Register of the Epistles
73b Register of the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great. ———————————— Book I. The Month of September, Indiction IX., Being the First Year of His Ordination. Epistle I. To all the Bishops of Sicily.
To all the Bishops of Sic — To all the Bishops of Sicily. (¶1)
Epistle V. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give…
To Theoctista, Sister of — To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. (¶2)
Epistle X. To Bacauda and Agnellus, Bishops. Gregory to Bacauda, &c. The Hebrews dwelling in Terracina have petitioned us for licence to hold, under our authority, the site of their synagogue which they have held…
To Bacauda and Agnellus, — To Bacauda and Agnellus, Bishops. (¶3)
Epistle XVII. To all the Bishops of Italy. Gregory to all, &c. Inasmuch as the abominable Autharit [1] during this Easter solemnity which has been lately completed, forbade children of Lombards being baptized in the…
To all the Bishops of Ita — To all the Bishops of Italy. (¶4)
Epistle XXI. To Natalis, Bishop of Salona [1] . Gregory to Natalis, &c. We have received at the hands of the deacon Stephen, whom you sent to us, the letters of thy Reverence, wherein you congratulate us on our…
To Natalis, Bishop of Sal — To Natalis, Bishop of Salona. (¶5)
Epistle XXVIII. To Sebastian, Bishop of Rhisinum [in Dalmatia]. Gregory to Sebastian, &c. Although I deserved to receive no letters from your Blessedness, yet I also do not forget my own forgetfulness; I blame my…
To Sebastian, Bishop of R — To Sebastian, Bishop of Rhisinum [in Dalmatia]. (¶6)
Epistle XXXV. To Peter, Bishop of Terracina. Gregory to Peter, &c. Joseph, a Jew, the bearer of these presents, has informed us that, the Jews dwelling in the camp of Terracina having been accustomed to assemble in a…
To Peter, Bishop of Terra — To Peter, Bishop of Terracina. (¶7)
Epistle XLII. To Anthemius, Subdeacon [1] . Gregory to Anthemius, &c. John, our brother and fellow-bishop, in a schedule sent to us by his cleric Justus, has among many other things intimated to us as follows: that some…
To Anthemius, Subdeacon. — To Anthemius, Subdeacon. (¶8)
Epistle XLVII. To Virgilius, Bishop of Arelate (Arles) and Theodorus, Bishop of Massilia (Marseilles). Gregory to Virgilius, Bishop of Arelate, and Theodorus, Bishop of Massilia, in Gaul.
To Virgilius, Bishop of A — To Virgilius, Bishop of Arelate (Arles) and Theodorus, Bisho (¶9)
Epistle LII. To Symmachus the Defensor [1] . Gregory to Symmachus, &c. My son Boniface the deacon has told me that thy Experience had written to say that a monastery built by Labina, a religious lady, is now ready for…
To Symmachus the Defensor — To Symmachus the Defensor. (¶10)
Epistle LXI. To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa. Gregory to Gennadius, &c. That you have unceasingly the fear of God before your eyes, and pursue justice, the subdued necks of enemies testify; but, that the…
To Gennadius, Patrician a — To Gennadius, Patrician and Exarch of Africa. (¶11)
Epistle LXVII. To Peter, Subdeacon. Gregory to Peter, &c. If with kind disposition we meet the needs of our neighbours by shewing compassion, we shall undoubtedly find the Lord mercifully inclined to our petitions.
