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| To Castorius, Notary.
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Epistle XXIII.
To Castorius, Notary.
Gregory to Castorius, &c.
Our hearing of the death of our brother and
fellow-bishop John1594
| 1594 Viz. John bishop of
Ravenna, as to whom see III. 56, 57; V. 11, 15. Marinianus was
elected in his place. See VI. 34, 61. | has greatly
saddened us especially as that city at this time has lost the solace of
pastoral care. Wherefore, since very many advantages to the
Church itself demand that, under the guidance of Christ, a priest
should be ordained without delay, we accordingly charge thy Experience
to exhort the clergy and people with all urgency that they delay not to
elect for themselves a priest to be consecrated. This however,
and before all things, we desire thee to press upon them, that in the
general cause they regard not their own private interests. Let
there be no venality, then, in this election, lest, while they covet
rewards, they lose their discrimination of choice and think that man
worthy for this office who may have pleased them, not by his merits,
but by his gifts. For let them especially and absolutely know
this, that he is not only unworthy of the priesthood, but will also
certainly become further culpable, whosoever may presume to make
merchandise of the gift of God by thinking to
purchase it for a price. Wherefore let not him that is liberal in
bribes, but him that is worthy for his merits, be chosen. For the
penalty will affect both the elected and the electors, if they attempt
with sacrilegious mind to violate the purity of the priesthood.
Moreover, whether one or two may have been elected, by all means warn
five of the senior presbyters and five of the leading people1595
| 1595 De
præcedentibus. Al. de præcedentibus
diaconibus. | to come to us together. But with
respect to the clergy, if, besides those who determine to come, you are
of opinion that the presence of any others is necessary, send them to
us without delay, that there may be no plea of excuse, nor any delay
ensue, in setting the Church in order.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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