Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 298

Gregory to Columbus, bishop. Even before I received the writings of Your Fraternity, by truthful report I had come to know that you are a good servant of God. And after I received them, I understood more fully that what report had long since spread abroad was certain; and I rejoice greatly at your merits, since you show your praiseworthy character and deeds to be witnesses. Since therefore I perceive these things to be bestowed by the majesty on high, I give thanks; and I bless God our Creator, who does not deny to His humble servants the gifts of His mercy. Wherefore, to confess the truth, Your Fraternity has so kindled me to love of you by the flame of charity, and my spirit is so united to you, that though I see you as it were sundered from me, and though absent, I ever attend to you in my heart.

You yourself indeed rightly consider that these things are so. For truly the unity of souls in charity is able to unite more than bodily presence. Moreover, that you cleave with your whole mind, whole heart, and whole soul to the Apostolic See, and are devoted to it, I know even now, and before your letter bore this testimony, I plainly recognized it. Having therefore first sent the due address of salutation out of charity, I exhort you that you cease not to be mindful of the things you promised to blessed Peter, the prince of the apostles. And so be solicitous concerning the primacy of your synod, that boys be by no means admitted to holy orders, lest they fall the more perilously the more quickly they hasten to ascend to higher things.

Let there be no venality in ordination; let neither the power nor the entreaty of persons prevail anything against these things which we forbid. For without doubt God is offended, if anyone is advanced to holy orders not from merit but from favor—which God forbid—or from venality. But if you come to know that these things are done, be not silent; but resist insistently: for if perchance you neglect to investigate these things, or conceal them when understood, not only will the bond of sin bind those who do them, but no light fault will regard you also before God on this account. It behoves therefore that, if any such thing be committed, it be checked by canonical vengeance; lest so great a crime should, through connivance, gather strength together with the sin of others.

The bearer therefore of these presents, Victorinus, your Fraternity's deacon, whom I judge to be your imitator, I have received with charity, and have released to return the sooner; by whom also I have transmitted to you, for a blessing, the keys of blessed Peter, in which is enclosed some of his chains. Moreover, concerning the unity and peace of the council which, God being its author, you are arranging to gather, let your Charity gladden our minds by indicating all things carefully.