribulations, that I am allowed neither to read much nor to say much by means of letters. I say this only to you, briefly, that 'I forget to eat my bread from the voice of my groaning'."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 284.
"As for your Beloved asking me in your letters to offer thanks on your behalf to my son, Lord Theodore, chief doctor and ex-prefect, I have done so. Nor have I ceased to commend you as much as I was able to do. But I beg you to pardon me for replying to your letters so briefly, but I am oppressed by such great tribulations, that I am allowed neither to read much nor to say much by means of letters. I say this only to you, briefly, that 'I forget to eat my bread from the voice of my groaning'."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 284.
The Richness Of Scripture
Letter 3,62 - to Domitian, metropolitan. August 593
"For in the understanding of Holy Scripture, whatever is not opposed to a firm faith ought not to be rejected. For just as from gold alone, some men make necklaces, others rings and others bracelets, as ornaments, even so from a knowledge of Holy Scripture, various expounders through countless interpretations, compose varied ornaments, as it were, all of which, however, are for the adornment of a heavenly bride.
And I am extremely happy that your most charming Beatitude, even when busy with secular cases, vigilantly turn you mind back to the understanding of Holy Scripture. For indeed it is very necessary that, even if the former cannot be avoided altogether, the latter should not be postponed altogether.
But I beg you by our almighty Lord, stretch forth your hand of prayer to me, as I labor in such great waves of tribulation. Thus I may be raised by your intercession to the heights, as I am being pressed down to the depths by the weight of my sins."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 282.
"For in the understanding of Holy Scripture, whatever is not opposed to a firm faith ought not to be rejected. For just as from gold alone, some men make necklaces, others rings and others bracelets, as ornaments, even so from a knowledge of Holy Scripture, various expounders through countless interpretations, compose varied ornaments, as it were, all of which, however, are for the adornment of a heavenly bride.
And I am extremely happy that your most charming Beatitude, even when busy with secular cases, vigilantly turn you mind back to the understanding of Holy Scripture. For indeed it is very necessary that, even if the former cannot be avoided altogether, the latter should not be postponed altogether.
But I beg you by our almighty Lord, stretch forth your hand of prayer to me, as I labor in such great waves of tribulation. Thus I may be raised by your intercession to the heights, as I am being pressed down to the depths by the weight of my sins."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 282.
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Protest Against A Law
Letter 3,62 - to the Emperor Maurice. August 593
"In [this new law] your Lordship's piety enacted that anyone involved in public administration should not be allowed to obtain an ecclesiastical office. I praise this greatly, knowing most clearly that one who hastens to obtain ecclesiastical offices, while giving up a secular occupation, wants to change what is secular, not relinquish it.
But I was totally amazed that in the same law it is stated that this person should not be allowed to become monk, while his accounts can be handled through a monastery, and it can be arranged also that his debts may be recovered from that place which accepts him. For, although nobody with a devout mind would have wanted to become a monk before repaying what was wrongly taken, he could also think about his own soul all the more truthfully, as he is the more lightly burdened.
In this law it has been added that no one marked on the hand should be allowed to become a monk. This regulation, I confess to my Lordship, had greatly alarmed me. For through it, the path to Heaven is closed for many men, and what has been legal up till now, is prohibited from being legal. For there are many who can lead a religious life, even in a secular condition. And there are very many who could not in any way be saved in the presence of God, unless they gave up everything.
However, as I say this to my Lordship, what am I but dust and worm? And yet because I feel that this regulation turns against God, the author of all things, I cannot be silent before my Lordship's piety for this reason, that those who seek good things are given help, that the path of Heaven is opened more widely, and that an earthly kingdom is in service to the heavenly kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 280.
"In [this new law] your Lordship's piety enacted that anyone involved in public administration should not be allowed to obtain an ecclesiastical office. I praise this greatly, knowing most clearly that one who hastens to obtain ecclesiastical offices, while giving up a secular occupation, wants to change what is secular, not relinquish it.
But I was totally amazed that in the same law it is stated that this person should not be allowed to become monk, while his accounts can be handled through a monastery, and it can be arranged also that his debts may be recovered from that place which accepts him. For, although nobody with a devout mind would have wanted to become a monk before repaying what was wrongly taken, he could also think about his own soul all the more truthfully, as he is the more lightly burdened.
In this law it has been added that no one marked on the hand should be allowed to become a monk. This regulation, I confess to my Lordship, had greatly alarmed me. For through it, the path to Heaven is closed for many men, and what has been legal up till now, is prohibited from being legal. For there are many who can lead a religious life, even in a secular condition. And there are very many who could not in any way be saved in the presence of God, unless they gave up everything.
However, as I say this to my Lordship, what am I but dust and worm? And yet because I feel that this regulation turns against God, the author of all things, I cannot be silent before my Lordship's piety for this reason, that those who seek good things are given help, that the path of Heaven is opened more widely, and that an earthly kingdom is in service to the heavenly kingdom."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 280.
Thursday 1 September 2011
Pastoral Care
Letter 3,60 - to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples. August 593
"You should therefore repay their [the citizens of Napels] affection with your own morality, repressing the evil, opening up to the good with discretion and maximum kindness, and urging them to follow the better parties more frequently, so that they may rejoice to have found a father's morality in you, and you too, with the cooperation of the Lord, may more zealously carry out the pastoral care entrusted to you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 280.
"You should therefore repay their [the citizens of Napels] affection with your own morality, repressing the evil, opening up to the good with discretion and maximum kindness, and urging them to follow the better parties more frequently, so that they may rejoice to have found a father's morality in you, and you too, with the cooperation of the Lord, may more zealously carry out the pastoral care entrusted to you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 280.
Effort And Support
Letter 3,59 - to Eutychius, bishop of Tydari. August 593
"For you have written to us that some worshippers of idols and adherents to the dogma of the Angelii were found in these parts in which you are established. You have asserted that several of them had converted, but that some defended themselves through the names of potentates and by the nature of the region.
Giving help therefore to the good works of your Beloved, we have sent a letter of ours to that glorious man, the praetor of Sicily. We have asked him, with God's help, to work with you as vigorously as he can, so that your praiseworthy undertaking can be completed profitably.
Your Fraternity should therefore show the greatest of concern over this matter. For you will truly follow your episcopal path, if through your zeal and eloquence you bring back into the unity of the Church those who dissent from the true faith."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 279.
"For you have written to us that some worshippers of idols and adherents to the dogma of the Angelii were found in these parts in which you are established. You have asserted that several of them had converted, but that some defended themselves through the names of potentates and by the nature of the region.
Giving help therefore to the good works of your Beloved, we have sent a letter of ours to that glorious man, the praetor of Sicily. We have asked him, with God's help, to work with you as vigorously as he can, so that your praiseworthy undertaking can be completed profitably.
Your Fraternity should therefore show the greatest of concern over this matter. For you will truly follow your episcopal path, if through your zeal and eloquence you bring back into the unity of the Church those who dissent from the true faith."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 279.
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