Letters202 Letter CCII. To the clergy of the Archdiocese of Sens (A.D. 1144)
Letter CCII. To the clergy of the Archdiocese of Sens (A.D. 1144)
He warns them that the election of a new Prelate should not be entered upon rashly or precipitately.
Now that you have been deprived of your blessed pastor it is your duty, dearly beloved, to take great care in the selection of a successor to him. It must not be taken in hand hastily, confusedly, or inconsiderately, lest perchance what is done presumptuously against reason and due order be annulled, and so you begin to enter on the same weary round as some of your neighbours have done. Take an example, if you please, from the neighbouring churches, and let their troubles be a warning to you in the present case. It is a great matter that you are engaged on, this of supplying a pastor to the renowned Church of Sens. It is truly a great matter, and not one to be lightly undertaken. Wait for the advice of the suffragan bishops, wait for the assenting voice of all the faithful in the diocese, and transact in common this matter which is of importance to all in common. Otherwise, dearly beloved, believe me, we shall to our grief behold your Church under tribulation. To our grief we shall have to look upon your confusion. Both of which will readily take place if such action take place as will have to be recalled. Therefore, let a fast be proclaimed, let the Bishops be assembled, let the Religious be invited to be present, so that the election of so exalted a priest may be duly celebrated, and may not be deprived of its proper solemnity, which God forbid. We believe that so the Holy Spirit will assist your prayers; that honour will be added to you if you honour your ministry, provided you diligently seek, with prayer and common counsel, alike what is most for the glory of God, and the good of the people.
Destituti benedicto pastore vestro, opus est, charissimi, ut de substituendo alio sollicite satagatis. Sed sane id non praecipitanter agendum, non tumultuose aut inconsulte, ne forte vacuetur quod praeter rationem et ordinem praesumetur et vos intrare incipiatis circuitum quorumdam qui in circuitu vestro sunt. De vicinis, si placet, Ecclesiis sumite experimentum; et illarum vexatio det intellectum auditui in causa praesenti. Grandis quippe res est in manibus, nobili Senonensi Ecclesiae instaurare pastorem. Grandis prorsus, nec sine grandi adorienda consilio. Exspectandum proinde suffraganeorum consilium episcoporum, exspectandus assensus Religiosorum qui sunt in episcopatu, atque in commune tractandum commune negotium. Alioquin, dilectissimi, moleste, credite, intuebimur tribulationem Ecclesiae vestrae, moleste vestram ipsorum confusionem. Quod utrumque continget facile, si illud contingat effici, quod oporteat revocari. Ergo indicatur jejunium, convocentur episcopi, Religiosi adsciscantur: nec sua (quod absit!) solemnitate fraudetur tanti sacerdotis rite celebranda electio, Aderit, ut confidimus, Spiritus sanctus votis vestris, et honor erit vobis honorificantibus ministerium vestrum, dum pari voto et consilio studueritis quod gloria sit Dei, et salus populi.