Bad Advertisement?
Are you a Christian?
Online Store:Visit Our Store
| To John, Subdeacon.
PREVIOUS SECTION - NEXT SECTION - HELP 
Epistle
XXX.
To John, Subdeacon.
Gregory to John, &c.
Inasmuch as it is manifest that the Apostolic See
is, by the ordering of God, set over all
Churches, there is, among our manifold cares, especial demand for our
attention, when our decision is awaited with a view to the consecration
of a bishop. Now on the death of Laurentius, bishop of the church
of Mediolanum, the clergy reported to us that they had unanimously
agreed in the election of our son Constantius, their deacon. But,
their report not having been subscribed, it becomes necessary, that we
may omit nothing in the way of caution, for thee to proceed to Genua
(Genoa), supported by the authority of this order1486
| 1486 The reason of
John the subdeacon being directed to go to Genoa rather than to Milan
may have been danger from the Lombards in approaching the latter place,
as well as the fact of many of the Milanese having, for the same
reason, taken refuge in Genoa. | . And, inasmuch as there are many
Milanese at
present
there under stress of barbarian ferocity, thou must call them together,
and enquire into their wishes in common. And, if no diversity of
opinion separates them from the unanimity of the election—that is
to say, if thou ascertainest that the desire and consent of all
continues in favour of our aforesaid son, Constantius,—then thou
art to cause him to be consecrated by his own bishops, as ancient usage
requires, with the assent of our authority, and the help of the
Lord; to the end that through the observance
of such custom both the Apostolic See may retain the power belonging to
it, and at the same time may not diminish the rights which it has
conceded to others.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
|
