Christ the Foundation

Quote from Letter 9.136 to Anastasius, of Antioch. April 599

I received the letter of your Fraternity that rightly preserves a confession of true faith, and I offered get thanks to almighty God, as He preserves without change the faith that was once handed down to the holy fathers, even when the shepherd of this flock changed.
But the outstanding preacher says: 'No one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ' [1 Cor 3:11]. Whoever, therefore, holds firm to the faith with its love for God and neighbor, which is in Christ, has as the foundation of his home the same Jesus Christ, the son of God and of man. 
Therefore, one must hope that where Christ is the foundation, a building will result that is also based on good works

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 622.

Presiding Justice

Quote from Letter 9.135 to Paulinus, bishop of Taurum, Proculus, bishop of Nicotera, Palumbus, bishop of Cosenza, Venerius, bishop of Vibona and Marcian, bishop of Lorci. April 599

And for that reason, by the holy evangelists, your Fraternity should reside with our sub-deacon, Sabinus, and as is suitable for the office of priest, carefully examine without favoring any person at all and with all fairness and concern, both the complaint that the clergy have against their bishop, as I told you, or any possible complaint he might have against them.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 622.

Plea for Assistance

Quote from Letter 9.134 to Theodore, curator. April 599

(W)e salute you with paternal affection, and ask that you deign to bestow your protection to those bearing this letter, whom the most glorious general, Maurentius, sent over to deal with this request.
Thus, with your patronage, they should not need to suffer any unreasonable delay or trouble there, but whatever is appropriate let the aforesaid most glorious man receive it without difficulty, through the assistance of your Glory, so that he himself might be more devoted to his duty to you, and we might offer thanks for this, as it deserves.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 621.

With a Papal Duty

Quote from Letter 9.133 too Hilary, notary. April 599

You should know that the ship in which Vitalis, the bearer of this letter, is sailing to our most beloved daughter and abbess, Adeodata, to support her convent, has been sent off. When it arrives there, with this authority we command you that you should protect her in all things, and should hasten to lighten and excuse her from every service and burden, especially if it should be a papal duty. 
For as you know, in the same concept such a great community is shown to live, by the grace of God, that we are in a hurry to give comfort and support for it in everything, more than for our own Church.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 621.

Marriage Laws

Quote from Letter 9.129 to Romans, defender. February-April 599

It is well known to your Experience that Peter, whom we have made a defender, as born from a property under the control of our church, which is called Jutelas. And therefore, because we ought to be kind in his case, but so as not to harm the Church's profit, we advise you with this order that you should warn him strictly not to presume to join his sons in marriage anywhere outside, with any sort of cleverness or excuse,  but that they should be married within that estate, where they have been bound under legal stipulation. 

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 618.

Support, Laziness and Piety

Quote from Letter 9.128 to Stephen. February-April 599


And so, let your Fraternity act in such a way that you support him as much as you can. For while it is the fault of the aforesaid sub-deacon, if he proves lazy when you are supporting him, it will be all the more culpable and serious if your Fraternity should want either to excuse yourself under some pretext, or to show a lack of piety, which we do not believe.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 218.

Beams For Churches

Quote from Letter 9.127 to Duke Arogis. February-April 599

(For) we think that you would not allow us to be disappointed at all, especially in such a matter. For your soul will be able to benefit greatly from it. We inform you that we need some beams for the churches of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and for that reason we have given orders to our sub-deacon, Sabinus, that he should cut down some beams from the territory of Calabria, and haul them right down to the sea, to a suitable place. 
And because he lacks support in this matter, we salute your Glory with paternal love, and ask that you request your agents who are in that place to send over men under their control, with their oxen, to assist him. Thus with your support, he might better complete what we have imposed on him. For we promise that, on the completion of the matter, we shall send you a worthy present, which would not be unjust.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 617.

