Letters of Innocent I 38.0–43.1
Latin text: Migne, PL 20 (Latin text: Migne, Patrologia Latina, 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).
Chapter 38
38.0PL 20:605a–605 a
Innocentius Maximo et Severo episcopis per Brittios.
Innocent to Maximus and Severus, bishops in Bruttium.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent greets two bishops of Bruttium.
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 38.0 (PL 20:605a–605 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/38-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/38-0
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-38-0) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
38.1PL 20:605b–605 c
Ecclesiasticorum canonum norma nulli esse debet incognita sacerdotum : quia nesciri haec a pontifice satis est indecorum, maxime cum a laicis religiosis viris et sciatur, et custodienda esse ducatur. Nuper quidem Maximilianus filius noster agens in rebus cujusmodi querelam detulerit, libelli ejus series annexa declarat. Qui zelo fidei ac disciplinae ductus, non patitur Ecclesiam pollui ab indignis presbyteris, quos in presbyterio filios asserit procreasse. Quod non licere exponerem, nisi nossem vestram prudentiam legis totius habere notitiam. Et ideo, fratres charissimi, libelli, qui subjectus est, tenore perspecto, eos qui talia perpetrasse dicuntur, jubebitis in medio collocari; discussisque objectionibus, quae ipsis presbyteris impinguntur, si convinci potuerint, a sacerdotali removeantur officio : quia qui sancti non sunt, sancta tentare non possunt; atque alieni efficiantur a ministerio, quod vivendo illicite polluerunt. Miramur autem haec eorum dissimulare episcopos, ut aut connivere, aut nescire esse illicita judicentur.
The norm of the church’s canons ought to be unknown to no priest: for it is quite unbecoming for a bishop not to know them, especially since they are both known and held to be kept by religious laymen. Recently our son Maximilian, an agens in rebus, brought a complaint whose nature the attached text of his petition declares. Led by zeal for the faith and for discipline, he does not allow the church to be polluted by unworthy presbyters, who, he asserts, have begotten children while in the presbyterate. I would set out that this is not lawful, did I not know that your prudence has knowledge of the whole law. And therefore, dearest brothers, having examined the tenor of the petition attached below, you will order those who are said to have done such things to be brought forward; and the charges against these presbyters having been examined, if they can be convicted, let them be removed from the priestly office: for those who are not holy cannot touch holy things; and let them be made strangers to the ministry which they have polluted by living unlawfully. We are surprised, however, that their bishops overlook these things, so that they are judged either to connive or not to know that they are unlawful.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent orders two bishops to try presbyters accused of begetting children after ordination and to remove them if convicted.
- An agens in rebus was an imperial courier and inspector. The rule enforced is that of clerical continence (compare 2.9). A reference to Gratian was removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; leaked reference to Gratian): Nuper quidem (Dist. 81, c. 6). Maximilianus → Nuper quidem Maximilianus; nossem vestrum prudentiam → nossem vestram prudentiam; presbyteris Impinguntur → presbyteris impinguntur.
Topics: Marriage, Church office, Clerical celibacy and continence
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 38.1 (PL 20:605b–605 c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/38-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/38-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-38-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
Chapter 39
39.0PL 20:606a–606 a
Innocentius Agapito, Macedonio et Mariano episcopis Apulis.
Innocent to Agapitus, Macedonius and Marianus, bishops of Apulia.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent greets three bishops of Apulia.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Mariano epicopis → Mariano episcopis.
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 39.0 (PL 20:606a–606 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/39-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/39-0
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-39-0) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
39.1PL 20:606a–606 b
Multa in provincia contra canones ecclesiasticos decretaque majorum usurpari a plurimis, et relationes diversorum, et suggestiones fidissimae retulerunt : quae quidem possent facile resecari, si episcopi in his non invenirentur auctores, qui dum aut amicis aut obsequentibus gratiam praestare nituntur, religionem violant, ordinesque corrumpunt. Ac sic evenit, ut indigni quique honores suscipiant ecclesiasticos, et admittantur ad clerum, qui nec inter laicos quidem dignum locum habere mererentur : sicuti in nunc dato nobis libello monstratum est, Modestum quemdam multis criminibus involutum, propter quae etiam poenitentiam egisse dicitur, non solum clericum effectum, quod non licet, verum etiam ad episcopatus apicem eum tendere; cum canones apud Nicaeam constituti, poenitentes etiam ab infimis officiis clericorum excludant. Et ideo, fratres charissimi, perspecto tenore libelli, eum jubebitis praesentari : ac si vere constiterit talem, qualem libellus affirmat, non solum ab ambitione, sed etiam a clericatus removeatur officio.
