Letter 10019: Gregory to Anthemius, Subdeacon of Campania. After he who had been elected to the episcopate of the city of Surrentum had appeared to us to be unfit, they elected Amandus, presbyter of the oratory of Saint Severinus, which is in the Lucullan camp. Wherefore we enjoin on your Experience, laying aside excuses, to take care to send the said presbyt...
Gregory to Anthemius, Subdeacon of Campania.
After the first candidate elected as bishop of Surrentum [Sorrento] proved unfit, they have elected Amandus, a priest at the oratory of Saint Severinus in the Lucullan Camp [a fortress near Naples].
I need you to send this priest to me without delay -- set aside all excuses. If nothing disqualifies him, we will fulfill the petitioners' wishes with Christ's help.
Since his life and conduct can best be judged where he has long lived, I need you and our brother and fellow bishop Fortunatus to investigate him carefully. If nothing stands in the way of his promotion to the sacred office, send him to me immediately.
One complication: our glorious daughter Clementina may object to losing him. Go to her and secure her consent if you can. But if she resists, send him to me anyway. We should do our best to respect the feelings of our people -- but not at the cost of blocking what is needed for the care of souls.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.
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