Letter 6009: 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 you, 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 your pre...

Gregory to Donus, Bishop of Messana. Moved by the goodwill of the Apostolic See and by long-established custom, I have decided to grant you -- who have taken up the office of leadership in the Church of Messana -- the use of the pallium, at such times and in such manner as your predecessor used it. I urge you: just as you take satisfaction in receiving this mark of honor for your priestly office, strive equally to adorn the office by the uprightness of your character and deeds, to the glory of Christ. You will be truly distinguished when the outward adornment matches the inward excellence of your soul. All privileges granted to your Church in the past I confirm by our authority and decree that they shall remain inviolate.

Book VI, Letter 9 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 you, 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 your predecessor used it; at the same time warning you that, as you rejoice in having received from us a decoration of this kind to the honour of your priestly office, so also thou strive, by probity of manners and deeds, to adorn, to the glory of Christ, the office which you have undertaken under our authority. For so will you be conspicuous for decorations mutually answering to each other, if with such an habiliment of the body as this all good qualities of your soul also agree. For all the privileges which are known to have been granted of old to your Church we confirm by our authority, and decree that they shall continue inviolate.