Letters of Boniface I 3.0–14.4 (Letters of Boniface I)

Boniface I, bishop of Rome

Letters of Boniface I 3.0–14.4

Boniface I, bishop of Rome · Letters of Boniface I · 418–422 · Rome · 29 passages

Latin text: Migne, PL 20 (Latin text: Migne, Patrologia Latina 20, digitized by Open Greek and Latin (patrologia_latina-dev, University of Leipzig), CC BY-SA 4.0).English: Claude (claude-opus-5-5), public domain (CC0).

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Chapter 3

3.0PL 20:756b–756 b

Bonifacius episcopus Patroclo, Remigio, Maximo, Hilario, Severo, Valerio, Juliano, Castorio, Leontio, Constantino, Joanni, Montano, Marino, Mauricio, et caeteris episcopis per Gallias et septem provincias constitutis.

Bishop Boniface to Patroclus, Remigius, Maximus, Hilary, Severus, Valerius, Julian, Castorius, Leontius, Constantine, John, Montanus, Marinus, Mauricius, and the other bishops established throughout the Gauls and the Seven Provinces.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface addresses the bishops of Gaul.

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 3.0 (PL 20:756b–756 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/3-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/3-0

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

3.1PL 20:756b–757 c

Valentinae nos clerici civitatis adierunt, proponentes per libellum crimina, quae Maximum teste tota provincia asserunt commisisse; delegata toties cognitione, illum constituta semper subterfugisse judicia, nec confisum conscientia festinasse, ut si esset innocens, examinatis omnibus purgaretur; quae toties decreta, ex nostrarum quoque chartarum instructione cognovimus. Qui econtrario probavit de se illa quae dicta sunt, qui ad ea confutanda, cum essent innumera, a decessoribus meis provinciali delegata cognitione, conventus, etiam dicitur evitasse, et adesse minime voluisse. Et nullus dubitat, quod ita judicium nocens subterfugit, quemadmodum ut absolvatur qui est innocens quaerit. Sed astuta cavillatio eorum, qui versutis agendum credunt esse consiliis, numquam innocentiae nomen accipiet. Confitetur enim de omnibus, quisquis se subterfugere judicium dilationibus putat. Veniat tamen aliquando ille, qui talis perhibetur, in medium : nec prodest illi, toties latuisse, toties subterfugisse, quem sui actus et commissa, quocumque fugerit, ea quae objiciuntur illi, si vera sunt, crimina persequuntur. Debueram quidem jam nunc dignam, pro ejus accusatis in nostro judicio actibus, qui cognitionem et decretum judicium saepe declinando credidit illudendum, ferre sententiam : at ne aliquis praecocem forsitan judicaret, et sibi qui absens est, licet sit quaesitus a nobis, reservatum esse nihil diceret; maluimus intercapedine temporis data differri, cum hoc etiam ejus accusatores assererent, de suis intentionibus et moribus sic securum Maximum, tanto magis damnanda committere, quanto tardius se constituto judicio praesentaret. Quem Manichaeorum involutum caligine, arguunt turpi secta olim ita, ne eum possit abluere, animum sordidasse, in probationem objectae rei gesta synodalia proferentes; et commissis involutum undique flagitiis, nullum eum sanitatis habuisse respectum. Quem furore suo et insana temeritate ad saecularium quoque judicum tribunalia subditum quaestioni, quod in vili quoque persona turpissimum est, objicerent pervenisse, et homicidii damnatum asserunt, gestis prolatis in medium : et hunc talem post tanta taliaque commissa episcopatus adhuc sibi nomen in suis latibulis vindicare in propriae civitatis infamiam, nimiis doloribus conqueruntur, et sanctum nomen vindicando sibi velle polluere.

The clergy of the city of Valence have approached us, setting out in a petition the crimes which they assert, with the whole province as witness, that Maximus has committed; that, though the hearing was so often delegated, he always evaded the appointed judgments, and did not hasten, trusting in his conscience, so that, if innocent, he might be cleared after everything had been examined; and we have learned from the record of our own papers too that this was so often decreed. He, on the contrary, proved what was said about him, since, when summoned to refute it, though the charges were countless, by the provincial hearing delegated by my predecessors, he is even said to have avoided it and to have been quite unwilling to appear. And no one doubts that the guilty man evades judgment just as the innocent man seeks it in order to be acquitted. But the cunning quibbling of those who think one should act by crafty counsels will never receive the name of innocence. For whoever thinks he can escape judgment by delays confesses to everything. Let the man who is reported to be such come forward at last: it does not profit him to have hidden so often, to have evaded so often, when his acts and offences, the crimes laid against him, if they are true, pursue him wherever he flees. I ought indeed now to have pronounced a fitting sentence for his acts, accused in our judgment, since he thought he could mock the hearing and the decreed judgment by often declining it: but lest anyone perhaps judge it premature, and lest the absent man, though sought by us, say that nothing had been reserved for him, we preferred that it be put off, with an interval of time given; since his accusers also asserted this, that Maximus, thus secure about their charges and about his own conduct, commits things the more worthy of condemnation the later he presents himself before the appointed judgment. They charge that, wrapped in the darkness of the Manichaeans, he once so soiled his soul with that foul sect that it cannot be washed out, bringing synodal proceedings as proof of the charge; and that, wrapped all round in committed crimes, he had no regard for amendment. They charge that in his fury and mad rashness he came even before the tribunals of secular judges and was subjected to torture, which is most shameful even in a low person, and they assert, bringing proceedings forward, that he was condemned for homicide; and they complain with excessive grief that such a man, after so many and such great offences, still claims the name of bishop for himself in his hiding places, to the disgrace of his own city, and wishes to pollute a holy name by claiming it.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface reports the charges of the clergy of Valence against their bishop Maximus, who is accused of Manichaeism and homicide and has repeatedly evaded trial.

A stray numeral and a cross-reference to Nicholas I were removed. Translated as written; the charges are the accusers’.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leaked editorial cross-reference; stray numeral): Valentinae 1 nos clerici → Valentinae nos clerici; adesse minime voluisse (Nicolaus i, epist. 39). Et → adesse minime voluisse. Et; qui talis perbibetur, in medium → qui talis perhibetur, in medium; judicaret, el sibi qui absens → judicaret, et sibi qui absens; de suis intentionibus el moribus → de suis intentionibus et moribus; arguunt turpi secla olim → arguunt turpi secta olim; vindicare iu propria; civitatis infamiam → vindicare in propriae civitatis infamiam.

