Letter 2005: Gregory to Felix, bishop of Messina [Sicily].

Gregory to Felix, bishop of Messina [Sicily]. A basilica has been proposed for consecration in your diocese. I direct that you proceed with the consecration only after a legitimate and legally secure endowment has been established and confirmed. The reason for this requirement is not merely bureaucratic caution. A church consecrated without adequate provision for its maintenance will within a generation fall into disrepair or be absorbed for other uses. Consecration commits us to the perpetual maintenance of a holy place; we should not make that commitment without ensuring the means to fulfill it. Examine the proposed endowment carefully. Ensure that the legal title is unambiguous and the income reliable. When you are satisfied that these conditions are met, proceed with the consecration with my blessing. Gregory

aD FELICEM EPISCOPUM MESSANENSEM, Baziticam, percepta prius legitima et secura dote, con- $ecrandam. Gregorius Felici episcope Messanensi Januarius subdiaconus Eeclesiz Messanensis peti- toria nobis inSinuatione guggessit, quz habetur in subdilis, in civitate Messanensi basilicam $e pro 8ua devotione ſundasse, quam in honorem $ancti Stephani et Pancratii, atqgue Eupli desiderat consecrari. Et ideo, ſrater_ charissime, si in tuz dicecesis civitatis jure cousistit, et * nullum corpus ibidem constat hu- matum, percepla primitus donatione legitima, id est rius comprehensus fuerit ordo donationis impletus, enuntiaturus ex more nihil illic conditoris juri ulte- rius jam deberi, nisi processionis gralia, que Chri- Stianis omnibus in commune debetur. Sanctuaria vero SuScepta sui cum reverentia collocabis. Þ