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
Showing posts with label consecrate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consecrate. Show all posts
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Worthy Ordination
Letter 3,48 - to Adeodatus, primate bishop of the province of Numidia. July 593
"Furthermore, as we greet your Fraternity with a harmonious feeling of affection, we exhort you to endeavor with a total application to carry out your office of primate, which you have with God's authority, with great wisdom. Thus it may both profit your soul to have reached this rank, and a good example for imitation may be available for others in the future.
And so be especially careful in ordination, and in no way allow men to aspire to holy orders unless more advanced in age and pure in deed. Otherwise, perhaps they may cease to be forever what they immaturely hasten to become. First examine the life and morals of those who are to be placed in holy orders and, so that you can admit those who are worthy of this office, do not let the influence or prayers of any person deprive you of them. 5n truth before all else you ought to take care that no venality occurs in ordination, in case (Heaven forbid!) a greater danger threatens both those consecrated and those consecrating.
Therefore, if action is ever necessary over this, invite serious and experienced men to participate in your counsels, and judge this matter with a common deliberation. And before all others, it is Columbus, our brother and fellow-bishop, whom you should consult over any matter at all."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 266.
"Furthermore, as we greet your Fraternity with a harmonious feeling of affection, we exhort you to endeavor with a total application to carry out your office of primate, which you have with God's authority, with great wisdom. Thus it may both profit your soul to have reached this rank, and a good example for imitation may be available for others in the future.
And so be especially careful in ordination, and in no way allow men to aspire to holy orders unless more advanced in age and pure in deed. Otherwise, perhaps they may cease to be forever what they immaturely hasten to become. First examine the life and morals of those who are to be placed in holy orders and, so that you can admit those who are worthy of this office, do not let the influence or prayers of any person deprive you of them. 5n truth before all else you ought to take care that no venality occurs in ordination, in case (Heaven forbid!) a greater danger threatens both those consecrated and those consecrating.
Therefore, if action is ever necessary over this, invite serious and experienced men to participate in your counsels, and judge this matter with a common deliberation. And before all others, it is Columbus, our brother and fellow-bishop, whom you should consult over any matter at all."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 266.
Sunday, 7 August 2011
A Laudable Election
Letter 3,46 - to the clergy of the church of Salona. July 593.
"In reading again the letter of your Beloved selves, we have learnt that you have elected your archdeacon, Honoratus. Know that this was welcome to us in every way, as you have elected to the rank of bishop a man long since known, with a strict morality. We also approve of this person, which has for some time been well known to us, and we wish to consecrate him as your bishop in accordance with your desire,
In this matter, we advise that you should persist in his election without any ambiguity, nor should any matter turn you away from this person. For just as that laudable election is now approved of, even so, if anyone (Heaven forbid!) should persuade your Beloved to give up your support for him, you will impose trouble on your soul and a stigma of faithlessness on your reputation.
But we have given a warning through Antoninus, our sub-deacon, that those who, without consideration, disagree with the general acceptance of your choice, should be able to agree with you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 265.
"In reading again the letter of your Beloved selves, we have learnt that you have elected your archdeacon, Honoratus. Know that this was welcome to us in every way, as you have elected to the rank of bishop a man long since known, with a strict morality. We also approve of this person, which has for some time been well known to us, and we wish to consecrate him as your bishop in accordance with your desire,
In this matter, we advise that you should persist in his election without any ambiguity, nor should any matter turn you away from this person. For just as that laudable election is now approved of, even so, if anyone (Heaven forbid!) should persuade your Beloved to give up your support for him, you will impose trouble on your soul and a stigma of faithlessness on your reputation.
But we have given a warning through Antoninus, our sub-deacon, that those who, without consideration, disagree with the general acceptance of your choice, should be able to agree with you."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 265.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
A New Bishop
Letter 3,35 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Campania. May 593
"Thus their own bishop van, with God's authority, be consecrated for that church. For we do not allow it to be without its own bishop any longer. If perhaps they try to put off your recommendation in any way, then exercise ecclesiastical vigor against them. For whoever will not concur in this desire will provide evidence of his own perverseness.
