Quote from Letter 5,14 to the clergy of the church of Capua, who lived in Naples. November 594
Since Festus, bishop of the church of Capua, has departed from this life while staying here, it has been our concern to solemnly delegate the visitation of the destitute church to our brother and fellow-bishop, Gaudentius, bishop of the city of Nola (...). Let no one of you dare to oppose his injunctions, but as much with all ecclesiastical reverence as with guardianship of your church, show obedience to his provisions also, so that, while your obedience is accommodated to his rule, the prosperity of your church may be in no way neglected and your care for him may be more willing.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, translated by John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMPS, 2004), II, 331
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Monday, 3 September 2012
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Vanity of Clerics
Quote from Letter 5,1 to John, bishop of Ravenna. September 594.
It has come to my attention that, in your Fraternity's church, some places consecrated long ago for monasteries have been turned into dwelling-places for clerics, or even for members of the laity. For while those who are in the churches pretend that they are living in a religious manner, they strive to be put in charge of the monasteries, and through their way of life the monasteries are being destroyed. For nobody can both do service to ecclesiastical obedience and persist also in the monastic rule in due manner (...). And so let your Fraternity be quick to correct this habit, wherever it has occurred. For I do not put up in any way with sacred places being destroyed through the vanity of clerics.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II: 323
It has come to my attention that, in your Fraternity's church, some places consecrated long ago for monasteries have been turned into dwelling-places for clerics, or even for members of the laity. For while those who are in the churches pretend that they are living in a religious manner, they strive to be put in charge of the monasteries, and through their way of life the monasteries are being destroyed. For nobody can both do service to ecclesiastical obedience and persist also in the monastic rule in due manner (...). And so let your Fraternity be quick to correct this habit, wherever it has occurred. For I do not put up in any way with sacred places being destroyed through the vanity of clerics.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II: 323
Sunday, 31 July 2011
A Matter Of Consciounce
Letter 4,34 - to Andrew, bishop of Tarentum. June 593
"We have found out with manifest truth that you have certainly had a concubine, concerning whom divided suspicions have arisen among some people. But since in ambiguous matters a judgement should not be absolute, we have decided that this should be left for your conscience. And so if you recall being stained by intercourse with her, while appointed to a holy order, you should lay aside your priestly rank and in no way presume to engage in church administration, knowing that your are ministering with danger to your soul, and that you are giving clear account to our God if, while conscious of this sin, you want to remain in the order which you now have by concealing the truth.
Wherefore we encourage you again, if you find that you have been deceived by the cunning of the ancient enemy, be quick to conquer him while you can with sustainable penitence, in case of the day of Judgement your are condemned as his partner, which we do not want. But if in your view you are not guilty of this charge, you must remain in the order in which you are now."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
"We have found out with manifest truth that you have certainly had a concubine, concerning whom divided suspicions have arisen among some people. But since in ambiguous matters a judgement should not be absolute, we have decided that this should be left for your conscience. And so if you recall being stained by intercourse with her, while appointed to a holy order, you should lay aside your priestly rank and in no way presume to engage in church administration, knowing that your are ministering with danger to your soul, and that you are giving clear account to our God if, while conscious of this sin, you want to remain in the order which you now have by concealing the truth.
Wherefore we encourage you again, if you find that you have been deceived by the cunning of the ancient enemy, be quick to conquer him while you can with sustainable penitence, in case of the day of Judgement your are condemned as his partner, which we do not want. But if in your view you are not guilty of this charge, you must remain in the order in which you are now."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
Friday, 29 July 2011
Lost Property
Letter 3,43 - to Boniface, bishop of Reggio. June 593
"Indeed Stephania, who bears this letter, complains that some of her property was seizes by force in the time of your predecessor and one-time bishop, Lucius, by his agents. And because she has requested that this should be restored to her, with justice on her side, for that reason your Fraternity should, with the fear of God, take care accordingly to learn accurately what she asserts. And if you find that it is as the aforesaid women says, arrange for whatever has been wrongly taken from her to be restored, without any loss or delay. For it is very wrong to keep the property of others contrary to Church policy."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
"Indeed Stephania, who bears this letter, complains that some of her property was seizes by force in the time of your predecessor and one-time bishop, Lucius, by his agents. And because she has requested that this should be restored to her, with justice on her side, for that reason your Fraternity should, with the fear of God, take care accordingly to learn accurately what she asserts. And if you find that it is as the aforesaid women says, arrange for whatever has been wrongly taken from her to be restored, without any loss or delay. For it is very wrong to keep the property of others contrary to Church policy."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 263.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Letter 3,24 - to Bishop Leontius. March 593
"We are keeping our brother and fellow-bishop Castor here, because of his body's ill health. And because he is not well enough now to return to his church, for that reason, in his absence, we have decided that the task of that church's visitation should be delegated to your Fraternity.
