Letter 6046: We wonder at your Fraternity, that, disregarding the tenor of the precept given you by our predecessor of holy memory, you should consecrate the monastery constructed by John, the bearer of these presents, otherwise than as ancient use demands. For, while it is ordered among other things in the said precept that you should dedicate the place its...

Gregory to Felix, Bishop of Pesaro. We are surprised at your Fraternity, that in disregard of the terms of the instruction given you by our predecessor of holy memory, you have consecrated the monastery built by John, the bearer of these presents, in a manner contrary to ancient custom. For while the said instruction directs among other things that you should dedicate the place itself without a public Mass, we are informed that your chair has been set up there and that the solemn Mass is being publicly celebrated. If this is true, we hereby urge you that, setting aside all excuse, you cause your chair to be removed from there entirely, and that henceforth you celebrate no public Mass there. Rather, as both custom and the terms of the instruction require, if they should wish Mass to be celebrated for them in that place, let a priest be appointed by you for the purpose. We also desire that, with God's blessing, a community of God's servants shall always remain in that monastery, as the aforesaid John has requested and as is the case at present. As for the chalice that he tells me has been taken away by your Fraternity — if this is so, make haste to restore it. Let your Holiness therefore take care to fulfil these requirements so that the aforesaid bearer has no need to come to us again on the same account.

Book VI, Letter 46 To Felix, Bishop of Pisaurum (Pesaro). Gregory to Felix, Bishop, etc. We wonder at your Fraternity, that, disregarding the tenor of the precept given you by our predecessor of holy memory, you should consecrate the monastery constructed by John, the bearer of these presents, otherwise than as ancient use demands. For, while it is ordered among other things in the said precept that you should dedicate the place itself without a public mass, still, as we have heard, your chair has been placed there, and the sacred solemnities of mass are there publicly celebrated. If this is true, we hereby exhort you that, putting aside all excuse, you cause your chair to be altogether removed thence, and that henceforth you perform no public masses there. But, as both custom and the tenor of the precept direct, if they should wish mass to be celebrated for them there, let a presbyter be appointed by you for the purpose. Further, we desire that with the favour of God there shall always remain a congregation of servants of God in the same monastery, as the aforesaid John has requested, and as is now the case. As to the cup also which he informs me has been taken away by your Fraternity, if it be so, make haste to restore it. These things, then, let your Holiness so study to fulfil that the aforesaid bearer may have no need to resort to us again on the same account. 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/360206046.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.