教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 194 章

Gregory to Peter, subdeacon. That we wished our brethren and fellow bishops dwelling in the island of Sicily to assemble on the birthday of the blessed Apostle Peter, you have learned from our preceding writings. But since that cause which is said to be with the magnificent man Justinus, the ex-praetor, has in the meantime hindered their journey, and since the time now does not allow of coming and returning, we do not wish them to be wearied before winter. But Gregory of Agrigentum, and Leo of Catania, and Victor of Panormus—these by all means we wish to set out to us before winter.

Now with fifty pounds of gold buy new grain from outsiders, and store it in Sicily in places where it will not perish, so that in the month of February we may send thither as many ships as we can, and that this same grain may be conveyed to us. But even if we fail to send them, do you yourself provide ships and, with the Lord's help, in the month of February transmit to us this same grain, excepting only the grain which we now await to be transmitted, according to custom, in the month of September or October. So then let your Discretion act that the grain may be gathered without vexation of any of the ecclesiastical tenant-farmers, since here there was so small a harvest that, unless with God's help grain be gathered from Sicily, famine will grievously threaten.

But the ships which have always been committed to the holy Church, protect them in all things, to which end the letters of the glorious man Leo, the ex-consul, directed to you also concur. Now many come here who request that certain lands or islands under the right of our Church be given to them in emphyteusis, and to some indeed we refuse, but to others we have already granted. But let your Discretion look to the advantage of the holy Church, mindful that it has received the power over its patrimony before the most sacred body of the blessed Apostle Peter. And although writings may run forth from here, whatever hinders the advantage of the patrimony, let it in no way be permitted to be done, since neither do we remember to have given anything without reason, nor do we intend to give. (Cf. John the Deacon, Book II, ch. 60.)