E06366: A letter of Pope Gregory the Great (Register 6.22) of 596, to Petrus, bishop of Aleria in Corsica, orders the foundation of a church and baptistry in honour of *Peter (the Apostle, S00036) and *Laurence (deacon and martyr of Rome, S00037) in Negeunus (Corsica), and the deposition of relics therein. Written in Latin in Rome.

Pope Gregory the Great, Register of Letters 6.22


Full text of the letter:

GREGORIUS PETRO EPISCOPO ALERIAE DE CORSICA
In insula Corsica in loco Nigeuno in possessione quae Cellas Cupias appellatur iuris sanctae Romanae cui Deo auctore deseruimus ecclesiae basilicam cum baptisterio in honore beatorum Petri apostolorum principis atque Laurentii martyris pro lucrandis animabus fundari praecepimus, idcirco fraternitatem tuam his hortamur affatibus quatenus ad praedictum locum debeat incunctanter accedere, uenerandae sollemnia dedicationis impendens. Praedictam ecclesiam et baptisterium sollemniter consecrare te uolumus, sanctuaria uero suscepta sui cum reuerentia collocabis.

‘In the island of Corsica, at the place called Negeunus, there is a property called Cellas Cupias that belongs to the holy Roman Church, which we serve with God’s authority. There we have ordered a church with a baptistry to be founded, in honour of Saint Peter, the prince of the apostles, and Saint Laurence the martyr, to benefit the souls living there. For that reason, with these words, we exhort your Fraternity, that you should visit the aforesaid place without delay, providing the solemnities of a venerable dedication. We want you to solemnly consecrate the aforesaid church and baptistry and place therein, with due reverence, the relics you have received.’


Text: Norberg 1982, vol. 1, 392. Translation: Martyn 2004, vol. 2, 418, lightly adapted.