To Peter, Subdeacon. — To Peter, Subdeacon. (¶12)
Epistle LXXVII. To All the Bishops of Numidia. Gregory to all the Bishops of Numidia. If ever, most dear brethren in Christ, a troublesome mixture of tares intrudes itself among green corn, it is necessary for the hand…
To All the Bishops of Num — To All the Bishops of Numidia. (¶13)
101b Book II. Epistle III. To Velox, Magister Militium. Gregory to Velox, &c. We informed your Glory some time ago that soldiers had been prepared to come to your parts; but, inasmuch as your letter had signified to us…
To Velox, Magister Militi — To Velox, Magister Militium. (¶14)
Epistle X. To Paulus, Bishop of Naples [1] . Gregory to Paulus, &c. If we administer safely the priestly office which we have received, without doubt both Divine assistance and the affection of our spiritual sons will…
To Paulus, Bishop of Napl — To Paulus, Bishop of Naples. (¶15)
Epistle XIX. To all the Bishops of Dalmatia. Gregory to all the bishops constituted throughout Dalmatia. Though desiring to visit your Fraternity frequently through the intercourse of letters, yet, when some special…
To all the Bishops of Dal — To all the Bishops of Dalmatia. (¶16)
Epistle XXVI. To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, &c. Inasmuch as we have enjoined on our brother and fellow-bishop Paulus the work of the visitation of the Neapolitan church, therefore let not Fraternity shrink from…
To John, Bishop. — To John, Bishop. (¶17)
Epistle XXXII. To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. Gregory to Peter, &c. By information received from Romanus the guardian ( defensore ) I have learnt that the monastery of handmaidens of God which is on the farm of…
To Peter, Subdeacon of Si — To Peter, Subdeacon of Sicily. (¶18)
Epistle XXXVII. To John, Bishop of Squillacium (Squillace, in Calabria). Gregory to John, &c. The care of our pastoral office warns us to appoint for bereaved churches bishops of their own, who may govern the Lord’s…
To John, Bishop of Squill — To John, Bishop of Squillacium (Squillace, in Calabria). (¶19)
Epistle XLVII. To Dominicus, Bishop. Gregory to Dominicus, Bishop of Carthage [1] . We have received with the utmost gratification the letters of your Fraternity, which have reached us somewhat late by the hands of…
To Dominicus, Bishop. — To Dominicus, Bishop. (¶20)
Epistle LII. To Natalis, Bishop [1] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness:…
To Natalis, Bishop. — To Natalis, Bishop. (¶21)
Epistle III. To John, Abbot [1] . Gregory to John, &c. Thy Love has requested me that brother Boniface might be ordained Prior ( præpositus ) [1] in thy monastery; as to which request I wonder much why it has not been…
To John, Abbot. — To John, Abbot. (¶22)
Epistle VIII. To Natalis, Archbishop. Gregory to Natalis, archbishop of Salona [1] . Whilst every kind of business demands [1] anxious investigation of the truth, what pertains to deposition from sacerdotal rank should…
To Natalis, Archbishop. — To Natalis, Archbishop. (¶23)
Epistle XV. To Scholasticus, Judge. Gregory to Scholasticus, judge of Campania. While we were greatly distressed in our care for the city of Naples, bereaved of the solace of a priest [1] , the arrival of the bearers of…
To Scholasticus, Judge. — To Scholasticus, Judge. (¶24)
Epistle XXXI. To Romanus, Patrician. Gregory to Romanus, Patrician, and Exarch of Italy. We believe that your Excellency is already aware of the death of Laurentius, bishop of the church of Mediolanum.
To Romanus, Patrician. — To Romanus, Patrician. (¶25)
Epistle XXXVI. To Sabinus, Guardian (Defensorem). Gregory to Sabinus, Guardian of Sardinia. Certain serious matters having come to our ears which require canonical correction, we therefore charge thy Experience not to…
To Sabinus, Guardian (Def — To Sabinus, Guardian (Defensorem). (¶26)
Epistle XLVII. To the Clergy of the Church of Salona [1] . Gregory to the clergy, &c. Having read your letter, beloved, we learn 133b that you have made choice of Honoratus your archdeacon; and know ye that it is…
To the Clergy of the Chur — To the Clergy of the Church of Salona. (¶27)
Epistle LIII. To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Constantinople [1] . Though consideration of the case moves me, yet charity also impels me to write, since I have written once and again to my most holy brother…
To John, Bishop. — To John, Bishop. (¶28)
Epistle LX. To Italica, Patrician [1] . Gregory to Italica, &c. We have received your letter, which is full 140b of sweetness, and rejoice to hear that your Excellency is well.
To Italica, Patrician. — To Italica, Patrician. (¶29)
144b Book IV. Epistle I. To Constantius, Bishop. Gregory to Constantius, Bishop of Mediolanum ( Milan ). On receiving the letters of your Fraternity I returned great thanks to Almighty God , that I was counted worthy to…
To Constantius, Bishop. — To Constantius, Bishop. (¶30)
Epistle V. To Boniface, Bishop. Gregory to Boniface, Bishop of Regium ( Reii ). It is a shame for priests to be admonished about matters of divine worship.
To Boniface, Bishop. — To Boniface, Bishop. (¶31)
Epistle IX. To Januarius, Bishop. Gregory to Januarius, Bishop of Caralis (Cagliari). Pastoral zeal ought indeed in itself to have sufficiently instigated thee, even without our aid, to protect profitably and…
To Januarius, Bishop. — To Januarius, Bishop. (¶32)
Epistle XVIII. To Maurus, Abbot. Gregory to Maurus, &c. The care of churches which is evidently inherent in the priestly office compels us to be so solicitous that no fault of neglect may appear with regard to them.
To Maurus, Abbot. — To Maurus, Abbot. (¶33)
152b Epistle XXIV. To Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia. Gregory to Zabardas, &c. From the letters of my brother and fellow-bishop Felix, and of the servant of God , Cyriacus, we have learnt your Glory’s good qualities.
