Letter 2012: The illustrious lady Timothea has intimated to us by a petitionary notification, as is set forth below, that she has founded an oratory within the city of Ariminum in a place belonging to her, which she desires to have consecrated in honour of the holy cross. And, accordingly, dearest brother, if the said construction is in the jurisdiction of y...

Book II, Letter 12 To Castorius, Bishop of Rimini [Ariminum, a city on the Adriatic coast]. Gregory to Castorius. The distinguished lady Timothea has petitioned us, informing us that she has built a chapel within the city of Rimini on her own property, which she wishes to have consecrated in honor of the Holy Cross. Dearest brother, if the location falls within your city's jurisdiction and it is confirmed that no one has been buried there, then -- after first receiving a proper endowment consisting of two-thirds of her entire property (excluding slaves), including her movable goods, furnishings, and livestock, with the income reserved for her use during her lifetime, and this endowment secured through official municipal documents -- you may solemnly consecrate the chapel. However, no public Mass [regular parish Mass open to the general public] is to be held there. No baptistery [facility for baptisms] may be built on the site in the future, and you are not to appoint a permanent resident priest. If she wishes to have Masses said there, she must request a priest from you, so that no other priest presumes to officiate. You should also reverently place the holy relics she has provided.

Book II, Letter 12 To Castorius, Bishop of Ariminum. Gregory to Castorius, etc. The illustrious lady Timothea has intimated to us by a petitionary notification, as is set forth below, that she has founded an oratory within the city of Ariminum in a place belonging to her, which she desires to have consecrated in honour of the holy cross. And, accordingly, dearest brother, if the said construction is in the jurisdiction of your city, and if it is known that no body has been buried there, then, after reception in the first place of a legitimate endowment, that is, of two-thirds of her whole property (excepting slaves), of her movables and fixtures and live stock, the usufract being reserved to her for her life, and such endowment having been secured by municipal deeds, you will solemnly consecrate the aforesaid oratory without any public mass, on the condition that no baptistery shall be constructed in the same place in future times, and that you appoint not a cardinal presbyter. And if perchance she should prefer having masses said there, let her know that she must ask your Love for a presbyter, to the end nothing else may be presumed by any other priest whatever. Further, you will reverently deposit the holy things she has provided.