Letter 151, Gregory Brunichilda, Queen of the Franks

In this letter to St. Gregory the Great (Dvoeslov) responds to the request of Queen Brunihilda for the relics of the apostles Peter and Paul. St. Gregory reports the sending of the relics through the envoy Levparik and instructs the queen regarding the reverent storage of the relics and the dignified treatment of those serving with them, so that their concerns do not distract them from serving God. He emphasizes that proper veneration of the holy remains will increase Brunichilda's reward in eternal life. About the relics of the Apostles Peter and Paul The contents of your letters, showing the pious spirit and zeal of a pious soul, not only prompted us to approve the intention of your will, but also forced us to willingly yield to your demands. And it is indecent for you to refuse what Christian piety and pious heart desire requires, especially when we are confident that what you demand with all our souls will be accepted as something that will very strongly support the faith of believers and bring about and preserve spiritual salvation. And therefore, greeting Your Majesty, with due honor, we notify that we, at the request of Your Majesty, with due reverence, gave the relics of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul to your messenger, Levparik, about whom you wrote that he was a presbyter, and through whom we received your letters. But in order for your laudable and pious piety to shine forth more and more, you must take care that the holy remains of the Saints are preserved with reverence and due honor, and that those who serve in their presence are not subjected to any burdens and any sorrows, so that, embarrassed by external needs, they do not become incapable of serving God and careless, and the very remains of the Saints (which shall not be) were subjected to humiliating neglect. And so, Your Majesty, take care of their repose. Staying under your merciful protection from any anxiety, they will glorify our God with a calm spirit, and for you the reward in eternal life will be increased.