We advise your Charity to carry out all of its services so efficiently that through your presence, the church does not feel that its own priest is absent.
And whatever you think should be consecrated for the advantage of the same church, you will have free scope in every way, relying on our permission."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 251.
"We are keeping our brother and fellow-bishop Castor here, because of his body's ill health. And because he is not well enough now to return to his church, for that reason, in his absence, we have decided that the task of that church's visitation should be delegated to your Fraternity.
We advise your Charity to carry out all of its services so efficiently that through your presence, the church does not feel that its own priest is absent.
And whatever you think should be consecrated for the advantage of the same church, you will have free scope in every way, relying on our permission."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 251.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Care Of Souls
Letter 3,20 - to Gratiosus, bishop of Mentana. January 593
"We have therefore provided that the care and control of the church of Saint Anthelm (established in the territory of Cures in Samnium) should be entrusted to your Fraternity. It is necessary for this church to be added to yours and to be united with it, so that yo can rightly act as priest of both churches, with God's help. Whatever you decide to arrange concerning its patrimony or the ordination or promotion of its clergy, with vigilant and canonical care, as its own special bishop, you will have a free license from our permission in this letter.
Wherefore, dearest brother, truly mindful of the Lord's commandments, take care in your governance of the people entrusted in you and in winning over their souls, that when placed before the tribunal of the eternal judge, you may exhibit to our same redeemer, in whom you may rejoice, the fruit of good service, that which pertains your reward."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 248.
"We have therefore provided that the care and control of the church of Saint Anthelm (established in the territory of Cures in Samnium) should be entrusted to your Fraternity. It is necessary for this church to be added to yours and to be united with it, so that yo can rightly act as priest of both churches, with God's help. Whatever you decide to arrange concerning its patrimony or the ordination or promotion of its clergy, with vigilant and canonical care, as its own special bishop, you will have a free license from our permission in this letter.
Wherefore, dearest brother, truly mindful of the Lord's commandments, take care in your governance of the people entrusted in you and in winning over their souls, that when placed before the tribunal of the eternal judge, you may exhibit to our same redeemer, in whom you may rejoice, the fruit of good service, that which pertains your reward."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 248.
Thursday, 16 December 2010
Visiting Churches
Letter 2,23 - to John, bishop, visitor to Nepi. March 592.
"Although we have imposed the task of visiting the church at Naples upon Paul, our brother and fellow-bishop, your Fraternity should not for that reason desist from undertaking the visitation of the church of Nepi, so that when the Easter festival requires it, whatever the solemnity of the sacred rites demands may be fully implemented, with your assistance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:207 .
"Although we have imposed the task of visiting the church at Naples upon Paul, our brother and fellow-bishop, your Fraternity should not for that reason desist from undertaking the visitation of the church of Nepi, so that when the Easter festival requires it, whatever the solemnity of the sacred rites demands may be fully implemented, with your assistance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:207 .
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
No Vacancy
Letter 2,14 - to Maximian, Bishop of Syracuse. 29 February 592.
"A church in fortified places ought not to be without the office of a pastor. Since therefore the church of Lipari is known to lack a bishop, for that reason let your Fraternity decide that Paulinus, bishop of the church of Taurum, should be in charge of the aforesaid church of Lipari, to show the administration of this office with vigilance in that same church, and not cease to arrange whatever he learns to be suitable for its benefits."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
"A church in fortified places ought not to be without the office of a pastor. Since therefore the church of Lipari is known to lack a bishop, for that reason let your Fraternity decide that Paulinus, bishop of the church of Taurum, should be in charge of the aforesaid church of Lipari, to show the administration of this office with vigilance in that same church, and not cease to arrange whatever he learns to be suitable for its benefits."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 201.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Church Matters
Letter 1,78 - to the clergy, senate and people residing by the church of Bevagna. August 591.
"Whenever some matter is entrusted to several people to deal with, while each has a different view from the others, the door is opened to losses of money, rather that to profits. Foreseeing this, and so that is cannot happen at your church, we have decided that the church's care and profits should be entrusted to the priest Honoratus, for the present, so that the goods and services of the church can be looked after and guarded in every way by him."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
"Whenever some matter is entrusted to several people to deal with, while each has a different view from the others, the door is opened to losses of money, rather that to profits. Foreseeing this, and so that is cannot happen at your church, we have decided that the church's care and profits should be entrusted to the priest Honoratus, for the present, so that the goods and services of the church can be looked after and guarded in every way by him."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
Your Appointment
Letter 1,77 - to Martin, bishop in Corsica. August 591.
"We ought to lend a kindly ear to those asking for justice, so that those seeking remedies find what they hoped for, and the pastor's concern does not fail the Church.
The church of Tania, in which your Fraternity has long been decked with priestly honor, has been so occupied and torn apart by the enemy's ferocity, due to our sins, that no hope remains of returning there any more.
