Quote from Letter 5,3 to Dominic, bishop of Carthage. September 594
(A)nd we would all want heretics always to be suppressed by Catholic priests with vigor and logic, nevertheless, as we look into it in more detail, we are entirely concerned that an offense should nog be created (Heaven forbid!) through the things which were done among you by the primates of other councils. For at the conclusion of your activities, you brought forward a decision, in which you advised them about tracking down heretics, but at the same time you added a rider that those who neglect to do so myst be punished with a loss of possessions and honors.
It is best therefore, dearest brother, that in these external matters needing correction, internal charity should first be preserved, and in our minds we should be subject even to persons of lower rank, which we judge the special quality of your Gravity. For then, with all your forces united, you will then meet the errors of the heretics more successfully, as you follow the custom of your priesthood and apply yourself to the protection of Church harmony among your fellow priests.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II: 324
Showing posts with label priest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label priest. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 March 2012
Thursday, 8 March 2012
A New Oratory
Quote from Letter to Bishop Felix and Abbot Cyriacus. September 594.
The tenor of the report submitted to you explains adequately the complaint of Theodosia, a religious woman, in which we read a good many major charges against your brother and fellow-bishop Januarius, and ones not befitting the clemency of a priest, in such a way that after she had founded a monastery for the monks, everything pertaining to avarice, disturbance and prejudice is said to have been shown at the time of the actual dedication of the oratory (...). (Thus) after you have settled the venerable place itself in a decent and regular manner, with the Lord's help, we may neither be shaken by the frequent complaint of the aforesaid religious woman over the non-fulfillment of her good desires, nor may it be detrimental to your soul, if such a pious proposal should be languishing through some delay, due to your negligence.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II: 323
The tenor of the report submitted to you explains adequately the complaint of Theodosia, a religious woman, in which we read a good many major charges against your brother and fellow-bishop Januarius, and ones not befitting the clemency of a priest, in such a way that after she had founded a monastery for the monks, everything pertaining to avarice, disturbance and prejudice is said to have been shown at the time of the actual dedication of the oratory (...). (Thus) after you have settled the venerable place itself in a decent and regular manner, with the Lord's help, we may neither be shaken by the frequent complaint of the aforesaid religious woman over the non-fulfillment of her good desires, nor may it be detrimental to your soul, if such a pious proposal should be languishing through some delay, due to your negligence.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II: 323
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Shortage Of Clergy
Quote from Letter 4,42 to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. August 594
Since he [bishop Bacauda] mentions that he has neither a priest nor deacons, he has asked that they should be sent over to him, Therefore, wherever your Fraternity discovers them, as indicated by the bearer of this letter, send them over there without delay.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 321
Since he [bishop Bacauda] mentions that he has neither a priest nor deacons, he has asked that they should be sent over to him, Therefore, wherever your Fraternity discovers them, as indicated by the bearer of this letter, send them over there without delay.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 321
Monday, 6 February 2012
Donatists
Quote from Letter 4,32 to Pantaleo, praetorian prefect of Africa. july 594.
It is no light sin, therefore, if those who are condemned by both the integrity of our faith and the strictness of earthly laws, discover the freedom to spread in your times. And so in those parts, as far as we have learnt, the audacity of the Donatists, has so increased that they not only eject priests of the Catholic faith from their own churches, with pernicious authority, but also do not fear to re-baptize those whom the water of rebirth has washed clean with a true confession of faith. And we are quite amazed, it is is actually so, that wicked people of this sort should be allowed to do wrong, with you in charge there.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 312
It is no light sin, therefore, if those who are condemned by both the integrity of our faith and the strictness of earthly laws, discover the freedom to spread in your times. And so in those parts, as far as we have learnt, the audacity of the Donatists, has so increased that they not only eject priests of the Catholic faith from their own churches, with pernicious authority, but also do not fear to re-baptize those whom the water of rebirth has washed clean with a true confession of faith. And we are quite amazed, it is is actually so, that wicked people of this sort should be allowed to do wrong, with you in charge there.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 312
Monday, 30 January 2012
Mission
Quote from Letter 4,29 to Januarius, bishop of Cagliari on Sardinia. June 594.