Topics: Church office, Heresy, Manichaeism, Church discipline and penance

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 3.1 (PL 20:756b–757 c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/3-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/3-1

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

3.2PL 20:757c–758 b

Ideoque, fratres charissimi, quia audiendus hic praesentare se noluit, ne convictus forsitan ab accusantibus se clericis, posset digna tandem aliquando, praesentatus episcopali judicio, pronuntiationis congruae feriri sententia; (quamquam illi cum haec edicta fuerit, quae potest hujus nominis esse jactura, qui pudorem numquam habuisse sacerdotii perhibetur, et locum suum ne modico quidem tempore custodisse?) dilationem tamen dedimus, et decrevimus vestrum debere intra provinciam esse judicium, et congregari synodum ante diem kalendarum Novembrium : ut si adesse voluerit, praesens si confidit ad objecta respondeat; si vero adesse neglexerit, dilationem sententiae de absentia non lucretur. Nam manifestum est confiteri cum de crimine, qui indulto et toties delegato judicio purgandi se occasione non utitur. Nihil enim interest, utrum in praesenti examine omnia quae dicta sunt comprobentur, cum ipsa quoque pro confessione procurata toties constet absentia. Nos autem per omnes provincias litteras dirigimus, ne excusationem sibi ignorationis obtendat, ut ad provinciam venire cogatur, et illic se constituto praesentare judicio. Quidquid autem vestra Charitas de hac causa duxerit decernendum, cum ad nos relatum fuerit, nostra, ut condecet, necesse est auctoritate firmetur. Data sub die idus Junias, Monaxio viro clarissimo consule.

And therefore, dearest brothers, since he has not been willing to present himself to be heard, lest, convicted perhaps by the clergy accusing him, he might at last, presented before the episcopal judgment, be struck with the sentence of a fitting pronouncement (though, when this is pronounced against him, what loss of this name can there be for one who is said never to have had the modesty of the priesthood and not to have kept his place even for a little time?), we have nevertheless granted a delay, and have decreed that your judgment ought to be within the province, and that a synod be assembled before the Kalends of November: so that, if he wishes to be present, he may answer the charges in person, if he is confident; but if he neglects to be present, he may not gain a postponement of the sentence from his absence. For it is plain that he confesses to the crime who does not use the opportunity of clearing himself when a judgment has been granted and so often delegated. For it makes no difference whether everything said is proved in a present examination, since his absence, so often contrived, is established as a confession. We are sending letters throughout all the provinces, lest he plead ignorance as an excuse, so that he may be compelled to come to the province and present himself there before the appointed judgment. Whatever your charity thinks should be decreed in this case, when it has been reported to us, must, as is fitting, be confirmed by our authority. Dated on the Ides of June [13 June 419], in the consulship of Monaxius, a most distinguished man.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface orders a Gallic synod before 1 November to try Maximus of Valence, in his absence if he does not appear, and reserves confirmation of the verdict to Rome.

Migne’s modern date was removed and is given in brackets.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; leaked editorial date; stray space): qui pudorem numquam habuisse sacerdotii perbibetur → qui pudorem numquam habuisse sacerdotii perhibetur; tempore custodisse? ) dilationem → tempore custodisse?) dilationem; et illic se constitutu praesentare → et illic se constituto praesentare; (Jun. 13, ann. 419) → .

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 3.2 (PL 20:757c–758 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/3-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/3-2

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

Chapter 4

4.0PL 20:760a–760 a

Dilectissimo fratri Rufo Bonifacius.

Boniface to his most beloved brother Rufus.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface greets Rufus of Thessalonica.

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 4.0 (PL 20:760a–760 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-0

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

4.1PL 20:760a–760 b

Beatus apostolus Petrus, cui arx sacerdotii dominica voce concessa est, in immensum gratulationis extollitur, quoties pervidet concessi sibi honoris a Domino intemeratae se pacis filios habere custodes. Quid enim gaudio debeat majore pensare, quam quod agnoscit acceptae potestatis illaesa jura servari? Vere namque immobile requirit a diversis destinata super negotiis quibusque consultatio fundamentum, quae ejus consulit sedis arcanum, quam constat dignatione petrae spiritalis elatam.

The blessed apostle Peter, to whom the citadel of the priesthood was granted by the Lord’s voice, is exalted beyond measure in rejoicing whenever he sees that he has sons who guard unblemished the peace of the honour granted him by the Lord. For what should he weigh with greater joy than recognizing that the rights of the power he received are kept unharmed? For truly the consultation sent by various people on any matters requires an immovable foundation, when it consults the inner counsel of his see, which is known to have been raised up by the favour of the spiritual rock.

Matt 16:18–19 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface opens by saying that Peter rejoices when his sons keep the peace of the see founded on the spiritual rock.

Allusion: Matt 16:18–19.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 4.1 (PL 20:760a–760 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-1

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

4.2PL 20:760b–760 c

Frequentia igitur, ut scrinii nostri monimenta declarant, ad charitatem tuam ex ejus fonte scripta manarunt, quibus sollicitudinem ecclesiarum per Macedoniam et Achaiam sitarum Fraternitati tuae, quam scimus ecclesiasticam disciplinam canonum notione servare, certum est esse commissam. Nec immerito id ducimus factum. Hanc enim gratiam Dilectioni tuae apostolica sedes officio diligentis impertit. Unde fit, ut Sanctitatem tuam gnaram faciamus hujusce negotii, quod ex ea provincia auribus nostris ingeritur destinatum, cujus prudentiae tuae dudum cura mandata est.

Frequently, then, as the records of our archive show, letters have flowed from his spring to your charity, by which it is certain that the care of the churches situated in Macedonia and Achaea has been entrusted to your brotherhood, which we know keeps church discipline by knowledge of the canons. Nor do we think this was done without reason. For the apostolic see bestows this grace on your love in the office of one who cares. Hence it is that we make your holiness aware of this business, which has been brought to our ears, sent from that province whose care was long ago committed to your prudence.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface reminds Rufus that he holds Rome’s commission over the churches of Macedonia and Achaea and informs him of a case from there.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Fraternitati tuae, quam scimus ecclesiasticam disciplinam canonum notione servare, certum et esse commissam → Fraternitati tuae, quam scimus ecclesiasticam disciplinam canonum notione servare, certum est esse commissam.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 4.2 (PL 20:760b–760 c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-2

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

4.3PL 20:760c–761 a

Corinthii enim olim beati Pauli praedicatione laudati, quorum preces subdendas magis credidimus esse, quam narrandas, Perigenem, sicut jam dudum a sancta synodo super ejus nomine pagina directa testatur, sanctum et instituti optimi qualitate pollentem, civitatis suae non tam accipere quam retinere desiderant sacerdotem. Cujus ordinationis seriem si integro ordine exponendam putavero, fiat necesse est ejus laudis augmentum; et huic nimirum proficiet, si faciamus vel ordinantis, vel ordinati recto tramite mentionem. Quis (??)(??)(??) bitet ejus meritis deputari; quis (??)(??)(??)(??) fuisse divini, ideo hunc a Patrenibus (??)(??) non esse susceptum, et diu super praemissa ecclesia, magna deliberatione suspensum, ut hujus ovilis pastor fieret, in cujus caulis suam a cunabulis transegisset aetatem? Judicia Dei abyssus multa : quod congrue aptamus exemplum, et nemo crederet quod in ordinatoris aliquando locum subrogari posset, quia fuerat ab aliis ordinatus. Non ambigo coelestis tunc istud fuisse sententiae.

