E06342: Two letters of Pope Gregory the Great (Register 3.23 and 5.50), of 593 and 595, mention a monastery dedicated to *Martin (ascetic and bishop of Tours, S00050) in Naples (southern Italy). Written in Latin in Rome.

Pope Gregory the Great, Register of Letters 3.23 [593]


Extract from a letter to Petrus, sub-deacon and papal agent in Campania:

Experientiae tuae huius auctoritatis tenore praecipimus ut, suprascripto Secundino remoto abbatis officio, Theodosium, quem congregatio ipsa sibi petiit ordinari, in monasterio sancti Martini abbatem sollemniter per eum cuius interest facias ordinari.

‘We therefore order your experience with the power of this authority to remove the above-mentioned Secundius from the office of abbot and see that Theodosius, whose community has itself asked for him to be ordained, is appointed abbot in the monastery of Saint Martin, with due solemnity, through him whom it concerns.’


Pope Gregory the Great, Register of Letters 5.50 [595]


Extract from a letter to Fortunatus, bishop of Naples:

Peruenit ad nos, insinuante Theodosio abbate monasterii sancti Martini, tres se illic in siciliam monachos, quos pro utilitate monasterii sui transmiserat, retinuisse.

‘It has come to our attention from the report of Theodosius, abbot of the monastery of Saint Martin, that he has retained three monks there in Sicily, whom he had sent over for the advantage of his monastery.’


Text: Norberg 1982, vol. 1, 169 and 340. Translation: Martyn 2004, vol. 1, 251 and vol. 2, 376.