Letter 3008: I attribute it to my own sins rather than to any fault of yours that bodily illness prevented you from carrying out...

Avitus of VienneCæsarius, brother of Gregory|c. 499 AD|Avitus of Vienne
illnessimperial politics

Bishop Avitus to Bishop Gregory.

I attribute it to my own sins rather than to any fault of yours that bodily illness prevented you from carrying out your most devout intentions — though your customary kindness still accompanied us through your prayers and your offering. And so, paying my respects through this letter in attendance, I give thanks beyond what words can express: even if you could not satisfy our feast day with your presence — a feast that thirsted for you with all its longing — you refreshed it with your generosity.

AI-assisted translation — This translation was produced with AI assistance and has not been peer-reviewed. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek below for scholarly use.

Latin / Greek Original

Avitus episcopus Gregorio episcopo.
Meis potius adscribo peccatis, quod vos ad dispositionem piissimae voluntatis cor-
poris inaequalitas impedivit, quamquam consueta dignatio oratione nos et oblatione
comitata sit. Vnde salutationis officia pagina famulante persolvens supra quam ser-
mone valeo, gratias ago, quod festivitatem nostram pleno vos desiderio sitientem,
etiamsi non satiastis praesentia, refecistis expensa.

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