Letters on the need for Church shepherds

“Letters on the need for shepherds of the Church” by St. Gregory the Great (Dvoeslov) are a collection of instructions and reflections on the essence of pastoral ministry. In these letters, addressed to various individuals - from bishops to ordinary believers - the saint reveals an understanding of the responsibility that lies with spiritual leaders. The saint shares his experience, focusing on the need for spiritual growth, constant self-improvement and deep humility before God. The importance of not only teaching by word, but also being an example of godly living is emphasized. The letters reveal the complexity of the pastoral calling, which requires from the minister of the Church both a deep knowledge of the Holy Scriptures and a subtle understanding of human nature. Contents 1. To the clergy and people of Perusia 2. Balbinus, bishop of Roselan 3. Clergy and nobles of the island of Corsica 4. Bishop Rufinus 1. To the clergy and the people of Perusia I am surprised at this, beloved brethren in Christ, that your church has been without a high priest for so long, and you do not at all think about having government over you and the people. It is known that a flock without a shepherd enters impassable places and conveniently falls into the enemy’s snare. Therefore, you need to choose one from among those fighting for the church, and make him your shepherd and builder of the sacraments of the Lord, so that he daily brings a burnt offering of an immaculate soul for the children of your church, and shows the flock the way how to go to the heavenly fatherland. (Book 1. letter 60). 2. Balbin, Bishop of Roselan I was informed that the Populonian church does not have a priest, so they do not teach repentance to the dying, nor baptism to infants. This most important circumstance obliges me to instruct you to visit this church and ordain for it a presbyter and two deacons, and in its area three presbyters, however, from among those who, in your opinion, will be worthy of this title by way of life, and who can be determined according to the canonical rules, in order to observe due precautions in the care of St. churches. (Book 1. letter 10). 3. To the clergy and nobles of the island of Corsica Although you do not grieve that you have been without the high priest for a long time; but both my duty and love for you oblige me to take care of its appointment, because the benefit of your souls depends on the management of the high priest; for if the flock is left without pastoral supervision, then it conveniently falls into the enemy’s snare. And since the Saona church has long been no longer governed by the high priest; then I considered it necessary to immediately appoint my brother and co-servant Martin there as a real bishop, and entrust Leo, brother and co-bishop, to visit it, allowing him to install presbyters and deacons for this church and in its region, and while he is there, enjoy all the income with the rights of a real high priest. Therefore, by this letter I urge you to accept him with due respect, and to show him obedience, as befits the sons of the church, so that, with the help of your disposition, he can correct everything related to the benefit of your church. From a report from the inhabitants of the city of Massa Nicoterana, whose bishop is devoted to repentance, I learned that there is no presbyter there who could perform the liturgy, so, according to them, their children are left without baptism; and since they earnestly asked for an elder to be appointed to their church, which you are observing; then I advise you to test in the clergy of this church who, based on morals and life, could take this position, and ordain him, with the help of the Lord, as a presbyter; for it is contrary to the rules of mercy to leave this church without a presbyter who could perform the Sacraments. (Book 6, letter 41).