Gregory to Maximian, bishop of Syracuse. We carry out the heavenly commands more effectually if we share our burdens with our brethren. Accordingly, over all the Churches of Sicily we decree that you, most reverend man, Maximian, our brother and fellow bishop, shall minister in the stead of the apostolic see, so that whoever is there reckoned in the habit of religion may, by our authority, be subject to your Fraternity; so that it may not be necessary for them after this to come to us, traversing so great spaces of sea, for small matters. But if perhaps there exist certain difficult things which can by no means be settled by your Fraternity's judgement, let these alone demand our judgement, so that, being relieved of the least matters, we may be more effectually occupied in the greater causes.
211:2
Quasvidelicetvicesdnonloco, sedpersonaetribuimus, quiaextransactaintevitadidicimusquidetiamdesuhseqnentituaconversationepraesumamus. eMenseDecembri, indictionedecima. (Cf. Joan. Diac. t. III, c. 25).
Which vicarial functions, namely, we assign not to the place, but to the person, because from your past life we have learned what we may also presume concerning your subsequent conduct. In the month of December, the tenth indiction. (Compare John the Deacon, Book III, chapter 25.)