For the Corinthians, once praised by the preaching of the blessed Paul, whose prayers we have thought should rather be attached than narrated, desire not so much to receive as to keep as priest of their city Perigenes, a holy man strong in the quality of an excellent way of life, as the letter sent long ago by the holy synod about his name testifies. If I think the course of his ordination should be set out in full order, it must be an increase of his praise; and it will surely profit him if we make mention, in the right way, both of the one who ordained and of the one ordained. Who … doubts that it should be credited to his merits; who … that it was of God that he was therefore not received by the people of Patras, and was long held in suspense, with great deliberation, over the church first assigned, so that he might become shepherd of this fold in whose pens he had spent his life from the cradle? “The judgments of God are a great deep”: we fittingly apply this example; and no one would have believed that he could at some time be put in the place of the one who ordained him, because he had been ordained by others. I do not doubt that this was then a sentence from heaven.

Ps 36:6 (35:7 Vulg.) (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface relates that the Corinthians want to keep Perigenes as their bishop, who had been rejected by Patras and was providentially brought back to his native Corinth.

Several words are lost in the printed text (marked “(??)”) and are shown as “…”. Quotation: Ps 36:6 (Vulgate 35:7). Perigenes, ordained for Patras but refused there, became bishop of Corinth, where he had been a presbyter.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slip; stray mark; leaked editorial reference; stray space): flat necesse est' ejus laudis → fiat necesse est ejus laudis; vel ordinantis , vel ordinati → vel ordinantis, vel ordinati; abyssus multa (Psal. xxxv, 7 ) : → abyssus multa :; quod iu ordinatoris → quod in ordinatoris.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 4.3 (PL 20:760c–761 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-3

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

4.4PL 20:761a–761 b

Qua vel consensu qui illic auctoritatem sedis apostolicae praesentabant, eum in nostrorum numerum recipimus : et in eos necesse est vigorem censurae, qui contra nostrum factum post haec nescientibus nostris incitare dicuntur populos, si perstiterint, exseramus. Quod quidem et Dilectionem tuam in eos ex nostra praeceptione facere volumus : ut eorum licentiam, quibus nihil tale commisimus, refrenemus.

By this, or by the consent of those who represented the authority of the apostolic see there, we receive him into the number of our own; and against those who are said, after this, without our people’s knowledge, to be stirring up the peoples against our act, we must put forth the vigour of censure if they persist. We wish your love too to do this against them by our command, so that we may restrain the licence of those to whom we entrusted nothing of the kind.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface accepts Perigenes into communion and orders Rufus to restrain those who stir up opposition to him.

The first words are obscure in the printed text and translated literally.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): et in cos necesse est → et in eos necesse est.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 4.4 (PL 20:761a–761 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/4-4

BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-boniface-epistulae-4-4) · Report an error

Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

Chapter 5

5.0PL 20:761b–761 b

Dilectissimo fratri Rufo Bonifacius.

Boniface to his most beloved brother Rufus.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface greets Rufus of Thessalonica.

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 5.0 (PL 20:761b–761 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-0

BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-boniface-epistulae-5-0) · Report an error

Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

5.1PL 20:761b–762 a

Credebamus, post epistolas nostras pro ecclesiasticae disciplinae observatione transmissas, omnibus aditum praesumptionibus praecludendum, cum ad consultationem Dilectionis tuae praebuissemus debitum pro causarum aestimatione responsum; constituentes ea debere servari, quae ecclesiastica exigit disciplina. Sed quantum nunc tuae Sanctitatis nobis relatio patefecit, apud plerosque valuisse quod scripsimus; apud quosdam autem admonitionem nostram inefficacem cognovimus fuisse. Nec hoc Fraternitati tuae possumus imputare, cum te anxium pro commissa tibi ecclesiarum sollicitudine et rebus et litteris sentiamus. Vigilantiae tuae laudamus industriam, qui ne videaris tibi commissa negligere, id non praetermittis litteris indicare, quod sedis apostolicae debeat censura corrigere : hunc te Dei nostri habere professus timorem, quem prudentissime inesse convenit sacerdoti; qui tunc tibi esse poterit gloriosus, si ea quae curae tuae commissa sunt, prodesse ecclesiis fuerimus experti. Intuetur enim te, ut epistolis tuis ipse fideliter es locutus, beatissimus Petrus apostolus oculis suis, qualiter summi rectoris utaris officio. Nec potest tibi esse non proximus, qui pastor dominicarum ovium est perpetuus constitutus; aut aliquam ubivis positam ecclesiam non curare, in quo universalis ecclesiae positum legimus fundamentum.

We believed that after our letters sent for the observance of church discipline the way would be closed to all presumptions, since we had given your love’s consultation the answer due in view of the cases, decreeing that what church discipline requires must be kept. But as your holiness’s report has now revealed to us, what we wrote has prevailed with most; with some, however, we have learned that our admonition was ineffective. Nor can we impute this to your brotherhood, since we perceive from your actions and your letters that you are anxious for the care of the churches entrusted to you. We praise the diligence of your vigilance, since, lest you seem to neglect what is entrusted to you, you do not omit to indicate by letter what the censure of the apostolic see ought to correct: professing to have that fear of our God which it befits most wisely to be in a priest, who will then be able to have glory, if we find that what has been entrusted to your care benefits the churches. For the most blessed apostle Peter, as you yourself have faithfully said in your letter, watches with his own eyes how you use the office of chief ruler. Nor can he fail to be near you, he who has been appointed perpetual shepherd of the Lord’s sheep; nor can he fail to care for any church placed anywhere, in whom we read that the foundation of the universal church was laid.

Matt 16:18 (allusion, medium confidence) · John 21:15–17 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface praises Rufus for reporting resistance to Rome’s rulings and reminds him that Peter, shepherd of the whole church, watches over his office.

Allusions: Matt 16:18; John 21:15–17.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): eum ad consultationem → cum ad consultationem; debitum pro causarum aestimatione responsem → debitum pro causarum aestimatione responsum; admonitionem nostram ineflicacem → admonitionem nostram inefficacem; Vigilantiae tuae landamus → Vigilantiae tuae laudamus; qui tunc libi esse → qui tunc tibi esse; ut epistolis luis ipse → ut epistolis tuis ipse; beatissimos Petrus apostolus → beatissimus Petrus apostolus.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 5.1 (PL 20:761b–762 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-1

BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-boniface-epistulae-5-1) · Report an error

Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

5.2PL 20:762a–762 b

Te ergo, frater charissime, omnis cura respectat omnium ecclesiarum, quas tibi vice sedis apostolicae a nobis creditas recognosces : ut et prava corrigas, et dissipata componas; etsi quae inter episcopos eveniant causae, sub divini judicii timore distinguas : ut creditis tibi a sede apostolica gubernaculis contra omnes fluctus nascentium procellarum juste et prudenter utaris.