Both the reports of various people and most trustworthy suggestions have related that many things are being usurped by very many in the province against the church’s canons and the decrees of the elders; these could easily be cut off, if bishops were not found to be the authors in them, who, while striving to do favours to friends or flatterers, violate religion and corrupt the orders. And so it happens that all sorts of unworthy men receive church honours and are admitted to the clergy who would not deserve to have a worthy place even among the laity: as has been shown in the petition now given to us, that a certain Modestus, entangled in many crimes, for which he is even said to have done penance, has not only been made a cleric, which is not lawful, but is even aiming at the summit of the episcopate; although the canons established at Nicaea exclude penitents even from the lowest offices of the clergy. And therefore, dearest brothers, having examined the tenor of the petition, you will order him to be presented; and if it is truly established that he is such as the petition affirms, let him be removed not only from his ambition but also from the office of the clergy.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent orders the Apulian bishops to examine Modestus, a former penitent made a cleric and seeking a bishopric, and to depose him if the charges are true.
- The Nicene canon is canon 10 (those who lapsed and were ordained). References to Gratian and to the canon were removed.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (leaked references to Gratian and to the canon): excludant (Dist. 50, c. 60; Nic. conc, c. 10). Et → excludant. Et.
Extrabiblical texts: Conc. Nic. 10 (Creed and Canons of the Council of Nicaea (325); allusion)
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 39.1 (PL 20:606a–606 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/39-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/39-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-39-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
Chapter 40
40.0PL 20:606b–606 b
Innocentius Florentino episcopo Tiburtinensi.
Innocent to Florentinus, bishop of Tibur.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent greets Florentinus, bishop of Tivoli.
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 40.0 (PL 20:606b–606 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/40-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/40-0
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-40-0) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
40.1PL 20:606c–607 a
Non semel, sed aliquoties clamat Scriptura divina transferri non oportere terminos a patribus constitutos : quia nefas est, si quod alter semper possederit, alter invadat, quod tuam bonitatem frater et coepiscopus noster Ursus asserit perpetrasse. Nam Nomentanam sive Feliciensem paroeciam, ad suam dioecesim a majoribus pertinentem, invasisse te, atque illic divina celebrasse mysteria, inconsulto eodem ac nesciente, non sine dolore conquestus est. Quod si verum est, non leviter te incurrisse cognoscas. Unde si declinare cupis tantae usurpationis invidiam, nostris litteris admonitum te convenit abstinere. Certe si aliquid tibi credis justitiae suffragari, integris omnibus, et in pristino statu manentibus, post dies venerabiles Paschae adesse debebis, ut memorati possis intentionibus respondere : partibusque in medio collocatis, quid antiquitas aut veritas habeat, requiramus.
Not once but several times does divine Scripture cry out that the boundaries set by the fathers must not be moved: because it is wicked for one to invade what another has always possessed, which our brother and fellow bishop Ursus asserts your goodness has done. For he has complained, not without grief, that you invaded the parish of Nomentum, or of Ficulea, belonging to his diocese from the time of his predecessors, and celebrated the divine mysteries there without consulting him and without his knowledge. If this is true, know that you have incurred no light fault. Hence, if you wish to avoid the odium of so great a usurpation, it is fitting that, admonished by our letter, you refrain. Certainly, if you believe that any justice supports you, with everything kept intact and remaining in its former state, you must come after the venerable days of Easter, so that you can answer the claims of the man mentioned; and with both parties present, let us inquire what antiquity or truth holds.
Prov 22:28 (allusion, high confidence) · Deut 19:14 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent orders Florentinus of Tivoli to stop exercising jurisdiction in a parish claimed by Ursus and to appear at Rome after Easter.
