Epistle XLVI.
To Felix, Bishop of Pisaurum (Pesaro).
Gregory to Felix, Bishop, &c.
We wonder at your Fraternity, that, disregarding the
tenor of the precept given you by our predecessor of holy memory, you
should consecrate the monastery constructed by John, the bearer of
these presents, otherwise than as ancient use demands. For, while
it is ordered among other things in the said precept that you should
dedicate the place itself without a public mass, still, as we have
heard, your chair has been placed there, and the sacred solemnities of
mass are there publicly celebrated. If this is true, we hereby
exhort you that, putting aside all excuse, you cause your
chair to be altogether removed thence,
and that henceforth you perform no public masses there. But, as
both custom and the tenor of the precept direct, if they should wish
mass to be celebrated for them there, let a presbyter be appointed by
thee for the purpose
1663
.
Further, we desire that with the favour of
God
there shall always remain a congregation
of servants of
God
in the same monastery, as
the aforesaid John has requested, and as is now the case. As to
the cup also which he informs me has been taken away by your
Fraternity, if it be so, make haste to restore it. These things,
then, let your Holiness so study to fulfil that the aforesaid bearer
may have no need to resort to us again on the same
account.
1663
Cf. II. 41.