Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)→Unknown|gregory great
From: Gregory the Great, Pope, in Rome
To: Importunus, bishop of Atella [near Naples]
Date: ~592 AD
Context: Gregory warns Bishop Importunus about a priest who absented himself on a specific day, and directs him on how to handle the matter.
Gregory to Importunus, bishop of Atella.
It has been reported to us that one of the priests of your diocese absented himself from his duties on a day when his presence was required. This is a matter of discipline that your authority as his bishop requires you to address.
I direct you to summon this priest and to inquire carefully into his reasons for this absence. If the absence was justified, note this and take no further action. If it was not justified, impose whatever canonical penalty is appropriate to the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances.
Do not overlook such matters as though they were trivial. The regular and faithful performance of liturgical duties is part of what the church depends on, and clergy who absent themselves from their responsibilities without good cause undermine the whole fabric of parish ministry.
Handle this and report to me.
Gregory
Context:Gregory warns Bishop Importunus about a priest who absented himself on a specific day, and directs him on how to handle the matter.
Gregory to Importunus, bishop of Atella.
It has been reported to us that one of the priests of your diocese absented himself from his duties on a day when his presence was required. This is a matter of discipline that your authority as his bishop requires you to address.
I direct you to summon this priest and to inquire carefully into his reasons for this absence. If the absence was justified, note this and take no further action. If it was not justified, impose whatever canonical penalty is appropriate to the seriousness of the offense and the circumstances.
Do not overlook such matters as though they were trivial. The regular and faithful performance of liturgical duties is part of what the church depends on, and clergy who absent themselves from their responsibilities without good cause undermine the whole fabric of parish ministry.
Handle this and report to me. Gregory
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.