Quote from Letter 4,40 on the miracles of the apostles and relics of the saints, to the Empress Constantina. June 594.
But my most serene empress must know that it is not a custom for the Romans, when they give away relics of saints, to presume to touch anything of the body. Rather, a silk cloth is simply put in a small bod, which is placed near the very holy bodies of the saints. When lifted out, the box is deposited with due reverence in the church which is to be dedicated, and through it miracles occur, as great as if the saints' bodies were specially brought there.
From this it happened that in the time of Pope Leo of blessed memory, as is handed down by our ancestors, when some Greeks were in doubt about such relics, the above-mentioned pope brought in scissors and cut into this cloth, and blood flowed from the actual incision. For, in Roman areas and in all the Western parts, it is totally intolerable and sacrilegious if anyone should perhaps want to touch the bodies of the saints. If he presumes to do so, it is certain that this temerity will in no way remain unpunished.
For this reason we are greatly amazed at the custom of the Greeks, who say that they dig up the bones of saints, and we scarcely believe it.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 310
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Mission
Quote from Letter 4,29 to Januarius, bishop of Cagliari on Sardinia. June 594.
But we have now learnt that, through the lack of priests, some pagans remain there, living like wild animals, still totally ignorant of the worship of God. We exhort your Fraternity therefore to make haste to consecrate a bishop there, according to the old custom, but such a person of course who is apt for this work in his morality and speech, and who would be keen to lead his wandering sheep to the Lord's flock, with pastoral emulation.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 309
But we have now learnt that, through the lack of priests, some pagans remain there, living like wild animals, still totally ignorant of the worship of God. We exhort your Fraternity therefore to make haste to consecrate a bishop there, according to the old custom, but such a person of course who is apt for this work in his morality and speech, and who would be keen to lead his wandering sheep to the Lord's flock, with pastoral emulation.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 309
Sunday 29 January 2012
A Helping Hand
Quote from Letter 4,28 to Candidus, defender. June 594.
It is fitting that pontifical assistance should be available for those who suffer need. With regard to this matter, we instruct your Experience, with the present authority, that without any delay, you do not cease to provide two thirds of a gold coin each year for Albinus, deprived of sight, the son of Martin, a one-time farmer.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 309
It is fitting that pontifical assistance should be available for those who suffer need. With regard to this matter, we instruct your Experience, with the present authority, that without any delay, you do not cease to provide two thirds of a gold coin each year for Albinus, deprived of sight, the son of Martin, a one-time farmer.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 309
Being A Christian
Quote from Letter 4,27 to Hospiton, duke of the Barbaricini. May 594.
Since nobody from your people is a Christian, I know that you are better than all of your people, in that you are found to be a Christian among them. For while all of the Barbaricini live like senseless animals, and know not the true God, worshipping sticks and stones, by the very fact that you worship the true God, you show how much you surpass all the others.
But you will need to prove the faith that you have received with good acts also, and to offer to Christ, in whom you believe, what is in your power. Thus you should bring to him as many people as you van, and have them baptized, warning them to love the eternal life.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 308
Since nobody from your people is a Christian, I know that you are better than all of your people, in that you are found to be a Christian among them. For while all of the Barbaricini live like senseless animals, and know not the true God, worshipping sticks and stones, by the very fact that you worship the true God, you show how much you surpass all the others.
But you will need to prove the faith that you have received with good acts also, and to offer to Christ, in whom you believe, what is in your power. Thus you should bring to him as many people as you van, and have them baptized, warning them to love the eternal life.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 308
Saturday 28 January 2012
Ordination
Quote from Letter 4,26 to Januarius, bishop of Cagliari. May 594.
Tt has also come to our attention that some who have lapsed from sacred orders are being recalled to the office of their ministry, either after doing penance, or before it. We have totally forbidden this, and in this matter the most sacred canons also declare against this practice.
Therefore, whoever has received a sacred order and has lapsed in carnal sin, must forfeit his sacred order so as to never again approach the ministry of the altar. But so that those who have been ordained should never be lost to the Church, care should be taken as to what sort of people are ordained, so that the first consideration is whether their life was continent over a great many years, and whether they had a passion for prayer and bible reading and a love of almsgiving. An enquiry should also be made in case one of them was perhaps married twice. Care should also be taken that he is not illiterate, and that he is not liable to state service, and forced to return to public employment after taking orders.
