distinction — Decretum of Gratian
Distinction LII
GRATIAN. But one who, having passed over some grades, has ascended to higher ones not from pride but from negligence shall abstain from the higher ones until at the fitting time he receives those passed over. Hence Alexander II writes to Grimaldus, Bishop of Constance:
GRATIANUS. Qui uero pretermissis aliquibus gradibus non superbia, sed negligentia ad maiores conscenderit, tamdiu a maioribus abstineat, quousque congruo tempore pretermissos accipiat. Unde Alexander II. scribit Grimaldo Constantiensi Episcopo:
Friedberg, col. 205/206
C. I. Concerning one who, the order of the subdiaconate having been passed over, was ordained deacon and priest.
The solicitude of your charity took care to consult whether the bearer of these letters is fit to perform the office of the diaconate and priesthood or not, since he is known to have ascended to it in an excessively hasty course, with the order of the subdiaconate passed over, from negligence rather than pride. Hence, taking counsel for your charity, we command you to prohibit him from priestly office until at the next Ember fast you duly impose upon him the ministry of the subdiaconate, and thereafter permit him to return to the higher offices.
C. I. De eo, qui subdiaconatus ordine postposito diaconus et presbiter est ordinatus.
Sollicitudo dilectionis tuae studuit consulere, utrum portitor istarum litterarum diaconatus et presbiteratus offitium idoneus sit peragere nec ne, cum ad id prepropero cursu, subdiaconatus ordine postposito, negligentia potius quam superbia cognoscatur ascendisse. Unde nos consulendo caritati tuae mandamus, ut ab offitio sacerdotali eum prohibeas, donec proximo quatuor temporum ieiunio subdiaconatus ministerium sibi rite imponas, et sic deinceps ad maiora offitia eum redire concedas.
Friedberg, col. 205/206