教牧守則·對話錄與書信 第 566 章

Gregory to the Roman defensor. It has reached us that certain tonsured clerics in Sicily, by a wicked presumption, take upon themselves the name of defensors, and that they are not only of no use in ecclesiastical affairs but even, on this pretext, commit many undisciplined acts. Therefore, by the present authority we charge your Experience to inquire diligently into this. And if you find any who, apart from those who hold letters concerning this matter, usurp this name anew, restrain it with strict correction. But if you prove certain of them to be energetic and faithful in ecclesiastical business, it is necessary that you report to us subtly concerning them, so that we may judge whether they are worthy of a letter of appointment.

Moreover, we wish you to scrutinize subtly from Fortunatus the accounts of what he has managed, and when everything that he is found to owe has been settled, you are not to permit him any longer to have dealings through the patrimony or any administration of our Church, because, so far as has reached us, he has conducted himself in such a way that he ought henceforth to have nothing in common with our people. Furthermore, it has been reported to us that a certain Marcianus, who assumed for himself the name of defensor, has deferred showing obedience to our brother and fellow-bishop John, to whom we had committed the care of our patrimony. Inquire therefore;

and if it is true, let him be sent into exile, so that, since he snatched a false title of honor from the Church, his having in no way obeyed the one administering its interests shall not go unpunished. But if there are also any others disobedient to the ordinances of our aforesaid brother, you shall by all means avenge them with strict retribution.