SS Peter and Paul

Quote from Letter 9.126 to the ex-prefect Gregory. February-April 599

Knowing what great affection remains in the mind of your Glory towards the churches of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (...) we do not doubt that your Glory wants to assist without even being asked (...) We have ordered our sub0deacon, Sabinus, to hurry meanwhile to cut up as many as twenty beams, and hail them to the sea.
And saluting you with paternal affection, we ask that your Glory, from the possessions that you have there for rental farming, make some men offer support with their oxen in this matter.
Therefore, we trust in you so much, as we have said, that we offer thanks to you, glorious son. May you have the blessing of the princes of the apostles as your helpers in all things, in return for the love and devotion that you show to their churches.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 617.

Law and Justice

Quote from Letter 9.120 to Fantinus, defender. February-April 599

Let your experience was our most reverend brother and fellow-bishop, Victor, preserving your honor, that he is either keen to terminate the case itself peacefully, without delay, or certainly, if he believes that it is more expedient for him that it be decided in court, he should legally appoint a person on his behalf, avoiding any delay (...). And whatever will have been decided by them [the judges], with the holy gospels as their witness, we want to be made effective through your authority, preserving the law, in such a way that nothing remains between the two parties whereby they could wear each other out afterwards with recurring litigation.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 614

Reuniting Husband and Wife

Quote from Letter 9.118 to Marinianus, bishop of Ravenna. February-April 599

John, our most glorious son and prefect of this city, sent you the bearer of this letter (...) for the express purpose of escorting his glorious wife here, with God's protection. We are also now longing her to arrive here, so that we can have our most glorious aforesaid son not torn apart, but whole again. Let your Fraternity, therefore, take care that nothing stops her from coming (...).

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 614

A New Abbess

Quote from Letter 9.115 to Venantius, bishop of Luni. February-April 599

(W)e have decided that a nun should be sent over for you to install as abbess, under God's protection. We think that, with the help of heavenly mercy, she can manage the strenuous regime of the same convent. For in this we have come to Him alone in prayer. And so, because we have sent over the nun mentioned above, as you requested, and our letter for your good-will, we suggest that your Fraternity should take care of her and her convent, and with the goodness of your encouragement, should strengthen the community living there, in its servitude to jesus, our God and Redeemer.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 612

Rule

Quote from Letter 9.111 to Romanus, defender, Fantinus, defender, Sabinus, sub-deacon, Hadrian, notary, Eugene, notary, Felix, sub-deacon, Sergius, defender, Boniface, defender, equally, and to the protectors of the patrimony. February 599

Thus the caution of this learned man [Possidius] ought to be a major lesson to us. For it is a sign of incautious presumption for a weaker man not to fear what a brave man fears. For he wisely overcomes illegal acts, when he has learnt not to make use of even those that arre allowed. And indeed, we bind no one to this against his will, but just as doctors usually do, although the cure is bitter at the time, yet we recommend it to restore health. And for that reason, we do not make it necessary, but we leave it to their decision, should they choose to imitate this learned and saintly man. 
Therefore, let your Experience apply zeal and concern so that what we have asked to be prohibited should be observed.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 609

Caritas and wisdom

Quote from Letter 9.109 to Anthelm, sub-deacon. February 599

(And) he laments that consequently he is subjected to greater need and more desperation, and for that reason he seeks to be supported with some assistance. Therefore, if this is so, let your Experience be keen to take action before our aforesaid magnificent son, together with our most reverend brother and fellow bishop, fortunatus, and our glorious son, Maurentius, as we ourselves have written. See that in this matter, as is fitting for a Christian and noble man, he should be kind rather than inflexible, compassionate rather than strict, and should not expect profit from another's loss, be be content having received the principal of his loan. And so, whatever he might concede to the poor man, almighty God might pay back to him with an increased return just as promised.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 608

Material of Perdition

Quote from Letter 9.108 to Chrysantus, bishop of Spoleto. February 599


Since it is the nature of discipline to prohibit men from illegal acts and to remove sins for one's benefit, the severity of discipline should be keenly preserved.
For if it is neglected, then everything becomes confused, when one destroys what another builds up and protects.
Thus, the priest Valentinus has complained to us that, if a monk of that monastery is deprived of communion due to his sinfulness, he can move to your district and receive communion without any reservation.
But if that is how things are, not only is law and order being undermined, but also from this the material of perdition is supplied. It is necessary, therefore, for you to ban the priests who are under you, strictly and quite carefully, from presuming to do this from now on.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 607

