Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 501

Gregory to Marinianus, bishop of Ravenna. That we have hitherto kept our common son the abbot Claudius, the bearer of the present letter, in a long stay with us, was caused by the fact that he was, as you know, a great consolation to us in the word of God; and we had even wished to keep him here longer still, if he himself had not been anxious for his own monastery, and if we had not known his presence to be altogether necessary to the congregation of his brethren. And therefore, since we have provided that he should be released, as he asked and as utility required, commending him, we exhort that Your Holiness receive him with priestly affection, and, as is fitting, extend fatherly charity to him and to his monasteries.

cherish him with the consolation of your kindness, apply yourself earnestly to his protection, and, having rendered him free from all disquiet by the benefit of your safeguard, permit him to devote himself to the tranquillity and utilities of the brethren; and love him especially, as you know that he is loved by us; so that he may recognize in himself, more manifoldly, that affection of your charity which he once experienced, and that we may rejoice to have found ourselves in you. Gregory to Maurentius, master of soldiers. My most beloved son Cyprian the deacon, on returning, would have pleased me greatly if he had returned to me wholly. But after Your Glory retained him in Sicily, I know most certainly that my aforesaid son has indeed returned to me in body, but has remained in mind in Sicily.

Yet in saying this, I rejoice together in your tranquillity as much as I groan over my own occupations. And this I exhort above all: that if the sweetness of inmost delight has touched the palate of your heart, the mind may be so caught up within, that everything which sounds without may be sad, everything which delights without. But I praise it that you avoid human gatherings, because often the mind which desires to be renewed in God through the grace of compunction grows old again through depraved conversations and words. But I inquired who cleave to you in the fellowship of sacred reading, and I found no one, and I vehemently groaned over the poverty of the good.

And although I, a sinner, am very much occupied, yet if you should wish to come to the thresholds of the blessed Apostle Peter, you will be able to have me as a close companion in the sacred discourse. May Almighty God guard you with heavenly protection, and grant that you may remain fortified against the snares of the ancient enemy.