Letter 54
Bishop Ruricius to his son Rusticus — greetings.
Beyond your customary and well-proven affection, you are kind enough to show us generosity as well — taking from your own supply to give to ours. I have learned from your servant that you ordered the delicacies of the Vienne fishery to be sent to us on your account. I send my greetings, give abundant thanks, and pray to God's mercy that for the honor you pay us out of reverence for him, he may grant you happiness in these present days and in the days to come.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
Related Letters
Rusticus and Artemia his wife having made a vow of continence broke it. Artemia proceeded to Palestine to do penance for her sin and Rusticus promised to follow her. However he failed to do so, and Jerome was asked to write this letter in the hope that it might induce him to fulfil his promise.
1. He exhorts him to act with moderation towards two bishops who have offended him. Leo, the bishop, to Rusticus, bishop of Gallia Narbonensis.
Rusticus, a young monk of Toulouse, (to be carefully distinguished from the recipient of Letter CXXII.) is advised by Jerome not to become an anchorite but to continue in a community. Rules are suggested for the monastic life and a vivid picture is drawn of the difference between a good monk and a bad. Incidentally Jerome indulges his spleen aga...