Mascali is located some 15 km south of Taormina.
It is difficult to ascertain what actions on the part of the monks Gregory deemed "insolent". It appears that Gregory was displeased with the contacts monks made with the outside world – baptising children meant certainly that their families were invited inside the monastery.
It seems significant that Gregory ordered an altar to be built in place of the fonts. It testifies to the growing importance of Eucharist for monastic communities. It is quite probable that this new altar would not be the first one erected in the monastery, but that it would enable monks to celebrate more Masses.