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E06330: A letter of Pope Gregory the Great (Register 2.6) of 591, to Felix, bishop of Messina, refers to the foundation of a basilica dedicated to *Stephen (the First Martyr, S00030), *Pancratius (bishop and martyr of Taormina, S00307) and *Euplus (martyr of Catania, S00207), in Messina (Sicily), and to the provision of relics for it. Written in Latin in Rome.
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posted on 2018-09-11, 00:00 authored by BryanPope Gregory the Great, Register of Letters 2.6
Extract from the start of the letter:
Ianuarius diaconus ecclesiae Messanensis petitorii nobis insinuatione suggessit, quae habetur in subditis, intra ciuitatem Messanensem basilicam se pro sua deuotione fundasse, quam in honore sanctorum Stephani et Pancrati et Eupli desiderat consecrari. Et ideo, frater carissime, si in tuae in diocesis ciuitatis iure consistit, et nullum corpus ibidem constat humatum, percepta primitus donatione legitima, id est: a praesenti annuos, a tributis liberos fiscalibus solidos decem, et de reliqua substantia sua sibi tantummodo usumfructum retineat.
'Januarius, deacon of the church of Messina, has informed us in the notification of a petition, which appears in an appendix, that as a mark of his own devotion, he has founded a basilica in the city of Messina, which he wants to be consecrated in honour of Saints Stephen, Pancratius and Euplus. For that reason, my dearest brother, if this place legally belongs to your city, and it is certain that no corpse is buried there, first of all receive the legitimate donation, that is to say from today, ten gold coins a year free of imperial tribute, and from the rest of his property let him retain the usufruct.'
Gregory ends the letter with the following sentence:
Sanctuaria uero suscepta sui cum reuerentia collocabis.
'You will take up his sacred relics (sanctuaria) and place them therein with due reverence.'
Text: Norberg 1982, vol. 1, 94. Translation: Martyn 2004, vol. 1, 196-7, lightly modified.
Extract from the start of the letter:
Ianuarius diaconus ecclesiae Messanensis petitorii nobis insinuatione suggessit, quae habetur in subditis, intra ciuitatem Messanensem basilicam se pro sua deuotione fundasse, quam in honore sanctorum Stephani et Pancrati et Eupli desiderat consecrari. Et ideo, frater carissime, si in tuae in diocesis ciuitatis iure consistit, et nullum corpus ibidem constat humatum, percepta primitus donatione legitima, id est: a praesenti annuos, a tributis liberos fiscalibus solidos decem, et de reliqua substantia sua sibi tantummodo usumfructum retineat.
'Januarius, deacon of the church of Messina, has informed us in the notification of a petition, which appears in an appendix, that as a mark of his own devotion, he has founded a basilica in the city of Messina, which he wants to be consecrated in honour of Saints Stephen, Pancratius and Euplus. For that reason, my dearest brother, if this place legally belongs to your city, and it is certain that no corpse is buried there, first of all receive the legitimate donation, that is to say from today, ten gold coins a year free of imperial tribute, and from the rest of his property let him retain the usufruct.'
Gregory ends the letter with the following sentence:
Sanctuaria uero suscepta sui cum reuerentia collocabis.
'You will take up his sacred relics (sanctuaria) and place them therein with due reverence.'
Text: Norberg 1982, vol. 1, 94. Translation: Martyn 2004, vol. 1, 196-7, lightly modified.
History
Evidence ID
E06330Saint Name
Stephen, the First Martyr : S00030 Pancras, martyred bishop of Taormina, Sicily : S02271 Euplius, deacon and martyr of Catania : S00207 Pancratius, bishop and martyr of Taormina, Sicily : S02271Saint Name in Source
Stephanus Pancratus Euplius PancratusRelated Saint Records
Type of Evidence
Literary - LettersLanguage
- Latin
Evidence not before
591Evidence not after
591Activity not before
591Activity not after
591Place of Evidence - Region
Rome and regionPlace of Evidence - City, village, etc
RomePlace of evidence - City name in other Language(s)
Rome Rome Rome Roma Ῥώμη RhōmēMajor author/Major anonymous work
Gregory the Great (pope)Cult activities - Liturgical Activity
- Ceremony of dedication