On you, then, dearest brother, rests all the care of the churches, which you will recognize have been entrusted by us to you in the place of the apostolic see: so that you may correct what is crooked and set in order what is scattered; and if any cases arise between bishops, you may decide them under the fear of the divine judgment: so that you may use the helm entrusted to you by the apostolic see justly and prudently against all the waves of rising storms.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface entrusts Rufus, as vicar of the apostolic see, with the care of the churches and with judging disputes between bishops.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): omnis cura respectat oaium ecclesiarum → omnis cura respectat omnium ecclesiarum; a sede apostolica guhernaculis → a sede apostolica gubernaculis.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 5.2 (PL 20:762a–762 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-2

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

5.3PL 20:762b–763 a

In notitiam singulorum, ad quos ante jam scripsimus quem deberent tramitem custodire, nostras te epistolas pertulisse dixisti : quibus debitum se commodare consensum plurimi sacerdotum sacrarum traditionum memores sunt professi; quos fraterna charitate complexi. Tales esse cognoscimus coepiscopum nostrum Adelphium, vel fratrem Perigenem, cui beati sermo concilii jam dudum adstipulator accessit. Ad episcopatus speculam jam vocabat Dei, inquam, sententia, cujus beneficia saepe credimus esse contraria; et in adversum vertimus, quae post recognoscimus profuisse. Quam rem continuat negotii praesentis exemplum. Tristis absque dubio coepiscopus noster Perigenes fuit, cum eum nemo susciperet ordinatum. Nonne huic hoc expediens erat, ut hunc civitate sua Patrenses populi unitae voce contradictionis arcerent? Sed quanto inclinatus fuit, cum eum ordinatum nemo suscepit, tanto sublimior nunc est, cum a suis poscitur, qui ab externis fuerat refutatus. Evidens enim Dei manifestumque judicium, qui cum id temporis voluit praestolari, quo mereretur huic ecclesiae praesidere, in qua et natus asseritur et renatus.

You have said that you delivered our letters to the knowledge of each of those to whom we had already written what course they ought to keep: to which very many priests, mindful of the sacred traditions, professed to lend due consent; whom we have embraced with brotherly charity. We recognize as such our fellow bishop Adelphius and our brother Perigenes, to whom the word of the blessed council came long ago as a supporter. The judgment of God, I say, was already calling him to the watchtower of the episcopate, God whose benefits we often believe to be adverse; and we turn into adversity what we afterwards recognize to have been profitable. The example of the present business continues this. Our fellow bishop Perigenes was no doubt sad when no one received him after he was ordained. Was it not expedient for him that the peoples of Patras kept him from their city with a united voice of opposition? But the lower he was bowed when no one received him after ordination, the more exalted he is now, when he is asked for by his own, who had been rejected by strangers. For it is an evident and manifest judgment of God, who wished him to wait for that time when he would deserve to preside over this church, in which he is said to have been both born and reborn.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface commends the bishops who accepted his letters, among them Adelphius and Perigenes, whose rejection by Patras God turned to his elevation at Corinth.

“(Supple, sumus)” is Migne’s supplement and was removed; its sense (“we have embraced”) is kept. “Reborn”: baptized.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; leaked editorial supplement): fraterna charitate (Supple, sumus) complexi → fraterna charitate complexi; ecclesiae praesidere, iu qua → ecclesiae praesidere, in qua.

Topics: Church office, Baptism

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 5.3 (PL 20:762b–763 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-3

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

5.4PL 20:763a–763 c

Frater charissime, quoniam prudentiae tuae injunctorum vel delegatorum pondus incumbit, petitio supplicum vel diligentiae tuae electae jamdudum vel vicinitatis ratione te respectat. Quam quidem petitionem non absque admiratione perlegimus, propterea quod tuis epistolis privaretur. Omnibus eo, quem res exigunt, ordine celebratis, aliqua ad nos scripta transmittas : nolumus enim coepiscopo Perigeni nostram paginam destinare prius, quam tuas accipiamus epistolas, cujus ordinationi videntur omnia delegata. Accelerabis id agere propter desiderium postulantium. Melius enim nosse dignaris, eos in hanc precem sola, ut arbitror, erga religionem devotione fervere; maxime cum irreprehensibiliter eum asserant per annos innumeros in presbyterii honore durasse, et non indebito saltu, sed ad summum gradatim venisse fastigium. Cui ad plenitudinem confirmationis episcopatus sui hoc solum residet, quod nostros in honore suo necdum suscepit affatus. Intelligere autem tuam non ambigo charitatem hoc non absque admiratione, quod et huic videmur nostram paginam non misisse, nec supplicibus praebuisse responsum. Actum a nobis est, ut et apostolicae sedis auctoritas, et Dilectionis tuae honorificentia servaretur. Data xiii kal. Octobr. Monaxio v. c. consule.

Dearest brother, since the weight of what has been enjoined and delegated rests on your prudence, the petition of the suppliants looks to you, whether because of your diligence, chosen long ago, or because of nearness. We read this petition not without surprise, because it lacked your letter. When everything has been carried out in the order the matters require, send us some letter: for we do not wish to send our page to our fellow bishop Perigenes before we receive your letter, to whom everything concerning his ordination is seen to have been delegated. You will hasten to do this because of the desire of the petitioners. For you deign to know better that they burn in this petition, as I think, only with devotion to religion; especially since they assert that he remained blameless for countless years in the honour of the presbyterate, and came to the highest summit not by an undue leap but step by step. For the fullness of the confirmation of his episcopate only this remains: that he has not yet received our greetings in his honour. I do not doubt that your charity understands that it is not without surprise that we seem neither to have sent our page to him nor to have given an answer to the petitioners. This has been done by us so that both the authority of the apostolic see and the honour of your love might be kept. Dated the thirteenth day before the Kalends of October [19 September 419], in the consulship of Monaxius, a most distinguished man.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface waits for Rufus’s report before sending Perigenes his letter of confirmation as bishop of Corinth, and dates the letter 19 September 419.

Migne’s note “(Forte nec)” (“perhaps: nor”) was removed and its reading followed. Migne’s modern date was removed and is given in brackets.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; leaked editorial date; leaked editorial note (its reading adopted)): electae jumdudum → electae jamdudum; Melius enim nosse dignaris, cos in hanc → Melius enim nosse dignaris, eos in hanc; Intelligere autem tuam non ambigo charitalem → Intelligere autem tuam non ambigo charitatem; et (Forte nec) supplicibus → nec supplicibus; (Septemb. 19, ann. 419) → .

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 5.4 (PL 20:763a–763 c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/5-4

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

Chapter 7

7.0PL 20:766a–766 a

BONIFACIUS EPISCOPUS HONORIO AUGUSTO

Bishop Boniface to Honorius Augustus.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface addresses the emperor Honorius.

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 7.0 (PL 20:766a–766 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/7-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/7-0