- Quotation: Prov 22:28 (compare Deut 19:14). “Feliciensem” is perhaps Ficulea; the place names are uncertain. Ursus was probably bishop of Nomentum.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): quod tuam bonitatem frates et coepiscopus → quod tuam bonitatem frater et coepiscopus.
Topics: Church office
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 40.1 (PL 20:606c–607 a; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/40-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/40-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-40-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
Chapter 41
41.0PL 20:607b–607 b
Innocentius Laurentio episcopo Seniensi.
Innocent to Laurence, bishop of Siena.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent greets Laurence, bishop of Siena.
- “Seniensi” may also mean Senia (Senj) in Dalmatia; the see is uncertain.
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 41.0 (PL 20:607b–607 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/41-0). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/41-0
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-41-0) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
41.1PL 20:607b–608 b
Diu mirati sumus, dilectionis tuae litteris lectis, haereticos Photini venena sectantes in territorio dilectionis tuae non solum esse, sed et publice sibi conventicula in aliquorum possessionibus praeparare; cum de toto pene orbe nusquam tam multi, quam apud vos, delegerint habitare. Quorum doctrinae nefariae auctor Marcus, dudum de Urbe pulsus, temeritatis tantae ductus est audacia, ut primum sibi inter eos vindicet locum. Sed ne ulterius debacchandi habeant facultatem, et animas simplicium ac rusticanorum secum in gehennam, cui destinati sunt, trahant, actum est adversus eos a defensoribus Ecclesiae nostrae, quo eos possint expellere : ut qui Christum Deum ex Patris substantia ante saecula negant genitum, hi cum Judaeis, qui ejus deitatem negaverunt, et nunc usque negant, participium habeant damnationis. Tuum est, frater charissime, quae praecepta sunt, non segnius agere : ne plebem tibi creditam dissimulatione deperdas, et incipias Deo de perditis reddere rationem.
We have long wondered, after reading your love’s letter, that heretics following the poisons of Photinus are not only in the territory of your love, but are even publicly preparing conventicles for themselves on the estates of certain people; since from almost the whole world they have nowhere chosen to live in such numbers as among you. The author of their wicked doctrine, Marcus, long ago driven from the City, has been led by the audacity of such great rashness that he claims the first place among them for himself. But lest they have the opportunity of raging further and drag the souls of simple and rustic people with them into Gehenna, to which they are destined, action has been taken against them by the defenders of our church so that they can be expelled: so that those who deny that Christ God was begotten from the substance of the Father before the ages may share in condemnation with the Jews, who denied his deity and deny it until now. It is your part, dearest brother, to carry out what has been commanded without sloth, lest by connivance you lose the people entrusted to you and begin to give account to God for the lost.
Notes and citation
Summary: Innocent orders Bishop Laurence to act against the Photinian heretics led by Marcus, who deny that Christ was begotten from the Father before the ages.
- Photinus of Sirmium (d. 376) taught that Christ began to exist at his birth from Mary. The comparison with the Jews is Innocent’s polemic, translated as written. The defensores ecclesiae were church legal officers.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip): Tuum est, trater charissime → Tuum est, frater charissime.
Topics: Heresy, Christology
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 41.1 (PL 20:607b–608 b; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/41-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/41-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-41-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.