Grain Supplies

Quote from Letter 9.107 to Romanus, defender. February 599

we believe that it is not unknown to your Experience what sort of necessity various officials of the palace of the city of Rome are enduring over their grain supply. And so, the bearers of this letter have chosen to send them all over there, instead of themselves, to plead at the palace of our glorious Leontius, as to how that grain might be supplied to them, as it has been provided by our most serene emperor.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 607

Slaves, Service, Duties

Quote from Letter 9.105 to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples. February 599

furthermore, it has been announced to us that the aforesaid Basil wishes to grant his sons some slaves, who by the grace of God are Christians, on a title of donation, so that they serve him under the following pretext: that they should cease to call him 'master', and if they subsequently believe that they should perhaps take refuge in the Church, so that they might become Christian, they should pass not into total freedom, but into the control of the sons to whom they were given before. In this matter, it is appropriate for your Fraternity to watch over things properly. And if Basil wants to give some slaves to his sons, let them become completely Christian and not remain in his home, so that  every change of trickery is removed. But whenever the situation demands that they must do service to him, they must be ordered to provide this for him, as his own sons must also do. And this kind of service should be shown for the sake of God.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 605

Recommendation

Quote from Letter 9.104 to Constantius, bishop of Milan. January 599.

Your Fraternity is so distinguished with dignity suitable to you that without another's advice, you understand instinctively what should be expended on anything. However, the bearer of this letter, John, a magnificent gentleman, who has arrived there to carry out the office of praetor, seeks to be recommended by our letter.
When it is necessary, therefore, let your Holiness provide the protection of your favor, within reason, and be keen to assist him in a priestly manner with your support, so that in your presence he should neither suffer from the oppression of others nor be hard on others himself, unreasonably.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 605

Faith and Salvation

Quote from Letter 9.103

(If) there is nothing that might prevent their ordination, be keen to ordain them with God's blessing. It is also right for you to talk with them, so that with the concern of their exhortation, they may strive to recall those living there from their lack of faith, and relieve them from the worship of pagan gods, and teach them to persist in their fear of almighty God and to love the rewards of eternal life, so that this consecration may lead them to glory before God and the people living there to salvation.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 604

Mystagogical Lesson

Quote from Letter 9.102 to Andrew. January 599

I have been greatly distressed to hear that grief and illness have so horribly plagued your Glory. But as soon as I heard that your affliction had left you totally, my pain turned into joy, and I offered great thanks to almighty God, for he has shattered us so as to make us whole, and has afflicted us so as to lead us to true joys. For thus it is written: 'Whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges.' 

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 603

Re-Bulding the Church

Quote from Letter 9.100 to Serenus, bishop of Ancona. January 599

Now that the city of Osimo has recovered, with God's help, and is known to be held by the republic, great concern must be about the church itself, most of all because we know that our glorious son and general, Bahan, has hoped for this matter. And for that reason, we have taken care to send the present letter to your Fraternity, asking you to go to the same church as its sitter, in the usual way.
And it is proper for you to do this in such a way that nothing is presumed for the church by any one concerning the promotions of clergy, revenue, clothing and tableware, and whatever else there is in the patrimony of the same church. And your Fraternity will hasten to warn the clergy and people of this church with continual encouragement to seek out such a priest as should be put in charge of them, one who might be found worthy of so great a ministry and would in no way be rejected by the venerable canons, and to do so without any partiality but with joint consensus.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 602

Letter of Appointment

Quote from Letter 9.98 to Vitus, defender. January 599

You should work faithfully and diligently to complete all that we have charged you to do, as you will have to render an account of your actions before the judgement of our God. We have dictated this letter for Paterius, notary of our Church, to write down, with our signature below

