The Letters of St. Jerome 135

St Jerome (AD 345–420) · Epistolae · PL 22, 327–1224

135 From Pope Innocent to Aurelius PL 22, 1162

Shortly after the synod of Diospolis the Pelagians exulting in their success made an attack upon Jerome’s monasteries at Bethlehem which they pillaged and partially burned. This gained for him the sympathy of Innocent who now (a.d. 417) asks Aurelius to transmit to him the letter which follows this.

Innocent to his most esteemed friend and brother Aurelius.

Our fellow-presbyter Jerome has informed us of your most dutiful desire to come to see us. We suffer with him as with a member of our own flock. We have been swift also to take such measures as have appeared to us expedient and practicable. As you count yourself one of us, most dear brother, make haste to transmit the following letter to the aforesaid Jerome.

Litteras Aurelio mittit Innocentius Hieronymo reddendas.

Dilectissimo fratri AURELIO INNOCENTIUS.

Piissimam etiam ad nos perveniendi tuam affectionem bene compresbyter noster credidit Hieronymus. Compatimur gregis nostri membro, et quod faciendum duximus, vel facere potuimus, sumus velociter exsecuti. Germanitas tua, frater carissime, citius litteras memorato reddere festinet.

Philip Schaff and Henry Wace (eds.), New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1890-1900. Public domain: English translation first published 1885-1900 (Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series). Latin: Migne, Patrologia Latina (1844-1855), public domain; transcription from Corpus Corporum (University of Zurich).