Letter 9079: What is to be done in the case of Maximus you have learned from the letters which we have before sent to you. But, since we have ascertained from the report of our Chartulary Castorius, the bearer of these presents, what is the wish, or rather the request, of your Fraternity in this matter, therefore if the said Maximus, in the presence of you a...
Gregory to Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna.
You have already learned from our previous letters what is to be done in the case of Maximus. But since we have now been informed by the report of our secretary Castorius, the bearer of this letter, of Your Fraternity's wishes -- or rather, your request -- in this matter, here is what we have decided:
If the said Maximus, in the presence of you and our secretary, purges himself on oath of the charge of simoniacal heresy, and if with respect to the other accusations he simply declares his innocence when questioned before the body of Saint Apollinaris -- as we have previously written -- then we commit his case to Your Fraternity's judgment. Specifically, you are to determine what penance is fitting for his having presumed to celebrate Mass while under excommunication.
Whatever seems right to you under God, settle it without hesitation, and have no doubts regarding us. Whatever you decide in this case, we accept with gratitude and allow willingly.
We do urge you, however, to exercise care -- tempering your decision so as to deal with him mercifully if that seems appropriate, while also maintaining, as you should, the proper rigor of ecclesiastical discipline through a suitable arrangement.
We have given the bearer detailed instructions on how to proceed with you. Once you have learned everything from him, conduct the matter in such a way that through your attentive care, we may feel that our own presence has been with you.
Human translation — New Advent (NPNF / ANF series)
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