Letter 1058: How ready is the devotion of your love in expectation of a pontiff the text of the report which you have addressed to us shows. But, since the ordainer ought in such cases to be exceedingly careful, we are watching over this case with due deliberation. And so we warn your Charity by this present writing that no one need trouble himself to apply ...
Book I, Letter 58
To Arsicinus the Duke [military governor], the Clergy, Nobility, and Common People of the City of Rimini [Ariminum, a city on the Adriatic coast].
Gregory to Arsicinus and all.
The text of your petition shows how eagerly you desire a new bishop. But since the ordaining authority must exercise great care in such matters, we are handling this with proper deliberation.
We advise you by this letter: no one should bother petitioning us on behalf of Ocleatinus. If someone is found in your own city who can take on this work effectively and to whom we have no objection, let your choice settle on him. But if no suitable candidate is found locally, we have mentioned a name to the bearers of this letter, and you may also give your consent to that person.
Pray faithfully and with one accord, so that whoever is ordained may both serve you well and offer priestly service worthy of our God.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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