Letter 6058: Gregory to Theodoric and Theodebert, brethren, Kings of the Franks. A paribus. Since Almighty God has adorned your kingdom with rectitude of faith, and has made it conspicuous among other nations by the purity of its Christian religion, we have conceived great expectations of you, that you will by all means desire that your subjects should be co...

Gregory to Theodoric and Theodebert, brother Kings of the Franks. Since Almighty God has adorned your kingdom with the right faith and made it stand out among other nations by the purity of its Christian religion, we have formed great expectations of you — that you will desire in every way for your subjects to be converted to that faith by which you are their kings and lords. This being so, it has come to our knowledge that the English people, through God's mercy, desire to be converted to the Christian faith, but that the priests in their neighborhood are neglecting them and are slack in kindling their desire through their own preaching. For this reason we have taken thought to send to them the servant of God Augustine, the bearer of these presents, whose zeal and earnestness are well known to us, together with other servants of God. We have also directed them to bring with them priests from the neighboring regions, through whom they may be able to learn the disposition of the English, and, as far as God may grant, to encourage their wishes through their preaching. So that they may be able to show themselves capable and effective in this undertaking, we earnestly ask your Excellency — greeting you with paternal charity — to see that these men we have sent may deserve to find the grace of your favor. And since this is a matter of souls, let your authority protect and help them. So may Almighty God, who knows that you take an interest in his cause with devoted heart and your whole soul, look favorably on your affairs, and after earthly sovereignty bring you to heavenly kingdoms. Furthermore, we ask your Excellency to regard as commended to you our most beloved son Candidus, priest and administrator of our Church's patrimony — so that the blessed Apostle Peter, Prince of the Apostles, may respond to you through his intercession, as you provide protection in the affairs of his poor with an eye to your reward.

Book VI, Letter 58 To Theodoric and Theodebert. Gregory to Theodoric and Theodebert, brethren, Kings of the Franks. A paribus. Since Almighty God has adorned your kingdom with rectitude of faith, and has made it conspicuous among other nations by the purity of its Christian religion, we have conceived great expectations of you, that you will by all means desire that your subjects should be converted to that faith in virtue of which you are their kings and lords. This being so, it has come to our knowledge that the nation of the Angli is desirous, through the mercy of God, of being converted to the Christian faith, but that the priests in their neighbourhood neglect them, and are remiss in kindling their desires by their own exhortations. On this account therefore we have taken thought to send to them the servant of God Augustine, the bearer of these presents, whose zeal and earnestness are well known to us, with other servants of God. And we have also charged them to take with them some priests from the neighbouring parts, with whom they may be able to ascertain the disposition of the Angli, and, as far as God may grant it to them, to aid their wishes by their admonition. Now, that they may have it in their power to show themselves efficient and capable in this business, we beseech your Excellency, greeting you with paternal charity, that these whom we have sent may be counted worthy to find the grace of your favour. And, since it is a matter of souls, let your power protect and aid them; that Almighty God, who knows that with devout mind and with all your heart you take an interest in His cause, may propitiously direct your causes, and after earthly dominion bring you to heavenly kingdoms. Furthermore, we request your Excellency to hold as commended to you our most beloved son, Candidus, a presbyter, and the rector of the patrimony of our Church, to the end that the blessed Peter, Prince of the apostles, may answer you by his intercession, while, looking to the reward, you afford your protection in the concerns of his poor.