But we have now learnt that, through the lack of priests, some pagans remain there, living like wild animals, still totally ignorant of the worship of God. We exhort your Fraternity therefore to make haste to consecrate a bishop there, according to the old custom, but such a person of course who is apt for this work in his morality and speech, and who would be keen to lead his wandering sheep to the Lord's flock, with pastoral emulation.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 309
But we have now learnt that, through the lack of priests, some pagans remain there, living like wild animals, still totally ignorant of the worship of God. We exhort your Fraternity therefore to make haste to consecrate a bishop there, according to the old custom, but such a person of course who is apt for this work in his morality and speech, and who would be keen to lead his wandering sheep to the Lord's flock, with pastoral emulation.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 309
Monday, 16 January 2012
Against Neglect
Letter 4,18 - to Maurus, abbot of Saint Pancras. March 594
(But) we have learnt that the church of Saint Pancras [in Rome], which was entrusted to priests, has frequently suffered from neglect, to the extent that when people came on a Sunday to celebrate solemn Mass, they found no priest, and returned home muttering.
And so, after due deliberation, we have settled on this decision. We should remove the priests and establish a community of monks in the monastery adjacent to the same church, by the grace of Christ, so that the abbot in charge there should have total control and concern for the aforesaid church.
We have also decided that you, Maurus, should be put in charge, as abbot of the monastery. And we make it a condition that the lands of the aforesaid Church, and whatever has entered there or has accrued from tis financial returns, ought to be directed to the aforesaid monastery of yours, and should apply there without any reduction.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 301
(But) we have learnt that the church of Saint Pancras [in Rome], which was entrusted to priests, has frequently suffered from neglect, to the extent that when people came on a Sunday to celebrate solemn Mass, they found no priest, and returned home muttering.
And so, after due deliberation, we have settled on this decision. We should remove the priests and establish a community of monks in the monastery adjacent to the same church, by the grace of Christ, so that the abbot in charge there should have total control and concern for the aforesaid church.
We have also decided that you, Maurus, should be put in charge, as abbot of the monastery. And we make it a condition that the lands of the aforesaid Church, and whatever has entered there or has accrued from tis financial returns, ought to be directed to the aforesaid monastery of yours, and should apply there without any reduction.
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 301
Thursday, 5 January 2012
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
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
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Priestly Virtues
Letter 4,1 - to Constantius, bishop of Milan. September 593
"Therefore it is proper for you to respond to their behavior with priestly kindness in all things, and to agree with their needs with holy compassion. If some of these happen to have vices, you should ensure them with timely criticisms, so that your priestly indignation is itself combined also with the virtue of sweetness. Thus you should also be loved by your subjects then, even when you shall be gravely feared.
This approach will also provide your person with great reverence in their judgement. For, just as hasty and repeated fury is despised, even so discrete indignation against faults very often becomes all the more frightening, as it is slow to arise.
But John, our sub-deacon, returning here has reported to us many good things about your Fraternity. Concerning these, we ask almighty God to complete what He himself has begun, so that he may show that you have made progress inwardly and outwardly, now among men and afterwards among the angels."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 287.
"Therefore it is proper for you to respond to their behavior with priestly kindness in all things, and to agree with their needs with holy compassion. If some of these happen to have vices, you should ensure them with timely criticisms, so that your priestly indignation is itself combined also with the virtue of sweetness. Thus you should also be loved by your subjects then, even when you shall be gravely feared.
This approach will also provide your person with great reverence in their judgement. For, just as hasty and repeated fury is despised, even so discrete indignation against faults very often becomes all the more frightening, as it is slow to arise.
But John, our sub-deacon, returning here has reported to us many good things about your Fraternity. Concerning these, we ask almighty God to complete what He himself has begun, so that he may show that you have made progress inwardly and outwardly, now among men and afterwards among the angels."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 287.