To Zabardas, Duke of Sard — To Zabardas, Duke of Sardinia. (¶34)
Epistle XXIX. To Januarius, Bishop. Gregory to Januarius, Bishop of Caralis ( Cagliari ). It has come to our knowledge that in the place within the province of Sardinia called Phausiana it is said to have been once the…
To Januarius, Bishop. — To Januarius, Bishop. (¶35)
Epistle XXXIII. To Anthemius, Subdeacon. Gregory to Anthemius, &c. Those whom our Redeemer vouchsafes to convert to himself from Judaical perdition we ought, with reasonable moderation, to assist; lest (as God forbid…
To Anthemius, Subdeacon. — To Anthemius, Subdeacon. (¶36)
Epistle XXXVIII. To Queen Theodelinda. Gregory to Theodelinda, Queen of the Lombards [1] . It has come to our knowledge from the report of certain persons that your Glory has been led on by some bishops even to the…
To Queen Theodelinda. — To Queen Theodelinda. (¶37)
162b Book V. Epistle II. To Felix, Bishop, and Cyriacus, Abbot [1] . Gregory to Felix, &c. The tenor of the report submitted to you sufficiently explains the complaint of the religious lady Theodosia, in which we have…
To Felix, Bishop, and Cyr — To Felix, Bishop, and Cyriacus, Abbot. (¶38)
Epistle XI. To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Ravenna. I find that your Fraternity is greatly distressed on account of being forbidden by the censure of reason to wear the pallium in litanies.
To John, Bishop. — To John, Bishop. (¶39)
Epistle XIX. To Sabinianus, Deacon [1] . Gregory to Sabinianus, &c. In the cause of our brother the most reverend John, bishop of Constantinople, I have been unwilling to write two letters.
To Sabinianus, Deacon. — To Sabinianus, Deacon. (¶40)
Epistle XXV. To Severus, Bishop. Gregory to Severus, Bishop of Ficulum. The report that has been sent to us has informed us of the death of the bishop John [1] .
To Severus, Bishop. — To Severus, Bishop. (¶41)
Epistle XXXVI. To Severus, Scholasticus Gregory to Severus, Scholasticus to the Exarch [1] . Those who assist judges and are bound to them by sincere attachment ought to advise them and suggest to them what may both…
To Severus, Scholasticus. — To Severus, Scholasticus. (¶42)
Epistle XLII. To Sebastian, Bishop. Gregory to Sebastian, Bishop of Sirmium. I have received the most sweet and pleasant letter of thy Fraternity, which, though you are never absent from my heart, has nevertheless made…
To Sebastian, Bishop. — To Sebastian, Bishop. (¶43)
Epistle LII. To John, Archbishop. Gregory to John, Archbishop of the Corinthians. The equity and solicitude of Secundinus our brother and fellow-bishop, which had been well known to us of old, is shewn also by the tenor…
To John, Archbishop. — To John, Archbishop. (¶44)
Epistle LVI. To Marinianus, Bishop. Gregory to Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna. Moved by the benevolence of the Apostolical See and the order of ancient custom, we have thought fit to grant the use of the pallium to thy…
To Marinianus, Bishop. — To Marinianus, Bishop. (¶45)
Epistle II. To the Clergy and People of Ravenna. Gregory to the clergy and people of the Church of Ravenna. We have been informed that certain men, instigated by the malignant spirit, have wished to corrupt your minds…
To the Clergy and People — To the Clergy and People of Ravenna. (¶46)
Epistle VII. To Candidus, Presbyter. Gregory to Candidus, Presbyter, going to the patrimony of Gaul. Now that thou art proceeding, with the help of our Lord God Jesus Christ, to the government of the patrimony that is…
To Candidus, Presbyter. — To Candidus, Presbyter. (¶47)
Epistle XIV. To the Count Narses [1] . Gregory to Narses, &c. Your Charity, being anxious to learn our opinion, has been at the pains of writing to us to ask what we think of the book against the presbyter Athanasius…
To the Count Narses. — To the Count Narses. (¶48)
Epistle XVIII. To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Syracuse. Moved by the benevolence of the Apostolic See and by the order of ancient custom, we have thought fit to grant to thy Fraternity, who art known to…
To John, Bishop. — To John, Bishop. (¶49)
Epistle XXVI. To the Salonitans. Gregory to his most beloved sons, the clergy and nobles dwelling at Salona [1] . It has come to my ears, that certain men of perverse disposition, in order to poison your minds, beloved,…
To the Salonitans. — To the Salonitans. (¶50)
Epistle XXXII. To Fortunatus, Bishop. Gregory to Fortunatus, Bishop of Neapolis ( Naples ). We have written before now to your Fraternity that, if any [slaves] by the inspiration of God , desire to come from Jewish…
To Fortunatus, Bishop. — To Fortunatus, Bishop. (¶51)
Epistle XLIII. To Venantius, Patrician. Gregory to Venantius, Patrician, and Ex-monk [1] . Your communication to us has found us much distressed from having become aware that offence has arisen between you and John our…
To Venantius, Patrician. — To Venantius, Patrician. (¶52)
Epistle XLIX. To Palladius, Bishop. Gregory to Palladius, Bishop of Santones in Gaul ( Saintes ). Leuparic your presbyter, the bearer of these presents, when he came to us informed us that your Fraternity has built a…
To Palladius, Bishop. — To Palladius, Bishop. (¶53)
Epistle LIII. To Virgilius, Bishop. Gregory to Virgilius, Bishop of Arelate ( Arles ), Metropolitan. Although we are confident that your Fraternity is intent on good works, and that you come forward of your own accord…
To Virgilius, Bishop. — To Virgilius, Bishop. (¶54)
Epistle LVII. To Arigius, Patrician [1] . Gregory to Arigius, Patrician of Gaul. We have learnt from the servant of God , Augustine, the bearer of these presents, how great goodness, how great gentleness, with the…
To Arigius, Patrician. — To Arigius, Patrician. (¶55)
Epistle LXI. To Castorius, Notary [1] . Gregory to Castorius, &c. The magnificent lord Andreas presses me continually about restoring the use of the pallium in the Church of Ravenna according to ancient custom.
