Letter 10023: A thing to us altogether detestable and infamous has come to our ears, and we wonder why, if it is true, you have 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 wi...
Gregory to Adrian, Notary in Sicily.
Something truly detestable and disgraceful has come to my attention, and I am astonished that you have not already dealt with it, if the reports are true.
Martianus, a monk from the monastery of Saint Vitus on Mount Etna, has come to me with a petition. Among other complaints, he reports that the monks of that monastery are living so perversely and wickedly that they dare to have women living with them. This is appalling even to say aloud.
I have written to our brother and fellow bishop Leo about this matter, directing him to investigate and, if it proves true, to correct it with the utmost severity. Your Experience must also involve yourself fully -- investigate the truth and punish this wickedness. Nothing about this should be handled loosely or carelessly.
Also, look into the monastery's other concerns and lend your assistance where fairness requires, so that any encroachments on the monastery are corrected according to justice, and nothing harmful arises there going forward that is contrary to the fear of God and the rule of law.
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