So with this authority we have appointed you without hesitation as incardinate priest to the church of Aleria, that has long since been destitute of the support of its bishop, in line with the manner of your request.
Therefore, dispose and organize these things in accordance with all the precepts of the Church canons, with vigilant care and in fear of God, so that your Fraternity is glad to have obtained its desires, and that the church of God is filled with the reciprocal joy, seeing that you have become its incardinate bishop."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
"We ought to lend a kindly ear to those asking for justice, so that those seeking remedies find what they hoped for, and the pastor's concern does not fail the Church.
The church of Tania, in which your Fraternity has long been decked with priestly honor, has been so occupied and torn apart by the enemy's ferocity, due to our sins, that no hope remains of returning there any more.
So with this authority we have appointed you without hesitation as incardinate priest to the church of Aleria, that has long since been destitute of the support of its bishop, in line with the manner of your request.
Therefore, dispose and organize these things in accordance with all the precepts of the Church canons, with vigilant care and in fear of God, so that your Fraternity is glad to have obtained its desires, and that the church of God is filled with the reciprocal joy, seeing that you have become its incardinate bishop."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 190.
Monday, 4 October 2010
Victory Over Enemies
Letter 1,72 - to Gennadius, patrician and exarch of Africa. August 591.
"Just as the Lord has made your Excellency shine in this life with the brightness of your victories in wars against our enemy, even so you should oppose the enemies of his Church with all the force of your mind and body, so that from both triumphs your fame shines forth more and more, as you both earnestly resist adversaries to the Catholic Church in public wars, for the sake of the Christian people, and bravely fight ecclesiastical battles like a warrior for the Lord.
For it is known that men of heretical religion, if they are given the license to do harm (Heaven forbid!), rise up strongly against the Catholic faith, so as to transfuse the limbs of the Christian body with their own poisonous heresy, to pollute them if they can.
For we know that they are raising their heads against the Catholic Church, with the Lord opposing them, and want to bring down the faith of the Christian name.
But let your Eminence check their attempt, and press down their arrogant necks with the yoke of rectitude."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 186.
"Just as the Lord has made your Excellency shine in this life with the brightness of your victories in wars against our enemy, even so you should oppose the enemies of his Church with all the force of your mind and body, so that from both triumphs your fame shines forth more and more, as you both earnestly resist adversaries to the Catholic Church in public wars, for the sake of the Christian people, and bravely fight ecclesiastical battles like a warrior for the Lord.
For it is known that men of heretical religion, if they are given the license to do harm (Heaven forbid!), rise up strongly against the Catholic faith, so as to transfuse the limbs of the Christian body with their own poisonous heresy, to pollute them if they can.
For we know that they are raising their heads against the Catholic Church, with the Lord opposing them, and want to bring down the faith of the Christian name.
But let your Eminence check their attempt, and press down their arrogant necks with the yoke of rectitude."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 186.
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Truth And Rights
Letter 1,71 - to Sub-deacon Peter in Sicily. August 591
"The more other churches show reverence to the apostolic see, the more it ought to be concerned over their protection. And they say that houses and properties which legally belong to the rights of the church of Taormina have been occupied by agents of our Church, against all reason.
Therefore, with the letter bearing this instruction, we charge your Experience to find out the truth, and if it is so, to restore to the former rights of the aforesaid church all that you have found occupied."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 185.
"The more other churches show reverence to the apostolic see, the more it ought to be concerned over their protection. And they say that houses and properties which legally belong to the rights of the church of Taormina have been occupied by agents of our Church, against all reason.
Therefore, with the letter bearing this instruction, we charge your Experience to find out the truth, and if it is so, to restore to the former rights of the aforesaid church all that you have found occupied."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 185.
Monday, 6 September 2010
Election
Letter 1,55 - to Bishop Severus. July 591
"A letter from your Fraternity has informed us that some of you have agreed on the election of Ocleantinus as bishop. But, as we do not accept him, they ought not to waste tim on this person. But proclaim to the inhabitants of that same city that, if they find someone in the same church who is worthy of that office, they should all change their minds and elect him. Otherwise the bearer of this letter will indicate a person whom we have discussed with him, and a decree should be made over his election.
As for you, be wise and concerned in your visitation of the same church, so that its property is preserved undiminished, and its services are carried out in the usual manner under your guidance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
"A letter from your Fraternity has informed us that some of you have agreed on the election of Ocleantinus as bishop. But, as we do not accept him, they ought not to waste tim on this person. But proclaim to the inhabitants of that same city that, if they find someone in the same church who is worthy of that office, they should all change their minds and elect him. Otherwise the bearer of this letter will indicate a person whom we have discussed with him, and a decree should be made over his election.
As for you, be wise and concerned in your visitation of the same church, so that its property is preserved undiminished, and its services are carried out in the usual manner under your guidance."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 177.
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