But see that a hundred gold coins and one orphaned young boy of his choice are given to our aforesaid brother and fellow-bishop, Paul in return for his hard work over the same church.
Advise those, however, who will come here on behalf of all, for the election of a bishop, to bring with them all the vestments of the bishop mentioned above, and whatever silver they shall anticipate as necessary, so that the bishop who has been consecrated can have it for his own use. However, be quick to implement all of these things vigorously and strictly, and send over here with all speed those elected from your clergy, as we have said. Thus, as various noblemen from the city of Naples are present here, we can both discuss together with them and deliberate about the bishop's ordination, with the assistance of the Lord."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 258.
"Thus their own bishop van, with God's authority, be consecrated for that church. For we do not allow it to be without its own bishop any longer. If perhaps they try to put off your recommendation in any way, then exercise ecclesiastical vigor against them. For whoever will not concur in this desire will provide evidence of his own perverseness.
But see that a hundred gold coins and one orphaned young boy of his choice are given to our aforesaid brother and fellow-bishop, Paul in return for his hard work over the same church.
Advise those, however, who will come here on behalf of all, for the election of a bishop, to bring with them all the vestments of the bishop mentioned above, and whatever silver they shall anticipate as necessary, so that the bishop who has been consecrated can have it for his own use. However, be quick to implement all of these things vigorously and strictly, and send over here with all speed those elected from your clergy, as we have said. Thus, as various noblemen from the city of Naples are present here, we can both discuss together with them and deliberate about the bishop's ordination, with the assistance of the Lord."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 258.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Support And Care
Letter 3,31 - to Romanus, patrician and exarch of Italy. April 593.
"Therefore we pay with paternal affection the debt of a greeting which we owe, and we request that, whether the aforesaid Constantius shall have been consecrated bishop or not, your Excellency may agree to provide him with your support where it is necessary, with the favor of justice.
Thus this service may both exalt you here among your enemies, and for your future life may commend you before God, in anticipation. For he is very special to me and we have long shared a great friendship. And those whom you recognize as friends, you ought to considers as yours particularly."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 256.
"Therefore we pay with paternal affection the debt of a greeting which we owe, and we request that, whether the aforesaid Constantius shall have been consecrated bishop or not, your Excellency may agree to provide him with your support where it is necessary, with the favor of justice.
Thus this service may both exalt you here among your enemies, and for your future life may commend you before God, in anticipation. For he is very special to me and we have long shared a great friendship. And those whom you recognize as friends, you ought to considers as yours particularly."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 256.
Monday, 23 May 2011
A Fair Election Of A Bishop
Letter 3,22 - to Antoninus, sub-deacon in charge of the patrimony in Dalmatia. March 593
"In fact let it be your concern before all else, that in this election the offer of bribes does not intervene in any way, and that the candidatures are not strengthened by any patronage of any persons at all. For if someone has been elected of certain people, once he has been consecrated, he is forced to obey their wishes under the pressure of fear, and it comes about that the property of that church is diminished, and the ecclesiastical order is not preserved.
And so they ought to elect such a person, with you watching over them, as is not a slave to anyone's inconsistent wish, but can be found worthy of such a rank, distinguished in his life and morality.
As for the property and decoration of that same church, make sure that a faithful inventory of the property is written down in your presence. And so that nothing could be lost from this same property, advise the Deacon Respectus, and the first notary, Stephen, to keep a total guard of the same property, warning them that if anything should be removed from them through negligence, they will make it up from their own property."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 249.
"In fact let it be your concern before all else, that in this election the offer of bribes does not intervene in any way, and that the candidatures are not strengthened by any patronage of any persons at all. For if someone has been elected of certain people, once he has been consecrated, he is forced to obey their wishes under the pressure of fear, and it comes about that the property of that church is diminished, and the ecclesiastical order is not preserved.
