Epistle IX.
To Donus, Bishop.
Gregory to Donus, Bishop of Messana
(
Messene
).
Moved by the benevolence of the Apostolic See, and by
the order of ancient custom, we have thought fit to grant to thee, who
art known to have undertaken the office of government in the Church of
Messana, the use of the pallium; to wit, at such times and in such
manner as we dispute not that thy predecessor used it; at the same time
warning thee that, as thou rejoicest in having received from us a
decoration of this kind to the honour of thy priestly office, so also
thou strive, by probity of manners and deeds, to adorn, to the glory of
Christ, the office which thou hast undertaken under our
authority. For so wilt thou be conspicuous for decorations
mutually answering to each other, if with such an habiliment of the
body as this all good qualities of thy soul also agree. For all
the privileges which are known to have been granted of old to thy
Church we confirm by our authority, and decree that they shall continue
inviolate.