Pastoral Rule, Dialogues & Letters 610

Gregory to Syagrius, bishop of Autun. Since the priestly dignity is seen to excel other dignities, so whoever is adorned with it ought to show himself worthy of imitation by all, so that by his own example he may harm none, but rather be able to order the life of those subject to him. For if his conduct is at variance with his name, the more the pontificate itself exalts him, the more it condemns him. And so we have learned that a certain bishop, Menas, who was sent thither from a diocese of the Roman Church by our ordination, conducts himself with such levity that both we have the greater shame on his account, and to him the name of bishop is not an honour but a burden.

Since it is a shame to us to learn concerning him those things which we altogether reprehend in the priests of other provinces, let your fraternity not permit him to linger there any longer, but compel him to return to us as quickly as possible, and rather, an opportunity being found in every way, send him on; so that, restrained by that observance which is fitting, he may strive to convert his secular manners to priestly gravity. For it is exceedingly harmful and pernicious that by imitation of him those who ought to have been edified should be destroyed. In which matter not only is he found culpable, but also he who has not resisted; for he seems to consent to one who errs, who does not concur in cutting off things that ought to be pruned away.

But since a certain bishop Theodore, from the diocese of our most reverend brother Constantius, bishop of the Church of Milan, is confirmed to have come thither shunning discipline, as it is said, we exhort that your fraternity send this one also, after diligent inquiry, back to his own bishop. And since, as it is written, He who casts away discipline is unhappy (Prov. 15:32), do not by any excuse suffer him to be retained there; so that those very persons who can be deceived by the fault of their levity may be set free, and that you may be able to have a reward concerning these men, lest they perish in this folly. Gregory to Virgilius, bishop of Arles, and Syagrius, bishop of Autun.

The nature of the office committed to me, most dear brethren, forces me to break out into a voice of grief, and to chide your love with the anxiety of charity, because you are said to have shown yourselves too negligent and remiss there, where the uprightness of justice and the zeal of chastity ought sharply to have kindled your zeal. For it has reached us that a certain Syagria, having attained a religious life even by a change of garments, was afterward — which is wicked to say — violently joined to a husband, and that you were moved by no grief in her defence. And if this be so, I groan the more vehemently, lest before the Almighty Lord you have, which God forbid, the office of a hireling and not the merit of a shepherd, seeing that you left the sheep to be torn in the mouth of the wolf without a struggle.

For what will you say, and what account will you render to the future Judge — you whom the violation of chastity did not move, whom favour for the religious habit in no way stirred to her defence, whom priestly consideration did not rouse to guard the integrity of modesty? Now therefore at least let the neglect return to memory, and let the recollection of this fault, careful, and the consideration of your office impel you to the exhortation of the aforesaid woman.

And lest perchance through time necessity should have passed into willingness, let your tongue be a medicine to her; and, upon your admonition, let her give attention to prayers, let not the laments of penitence depart from memory, let her present a penitent heart to our Redeemer, and let her repair by weeping the loss of chastity which she was not permitted to preserve for Him in body. And since the aforesaid woman, as is reported, desires even now to spend her goods upon pious causes, we exhort that she find the favour of your fraternity in this matter, that she obtain your comforts, and that, a fitting portion being reserved for her children, it be lawful for her to decide as she wishes concerning her substance. For without doubt you do your own good, if you bring help to those who will good.

These things therefore, most beloved brethren, which we speak, receive fully with as much charity as they proceed from love, and with the same charity with which they are spoken. For while we are one body in the body of our Redeemer, in those things which I perceive to harm you I am burned together with you. But with what intention and with what affection I have sent you this letter, may the Author of truth open to your heart. And therefore let this brotherly admonition not sadden you, since even a bitter cup is gladly received which is offered with the intention of health. For the rest, most dear brethren, let us with joined prayers beseech the mercy of our God, that He may propitiously dispose our life in His fear;

so that both here we may be able to serve Him in priestly fashion, and hereafter to stand secure in His sight and without fear.