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