Letter 2009: Gregory to the gentry and commonalty (ordini et plebi) residing at Naples. The communication you have addressed to us has made manifest what your opinion is of our brother and fellow bishop Paulus : and we congratulate you in that your experience of him for a few days has been such that you desire to have him as your cardinal bishop. But, since ...

Book II, Letter 9 To the Neapolitans. Gregory to the gentry and common people of Naples. Your letter has made clear your opinion of our brother and fellow bishop Paul, and we congratulate you that your brief experience with him has been positive enough that you want him as your permanent bishop. But since matters of such importance should not be decided hastily, we will, with Christ's help, arrange what needs to be done after careful deliberation, while his character meanwhile becomes better known to you over time. Therefore, most beloved children, if you truly love this man, obey him. Meet his wishes with devoted hearts and peaceful cooperation, so that the bonds of mutual charity may unite you so closely that the enemy who prowls around you in rage may find no opening to break your unity. When we see the bishop Paul offering God the harvest of souls we long for, and with God's own approval, we will then do whatever divine inspiration suggests regarding his appointment and your desire.

Book II, Letter 9 To the Neapolitans. Gregory to the gentry and commonalty (ordini et plebi) residing at Naples. The communication you have addressed to us has made manifest what your opinion is of our brother and fellow bishop Paulus : and we congratulate you in that your experience of him for a few days has been such that you desire to have him as your cardinal bishop. But, since in matters of supreme importance there ought to be no hasty decision, so we, Christ helping us, will arrange after mature deliberation what is to be done hereafter, his character meanwhile, in course of time, having become better known to you. Wherefore, most beloved sons, obey the aforesaid man, if you truly love him, and with devoted minds meet his wishes in peaceful concurrence, to the end that the affection of your mutual charity may so bind you to each other, that the enemy who flies about you raging may find no way through any of you for creeping in to break up your unanimity. Further, when we shall have perceived the aforesaid bishop offering to God the fruit of souls which we long for, God Himself also approving, we will do afterwards whatever divine inspiration may suggest to our heart, with regard to his person and to your desire. About this page Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360202009.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is feedback732 at newadvent.org. (To help fight spam, this address might change occasionally.) Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.