And so let your Fraternity carefully inquire into all of these matters.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 307
Tt has also come to our attention that some who have lapsed from sacred orders are being recalled to the office of their ministry, either after doing penance, or before it. We have totally forbidden this, and in this matter the most sacred canons also declare against this practice.
Therefore, whoever has received a sacred order and has lapsed in carnal sin, must forfeit his sacred order so as to never again approach the ministry of the altar. But so that those who have been ordained should never be lost to the Church, care should be taken as to what sort of people are ordained, so that the first consideration is whether their life was continent over a great many years, and whether they had a passion for prayer and bible reading and a love of almsgiving. An enquiry should also be made in case one of them was perhaps married twice. Care should also be taken that he is not illiterate, and that he is not liable to state service, and forced to return to public employment after taking orders.
And so let your Fraternity carefully inquire into all of these matters.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 307
Monday 23 January 2012
Praise
Quote from Letter 4,25 to Zabardas, duke of Sardina. may 594
We offer great thanks to almighty God, because He has such a fine duke, who knows to pay to the republic what are earthly products, so as to know well also to show to almighty God his obedience towards the heavenly kingdom. For indeed they have written to me that you are arranging to make peace with the Barbaricini, on the condition that you bring the same Barbaricini to the service of Christ.
Concerning this matter, I am extremely happy. Should it pleases almighty God, I shall very quickly report your good deeds to our serene emperor.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 306
We offer great thanks to almighty God, because He has such a fine duke, who knows to pay to the republic what are earthly products, so as to know well also to show to almighty God his obedience towards the heavenly kingdom. For indeed they have written to me that you are arranging to make peace with the Barbaricini, on the condition that you bring the same Barbaricini to the service of Christ.
Concerning this matter, I am extremely happy. Should it pleases almighty God, I shall very quickly report your good deeds to our serene emperor.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 306
The Disease Of Sins
Quote from Letter 4,24 to Januarius, bishop of Sardina. May 594
As for the cleric Paul, he is said to have been discovered sinning on many occasions and, despising his habit, he has reverted to life as a layman and has fled to Africa. If that is so, once he has first suffered corporeal punishments, we order him to be handed over for penance.
Thus, in accordance with the apostolic sentence, his spirit may be saved through carnal affliction and with a continuous flow of tears he can wash away the earthly disease of sins, which he is said to have contracted through wicked deeds.
But let no religious person be associated with those who have been suspended from ecclesiastical communion, in accordance with the rules of the canons.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 305
As for the cleric Paul, he is said to have been discovered sinning on many occasions and, despising his habit, he has reverted to life as a layman and has fled to Africa. If that is so, once he has first suffered corporeal punishments, we order him to be handed over for penance.
Thus, in accordance with the apostolic sentence, his spirit may be saved through carnal affliction and with a continuous flow of tears he can wash away the earthly disease of sins, which he is said to have contracted through wicked deeds.
But let no religious person be associated with those who have been suspended from ecclesiastical communion, in accordance with the rules of the canons.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 305
Idolatry
Quote from Letter 4,23 - to the nobles and landowners living on the island of Sardinia. May 594
I suggest that you should with all care and all concern be full of zeal over your souls, and consider what accounts you will render to almighty God of your subjects. For they have been entrusted to you for this purpose, that they might serve your advantage in earthly things, and that you also, through your care of them, might provide for their souls those things which are eternal.
Therefore, if they pay what they owe, why do you not pay what you owe to them? That is, your Greatness should warn them assiduously, and restrain them from the error of idolatry, so that, by leading them back to the faith, you may make almighty God amenable towards yourselves. For look, you see how near the end is closing on this world. You see that now a human sword, and now a divine one threatens us. And yet you worshippers of a true God, do you watch the worship of stones by those entrusted to you, and keep silent?
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 304
I suggest that you should with all care and all concern be full of zeal over your souls, and consider what accounts you will render to almighty God of your subjects. For they have been entrusted to you for this purpose, that they might serve your advantage in earthly things, and that you also, through your care of them, might provide for their souls those things which are eternal.
Therefore, if they pay what they owe, why do you not pay what you owe to them? That is, your Greatness should warn them assiduously, and restrain them from the error of idolatry, so that, by leading them back to the faith, you may make almighty God amenable towards yourselves. For look, you see how near the end is closing on this world. You see that now a human sword, and now a divine one threatens us. And yet you worshippers of a true God, do you watch the worship of stones by those entrusted to you, and keep silent?