To Castorius, Notary. — To Castorius, Notary. (¶56)
210b Book VII. Epistle II. To Columbus, Bishop. Gregory to Columbus, Bishop of Numidia [1] . We received at the hands of the bearer, your deacon, the epistle of your Fraternity, in which you informed us of what had been…
To Columbus, Bishop. — To Columbus, Bishop. (¶57)
Epistle VII. To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius. Gregory to Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius, Bishops [1] . I rejoice exceedingly that you welcomed with great joy the ordination of the most holy Cyriacus, my brother and…
To Peter, Domitian, and E — To Peter, Domitian, and Elpidius. (¶58)
Epistle XV. To George, Presbyter. Gregory to George, Presbyter, and to Theodore, deacon, of the Church of Constantinople. Mindful of your goodness and charity, I greatly blame myself, that I gave you leave to return so…
To George, Presbyter. — To George, Presbyter. (¶59)
Epistle XXIII. To Fortunatus and Anthemius [1] . Gregory to Fortunatus, bishop, and Anthemius, guardian ( defensori ). Catellus, the bearer of these presents, has informed us that his sister, who had been betrothed to…
To Fortunatus and Anthemi — To Fortunatus and Anthemius. (¶60)
Epistle XXVIII. To Theodore, Physician. Gregory to Theodore, Physician at Constantinople. My most beloved son the deacon Sabinianus [1] , on his return to me, brought me no letter from your Glory; but he conveyed hither…
To Theodore, Physician. — To Theodore, Physician. (¶61)
Epistle XXXIII. To Mauricius Augustus. Gregory to Mauricius Augustus. The provident piety of my lords, lest perchance any scandal might be engendered in the unity of Holy Church by the dissension of priests, has once…
To Mauricius Augustus. — To Mauricius Augustus. (¶62)
Epistle XXXIX. To John, Bishop. Gregory to John, Bishop of Syracuse. Lest attention to secular affairs should disjoin the hearts of religious men (which God forbid) from mutual charity, very earnest endeavour should be…
To John, Bishop. — To John, Bishop. (¶63)
231b Book VIII. Epistle I. To Peter, Bishop. Gregory to Peter, Bishop of Corsica [1] . On receiving the letters of your Fraternity we returned great thanks to Almighty God , that you had been so good as to refresh us…
To Peter, Bishop. — To Peter, Bishop. (¶64)
Epistle VI. To Amos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. Gregory to Amos, Bishop of Jerusalem. Being confident that your Fraternity pays regard to the ordinances of the canons and the vigour of discipline, lest the falseness of one…
To Amos, Patriarch of Jer — To Amos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. (¶65)
Epistle XV. To Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna. Gregory to Marinianus, &c. How necessary it is to provide for the quiet of monasteries [1] , and to take measures for their perpetual security, you are aware from the office…
To Marinianus, Bishop of — To Marinianus, Bishop of Ravenna. (¶66)
Epistle XXI. To John, Bishop of Syracuse. Gregory to John, &c. Felix, the bearer of these presents, has complained to us that, being born of Christian parents, he was given (i.e.
To John, Bishop of Syracu — To John, Bishop of Syracuse. (¶67)
Epistle XXIX. To Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria. Gregory to Eulogius, &c. An address from a learned man is always profitable, because the hearer either learns what he had known himself to be ignorant of, or, what is…
To Eulogius, Bishop of Al — To Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria. (¶68)
Epistle XXXV. To Leontius, Ex-Consul. Gregory to Leontius, &c. Since in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth, and some indeed to honour but some to dishonour ( 2…
To Leontius, Ex-Consul. — To Leontius, Ex-Consul. (¶69)