Letter 3035: Our brother and fellow bishop Paul has often requested us to allow him to return to his own church. And, having perceived this to be reasonable, we have thought it needful to accede to his petition. Consequently let your Experience convene the clergy of the Neapolitan church, to the end that they may choose two or three of their number, and not ...

Book III, Letter 35 To Peter, Subdeacon of Campania [Gregory's administrator in the Naples region]. Gregory to Peter, Subdeacon of Campania. Our brother and fellow bishop Paul has repeatedly asked us to allow him to return to his own church [Paul had been temporarily assigned to oversee the church of Naples]. Having considered his request, we have now granted him permission to go. Since his departure will leave certain responsibilities unattended, we direct you to ensure that the affairs of the church he has been overseeing continue in good order during the transition. Pay particular attention to the care of the poor, the discipline of the clergy, and the management of church property. We are working to provide a permanent solution for the governance of this church. In the meantime, your diligence and faithful service are essential. Keep us informed of any issues that arise, and do not hesitate to act on urgent matters within the authority we have given you. May the Lord guide your steps and bless your service.

Book III, Letter 35 To Peter, Subdeacon. Gregory to Peter, subdeacon of Campania. Our brother and fellow bishop Paul has often requested us to allow him to return to his own church. And, having perceived this to be reasonable, we have thought it needful to accede to his petition. Consequently let your Experience convene the clergy of the Neapolitan church, to the end that they may choose two or three of their number, and not omit to send them hither for the election of a bishop. But let them also intimate, in their communication to us, that those whom they send represent them all in this election, so that their church may have its own bishop validly ordained. For we cannot allow it to be any longer without a ruler of its own. Should they perchance try in any way to set aside your admonition, bring to bear on them the vigour of ecclesiastical discipline. For he will be giving proof of his own perverseness, whosoever does not of his own accord assent to this proceeding. Moreover, cause to be given to the aforesaid Paul, our brother and fellow bishop, one hundred solidi, and one little orphan boy, to be selected by himself, for his labour in behalf of the same church. Further, admonish those who are to come hither as representing all for the election of a bishop, to remember that they must bring with them all the episcopal vestments, and also as much money as they may foresee to be necessary for him who may be elected bishop to have to his own use. But lose no time in dispatching those of the clergy who are selected as we have said, that, seeing that there are present here various nobles of the city of Naples, we may treat with them concerning the election of a bishop, and take counsel together with the help of the Lord. About this page Source. Translated by James Barmby. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1895.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/360203035.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Advent is Kevin Knight. My email address is feedback732 at newadvent.org. (To help fight spam, this address might change occasionally.) Regrettably, I can't reply to every letter, but I greatly appreciate your feedback — especially notifications about typographical errors and inappropriate ads.