Assistance

Quote from Letter 9.34 to Leontius, ex-consul. October 598

We know that you receive a paternal letter with pleasure. And so, if we were keen to accomplish what your Glory has without doubt begun to bring about of his own accord, then we would not allow the desires of our sons to be disappointed.  And for that reason, because our glorious son and general, Apollonius, the bearer of this letter, has wanted himself to be commended to our leaders over there with you, we greet your Glory with paternal love and ask that he may find the grace of your favor as is proper, and may obtain the support of your patronage whenever it mau become necessary.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 566

On Writing Letters

Quote from Letter 9.33 to Peter, in Sicily. October 598

Knowing that paternal commendations amplify the affection of devotion, we must hasten in these letters of ours to increase the favor of your Glory, which we believe you are doing spontaneously. 
We inform you that we have entrusted the patrimony of our Church, which, as you know, is established in the districts of Syracuse and Catana and neighboring places, to Romanus, our defender and bearer of this letter, with the protection of God's grace.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 566

Complaint

Quote from Letter 9.32 John, bishop of Syracuse. October 598

Our son, the glorious man and ex-consul, Leontius, has complained seriously about the action of our brother and fellow-bishop, Leo. His complaint has thoroughly disturbed us, for a bishop ought not to have acted so hastily and so lightly. We have trusted a careful inquiry into this case to our defender, Romanus, when he gets there.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 565

Responsibilities and Rewards

Quote from Letter 9.31 to Cyridanus. October 598

And so, we greet your Glory with paternal sweetness, and ask that he [a new defender] may find the affection of your charity in all things and may possess the comfort of your favor, wherever it proves necessary. Thus, when you are present, he should not feel that we were absent.

And so, while he might profitably complete what was imposed on him, with your help, we could be in debt to you for your favors, and Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, to whose case you devote yourself, would compensate you both here and in the future.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 565

Rules and Order

Quote from Letter 9.30 to the farmers and slaves on the estates or farms established in the territory of Syracuse and Catana. October 598

Know that we have decided with our arrangement that you are under the care of our defender. And for that reason, we order that you should show obedience, without any reluctance, with regard to what he sees fit to impose on you for the benefit of the Church. 
For we have given him power of such sort that he may seize and punish strictly those who are disobedient or try to be insolent.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 565

Responsibility

Quote from Letter 9.29 to Romanus, defender. October 598

And thus, it is necessary for you to go there without putting it off, so that, mindful of divine judgement and also remembering our admonition, you may be keen to show yourself so efficient and faithful, that you are found not to run the risk of any neglect or (Heaven forbid!) any fraud. But ensure all the more that you can be recommended to divine grace due to your faith and industry.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 564

Help and Support

Quote from Letter 9.28 to Libertinus, ex-praetor. October 598

Thus we greet your Glory, and ask that you might join with him [the bearer of this letter] and give him support in every way. And in case he may perhaps fail to understand some things that are beneficial, due to his newness, instruct him carefully with your counsels and give your attention, as has been your custom, to helping him achieve those things.
And so, while he achieves the tasks imposed on him for his own good with your assistance, you may receive a reward for your goodness, and we may be invited to pray more earnestly for the mercy of almighty God on behalf of your Glory's life.

Cited from: The Letters of Gregory the Great, trans. John R.C. Martyn (Toronto: PIMS, 2004), II, 564