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

7.1PL 20:766a–767 b

Ecclesiae meae, cui Deus noster meum sacerdotium vobis res humanas regentibus deputavit, cura constringit, ne causis ejus, quamvis adhuc corporis incommoditate detinear, conventus a sacerdotibus universis et clericis, et Christianae plebis perturbationibus agitatus, apud aures Christianissimi principis desim. Si quid enim secus quam oportet eveniat, non vos id facere, qui cuncta aequa moderatione componitis; sed nos, per nostram tacentes desidiam, videbimur quod civitatis quietem et Ecclesiae pacem pervertere valeat admisisse. Cum enim humanis rebus divinae cultor religionis Domino favente praesideas; nostra culpa erit, si non id sub vestra gloria, quam certum est divinis semper rebus animo promptiore favisse, firmo et stabili jure custodiatur, quod per tot annorum seriem et sub illis etiam principibus obtinuit, quos nulla nostrae religionis cura constrinxit, id est ethnicis, et sub vestrae Imperio Clementiae minime quae sunt illicita formidentur. Ipsa enim Ecclesia devotionem tuam, christianissime Imperator, meo quidem sermone, sed suo venerabilis appellat affectu, quam Christus Deus noster, vestri fidus rector et gubernator Imperii, uni desponsatam sibi et intactam virginem servat, ne in eam aliquos patiamini insidiantium procellarum fluctus illidi, et quietam faciem tempestatis insolitae tumore turbari, gloriosissime et tranquillissime Imperator auguste. Ipsa ergo, quae uni desponsata, vestra tamen mater est, Ecclesia hac pietatem vestram legatione, quam suis sacerdotibus commisit, appellat, praeterita praesentiaque repetit. Vobis, inquit, religiose imperantibus, modo tutus est populus, tam fidus Deo, quam tibi, principi christiano. Ecce enim inter ipsa mysteria, inter preces suas, quas pro vestri felicitate dependit Imperii, teste apud quem et de cujus sede agitur sancto Petro, sollicitis pro religionis observantia vocibus clamat : cum sollicita petitione miscetur oratio, ne hos in varias res semel evulsa distrahat a cultu solito, tentatore sollicitante, discordia. Ageret pluribus, princeps christianissime, nisi apud te suarum esset secura causarum, et in oppressionibus idolorum, in haereticorum correctionibus, fide tua, divino cultu pariter cum Imperio semper florente vicisset. Habet refugium, tuae mansuetudinis animum cum religionis veneratione conjunctum : cum quidquid huic proficiat, vos agatis, conferatis fratribus et consacerdotibus meis, probatissimis viris, a me et ab omnibus qui Ecclesiam faciunt istam, ad te legatis : quibus, precamur, sacrae causam religionis prosequentibus, in urbe vestrae mansuetudinis hoc animo, quo postulatis annuitis, in perpetuum statui universalis Ecclesiae consulatis. Data kalendis Julii.

The care of my church, to which our God assigned my priesthood while you rule human affairs, constrains me, though I am still held back by bodily infirmity, not to be absent from the ears of the most Christian prince on its behalf, approached as I am by all the priests and clergy and stirred by the disturbances of the Christian people. For if anything should happen otherwise than it should, it will not seem that you did it, who settle all things with fair moderation, but that we, keeping silent through our sloth, admitted what can overturn the quiet of the city and the peace of the church. For since you, a worshipper of the divine religion, preside over human affairs with the Lord’s favour, it will be our fault if, under your glory, which is known always to have favoured divine things with a readier mind, what held good through so long a course of years, even under those princes whom no care for our religion bound, that is, the heathen, is not kept by firm and stable right, and if, under the rule of your Clemency, unlawful things are not dreaded. For the church itself, most Christian emperor, appeals to your devotion, in my words indeed, but with its own venerable affection; the church which Christ our God, the faithful ruler and governor of your empire, keeps as a virgin betrothed to himself alone and untouched, that you may not allow the waves of plotting storms to dash against it, nor its quiet face to be troubled by the swelling of an unaccustomed tempest, most glorious and most serene emperor Augustus. This church, then, which, though betrothed to one, is yet your mother, appeals to your piety by this embassy which it has committed to its priests, and recalls the past and the present. While you rule religiously, it says, the people is now safe, as faithful to God as to you, a Christian prince. For see, amid the very mysteries, amid the prayers it offers for the happiness of your empire, with Saint Peter as witness, before whom and about whose see the matter is being dealt with, it cries out with anxious voices for the observance of religion: with anxious petition prayer is mingled, that discord, once torn into various factions, may not, at the tempter’s urging, draw them away from their accustomed worship. It would plead at greater length, most Christian prince, were it not secure of its causes before you, and had it not, by your faith, always prevailed in suppressing idols and correcting heretics, with divine worship flourishing together with the empire. It has a refuge: the mind of your gentleness, joined with veneration of religion: since whatever benefits it, you do; confer with my brothers and fellow priests, most approved men, sent to you by me and by all who make up this church: and, as they pursue the cause of sacred religion, we pray that, in the city, with the same mind with which you grant what is asked, you may provide for the state of the universal church for ever. Dated the Kalends of July [1 July 420].

2 Cor 11:2 (allusion, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface asks Honorius to protect the Roman church against renewed disturbance by the rival party of Eulalius, sending legates to plead its cause.

The occasion is the disputed Roman election of 418–419 (Boniface against Eulalius) and the request for an imperial law against such disputes. Allusion: 2 Cor 11:2. Several sentences are loosely built in the printed text and translated by sense. Migne’s modern date and reference were removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; leaked editorial date; leaked editorial reference; split word): Ecclesiae meae , cui Dens noster → Ecclesiae meae, cui Deus noster; ne camis ejus, quamvis → ne causis ejus, quamvis; conventus n sacerdotibus → conventus a sacerdotibus; christianissime Imperatur → christianissime Imperator; intactam virginem servat (II Cor. xi, 2), ne → intactam virginem servat, ne; tranquillissime Imperator anguste → tranquillissime Imperator auguste; felici tate dependit → felicitate dependit; sancio Petro, sollicitis pro religionis ob ervantia → sancto Petro, sollicitis pro religionis observantia; tuae mansue tudinis animum eum sum religionis → tuae mansuetudinis animum cum religionis; ( 1 Julii ann. 420) → .

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter, Rulers and the state

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 7.1 (PL 20:766a–767 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/7-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/7-1

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

Chapter 12

12.0PL 20:772d–772 d

Bonifacius, episcopus urbis Romae, Hilario episcopo Narbonensi.

Boniface, bishop of the city of Rome, to Hilary, bishop of Narbonne.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface addresses Hilary of Narbonne.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (stray space): episcopo Narbonensi . → episcopo Narbonensi..

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 12.0 (PL 20:772d–772 d; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/12-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/12-0

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

12.1PL 20:772d–773 a

Difficile quidem fidem querimoniis commodamus, quarum sacerdotes Domini pulsat intentio, maxime cum eos loquuntur quidpiam contra patrum statuta tentasse : sed frequenter has asserit, sicut nunc, multitudo causantium. Ecce enim, ut charitas tua recognoscit ex subditis, Lutubensis ecclesiae cleri ordo, vel plebis, preces suas et lacrymas ad nos, quantum datur intelligi, magno cum dolore miserunt, dicentes, coepiscopum nostrum Patroclum, sua petitione cessante, in locum decedentis episcopi, nescio quem in aliena provincia praetermisso metropolitano contra patrum regulas ordinasse. Quod nequaquam possumus ferre patienter : quia convenit nos paternarum sanctionum diligentes esse custodes. Nulli etenim videtur incognita synodi constitutio Nicaenae, quae ita praecipit, ut eadem proprie verba ponamus. Per unamquamque provinciam jus metropolitanos singulos habere debere, nec cuiquam duas esse subjectas. Quod illi, quia aliter, credendum non est, servandum sancto Spiritu suggerente sibimet censuerunt.

