Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 593

Gregory to Victor, bishop of Palermo. A desire which is shown to pertain to a religious purpose and to the salvation of souls is, God being the author, to be fulfilled without any delay.

And therefore, since the congregation of monks which dwells in the monastery of Praecoritanum is proved to be in need of the office of a presbyter for the performance of the sacred solemnities of the Masses, and since they petition that one be consecrated to them from their own congregation in this order, we exhort your Fraternity by the present writings, that the one whom they shall unanimously judge fit to be elected from their congregation, you ought to ordain presbyter in the aforesaid monastery without any delay or excuse, and by our authority also to determine that he serve neither in a Church, nor in any other place, but abide there continually;

so that both he, while he is not occupied elsewhere, may be found assiduous and useful in his office, and the congregation which petitions that he be ordained for it, as often as need shall be, celebrating the solemnity of the sacrifice with due veneration, may be able to be refreshed.