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

Monks in Need

Quote from Letter 9.97 to Eugene, notary. January 599

(But) we also grant that they [the monks in the city of Blerana] should have a field of ten acres equally for the aforesaid space of [thirty] years, taken from the aforesaid estate, which they are known to possess, since we gave it to them some time ago. 
This is to ensure that the community of monks living there can have the relief of this measure. And so, let your Experience, supported by the authority of this order, not delay in handing over the aforesaid lands to them, so that they can continue to praise God with a freer mind.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 601

Stable and Trustworthy

Quote from Letter 9.96 to [a nobleman]. January 599

I am most delighted to hear that your Glory is extremely firm and stable in your morality. Thus I say things confidentially to you that displease me, as if talking to a special son of mine.
For a most excellent exarch is saying some things that could excite all those who love him to become his enemies. On this matter, I dictated for him expressly through the bearer of this letter what I though should be read again. If this pleases you, read it yourself also, so that you know what you should write to him concerning the same matter. 

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 601

A Little Agitated

Quote from Letter 9.92 to John, bishop of Syracuse. January 599



[After explaining a legal case and judgment] And so, if you clearly know that is was decided in this way, that is, if that possession was restored with the agreement of your predecease, and was [thus: illegal] occupied by the aforesaid man, see that it is handed back without any argument, while the question of ownership remains, of course, as it was decided in the same judgment. But if it is otherwise, these matters must also be decided at the same time by a judicial decision.
And so, let your Fraternity make sure that all of this is done without any delay, as tranquillity is bestowed on you, so that no murmur of ill will is stirred up against you, and the gentleman mentioned by us before [the glorious Felix] is not forced to bother us again.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 599

The Judgment of the Trial

Quote from Letter 9.91 to Felix, in Sicily. January 599

(For) we cannot pass judgment for someone who wants us to decide the case simply according to precedent, and we should give a full hearing to each party, so that we can judge the merits of the other party;s allegations without any doubt, especially if we have not heard the whole case. 
And for that reason, both of you act in such a way that, as we have said, the judgment of the trial decides the merit of your cases, once the truth is known. 
For while we should not want to sustain any prejudice, we wish much more that justice be preserved for you, as for our true sons.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 598

Testaments

Quote from Letter 9.90 to Sabinus, sub-deacon. January 599

(But) we have also discovered that the same testator [the palace guard Comitiolus] left a sixth of his fortune to the church of Saint George, where he wanted to be buried. So, take care in every way to claim the same sixth, if it also has not yet been paid in full, for the aforesaid place, so that the intention of his pious wish is brought into effect totally, even if the heiress is unwilling, and you do not allow wat has been reported in this matter to be put off any more. 
For it is sacrilege and contrary to laws if some person, through the desires of their perverted will, tries to retain for his own profit what is bequeathed to places of worship.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 597

Legal Matters

Quote from Letter 9.88 to Anthelm, sub-deacon of Naples. January 599

The right of justice demands that our Church ought not to retain any more without just cause than what was given by our predecessors, who knew the truth. Otherwise, what is considered totally contrary to a religious purpose might seem to have been not a true restitution, but an imaginary one, and quite fraudulent. 

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 596

The Thruth of the Lord's Prayer

(Second) quote from Letter 9.86 to Clementina, patrician. December 598-January 599

But I ought not to keep quiet over one matter brought to my attention, in case the love between us might be less, if what needs to be said for correction is passed over in silence. For indeed, it has been reported to me that if ever someone offends you, you hang on to the pain without forgiving him.
Because the more I love you, the more I am distressed, I ask that if this is true, your should banish this vice from yourself, and should not allow the seed of an evil crop to grow, following the crop of good proceed. Remember the words of the Lord's Prayer and do not let a fault have more influence on you then a pardon. Let the goodness of your Glory overcome your faults, and put you on trial more profitably by pardoning, as persistent bitterness can make you impious.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 595

Those Two-Faced....

