教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 364 章

Gregory to Castorius the notary. The death of John, our brother and fellow-bishop, now made known, has greatly saddened us, especially because that city has at this time lost the consolation of pastoral care. Since therefore very many needs demand that a priest ought without delay, with Christ as author, to be ordained for that Church, we accordingly charge your experience to strive with all urgency to exhort the clergy and people not to delay in choosing a priest to be consecrated for themselves. Yet above all we wish you to admonish them not, in a matter of general concern, to attend to their own private advantages.

Let there therefore be no venality in this election, lest while they seek rewards they lose discernment of election, and judge that man worthy of this office who has pleased not by merit but by giving. For let them know especially and absolutely that whoever shall presume to purchase the gift of God by venality is not only unworthy of the priesthood, but assuredly will also be liable to other faults. Therefore let one be chosen not lavish with rewards, but worthy in merits. For punishment shall regard both the one elected and those electing, if with sacrilegious mind they attempt to violate the purity of the priesthood. And whether one or two shall have been elected, charge in every way that five of the senior presbyters and five of the leading men come to us together.

Concerning the clerics, however, besides those who deliberate to come, if you judge any others to be necessary as present, transmit them to us without delay, so that neither excuse nor any delay may arise for the ordaining of the Church.