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 304
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Pastoral Circumspection
Quote from Letter 4,22 to Constantius, bishop of Milan. May 594
Summon our aforesaid brother [Venantius] to you and force all the clerics and other religious people of the city named above [Luni] and all of its territory, to come to you, all whose sins are under suspicion. Carefully inquire into everything in accordance with God, on account of the fear of future judgment. If you find that anyone has abandoned the statutes of the canon laws, correct him with a canonical punishment. do not allow those who fail to show in their morality what they show off in their attire, to roam about any longer in your areas while in danger. With your pastoral circumspection, you must bring them back to the straight and narrow.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 303
Summon our aforesaid brother [Venantius] to you and force all the clerics and other religious people of the city named above [Luni] and all of its territory, to come to you, all whose sins are under suspicion. Carefully inquire into everything in accordance with God, on account of the fear of future judgment. If you find that anyone has abandoned the statutes of the canon laws, correct him with a canonical punishment. do not allow those who fail to show in their morality what they show off in their attire, to roam about any longer in your areas while in danger. With your pastoral circumspection, you must bring them back to the straight and narrow.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 303
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Law And Slavery
Quote from Letter 4,21 - to Venantius, bishop of Luni. May 594
It has reached us through the reports of many that Christian slaves are being kept for servitude by Jews living in the city of Luni. This matter has seemed to us all the more bitter, as the patience of your Fraternity carried it out. Indeed you were obliged, out of respect of your position and with regard to the Christian religion, to leave no opportunity for simple souls to be slaves somehow to the Jewish superstition, not so much through persuasion as through the right of ownership.
Therefore we exhort your Fraternity, in accordance with the tenor of the most pious laws, not to allow any Jew to keep a Christian slave under his control.
(..) In all of these matters, therefore, we want you to apply yourself wisely so that you are not on trial as pastor of a dismembered flock, and your lack of zeal does not make your Fraternity reprehensible in our view.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 303
It has reached us through the reports of many that Christian slaves are being kept for servitude by Jews living in the city of Luni. This matter has seemed to us all the more bitter, as the patience of your Fraternity carried it out. Indeed you were obliged, out of respect of your position and with regard to the Christian religion, to leave no opportunity for simple souls to be slaves somehow to the Jewish superstition, not so much through persuasion as through the right of ownership.
Therefore we exhort your Fraternity, in accordance with the tenor of the most pious laws, not to allow any Jew to keep a Christian slave under his control.
(..) In all of these matters, therefore, we want you to apply yourself wisely so that you are not on trial as pastor of a dismembered flock, and your lack of zeal does not make your Fraternity reprehensible in our view.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 303
An Angry Pope
Letter 4,20 - to Maximus, a pretender in Salona. April 594
Although other aspects of someone's life may have such merit that there is nothing that might prevent him from priestly promotions, yet the sin of bribery on its own is condemned by the most severe punishment of canon laws. And so we have learnt that, by a false or pretended command of our most pious emperor, while you were being unworthy in your way of life, you forced your way into the office of bishop, a highly venerated rank. We believed this then without any hesitation. For we are well aware of your way of life and your age, and furthermore, we are not ignorant of the mind of our most serene Lordship and emperor, knowing that he does not usually involve himself in the cases of bishops, so as not to be burdened in any way by doing us wrong.
Added to this is an unheard of sin. For even after our interdiction that was made pursuant to the excommunication of you and those consecrating you, you were led before the public by a military troop, it is said, after priests, deacons and other clergy had been killed. We can in no way call this a consecration, as men were conducting it who had been excommunicated.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 302
Although other aspects of someone's life may have such merit that there is nothing that might prevent him from priestly promotions, yet the sin of bribery on its own is condemned by the most severe punishment of canon laws. And so we have learnt that, by a false or pretended command of our most pious emperor, while you were being unworthy in your way of life, you forced your way into the office of bishop, a highly venerated rank. We believed this then without any hesitation. For we are well aware of your way of life and your age, and furthermore, we are not ignorant of the mind of our most serene Lordship and emperor, knowing that he does not usually involve himself in the cases of bishops, so as not to be burdened in any way by doing us wrong.
Added to this is an unheard of sin. For even after our interdiction that was made pursuant to the excommunication of you and those consecrating you, you were led before the public by a military troop, it is said, after priests, deacons and other clergy had been killed. We can in no way call this a consecration, as men were conducting it who had been excommunicated.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 302
Monday 16 January 2012
Church of Saint Agatha
Letter 4,19 - to Leo, acolyte. March 594
(Thus) the church of Saint Agatha, situated in Subura, that was once a cave of heretical depravity, has been brought back to the worship of the Catholic faith, by the grace of God. For that reason, armed with the direction of this authority, continue to collect each year the taxes on all the houses built in this city that the aforesaid church is agreed to have hand in the time of the Goths.