And so they ought to elect such a person, with you watching over them, as is not a slave to anyone's inconsistent wish, but can be found worthy of such a rank, distinguished in his life and morality.
As for the property and decoration of that same church, make sure that a faithful inventory of the property is written down in your presence. And so that nothing could be lost from this same property, advise the Deacon Respectus, and the first notary, Stephen, to keep a total guard of the same property, warning them that if anything should be removed from them through negligence, they will make it up from their own property."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 249.
Monday, 25 April 2011
Vacancy of the Bishopric
Letter 3,15 - to Scholasticus, governor of Campania. December 592
"And for that reason we greet you, and exhort your Greatness to convoke the leaders and people of the city, to think about the election of another man, who could be worthy of promotion to the bishopric, with the comfort of Christ. Make this decree solemnly and send it over to this city, and let the ordination take place there finally, with the help of Christ.
But if however you do not find a suitable person about whom you can agree, at least select three upright and wise men, and send them to this city on behalf of the general community, ensuring that all the people agree in the choice of these men. Perhaps coming here, preserved by God's pity, they will find a suitable person to be consecrated as your bishop, without any blame."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 246.
"And for that reason we greet you, and exhort your Greatness to convoke the leaders and people of the city, to think about the election of another man, who could be worthy of promotion to the bishopric, with the comfort of Christ. Make this decree solemnly and send it over to this city, and let the ordination take place there finally, with the help of Christ.
But if however you do not find a suitable person about whom you can agree, at least select three upright and wise men, and send them to this city on behalf of the general community, ensuring that all the people agree in the choice of these men. Perhaps coming here, preserved by God's pity, they will find a suitable person to be consecrated as your bishop, without any blame."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 246.
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
An Important Ministry
Letter 2,22 - to Benenatus, bishop visiting Cumae. March 592.
"And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them.
He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of the same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of a bishopric, which we believe unlikely.
You will take care before else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 206.
"And for that reason your Beloved will hurry to go to the aforesaid church, and we want you to advise the clergy and people of the same church with continual exhortations that they should put aside partisanship, and with one and the same consensus, seek out a priest to be appointed over them.
He must be found both worthy of such an important ministry, and must in no way be rejected by venerable Church canons. At such a time as he should be accepted, let him come to us to be consecrated, with the solemnity of a decree corroborated by the subscriptions of all the clergy, and by the testimony of your Beloved's letter.
We warn your Fraternity also that you should not permit anyone to be elected from another church, unless perhaps no one can be found from among the clergy of the same city, in which you fulfill the office of visitor, who is worthy of a bishopric, which we believe unlikely.
You will take care before else that they do not presume to support the merit of a layman, whatever his way of life, or you too must face the danger for your position, Heaven forbid!"
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 206.
Tuesday, 14 December 2010
The Merit Of Upright Life
Letter 2,21 - to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. March 592.
"Felix, a most distinguished man, who bears this letter, has informed us that there is a priest in those parts who appears worthy of promotion to the rank of bishop, due to the merit of his upright life.
Therefore let your Fraternity arrange for him to be brought before you, and examine him diligently over the danger to his soul, of which I am certain. If your perceive that he deserves to be promoted to this rank, take care to send him to us, so that we can consecrate him bishop over a place that we shall provide for him, with the Lord's disposition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:206 .
"Felix, a most distinguished man, who bears this letter, has informed us that there is a priest in those parts who appears worthy of promotion to the rank of bishop, due to the merit of his upright life.
Therefore let your Fraternity arrange for him to be brought before you, and examine him diligently over the danger to his soul, of which I am certain. If your perceive that he deserves to be promoted to this rank, take care to send him to us, so that we can consecrate him bishop over a place that we shall provide for him, with the Lord's disposition."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I:206 .
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