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Zealous And Vigilant
Letter 3,49 - to Theodore, bishop of Lilybaeum. July 593
"The concern of your Fraternity is extremely welcome to us. For those things that you find out about the lives of your priests, you both take care to examine closely and, when investigated, you report back on them. Be zealous and vigilant, therefore, so that you can persist in this concern that we praise in you, without any diminution. And if you find out that any excesses are being perpetrated there by anyone (Heaven forbid!), if indeed they are of the sort that could be corrected there, let them be corrected reasonably. Otherwise, hasten to report back in a letter to our brother, Bishop Maximian so that when informed by you, he may know what should be done. For the more we applaud your vigilance now, the more culpable you are found to be if you have concealed facts of this sort with any kind of dissimulation."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 268.
"The concern of your Fraternity is extremely welcome to us. For those things that you find out about the lives of your priests, you both take care to examine closely and, when investigated, you report back on them. Be zealous and vigilant, therefore, so that you can persist in this concern that we praise in you, without any diminution. And if you find out that any excesses are being perpetrated there by anyone (Heaven forbid!), if indeed they are of the sort that could be corrected there, let them be corrected reasonably. Otherwise, hasten to report back in a letter to our brother, Bishop Maximian so that when informed by you, he may know what should be done. For the more we applaud your vigilance now, the more culpable you are found to be if you have concealed facts of this sort with any kind of dissimulation."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 268.
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
A Fair Trial
Letter 3,36 - to Sabinus, defender of Sardinia. May 593
"Furthermore, since some wrongdoings have been reported to us concerning the person of the priest Epiphanius, it is necessary that you examine all of these quite diligently. Hurry also to bring here either the women with whom he is said to have erred, or others whom you feel know something about this same case, so that the truth can be clearly revealed for an ecclesiastical sentence.
But you will take care to carry out all of this so efficiently for both parties that no guilt over neglect applies to you, knowing as we do that it spells danger for you in every way, if this command of ours should be delayed in any way."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 259.
"Furthermore, since some wrongdoings have been reported to us concerning the person of the priest Epiphanius, it is necessary that you examine all of these quite diligently. Hurry also to bring here either the women with whom he is said to have erred, or others whom you feel know something about this same case, so that the truth can be clearly revealed for an ecclesiastical sentence.
But you will take care to carry out all of this so efficiently for both parties that no guilt over neglect applies to you, knowing as we do that it spells danger for you in every way, if this command of ours should be delayed in any way."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 259.
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.
Monday, 28 March 2011
An Episcopal Debate
Letter 3,8 - to Natalis, archbishop of Salona, that his bishop should not be deposed. October 592
"Since therefore a unanimous opinion of priests cannot demote anyone from the rank of bishop, except for just reasons, we exhort your Fraternity to bring about the restoration of the aforesaid man from the same exile to which he was forced, and to inquire into his case with an episcopal debate. And if he is convicted by canonical proof over these matters for which he has been accused, then he should be inflicted without doubt with canonical punishment. But if it is found by a synodical inquiry other than was thought about him, it is necessary both that his accusers should dread the strictness of the just law, and that the judgement of their innocence should be preserved undiminished for those who have been accused."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 242.
"Since therefore a unanimous opinion of priests cannot demote anyone from the rank of bishop, except for just reasons, we exhort your Fraternity to bring about the restoration of the aforesaid man from the same exile to which he was forced, and to inquire into his case with an episcopal debate. And if he is convicted by canonical proof over these matters for which he has been accused, then he should be inflicted without doubt with canonical punishment. But if it is found by a synodical inquiry other than was thought about him, it is necessary both that his accusers should dread the strictness of the just law, and that the judgement of their innocence should be preserved undiminished for those who have been accused."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 242.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Firm In Truth
Letter 3,2 - to Bishop Paul. September 592
"Although our knowledge of the injury suffered by you has caused us great unhappiness, yet we have some reason for consolation. For we have learnt that your Glory was involved in this affair because of what you endured for the sake of fairness and justice, as a report sent to us had made clear.
Therefore, so that it might be applied to the greater glory of your Fraternity, this matter ought neither to break down your constancy, nor turn you aside from the way of truth. For there is greater reward among priests in standing firm in the path of truth even after injuries."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 236.
