Quote from Letter 5,16 to John, bishop of Prima Justiana, in Illyria. November 594
(W)e have duly sent over a pallium, and decree that you carry out the office of the apostolic see with regular renewal, and suggest that you should show yourself as so approachable among your subjects, that they are encouraged to love your rectitude rather than fear it. If perchance their sins should demand it, you will take care so to correct their faults, that you in no way give up the paternal affection you feel for them.
Be vigilant and concerned in guarding the flock entrusted to you, and strict with a keen desire for discipline, so that the wolf lying in wait does not succeed in disturbing the Lord's sheepfold or in harming the sheep with any chance of deceit. Be quick to make a profit in souls for our God, with the full attention of your mind. Realize that we have adopted the name of shepherd not for rest but for hard work. Let us show, therefore, with our work what we signify in the name.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, translated by John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMPS, 2004), II, 333
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