教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 412 章

Gregory to Marinianus, bishop of Ravenna. We received the writings of your Fraternity, delivered by the deacon Virgil, in which you indicated that certain persons of the clergy and people cried out that it is against the laws and canons that the case between your Church and Claudius the abbot should be examined and judged there. If these persons knew the ecclesiastical order, or before whom the matter is being conducted, they would by all means abstain from a superfluous complaint, especially since the case could not even be pleaded there, seeing that the aforesaid abbot complained that he had suffered injustice from your predecessor, and has hitherto laboured under it. For this perhaps might be objected, if he did not have recourse to a greater authority, and seek before him that the merit of his case be determined.

Do you not yourself know that the case which arose from John the priest against John of Constantinople, our brother and fellow-bishop, according to the canons had recourse to the Apostolic See, and was determined by our sentence? If therefore from that city where the emperor is a case was brought to our cognizance, how much more is a matter which is among you to be terminated here, that is, the truth being ascertained? But let not there the words of fools move you, nor believe that through us any loss is being caused to your Church. For if you inquire of God's little servants, Secundinus your deacon and Castorius our notary, you will learn from them how your predecessor already wished to arrange this case.

But your Fraternity acted wisely in sending persons on behalf of the matter itself, and in not listening to empty words. We trust, moreover, in Almighty God that, the truth being examined more subtly, an end pleasing to God will so be imposed on this case that neither shall any complaint remain anew, nor shall either party be unduly burdened against justice. But the sword which our most beloved son Peter the deacon, then defender there, had left with your predecessor for us, send to us by Secundinus, God's servant, and Castorius the notary, the bearers of these presents.