Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 277

That they inquire concerning Bonifacius; who, if he be found guilty, is to be deprived of communion and thrust back into a monastery. Gregory to Marinianus, abbot of Panormus, and to Benenatus the notary, rector of the patrimony of Panormus. If we defer to pursue or avenge those things by which God is vehemently offended, we assuredly provoke the patience of the Godhead unto anger. For many evils have come to us concerning certain persons dwelling in the city of Panormus, which, since they await a greater chastisement, are neither rashly to be believed nor slothfully to be investigated. For which reason we have enjoined Victor, our brother and fellow-bishop, that if they were true, he both ought to pursue and to avenge them.

Now therefore Bonifacius, a most dear man, the bearer of the present letter, coming hither, complains that he has been deprived of communion in vain, and that he has suffered other grievous things from the aforesaid bishop. Since therefore no one is to be condemned without examination, we have written to that same brother and fellow-bishop of ours, that if a person be found who can say anything concerning him, he ought to send that person to your examination. And therefore we have judged it necessary to exhort you by this page of command, that, regarding the person of no one, but having the fear of God before your eyes, there, with all equity, if anything be said to you concerning him, mindful of the future judgement, you ought with subtle inquiry to investigate.

And if in your examination it be made manifest that he is guilty of any heinous crime, then by our authority let him not only be deprived of the communion of the Lord's body and blood, but let him also be thrust back into a monastery, where he ought to do penance, that he may be able by fitting lamentation to purge the stains of his crime before the eternal Judge. But if either nothing be said against him in your examination, or if anything should chance to be said, and it be established not to be true, and you should be unable to recognize by any indications that he has fallen into that of which he is accused, you shall take care in every manner to report back to us.

For we wish the aforesaid Bonifacius to sustain no molestation from anyone, since, just as it is just that a worthy vengeance ought to proceed against offenders, so it is unjust that anyone should irrationally be subjected to certain afflictions.