Letter 2049: Gregory to Januarius, archbishop of Caralis (Cagliari). If with integrity of heart we consider the priestly office which we administer, the concord of personal charity ought so to unite us with our sons that, as we are fathers in name, so we should be proved by our affection to be so in deed. While, then, we ought to be such as has been said abo...
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Book II, Letter 49
To Januarius, Archbishop of Cagliari [chief city of Sardinia].
Gregory to Januarius, Archbishop of Cagliari.
If we consider with integrity of heart the priestly office we hold, the harmony of brotherly peace ought to be maintained all the more carefully among us, since discord among priests both harms the faithful and gives scandal to those outside.
It has come to our attention that disputes have arisen between you and some of the clergy of your diocese. We exhort Your Fraternity to resolve these matters with charity and justice, neither allowing your authority to become harsh tyranny nor permitting your kindness to become lax indulgence.
Furthermore, we direct you to take special care for the poor, the widows, and the orphans in your city. It is the bishop's first duty to be a father to those who have none. Let your table feed the hungry, your door be open to the destitute, and your voice speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Regarding the monks in your jurisdiction, ensure they observe their rule faithfully and do not wander outside their monasteries. Monastic discipline must be maintained if religious life is to serve its purpose of drawing souls to God.
We send you our blessing and urge you to write to us about conditions in your province whenever you have opportunity.
Book II, Letter 49
To Januarius, Archbishop.
Gregory to Januarius, archbishop of Caralis (Cagliari).
If with integrity of heart we consider the priestly office which we administer, the concord of personal charity ought so to unite us with our sons that, as we are fathers in name, so we should be proved by our affection to be so in deed. While, then, we ought to be such as has been said above, we wonder why such a mass of complaints has arisen against your Fraternity. We still indeed hesitate to believe it: but, that we may be able to ascertain the truth, we have sent to your parts John the notary of our See, supported by our injunction, who may compel all parties to abide the judgment of chosen arbitrators, and by his own execution carry their judgments into effect. Wherefore we exhort your Fraternity by this present writing to consider well with yourself beforehand the merits of the cases; and, if you find that you have taken or hold anything unjustly, in consideration of your priesthood to restore it before trial.
Now, among numerous complaints, the most distinguished Isidore has complained of having been excommunicated and anathematised by your Fraternity for invalid reasons. And, when we had wished to learn from one of your clergy who was here for what cause this had been done, he gave us to understand that it had been done for no other cause than that the man had done you an injury. This distresses us exceedingly; since, if it is so, you show that you not think of heavenly things, but give signs of having your conversation among things of earth, having brought to bear the malediction of anathema to avenge a private wrong; which is a thing forbidden by the sacred rules. Wherefore for the future be thoroughly circumspect and careful, and presume not to inflict any such penalty again for vindication of your own wrongs. For, should you do anything of the kind, know that it will afterwards be avenged on yourself.
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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/360202049.htm>.
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Book II, Letter 49
To Januarius, Archbishop of Cagliari [chief city of Sardinia].
Gregory to Januarius, Archbishop of Cagliari.
If we consider with integrity of heart the priestly office we hold, the harmony of brotherly peace ought to be maintained all the more carefully among us, since discord among priests both harms the faithful and gives scandal to those outside.
It has come to our attention that disputes have arisen between you and some of the clergy of your diocese. We exhort Your Fraternity to resolve these matters with charity and justice, neither allowing your authority to become harsh tyranny nor permitting your kindness to become lax indulgence.
Furthermore, we direct you to take special care for the poor, the widows, and the orphans in your city. It is the bishop's first duty to be a father to those who have none. Let your table feed the hungry, your door be open to the destitute, and your voice speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Regarding the monks in your jurisdiction, ensure they observe their rule faithfully and do not wander outside their monasteries. Monastic discipline must be maintained if religious life is to serve its purpose of drawing souls to God.
We send you our blessing and urge you to write to us about conditions in your province whenever you have opportunity.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.