Visitor of a See (II)

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

Visitor of a See

Quote from Letter 5,13 to Gaudentius, bishop of Nola. November 594.

Since Festus, bishop of the church of Capua, has departed from this life while staying in the city of Rome, it has been our concern (a care shown by us over every single church), to send the present letter to your Fraternity, asking you to act as visitor to the above-mentioned church, but in such a way that you allow nobody to presume anything about the promotions of clergy, or income, or ornaments and holy dishes, or whatever might exist in the aforesaid place.


Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, translated by John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMPS, 2004), II, 331

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.