Document: Letter 71
Incipit: Nec opinanti mihi subito
Addressee: Lucinius
Date: 398 (Kelly p. 213)
Earliest ms.: El Escorial, Spain: Lat. &.I.14. f. 145 and following. 8-9th century. (Lambert, I: p. 742)
Latin Text: CSEL 55, pp. 1-7
English Translation: Fremantle,  pp. 151-154
Notes:

Lucinius was a wealthy Spaniard of Baetica who in conformity with the ascetic ideas of his time had made a vow of continence with his wife Theodora. Being much interested in the study of scripture he proposed to visit Bethlehem, and sent several scribes thither to transcribe for him Jerome’s principal writings. To these on their return home Jerome now entrusts the following letter. In it he encourages Lucinius to fulfill his purpose of coming to Bethlehem, describes the books which he is sending to him, and answers two questions relating to ecclesiastical usage. He also sends him some trifling presents.

Shortly after receiving the letter Lucinius died and Jerome wrote to Theodora to console her for her loss (Letter 75). – Fremantle

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