To Gulfaris, Master of the Soldiers, on Winning Back the Schismatics of Istria

Gregory to Gulfaris, and so on. [a]

The bearers of this letter, who come to us from the region of Istria, have reported such good things of your glory that they have set us on fire to thank you. For we learn that, among the cares of governing that region, which has been entrusted to you, you are especially eager to win souls. You take such pains to call the hearts of those who have strayed back to the unity of the church that, as far as your desire goes, you would have no one there separated from the apostolic church. And so great a love for Peter, prince of the apostles, sets you on fire that you long with all your heart to restore the sheepfold of him to whom the keys were handed over by the Lord, the Creator of all. Glorious son, from so great a work as this hold a confident expectation of God’s reward. In this not only our urging but also the words of the apostle confirm you, since whoever causes a sinner to be turned back from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. For however great temporal wealth may be, or at least prosperity, it has its end: the limit of death. But this pursuit of winning souls that you have taken up keeps the certainty of its hope fixed, namely, the reward of eternal life. So, greeting you with fatherly affection, we urge your glory to carry out all the more earnestly the zeal for the unity of our holy faith which the Author of unity himself has given you. Call back whomever you can from the error of their schism into the bosom of Mother Church, and cherish them with constant admonition. And do this too: protect with the help of your defense those whom the Lord may grant through you to be restored to his fold, so that there may be nowhere that those still in error can turn to bring accusations against those who come back to sound counsel. For while you uphold the cause of God on earth, he himself will make your actions here prosper with the help of his protection, and in the eternal life you long for, a reward for such great good deeds will remain for you. [b]