"Although our knowledge of the injury suffered by you has caused us great unhappiness, yet we have some reason for consolation. For we have learnt that your Glory was involved in this affair because of what you endured for the sake of fairness and justice, as a report sent to us had made clear.
Therefore, so that it might be applied to the greater glory of your Fraternity, this matter ought neither to break down your constancy, nor turn you aside from the way of truth. For there is greater reward among priests in standing firm in the path of truth even after injuries."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 236.
Monstrous Crime
Letter 3,1 - to Peter, sub-deacon of Campania. September 592
"We have therefore sent our sub-deacon Epiphanius there [to the Castle of Lucullus], so that he can join the aforesaid governor in investigating who instigated the sedition, and who took part in it, and can find them out and requite them with a worthy punishment.
And so your Experience must find quick relief in this case, with all your courage, so that the truth can be found out, and so that punishments can proceed against the culprits. Since therefore they say that slaves of the glorious Clementina took part in this same crime, and made statements to stir up the sedition, if that is so, threaten them with submission to severe punishment. Do not let your severity be too lenient towards any person of that woman, because they need to be chastised all the more fully as being of that woman, who have committed a crime due to nothing but arrogance.
But you must also inquire into the following with a careful examination, as to whether the aforesaid woman participated in such a monstrous crime, or if it was perpetrated with her knowledge, so that all might learn from our defense, how dangerous it is to assault a priest not only with one's hands but with words also."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 235.
"We have therefore sent our sub-deacon Epiphanius there [to the Castle of Lucullus], so that he can join the aforesaid governor in investigating who instigated the sedition, and who took part in it, and can find them out and requite them with a worthy punishment.
And so your Experience must find quick relief in this case, with all your courage, so that the truth can be found out, and so that punishments can proceed against the culprits. Since therefore they say that slaves of the glorious Clementina took part in this same crime, and made statements to stir up the sedition, if that is so, threaten them with submission to severe punishment. Do not let your severity be too lenient towards any person of that woman, because they need to be chastised all the more fully as being of that woman, who have committed a crime due to nothing but arrogance.
But you must also inquire into the following with a careful examination, as to whether the aforesaid woman participated in such a monstrous crime, or if it was perpetrated with her knowledge, so that all might learn from our defense, how dangerous it is to assault a priest not only with one's hands but with words also."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 235.
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 .
Friday, 26 November 2010
An Appointment
Letter 2,12 - to bischop Importunus. January 592.
"Because we know that the church of Saint Mary, which is called Piso's, lying in your parish, is without a priest, we have certainly appointed the bearer of this letter, Dominic, to be in charge as priest in that same church.
For that reason your Fraternity should see to it that the profits of that church are provided to him without delay, and see that the revenues of the tenth indiction already received are restored to the man mentioned above, without delay, so that with God's help he can carefully obtain the benefits of the same church, from which his profits derive."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 200.
"Because we know that the church of Saint Mary, which is called Piso's, lying in your parish, is without a priest, we have certainly appointed the bearer of this letter, Dominic, to be in charge as priest in that same church.
For that reason your Fraternity should see to it that the profits of that church are provided to him without delay, and see that the revenues of the tenth indiction already received are restored to the man mentioned above, without delay, so that with God's help he can carefully obtain the benefits of the same church, from which his profits derive."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 200.
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
A Warning
Letter 2,3 - to the clergy, nobility, senate and people living at Naples. September 591.
"Although the sincere devotion of its spiritual sons towards their mother Church might need no exhortation, nevertheless, to prevent it from thinking that it should be neglected, this devotion ought to be stimulated with an epistolary exhortation.
Because of this I approach your Beloved with a warning of fatherly love, that we should give thanks unanimously to our redeemer with tears in our eyes, as he has not allowed you to go astray under such a corrupt preacher, but has made public the sins of an unworthy priest.
For Demetrius, who had not earned the name of bishop beforehand, has been found to be implicated in business dealings of such magnitude and of such a kind, that if he had been judged without pity, in accordance with the nature of his crimes, he should have been punished without doubt by divine and human laws with an extremely cruel death."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 195.
