To Natalis, Bishop of Salona, in Thanks for His Greeting

Gregory to Natalis, and so on. [a]

We have received from the hands of the deacon Stephen, whom you sent to us, the letter of your reverence, in which you congratulate us on our promotion. And truly, what has been offered in the kindness and earnestness of love deserves full belief, since reason prompted your pontifical order to rejoice with us. So, cheered by your greeting, we declare in good conscience that I took up the burden of this dignity with a sick heart. But seeing that I could not resist the divine decrees, I have recovered a more cheerful frame of mind. That is why we write to ask your reverence that both we and the Christian flock entrusted to our care may enjoy the help of your prayers, so that, secure in that protection, we may have strength to overcome the hurricanes of these times. [b] The month of February, the ninth indiction. [c]