Quote from Letter 9.86 to to Clementina, patrician. December 598-January 599

From the report of an abbot, we have learnt that it has been announced to your Glory by some slanderous people that we have some grudge (Heaven forbid!) against you.
If that is so, whoever they were who concocted this falsehood, were two-faced while appearing to be honest to you, so as to show themselves as though trustworthy, and to make us think badly about you.
But I, glorious daughter, have known your goodness for a long time, especially your chastity that was your companion from your childhood, and I always held you in great veneration and love. 
But so that your Glory foes not suspect that my heart is different even now, I make it known that there is no scrap of hatred in me, nor ounce of anger against you, but realize that I show you the love of a father.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 595

Negative Effects

Quote from Letter 9.84 to John, bishop of Syracuse. December 598-January 599

(And) as much as we love you with brotherly love, we are equally distressed to hear something that makes you unpopular.
For that reason, we exhort you with the present letter to cease from any delays and excuses, and make your people go to court with the other party over the boundaries that are said to have been invaded. 
Thus the inquiry into the invasion of property and the dispute over ownership, if there is one, may both be finalized. 
Therefore, let your Fraternity ensure that this is done without delay, so that the quarrel might not affect you with odium or disturb us again over it.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 594

Settling a Dispute

Quote from Letter 9.83 to Antony, sub-deacon and Domitian, abbot and the prior equally. December 598-January 599

Just as it is a serious and thoroughly blameworthy matter if a controversy over secular matters should arise between persons serving our almighty Lord and last for a long time, even so it is praiseworthy and well suited to religious zeal to prefer a peace welcome to God to material gains, and from transitory things, to reap the everlasting profits of love.
Thus, with regard to the possessions of Faianum, Nasonianum and Libinianum, located in the province of Sicily and the territory of Palermo, there has been a long drawn-out dispute over them between those in charge of the monastery of Saints Maximus and Agatha, called Lucuscanum, and on the other side, the administrators of a hostelry built in the city of Rome, that is called Valerii. But now agreements have been made and an advantageous decision has come out of it, with God's authority, between you, our sub-deacon, Antony, in charge of the hostelry mentioned above, and on the other side, Domitian, our most beloved son and abbot, and the prior of the aforesaid monastery. 
And so it is necessary that every opportunity for discord should be prevented, and that the intervention of our authority should confirm what has been done.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 593

Damage Control

Quote from Letter 9.80 to Romanus, defender. December 598

(I)f some citizens are implicated in public thefts, we should not be seen to defend them unjustly, so that we might not transfer on to ourselves in any way the reputation for wrong-doing, by daring to defend them so ill-advisedly.
But as far as it is proper for the Church, give advice to assist those whom you can by providing a word of intercession. Thus you may both give help, and not damage the reputation of the Holy Church.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 592

Illness and Recovery

Quote from Letter 9.78 to Azimarchus, secretary. December 589

That the bearer of this letter, our glorious son, Gregory, was late in reaching Sicily was not due to a voluntary delay; but rather, his body had been made so weak through illness that he was barely able to recover, even after many days.
You know for yourself that signs of this debility were already apparent in him. 
However, he soon got well, and did not fail to go there, as he had promised to your Greatness.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 591

Undoing a Wrong

Quote from Letter 9.77 to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples. November-December 598

Therefor, we exhort your Fraternity, as soon as you have received the present letter, to restore the gates to Theodore, a magnificent gentleman and chid officer of the people, and the aquaduct to Rusticus, a most illustrious gentleman and elderly citizen, without any argument. And in this business, do not insert a delay of any excuse, in case you incur blame for indiscretion, if you think what you ought to have done of your own accord should be put off, by suggesting a chance event of some sort.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 590.

A Word of Advice

Quote from Letter 9.81 to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples. December 598

(And) your Charity will quickly go to the aforesaid church [of Misenum], and continually encourage the clerics and congregation of that church to put aside any partiality and agree to appoint a priest to be placed in charge of them, someone found worthy of so great a ministry, who would for no reason be rejected by the venerable canons.
We advise your Fraternity also not to allow any one to be chosen [as bishop] from another church, unless perhaps it might be impossible for anyone to be found worthy of the bishopric among the clergy of that city [of Misenum], in which you are carrying out the office of visitor.
Not that we think that this is likely. Check before all things that lay people do not presume to aspire to the honor of any sort of religious life, and that you do not incur danger to your order, Heaven forbid!

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 593