Blessing

Quote from Letter 8.28 to Eulogius, bishop of Alexandria. July 598.

We have received the blessing of Saint Mark the evangelist, or rather, to be more accurate, of Saint Peter the apostle, with that charm with which it was transmitted, and offering an address of greeting, we ask that your Beatitude deigns to pray on our behalf, so that we deserve to be snatched from the present evils more quickly, and not excluded from future joys.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 522

Investigation

Quote from Letter 8.26 to John, bischop of Syracuse. June 598

It came to our attention that certain clerics from the churches of Italy were selling off sacred vessels in Sicily. We gave directions, therefore, that our notary, Pantaleo, should look for the same vessels, with a carefull investigation. After he was involved in allegiance to your Holiness, we have learnt that he neglegted the same case. Ans do your Fraternity ought to provide for it with suitable concern, and should let him relax for whatever time he thinks appropriate, to complete those things themselves. 

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 521

Movements and Solidity

Quote from Letter 8.24 to Sabinian, bishop of Zara. June 598

Rather, it is proper that you should endure empty billows that swell in moderation, by putting up with them patiently, and you should scatter the foaming waves with the virtue of perseverance. For patience knows how to lighten what is heavy and conquer with constancy what is savage.
And so, do not let adversity depress your spirits, but let it inspire them. Let your priestly vigor show you to be more dating in all things. For it is certainly evidence of the truth, when anyone shows himself more prepared for hardships, and braver in adversities.
Therefore, so that the strength of rectitude cannot be torn from the goodness of deliberation, by any impact, settle the movements of your mind on the solidity of that rock, as you have begun to do, on which you know our Redeemer has founded the Church throughout the world, so that the righteous footsteps of a sincere heart should not stumble on a devious path.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 520

Practicalities for Baptism

Quote from Letter 8.23 to Fantinus, defender. May 598

We find that many of the Jews want to be converted to the Christian faith, inspired by divine grace (...). We order you to give up every excuse and to go to the aforesaid place [Agrigento], and quickly assist their desire with your encouragement and the favor of God.
But if it seems a long time or gloomy for them to wait for the solemnity of Easter, and you know that they are in a hurry to be baptized now, so that a long delay (Heaven forbid!), is not able to change their minds again, speak with our brother, the bishop of the place itself. 
And so, when penitence and abstinence have been prescribed for forty days, they should be baptized, protected by the compassion of almighty God, either on a Sunday or if a much celebrated festival should occur. 
For the nature of these times also, because of the destruction that is rampant, forces us not to put off their desires with any delay. However, for any of them whom you know are poor, and cannot afford to purchase a vestment for themselves, we want you to purchase and provide a vestment, for them to have at their baptism.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 518

Good Deeds and Good Wishes

Quote from Letter 8.22 to Rusticiana, patrician. May 598

As for the ten pounds of gold that your Excellency sent over for the redemption of captives, I have received it, brought by my aforesaid son [Peter]. But I ask that the heavenly grace, which allowed you to give the gold as reward for your soul, may allow me to distribute it without any contagion of sin, so that we are not stained by what you use to wipe away your sins. May almighty God, who sees your bodily weakness and pilgrimage, comfort you always with his grave, and by the life and health of my most charming son, his Lordshop Strategios, so that He may nurture him both for your sake, for a long time, and for his own sake, for eternity. May He both fill you and all of your family with present good things, and allow you to have heavenly grace.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 517

(Almost) Terrible to Relate

Quote from Letter 8.19 to Agnellus, bishop of Terracina. April 598

It has come to our attention that some people there, terrible to relate, are worshipping trees and perpetrating many other illegal acts, contrary to Christian faith. We are amazed why your Fraternity has put off correcting this with strict punishment.
For that reason, we encourage you with this present letter to enquire into these with a very careful investigation, and when you find out the truth, have just such punishment inflicted on them, as could both please God and make their penalty provide an example of the punishment for others.
But we have written also to Maurus, a very famous count, saying tat he should give your Fraternity support over this matter, as long as you could not find any excuse to arrest them.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 516 

Affection, Love, Consolation

Quote from Letter 8.18 to Marianus, bishop of Ravanna. April 598

[Concerning the abbot Claudius.] Receive him with priestly affection, devote paternal love to him and to his monasteries, as is fitting, refresh him with the consolation of your kindness, accommodate yourself earnestly to being his tutor, allow him to have time for quiet and for the benefit of his brethren, made free from all disturbance by the benefit of your assistance, and love to him as you know he is loved by us, so that he may recognize the affections of your Charity, that he experienced in the past, multiplied or himself and may rejoice that he has found us again in you.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 515

Providing for the Quitness of Monasteries

Quote from Letter 8.17 Marinianus, bishop of Ravenna. April 598

(Therefore) let no one dare any more to remove anything from the revenues, property or books of the aforesaid monastery [of Saints John and Stephen in the city of Classe], or from any place it owns, in any way at all, or by any kind of inquiry, nor cause any incursions or trickeries.
But is some dispute should perhaps arise between the church of Ravenna and the aforesaid monastery, and it cannot be settled amicably, let it be brought to an end in the presence of God-fearing men, chosen from both parties, without any wilful delay, with the holy gospels as mediators.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 514

Be Brave and Fearless

Quote from Letter 8.15 to Columbus, bishop of Numidia. February 598

We encourage you, therefore, most beloved brother, to provide him [a bishop Paul] with a hand of support, as is proper, where a reason for justice proves obvious, and to assist him with priestly compassion.
And so, let no possessions, and the power of no person, divert you from a desire for fairness, but rely on the precepts of the Lord, and despise all things that are opposed to rectitude. Persist constantly with justice, in the defense of opposite parties. Do not refuse to put up with hatreds, if there are any, for the sake of the truth. 

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 

A Serious Complaint

Quote from Letter 8.14 to Victor and Columbus, bishops of Numidia. Equally to both. February 598

As much as the order of the Church pours joy into our heart when it is preserved blamelessly, even so it fills it with irksome grief when it is destroyed. For the temerity of depravity tries to overturn discipline and to dissolve what was decided laudably long ago, and to dare things that should be punished quite severely.
And so, through a complaint made by Crisconious, our brother and fellow-bishop and the bearer of this letter, it has come to our attention that the churches of that parish, allotted in former times by Valentio, our brother and fellow-bishop, were occupied fifteen years ago, without any good reason, although no fault demanded it, nor did a council decision define it. Moreover, we heard that he removed the property of his predecessor for his own use, which is a serious claim.
But if that is the truth, we cannot say how perverse and how detestable it is, especially for one leading a religious life.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 511

Preserve the Unity of Charity

Quote from Letter 8.13 to Adeodatus and Maurentius, bishops of Africa. The same [letter] each. February 598

(But) if there are some things which offend the sincerity of your Beloved selves, and exceed the rules of canonical discretion, be keen to concentrate on vigilance, and through encouragement, persuasion and fear, strive to emend them, preserving the unity of charity, as far as your strength allows, with God's help.
Strive to restrain the one responsible for excess with the bridle of coercion, in a priestly manner, and bring him back from his trackless journey, leading him with your tongue and action. Thus your should exhibit your efficacy in all things, so that almighty God, who is the author of goodwill and examiner of intention, may be willing to aid you here and reward you in a future life.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 511