However much is necessary for repairing buildings or for lamps, and for other restoration of that church, you must be keen to pay in full. But whatever might be left over, we order you to credit it honestly to the Church accounts.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 301
(Thus) the church of Saint Agatha, situated in Subura, that was once a cave of heretical depravity, has been brought back to the worship of the Catholic faith, by the grace of God. For that reason, armed with the direction of this authority, continue to collect each year the taxes on all the houses built in this city that the aforesaid church is agreed to have hand in the time of the Goths.
However much is necessary for repairing buildings or for lamps, and for other restoration of that church, you must be keen to pay in full. But whatever might be left over, we order you to credit it honestly to the Church accounts.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 301
Against Neglect
Letter 4,18 - to Maurus, abbot of Saint Pancras. March 594
(But) we have learnt that the church of Saint Pancras [in Rome], which was entrusted to priests, has frequently suffered from neglect, to the extent that when people came on a Sunday to celebrate solemn Mass, they found no priest, and returned home muttering.
And so, after due deliberation, we have settled on this decision. We should remove the priests and establish a community of monks in the monastery adjacent to the same church, by the grace of Christ, so that the abbot in charge there should have total control and concern for the aforesaid church.
We have also decided that you, Maurus, should be put in charge, as abbot of the monastery. And we make it a condition that the lands of the aforesaid Church, and whatever has entered there or has accrued from tis financial returns, ought to be directed to the aforesaid monastery of yours, and should apply there without any reduction.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 301
(But) we have learnt that the church of Saint Pancras [in Rome], which was entrusted to priests, has frequently suffered from neglect, to the extent that when people came on a Sunday to celebrate solemn Mass, they found no priest, and returned home muttering.
And so, after due deliberation, we have settled on this decision. We should remove the priests and establish a community of monks in the monastery adjacent to the same church, by the grace of Christ, so that the abbot in charge there should have total control and concern for the aforesaid church.
We have also decided that you, Maurus, should be put in charge, as abbot of the monastery. And we make it a condition that the lands of the aforesaid Church, and whatever has entered there or has accrued from tis financial returns, ought to be directed to the aforesaid monastery of yours, and should apply there without any reduction.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 301
Tuesday 10 January 2012
On Randsom
Letter 4,17 - to Felix, bishop of Siponto. December 593
And so, since the above-mentioned Tribunus asserts that he was kidnapped by the enemy and was bought for twelve gold coins, and laments that he is being urged to pay them back, you ought to inquire into this diligently. And if it is so, and you learn that he does not have the funds from which he could pay back the price given for him, repay the aforesaid gold coins to the person who redeemed him, from Church funds.
For it is very hard if he finds no remedy from the Church for which he fights. And so, avoiding any excuse, pay the price that was clearly paid for him, with manifest trust, and without any delay, as we have said already.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 300
And so, since the above-mentioned Tribunus asserts that he was kidnapped by the enemy and was bought for twelve gold coins, and laments that he is being urged to pay them back, you ought to inquire into this diligently. And if it is so, and you learn that he does not have the funds from which he could pay back the price given for him, repay the aforesaid gold coins to the person who redeemed him, from Church funds.
For it is very hard if he finds no remedy from the Church for which he fights. And so, avoiding any excuse, pay the price that was clearly paid for him, with manifest trust, and without any delay, as we have said already.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 300
Lawful Ordination
Letter 4,16 - to all the bishops in Dalmatia. November 593
But your morals have been so degraded by secular business that, forgetting the whole path of priestly honor within you and all your respect for heavenly fear, you are keen to carry out what pleases you, not God. And so we have thought it necessary to send over to you these stricter words, specially written.
In them, through the authority of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, we command that you do not presume to lay your hands on anyone at all in the city of Salona, without our agreement and permission, as far as it concerns the consecration to the episcopate. And do not consecrate anyone in that same city other that as we have stated.
But if you shall have presumed or attempted to act contrary to this either of your own accord, or forced by anyone else, we consider you to be deprived of participation in the body and blood of our Lord.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 299
But your morals have been so degraded by secular business that, forgetting the whole path of priestly honor within you and all your respect for heavenly fear, you are keen to carry out what pleases you, not God. And so we have thought it necessary to send over to you these stricter words, specially written.