We do not readily lend credence to complaints whose intent attacks priests of the Lord, especially when they say that they have attempted something against the statutes of the fathers: but often, as now, a multitude of complainants asserts them. For see, as your charity will recognize from the attached documents, the order of the clergy and people of the church of Lodève have sent us their prayers and tears, with great grief, so far as can be understood, saying that our fellow bishop Patroclus, without their petition, ordained someone or other in the place of their deceased bishop, in another’s province, passing over the metropolitan, against the rules of the fathers. This we can by no means bear patiently: for it befits us to be diligent guardians of the fathers’ sanctions. For the constitution of the synod of Nicaea seems unknown to no one, which commands thus, that we may set down its very words: that in each province the metropolitans individually ought to have the right, and no one is to have two subject to him. This they decreed, at the suggestion of the Holy Spirit, was to be kept by themselves, for it is not to be believed otherwise.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface reports the complaint of the church of Lodève that Patroclus of Arles ordained their bishop outside his province, against the Nicene rule of one metropolitan per province.

The “very words” attributed to Nicaea are a paraphrase of canons 4 and 6, not a quotation. Migne’s cross-reference to Celestine was removed. Lutubensis = Lodève.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (leaked editorial cross-reference): dicentes, coepiscopum (Haec citat Caelestinus epist. 4, n.7) nostrum → dicentes, coepiscopum nostrum.

Extrabiblical texts: Conc. Nic. 4 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325); allusion)

Topics: Church office, Ordination

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 12.1 (PL 20:772d–773 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/12-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/12-1

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

12.2PL 20:773a–774 a

Unde, frater charissime, si ita res sunt, et ecclesiam supradictam provinciae tuae limes includit, nostra auctoritate commonitus, quod quidem facere sponte deberes, desideriis supplicantium, et voluntate respecta, ad eumdem locum in quo ordinatio talis celebrata dicitur, metropolitani jure munitus, et praeceptionibus nostris fretus, accede : intelligens arbitrio tuo secundum regulas patrum quaecumque facienda sunt a nobis esse concessa; ita ut peractis omnibus, apostolicae sedi quidquid statueris te referente clarescat, cui totius provinciae ordinationem liquet esse mandatam. Nemo ergo eorum terminos audax temerator excedat, nec aliquis in illorum contumeliam partibus suis, quae sibi non videntur concessa, defendat. Cesset hujusmodi pressa nostra auctoritate praesumptio eorum, qui ultra licitum suae limitem dignitatis extendunt. Quod idcirco dicimus, ut advertat charitas tua, adeo nos canonum praecepta servare, ut ita constitutio quoque nostra definiat, quatenus metropolitani sui unaquaeque provincia in omnibus rebus ordinationem semper exspectet. Data v idus Febr. dominis nostris Honorio xiii et Theodosio x augg. conss.

Therefore, dearest brother, if things are so, and the boundary of your province includes the church mentioned, admonished by our authority to do what you ought to do of your own accord, having regard to the desires and the will of the petitioners, go to the place where such an ordination is said to have been celebrated, fortified by the right of the metropolitan and relying on our instructions: understanding that whatever must be done according to the rules of the fathers has been granted by us to your judgment; so that, when everything is completed, whatever you decide may become clear to the apostolic see by your report, the see to which it is plain that the ordering of the whole province has been entrusted [to you]. Let no bold violator, then, cross their boundaries, nor let anyone defend, to their injury, parts that do not seem to have been granted him. Let the presumption of those who extend themselves beyond the lawful limit of their dignity cease, suppressed by our authority. We say this so that your charity may notice that we keep the precepts of the canons so far that our constitution too determines that each province always awaits the ordination of its own metropolitan in all things. Dated the fifth day before the Ides of February [9 February 422], in the consulship of our lords Honorius for the thirteenth time and Theodosius for the tenth time, Augusti.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface authorizes Hilary of Narbonne to investigate the Lodève ordination as metropolitan and report, insisting that each province be ordained by its own metropolitan.

This reverses Zosimus’s grant to Arles (Zosimus, Letters 1, 5, 6). The clause on the entrusted ordering is obscure; “[to you]” is supplied by sense. Migne’s modern date was removed and is given in brackets.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; leaked editorial date): quaecumque facienda sum a nobis → quaecumque facienda sunt a nobis; (Feb. 9 ann. 422) → .

Topics: Church office, Ordination

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 12.2 (PL 20:773a–774 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/12-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/12-2

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

Chapter 13

13.0PL 20:774b–774 b

Dilectissimo fratri Rufo Bonifacius.

Boniface to his most beloved brother Rufus.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface greets Rufus of Thessalonica.

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 13.0 (PL 20:774b–774 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-0

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

13.1PL 20:774b–775 a

Retro majoribus tuis super provinciis apostolicae sedis injunctum diligenter a tua charitate debet impleri. Causae etenim ecclesiarum per eas provincias positarum pervigili sunt circumspectione curandae. Ita quippe vice sua beatus apostolus Petrus ecclesiae Thessalonicensi cuncta commisit, ut intelligat se sollicitudinem manere multorum : quam minorem facere nova, quae vires habere non possunt, tentamenta non debent. Non est enim eorum cedendum studiis, quos novitas rerum, et indebitae desiderium dignitatis accendit : sed elaborandum est, et Deo nostro favorem praestante certandum, ut quisquis contra licitum nititur, sibi per omnia recognoscat occursum. Quapropter, frater charissime, fretus jam dudum a te auctoritate suscepta, contra inimicas turmas idoneus Dei nostri miles armare. Nihil hic timebis dubii, nihil incerti formidabis eventus. Habes beatum apostolum Petrum, qui ante te pro sua possit vi repugnare. Nolo perturbatione maris conciti terrearis. Fidem quippe, quam in arcano tui pectoris portas, omnibus rebus certum est esse majorem. In nullo te turbo, in nullo penitus procella vexabit. Non patitur ille sedis suae perire privilegium te laborante piscator. Omnis tumor fluctuum, omnis procella cessabit, eo favente nisibus tuis, cui soli mare pervium fuit. Aderit nimirum, et violatores canonum atque ecclesiastici juris inimicos Deo auctore compescet, qui talium mentium semper vota frustratur.

What was enjoined of old on your predecessors concerning the provinces of the apostolic see must be fulfilled diligently by your charity. For the cases of the churches situated in those provinces are to be cared for with watchful attention. For the blessed apostle Peter, in his own stead, so entrusted everything to the church of Thessalonica that it understands that the care of many rests on it: which new attempts, that can have no strength, ought not to make less. For we must not yield to the zeal of those whom novelty and the desire of undue dignity inflame: but we must labour and strive, with our God granting favour, so that whoever strives against what is lawful may find himself opposed in everything. Therefore, dearest brother, relying on the authority you received long ago, arm yourself as a fit soldier of our God against the hostile troops. You will fear nothing doubtful here, you will dread no uncertain outcome. You have the blessed apostle Peter, who can fight before you by his own strength. I do not want you to be frightened by the disturbance of a stirred-up sea. For the faith which you carry in the secret of your breast is certainly greater than all things. In nothing will the whirlwind, in nothing at all will the storm trouble you. That fisherman does not allow the privilege of his see to perish while you labour. All the swelling of the waves, every storm, will cease, with his favour on your efforts, to whom alone the sea was passable. He will surely be present and, God being the author, will restrain the violators of the canons and the enemies of church law, he who always frustrates the wishes of such minds.

