Gregory the Great (Wisigothic)→Unknown|gregory great
Gregory to Peter, subdeacon [Gregory's administrator in Sicily].
It has been brought to our attention that Marcellus of the Church of Barunitana [a diocese in Sicily], currently assigned to do penance in the monastery of Saint Adrian in the city of Palermo, is suffering not only from a lack of food but also enduring severe hardship from want of clothing. For this reason, we find it necessary to command your diligence by this present order to provide him with an allowance for food, clothing, and bedding sufficient for his needs, as well as a ration for his servant — whatever amount you judge to be adequate. Let his poverty and nakedness be remedied by such provision, and whatever you assign to this man may afterward be charged to your accounts. Act therefore in such a way that you both carry out our command and, by providing for him, may yourself share in the reward of this mercy.
Furthermore, we have taken care to charge you with investigating the following matter, setting aside the old custom that had taken root: if any cities in the province of Sicily are known to lack pastoral governance because their bishops have fallen into sin, you are to examine whether any persons worthy of the episcopal office can be found from among the clergy of those same churches, or from the monasteries. First inquire into the gravity of their character, then send them to us, so that the flock of each place need not be found destitute for a long time on account of its pastor's fall. If, however, you find positions vacant but no suitable person of such dignity from that same church, report to us likewise with diligent inquiry, so that God may provide someone he judges worthy of such appointments. For it is not fitting that, because of one man's transgression, the Lord's flock should scatter without a shepherd over dangerous ground. In this way, both the proper ordering of these places will be achieved, and no suspicion will remain that those who have fallen might return to their former rank — so that they may do their penance more thoroughly.
Gregory to Peter, subdeacon [Gregory's administrator in Sicily].
It has been brought to our attention that Marcellus of the Church of Barunitana [a diocese in Sicily], currently assigned to do penance in the monastery of Saint Adrian in the city of Palermo, is suffering not only from a lack of food but also enduring severe hardship from want of clothing. For this reason, we find it necessary to command your diligence by this present order to provide him with an allowance for food, clothing, and bedding sufficient for his needs, as well as a ration for his servant — whatever amount you judge to be adequate. Let his poverty and nakedness be remedied by such provision, and whatever you assign to this man may afterward be charged to your accounts. Act therefore in such a way that you both carry out our command and, by providing for him, may yourself share in the reward of this mercy.
Furthermore, we have taken care to charge you with investigating the following matter, setting aside the old custom that had taken root: if any cities in the province of Sicily are known to lack pastoral governance because their bishops have fallen into sin, you are to examine whether any persons worthy of the episcopal office can be found from among the clergy of those same churches, or from the monasteries. First inquire into the gravity of their character, then send them to us, so that the flock of each place need not be found destitute for a long time on account of its pastor's fall. If, however, you find positions vacant but no suitable person of such dignity from that same church, report to us likewise with diligent inquiry, so that God may provide someone he judges worthy of such appointments. For it is not fitting that, because of one man's transgression, the Lord's flock should scatter without a shepherd over dangerous ground. In this way, both the proper ordering of these places will be achieved, and no suspicion will remain that those who have fallen might return to their former rank — so that they may do their penance more thoroughly.
Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.