Epistle XXIII.
To Adrian, Notary of Sicily
108
.
Gregory to Adrian, &c.
A thing to us altogether detestable and infamous has come to our ears, and we wonder why, if it is true, thou hast not
taken notice of it. For Martianus, a monk of the monastery of
Saint Vitus, situate on Mount Ætna, has come to us, and presented
a petition, complaining among other things that the monks of this
monastery live so perversely and wickedly as to dare to have women
living with them, which is a thing atrocious to be spoken of.
And, seeing that we have written on this matter to our brother and
fellow-bishop Leo
109
, in order that,
having enquired into the truth, he may, if he should find it to be so,
be at pains to correct it with the strictest severity, it is necessary
for thy Experience also to shew thyself in all respects solicitous for
investigation of the truth, and punishment of so great a wickedness; so
that nothing may be found to be done remissly or negligently.
Further, for the interests in other respects of the same monastery,
lend thy assistance so far as equity may require, to the end that if,
as is said, there has been any invasion of it, it may be redressed
according to justice, and that for the future nothing prejudicial may
in any way arise there contrary to the fear of God and the order of
law.
108
As to the
employment of notaries, see
Prolegomena
, p. viii.
109
Bishop of Catana in
Sicily, to whom a previous epistle (Ep. XXII., not here translated) on
the same subject is addressed. Several years previously he had
been summoned to Rome to answer certain charges against him, but had
been honourably acquitted. Cf. I. 72; II. 33.