Matt 14:28–31 (allusion, high confidence) · Eph 6:11 (echo, low confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface urges Rufus, Peter’s vicar in Illyricum, to resist with confidence those who seek to break away from Thessalonica’s jurisdiction.

The “new attempts” are Eastern efforts to place Illyricum under Constantinople (law of Theodosius II, 421). Allusion: Matt 14:28–31 (Peter walking on the sea).

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray space; OCR slip): Retro majoribus luis → Retro majoribus tuis; sunt circumspectione curamdae → sunt circumspectione curandae; Ita quippe vice sun beatus → Ita quippe vice sua beatus; minorem facere nova , que vires → minorem facere nova, quae vires; qui aute te pro sua → qui ante te pro sua; eo favente nisibus inis → eo favente nisibus tuis; Aderit nimirum, ei violatores → Aderit nimirum, et violatores.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 13.1 (PL 20:774b–775 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-1

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

13.2PL 20:775a–776 a

In caeteros etiam contumaces jus concessae potestatis exerce. Nullum etenim locum vides a nobis otiosum relictum. Ad Thessalos comminationis et correptionis plenas litteras misimus. Ad synodum, quae dicitur illicite (Corinthi) congreganda de causa fratris nostri et coepiscopi Perigenis, cujus scripsimus statum nulla posse penitus ratione turbari, talia scripta direximus, quibus universi fratres intelligant, primo convenire se citra tuam conscientiam minime debuisse; deinde, de nostro non esse judicio retractandum. Numquam enim licuit de eo rursus, quod semel statutum est ab apostolica sede, tractari. In qua pagina nostra, ut condecuit, honorem debitum tuae servavimus Sanctitati, sicut ejus charitas tua lectione cognoscet.

Exercise the right of the power granted you against the other obstinate men also. For you see that no place has been left idle by us. We have sent the Thessalians a letter full of threat and rebuke. To the synod which is said to be unlawfully assembling (at Corinth) concerning the case of our brother and fellow bishop Perigenes, whose standing we have written can by no means be disturbed, we have sent such a letter as will make all the brothers understand, first, that they ought not to have met without your knowledge; then, that what was our judgment is not to be reconsidered. For it has never been lawful to deal again with what has once been decided by the apostolic see. In that page of ours, as was fitting, we have kept the honour due to your holiness, as your charity will learn by reading it.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface tells Rufus he has rebuked the Thessalians and forbidden a synod at Corinth to reopen the case of Perigenes, since the apostolic see’s decisions cannot be reconsidered.

“(Corinthi)” is printed in the edition; Migne’s cross-reference was removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; leaked editorial cross-reference): cujus scripsimus (Vide Zosimi epistolam 13, n. 1) statum → cujus scripsimus statum; deinde, dc nostro → deinde, de nostro.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 13.2 (PL 20:775a–776 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-2

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

13.3PL 20:776a–776 b

Perrevii autem coepiscopi nostri negotium, cujus nobis libellus ab eodem destinatus fecit indicium, cui consacerdotes sui molesti nimis esse dicuntur, ita ut eum ecclesia sua crederent esse pellendum, diligenter audire tuam volumus charitatem, conventis supradictis coepiscopis nostris, quorum se vim sustinere deplorat. Tunc demum, ut intelligant, si quid a se factum est contra consuetudinem, prius esse cassandum, omnibus vestigatis ad nos tua charitas referre maturet; quatenus prolatum a tua fraternitate judicium sententia nostra valeat roborari.

As for the business of our fellow bishop Perrevius, of which the petition he sent us informed us, to whom his fellow priests are said to be very troublesome, so much so that they believe he should be driven out of his church: we wish your charity to hear it diligently, summoning the fellow bishops mentioned, whose violence he laments that he endures. Then at last, so that they may understand that anything they have done against custom must first be annulled, let your charity hasten, when everything has been investigated, to report to us, so that the judgment given by your brotherhood may be strengthened by our sentence.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface asks Rufus to hear the complaint of Bishop Perrevius against fellow bishops seeking to expel him and to report for papal confirmation.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip; OCR slips; split word; split word): fecit indi— cium → fecit indicium; ita ut enim ecclesia sua crederent esse pellendum. diligenter audire luam volumus charita tem → ita ut eum ecclesia sua crederent esse pellendum, diligenter audire tuam volumus charitatem; si quid a se facium est → si quid a se factum est.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 13.3 (PL 20:776a–776 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-3

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

13.4PL 20:776b–777 a

Sane in epistola Thessalis fratribus destinata id a nobis scriptum volumus recognoscas, Pausianum, Cyriacum atque Calliopum a nostra communione penitus submovendos : ita ut remedium solum interventionis tuae gratiam se habere cognoscant. Maximum autem, quem male tua charitas retulit ordinatum, in totum sacerdotii censemus honore privandum.

Indeed, we wish you to recognize what we have written in the letter sent to the Thessalian brothers: that Pausianus, Cyriacus and Calliopus are to be wholly removed from our communion, so that they may know that their only remedy is the favour of your intervention. As for Maximus, whom your charity reported was wrongly ordained, we decide that he is to be wholly deprived of the honour of the priesthood.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface excommunicates three Thessalian bishops, leaving them only Rufus’s intercession, and deposes the irregularly ordained Maximus.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Maximum autem, quero male → Maximum autem, quem male.

Topics: Church office, Church discipline and penance

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 13.4 (PL 20:776b–777 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-4

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

13.5PL 20:777a–777 a

Tuae charitatis est Severum apostolicae sedis notarium, animis acceptissimum nostris, de nostro proprio latere destinatum, peractis omnibus, tota celeritate dimittere; ut gestarum ordinem rerum, eodem festinius revertente, noscamus. Data v idus Martias, Honorio xiii et Theodosio x Augustis consulibus.

It is for your charity, when everything is done, to send back with all speed Severus, notary of the apostolic see, most welcome to our mind, sent from our own side, so that we may learn the course of events when he returns more quickly. Dated the fifth day before the Ides of March [11 March 422], in the consulship of Honorius for the thirteenth time and Theodosius for the tenth time, Augusti.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface asks Rufus to send back his notary Severus promptly with a report, and dates the letter March 422.

The fifth day before the Ides of March is 11 March; Migne’s modern date (3 March) disagrees and was removed. A stray note letter was removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (leaked editorial date; stray note letter): de nostro proprio latere a destinatum → de nostro proprio latere destinatum; (Martii 3 ann. 422) → .

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 13.5 (PL 20:777a–777 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-5). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/13-5

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

Chapter 14

14.0PL 20:777a–777 a

Dilectissimis fratribus universis episcopis per Thessaliam constitutis Bonifacius.

Boniface to his most beloved brothers, all the bishops established throughout Thessaly.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface addresses the bishops of Thessaly.

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 14.0 (PL 20:777a–777 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-0

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

14.1PL 20:777b–777 b

Institutio universalis nascentis Ecclesiae de beati Petri sumpsit honore principium, in quo regimen ejus et summa consistit. Ex ejus enim ecclesiastica disciplina per omnes Ecclesias, religionis jam crescente cultura, fonte manavit. Nicaenae synodi non aliud praecepta testantur : adeo ut non aliquid super eum ausa sit constituere, cum videret nihil supra meritum suum posse conferri : omnia denique huic noverat Domini sermone concessa. Hanc ergo Ecclesiis toto orbe diffusis velut caput suorum certum est esse membrorum : a qua se quisquis abscidit, fit Christianae religionis extorris, cum in eadem non coeperit esse compage.

