Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 346

Gregory to Venantius, Bishop of Luna. Having read through the letters which your Fraternity directed to me, your solicitude became diligently known, but the infirmity of your body, once known, saddened us. Nevertheless, the Lord's scourges ought to be patiently endured. For frequently sickness is granted for amendment. And He has decreed a man cleansed before God, whom in this present life He saddens. Whence it is necessary that we render thanks to our Creator, even when placed in infirmity, and pray that this chastisement may profit us unto that life. Moreover (Gratian, dist. 50, ch. 10),

in reply to your Fraternity's inquiries, we have decreed that the deacon and abbot of Portus Veneris, whom you indicate to have fallen, ought not, and by no means can, in any way be recalled to sacred orders. Him indeed, deprived of the sacred order, it is fitting that you assign to penance. If afterwards his conduct and manner of life shall have merited it, let him obtain a place of standing before the other monks — such, however, as you shall have decreed. The subdeacons also, whom a like fault constrains, being irrevocably deposed from their office, let them receive communion among the laity. But at Portus Veneris, in the place of the lapsed deacon, you shall ordain another who ought to fulfil this office.

As for Saturninus, the former presbyter, we have decreed in writing that he must never presume to approach the ministry of the sacred order. But we permit him to exercise oversight of the monasteries on the islands of Gorgona and Capraria, and to remain in the condition in which he now is without opposition from anyone. Let Your Fraternity therefore guard with vigilant care those entrusted to him, and correct him from evil deeds by his preaching, so far as he is able, so that he may be found to fulfill the purpose of his office, as is fitting, and may cause God to become the rewarder of his action toward himself. We indeed greatly desire to see you all, and to rejoice in God over your presence and welfare. We have sent the garment for her who is to be baptized; and we always wish that you would write such things to us.

We have sent, by the bearer of this letter, the volume of the Pastoral Rule to be delivered to the lord presbyter Columbus; do not detain it. For we shall speedily send another for your own use.