In them, through the authority of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, we command that you do not presume to lay your hands on anyone at all in the city of Salona, without our agreement and permission, as far as it concerns the consecration to the episcopate. And do not consecrate anyone in that same city other that as we have stated.
But if you shall have presumed or attempted to act contrary to this either of your own accord, or forced by anyone else, we consider you to be deprived of participation in the body and blood of our Lord.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 299
Monday 9 January 2012
Safety
Letter 4,15 - to Cyprian, deacon and defender of Sicily. October 593
It has come to our attention that various priests of Italy have fled for safety to Sicily, and have taken with them a great many precious objects from their churches, and this has almost entirely vanished, as priests either died or were badly dispersed.
Concerned about this matter, we exhort your Beloved to send messages throughout all of Sicily. Wherever you have found sacred dishes and church properties located without proper care, have them collected with maximum strictness. And when they have been brought together and recored with a receipt, deposit them with bishops of individual churches. These bishops should preserve them most securely, with the Lord's help, until a time of peace shall demand them.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 299
It has come to our attention that various priests of Italy have fled for safety to Sicily, and have taken with them a great many precious objects from their churches, and this has almost entirely vanished, as priests either died or were badly dispersed.
Concerned about this matter, we exhort your Beloved to send messages throughout all of Sicily. Wherever you have found sacred dishes and church properties located without proper care, have them collected with maximum strictness. And when they have been brought together and recored with a receipt, deposit them with bishops of individual churches. These bishops should preserve them most securely, with the Lord's help, until a time of peace shall demand them.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 299
Thursday 5 January 2012
In Consideration of His Piety
Letter 4,14 - to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. October 593
The deacon Felix, bearer of this letter, has in no way lapsed into the dogma of the heretics, and has not departed from the Catholic faith, enticed by evil suspicions towards the synod of Constantinopel. But he had removed himself from the separation of the Istrian church.
When he had come to Rome, he received a judgement from us, with the Lord's help, and having received the body of the Lord in communion, he corrected his sinfulness. And so he did not fall into heresy, as has been said, but strayed from the holy mysteries of the universal Church, as if searching for the right intention.
Therefore, we have considered his weakness and his necessities, and making special provision for his maintenance in consideration of his piety, we have provided for him to be incardinated in your church of Syracuse. Thus he may either fulfill his duty as deacon, or certainly may obtain the salary alone of the same office, to support his poverty.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 298
The deacon Felix, bearer of this letter, has in no way lapsed into the dogma of the heretics, and has not departed from the Catholic faith, enticed by evil suspicions towards the synod of Constantinopel. But he had removed himself from the separation of the Istrian church.
When he had come to Rome, he received a judgement from us, with the Lord's help, and having received the body of the Lord in communion, he corrected his sinfulness. And so he did not fall into heresy, as has been said, but strayed from the holy mysteries of the universal Church, as if searching for the right intention.
Therefore, we have considered his weakness and his necessities, and making special provision for his maintenance in consideration of his piety, we have provided for him to be incardinated in your church of Syracuse. Thus he may either fulfill his duty as deacon, or certainly may obtain the salary alone of the same office, to support his poverty.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 298
Letter 14,13 - to Crementius, primate and bishop of Bizacium. October 593
Our aforesaid brother Quitianus seized an opportunity in this matter, he claims, and consecrated another man as priest there, in his place. We therefore exhort your Fraternity to inquire into his case with careful concern. And if you find that he was absent from his church quite clearly because of the illness, as is argued, you should not allow any prejudice to be created against him through the ordination of another priest. But see that he is restored to his position without any hesitation.
But is the matter is said to differ from the apparent content of the suggestion he offered, inquire into the same man's case according to the law and the canons. Whatever you decide on in accordance with God, take care with the Lord's help to make a decision so that no question about this matter reverts to us any more.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:297
Our aforesaid brother Quitianus seized an opportunity in this matter, he claims, and consecrated another man as priest there, in his place. We therefore exhort your Fraternity to inquire into his case with careful concern. And if you find that he was absent from his church quite clearly because of the illness, as is argued, you should not allow any prejudice to be created against him through the ordination of another priest. But see that he is restored to his position without any hesitation.
But is the matter is said to differ from the apparent content of the suggestion he offered, inquire into the same man's case according to the law and the canons. Whatever you decide on in accordance with God, take care with the Lord's help to make a decision so that no question about this matter reverts to us any more.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:297
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