Chapter 43
43.1PL 20:611c–612 c
Cum divinum e coelis Verbum advenit, et in Virginis sanctae Mariae visceribus, de qua carnem sumpsit, habitavit, nequaquam corpus suum de coelo secum detulit, neque suam in terris divinitatem adeptus est; sed ipse Deus erat, corpus suum in Virginis utero efformavit; neque ullum in suo corpore conficiendo socium habuit, sed unus ipse confecit. Confitemur autem in omnibus quae ab humanitate fiebant, comitem fuisse divinitatem, quae nullo umquam vel minimo temporis articulo ab humanitate sejuncta fuit. Confitemur etiam, eo ipso tempore quo noster e coelis Servator advenit, atque in Virginis Mariae uterum descendit, divinitatem cum humanitate conjunxisse, quae numquam ulla in re vel actione divisae fuerunt, quandoquidem indivisibiles erant. Ac veluti ejus divinitas fine caret, ita et ejusdem humanitas post resurrectionem in aeternum manet. Lac de femina suxit, nihilominus divinitas atque humanitas unum (Christum) constituebant. Nec quisquam putet, quo tempore divinum in terris Verbum ad suscipiendum abs Joanne baptismum accessit, tunc initium divinitatis ejus fuisse, cum videlicet vocem Patris e coelo exeuntem Joannes audivit. Haud sane ita res se habet; verum ipso temporis articulo, quo in uterum Virginis descendit, unum cum corpore et divinitate individuum effectum est; fuitque divinitas corporis consors, atque immutabili quadam ratione et inseparabili facta est unica unitas. Divinitas ab humanitate non est sejuncta. Christo in cruce existente, divinitas ab ejus humanitate non secessit. In coelum ascendit cum corpore quod de Virgine Maria sumpsit, atque ad optimi Patris sui dexteram sedit. Haec fides nostra est. Qui autem non ita credunt, eos catholica Ecclesia expellit, immo auctor ejusdem Deus excommunicat. Laus Deo in aeternum! Amen.
When the divine Word came from heaven and dwelt in the womb of the holy Virgin Mary, from whom he took flesh, he by no means brought his body with him from heaven, nor did he obtain his divinity on earth; but he himself was God, and formed his body in the Virgin’s womb; nor did he have any partner in making his body, but he alone made it. We confess that in all things done by the humanity the divinity was its companion, and it was never separated from the humanity for even the least moment of time. We confess also that at the very time when our Saviour came from heaven and descended into the womb of the Virgin Mary, the divinity was joined with the humanity, and they were never divided in any thing or action, since they were indivisible. And as his divinity is without end, so also his humanity remains for ever after the resurrection. He sucked milk from a woman; nonetheless the divinity and the humanity constituted one (Christ). Nor let anyone think that at the time when the divine Word on earth came to receive baptism from John, the beginning of his divinity took place then, namely when John heard the Father’s voice coming from heaven. That is certainly not so; but at the very moment when he descended into the Virgin’s womb, he was made one undivided [being] with the body and the divinity; and the divinity was the partner of the body, and by an unchangeable and inseparable manner a single unity came about. The divinity is not separated from the humanity. When Christ was on the cross, the divinity did not withdraw from his humanity. He ascended into heaven with the body which he took from the Virgin Mary, and sat at the right hand of his most good Father. This is our faith. Those who do not believe so the catholic church expels; indeed God, its author, excommunicates them. Praise to God for ever! Amen.
Luke 1:31–35 (allusion, medium confidence) · Matt 3:16–17 (allusion, high confidence) · Mark 16:19 (allusion, medium confidence)
Notes and citation
Summary: A confession of faith ascribed to Innocent: the divine Word formed his own body in Mary’s womb and his divinity was never separated from his humanity, from conception to the cross and the ascension.
- The ascription of this confession to Innocent is doubtful; it is not among his genuine letters, and its origin is uncertain. “(Christum)” is printed in the edition. Allusions: Luke 1:31–35; Matt 3:16–17; Mark 16:19.
Notes on the original text
- Digital text corrected (OCR slip; stray mark): Servator advenit. atque → Servator advenit, atque; conjunxisse, quie numquam → conjunxisse, quae numquam; vocem Patris c coelo → vocem Patris e coelo; divinitas cor(??)ris consors → divinitas corporis consors; Patris sui dexteram sedit, Haec → Patris sui dexteram sedit. Haec.
Topics: Christology, Baptism, Incarnation
Cite (SBL): Innocent I, Ep. 43.1 (PL 20:611c–612 c; trans. Sophia Scriptura, https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/43-1). (abbreviation not yet checked)
Permanent link: https://sophiascriptura.com/p/innocent-epistulae/43-1
BibTeX · RIS · CSL-JSON (whole work; this passage's key: sophiascriptura-innocent-epistulae-43-1) · Report an error
Translation: Translated by Claude from the Latin (PL 20); re-read against the Latin, since no public-domain English exists.