The institution of the universal church at its birth took its beginning from the honour of blessed Peter, in whom its government and its sum consist. For from him, as from a spring, church discipline flowed through all the churches as the practice of religion was already growing. The precepts of the synod of Nicaea testify nothing else: so much so that it did not dare to decree anything over him, since it saw that nothing could be conferred above his merit: in short, it knew that everything had been granted to him by the word of the Lord. It is certain, then, that this [church] is to the churches spread throughout the world as the head of its members: from which whoever cuts himself off becomes an exile from the Christian religion, since he has not begun to be in the same frame.

Matt 16:18–19 (allusion, medium confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface tells the Thessalian bishops that the universal church began from Peter’s honour and that the Roman church is the head from which no one can separate without leaving the Christian religion.

Boniface’s account of Nicaea is translated as written. Migne’s cross-reference to Nicholas I was removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (leaked editorial cross-reference): adeo ut (Citat Nicolaus 1 epist. al. 42) non aliquid → adeo ut non aliquid.

Extrabiblical texts: Conc. Nic. (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325); allusion)

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 14.1 (PL 20:777b–777 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-1

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

14.2PL 20:777b–778 a

Audio episcoporum quosdam, apostolico jure contempto, novum quidpiam contra Christi proprie praecepta tentare, cum se ab apostolicae sedis communione, et, ut dicam verius, potestate separare nituntur, eorum petentes auxilium, quos ecclesiasticarum sanctio regularum majoris esse non dedit potestatis. Leguntur etenim praecepta majorum; et quibus in Ecclesias juris aliquid dederint invenimus. Jam temerator est ecclesiasticae disciplinae, quisquis in ejus leges, cum sibi nihil debeatur, irrepit, ea sibimet vindicando, quae sibi a patribus negata videantur.

I hear that some of the bishops, despising apostolic right, are attempting something new, properly against the precepts of Christ, since they are striving to separate themselves from the communion, and to speak more truly, from the power, of the apostolic see, seeking the help of those to whom the sanction of the church’s rules did not give greater power. For the precepts of the elders are read; and we find to whom they gave any right over the churches. He is already a violator of church discipline who, when nothing is owed him, creeps into its laws, claiming for himself what is seen to have been denied him by the fathers.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface condemns bishops who seek to leave Rome’s jurisdiction by appealing to another see that the canons gave no such power.

“Those to whom … did not give greater power” is the bishop of Constantinople, to whom a law of Theodosius II (421) had assigned Illyricum.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 14.2 (PL 20:777b–778 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-2). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-2

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

14.3PL 20:778a–778 a

Accipite ergo admonitionem et correptionem nostram, ex quibus unam pontificibus, alteram dissidentibus exhibemus. Nam ideo ait Apostolus : Quid vultis, in virga veniam ad vos, an in charitate et in spiritu mansuetudinis? Scitis enim beato Petro utrumque possibile, id est in mansuetudine mites, in virga superbos arguere.

Receive, then, our admonition and our rebuke, of which we show the one to the bishops, the other to those who dissent. For this is why the Apostle says: “What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and in a spirit of gentleness?” For you know that both are possible to blessed Peter, that is, to correct the gentle in gentleness and the proud with the rod.

1 Cor 4:21 (quotation, high confidence)

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface warns the Thessalian bishops that Peter can correct with gentleness or with the rod, quoting 1 Corinthians 4:21.

Quotation: 1 Cor 4:21. The reference was removed.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (leaked editorial reference): spiritu mansuetudinis (I Cor. iv, 21)? → spiritu mansuetudinis?.

Topics: Church office, Rome and Peter

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 14.3 (PL 20:778a–778 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-3). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-3

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.

14.4PL 20:778a–779 a

Ergo servate honorem debitum capiti : quia nolumus ut intra se membra decertent, ita ut tendatur eorum ad nos usque certamen; dum fratrem et coepiscopum nostrum Rufum dignum ducitis contemptu : cui nihil novum auctoritas nostra concedit, sequens priorum gratiam, qua huic cura ecclesiarum saepe videtur injuncta. Quod factum ita intemeratum servari volumus in futurum, sicut a patribus hujus dispositionis forma servata est. Non decet fratres alterius dignitate morderi. Certe si in quoquam ejus supra debitum fuit visa correptio, quoniam ideo tenet sedes apostolica principatum, ut querelas omnium libere acceptet; interpellari nos super hoc missa legatione convenerat, quos curam omnium rerum manere videatis. Cesset novella praesumptio. Nemo audeat sperare quod non licet. Nullus ea quae sunt a patribus gesta, et per tantum temporum custodita, temerare contendat. Ordinationi nostrae pareat quisquis se episcopum recognoscit. Episcopos per Illyricum citra conscientiam coepiscopi nostri Rufi nullus ordinare praesumat, etc. Data v idus Martias, Honorio xiii et Theodosio x Augustis consulibus.

Keep, therefore, the honour due to the head: for we do not wish the members to fight among themselves so that their contest reaches all the way to us, while you think our brother and fellow bishop Rufus worthy of contempt, to whom our authority grants nothing new, following the favour of our predecessors, by which the care of the churches is seen often to have been enjoined on him. We wish this arrangement to be kept unblemished in the future, as the form of this disposition has been kept by the fathers. It does not befit brothers to be stung by another’s dignity. Certainly, if his rebuke was seen in anyone’s case to go beyond what was due, since the apostolic see holds the primacy precisely so that it may freely accept the complaints of all, it would have been fitting to appeal to us about this by sending an embassy, since you see that the care of all things rests on us. Let the novel presumption cease. Let no one dare to hope for what is not lawful. Let no one strive to violate what was done by the fathers and kept through so long a time. Let whoever recognizes himself a bishop obey our ordinance. Let no one presume to ordain bishops throughout Illyricum without the knowledge of our fellow bishop Rufus, etc. Dated the fifth day before the Ides of March, in the consulship of Honorius for the thirteenth time and Theodosius for the tenth time, Augusti.

Notes and citation

Summary: Boniface orders the Thessalian bishops to respect Rufus’s authority as papal vicar, to appeal to Rome if aggrieved, and to ordain no bishop in Illyricum without his knowledge.

“Etc.”: the edition gives only the beginning of this provision. The date is 11 March 422.

Notes on the original text

Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Quod facium ita intemeratum → Quod factum ita intemeratum; ut querelas omnium licentes acceptet → ut querelas omnium libere acceptet; Nemo alidcat sperare → Nemo audeat sperare; citra conscient jam coepiscopi → citra conscientiam coepiscopi.

Topics: Church office

Cite (SBL): Boniface I, Ep. 14.4 (PL 20:778a–779 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-4). (abbreviation not yet checked)

Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/boniface-epistulae/14-4

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Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin of Migne's Patrologia Latina (digital text; Migne's notes and numerals removed and OCR slips corrected by logged corrections). No public-domain or FOTC English exists, so each batch was re-read against the Latin.