"Although the sincere devotion of its spiritual sons towards their mother Church might need no exhortation, nevertheless, to prevent it from thinking that it should be neglected, this devotion ought to be stimulated with an epistolary exhortation.
Because of this I approach your Beloved with a warning of fatherly love, that we should give thanks unanimously to our redeemer with tears in our eyes, as he has not allowed you to go astray under such a corrupt preacher, but has made public the sins of an unworthy priest.
For Demetrius, who had not earned the name of bishop beforehand, has been found to be implicated in business dealings of such magnitude and of such a kind, that if he had been judged without pity, in accordance with the nature of his crimes, he should have been punished without doubt by divine and human laws with an extremely cruel death."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 195.
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.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Pastoral Care
Letter 1,76 - to Leo, bishop in Corsica. August 591.
"Pastoral care obliges us to help a church bereft of a priest's guidance with concerned care. And since we recognize that the church of Saona has been totally destitute for many years, since the death of its bishop, we have thought that the task of visiting it should be imposed on your Fraternity, as fas as its usefulness can be completed by your arrangements.
And in that church also and its parishes, we grant you the freedom to ordain deacons and priests. But with regard to them, be keen to examine them quite diligently, to ensure that none of them should be rejected by the sacred canons.
But those whom your Fraternity sees as worthy of such great ministry, recognizing their morals and actions as being in accord with this ordination, let it freely promote to the aforesaid office, with the permission of our authority."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 189.
"Pastoral care obliges us to help a church bereft of a priest's guidance with concerned care. And since we recognize that the church of Saona has been totally destitute for many years, since the death of its bishop, we have thought that the task of visiting it should be imposed on your Fraternity, as fas as its usefulness can be completed by your arrangements.
And in that church also and its parishes, we grant you the freedom to ordain deacons and priests. But with regard to them, be keen to examine them quite diligently, to ensure that none of them should be rejected by the sacred canons.
But those whom your Fraternity sees as worthy of such great ministry, recognizing their morals and actions as being in accord with this ordination, let it freely promote to the aforesaid office, with the permission of our authority."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 189.
Sunday, 26 September 2010
The Horror Of Stealing
Letter 1,66 - to Sub-deacon Anthelm. August 591.
"The chief physician Fuscus, provoked by the ardor of his faith, is pouring out prayers in which he says that the deacon Opilio, as well as Servusdei and Crescentius, clerics of the church of Venafro, having forgotten their fear of the coming judgment, have sold holy treasures from the aforesaid church to some Jew, dreadful to relate. This consists of two chalices in silver, two crown lamps on dolphins, and lilies from other lamps, along with six larger and smaller hangings.
For that reason your Experience will soon receive the present order, suggesting that you should make the above-mentioned priests come to you quickly without delay. After you have found out the truth, if it turns out as has been suggested, ensure that the aforesaid Jew, who presumed to buy the sacred treasures, forgetting the force of law, is summoned by the provincial judge, and is compelled to restore the aforesaid holy items without delay. In this way nothing out of them may be lost from the oft-mentioned church.
As for the aforesaid deacon and priests,who committed such a deadly sin, please do not delay in binding them in penitence, so that with their tears they can wash away an offence so evil and so great."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
"The chief physician Fuscus, provoked by the ardor of his faith, is pouring out prayers in which he says that the deacon Opilio, as well as Servusdei and Crescentius, clerics of the church of Venafro, having forgotten their fear of the coming judgment, have sold holy treasures from the aforesaid church to some Jew, dreadful to relate. This consists of two chalices in silver, two crown lamps on dolphins, and lilies from other lamps, along with six larger and smaller hangings.
For that reason your Experience will soon receive the present order, suggesting that you should make the above-mentioned priests come to you quickly without delay. After you have found out the truth, if it turns out as has been suggested, ensure that the aforesaid Jew, who presumed to buy the sacred treasures, forgetting the force of law, is summoned by the provincial judge, and is compelled to restore the aforesaid holy items without delay. In this way nothing out of them may be lost from the oft-mentioned church.
As for the aforesaid deacon and priests,who committed such a deadly sin, please do not delay in binding them in penitence, so that with their tears they can wash away an offence so evil and so great."
Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), I: 182.
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