Letter 40: He approves of their having unanimously elected Ravennius, Bishop of Arles. To his well-beloved brethren Constantinus Audentius, Rusticus, Auspicius, Nicetas, Nectarius, Florus, Asclepius, Justus, Augustalis, Ynantius, and Chrysaphius , Leo the pope. We have just and reasonable reason for rejoicing, when we learn that the Lord's priests have don...

To the Bishops of the Province of Arles in Gaul. He approves of their having unanimously elected Ravennius as Bishop of Arles. To his beloved brethren Constantinus, Audentius, Rusticus, Auspicius, Nicetas, Nectarius, Florus, Asclepius, Justus, Augustalis, Ynantius, and Chrysaphius — Leo the pope. We have just and reasonable cause for rejoicing when we learn that the Lord's bishops have acted in accordance with both the rules of the Fathers' canons and the apostles' instructions. For the whole body of the Church is bound to grow in a healthy way when its leaders excel in the strength of their authority and in peaceful governance. Accordingly, we ratify with our approval your good work, brothers, in unanimously consecrating our brother Ravennius as bishop in the city of Arles, following the death of Hilary of holy memory, in accordance with the wishes of the clergy, the leading citizens, and the laity. For a peaceful and harmonious election, where neither the candidate's personal merits nor the goodwill of the congregation are lacking, is, we believe, the expression not only of human choice but of God's inspiration. So, dearly beloved brothers, let this new bishop make good use of God's gift and understand what devotion is expected of him. By diligently and wisely carrying out the office entrusted to him, he should prove himself equal to your recommendation and fully worthy of our favor. God keep you safe, beloved brothers. Dated August 22 in the consulship of Asturius and Protogenes (449).

To the Bishops of the Province of Arles in Gaul. He approves of their having unanimously elected Ravennius, Bishop of Arles. To his well-beloved brethren Constantinus Audentius, Rusticus, Auspicius, Nicetas, Nectarius, Florus, Asclepius, Justus, Augustalis, Ynantius, and Chrysaphius , Leo the pope. We have just and reasonable reason for rejoicing, when we learn that the Lord's priests have done what is agreeable both to the rules of the Father's canons and to the Apostles' institutions. For the whole body of the Church must needs increase with a healthy growth, if the governing members excel in the strength of their authority, and in peaceful management. Accordingly, we ratify with our sanction your good deed, brethren, in unanimously, on the death of Hilary of holy memory, consecrating our brother Ravennius, a man well approved by us, in the city of Arles, in accordance with the wishes of the clergy, the leading citizens, and the laity. Because a peace-making and harmonious election, where neither personal merits nor the good will of the congregation are wanting, is we believe the expression not only of man's choice, but of God's inspiration. So dearly beloved brethren, let the said priest use God's gift, and understand what self-devotion is expected of him, that by diligently and prudently carrying out the office entrusted to him, he may prove himself equal to your testimony, and fully worthy of our favour. God keep you safe, beloved brethren. Dated 22 August in the consulship of Asturius and Protogenes (449). About this page Source. Translated by Charles Lett Feltoe. 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/3604040.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.