Saint Gregory the Great, a revered Pope and Doctor of the Church, is celebrated for his profound influence on the liturgy, particularly Gregorian chant, his significant missionary endeavors, and his foundational contributions to papal authority and pastoral theology.
Saint Gregory the Great, who served as Pope from 590 to 604, is considered one of the most influential figures in the early medieval period, earning the title "Doctor of the Church" for his extensive theological and pastoral writings. Born into a noble Roman family, he initially pursued a political career before embracing monastic life and eventually ascending to the papacy. He is widely recognized for codifying and promoting the form of liturgical chant that bears his name, Gregorian chant, which became central to the worship tradition. His zealous efforts to evangelize, notably dispatching missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxons in England, significantly expanded the faith's reach. Furthermore, his administrative reforms, emphasis on pastoral care, and articulation of the Pope's role as "Servant of the Servants of God" profoundly shaped the papacy and the institutional structure of the Church for centuries to come, providing crucial stability during a time of great upheaval.
Born in Rome around 540 AD, Saint Gregory the Great emerged from a distinguished and wealthy senatorial family, the Anicii, with deep roots in the city's aristocratic and ecclesiastical life; his ancestors included Pope Felix III. Groomed for a career in public service, Gregory received an excellent education, excelling in law and administration, which led to his appointment as Praetor Urbanus (chief magistrate of Rome) by 573 AD. This prestigious role placed him at the heart of the city's governance, responsible for its defense, finances, and public order. However, despite his secular success, Gregory felt an undeniable pull towards a deeper spiritual life. After his father's death, he renounced his worldly possessions, converted his family's ancestral home on the Caelian Hill into the Monastery of Saint Andrew, and founded six other monasteries in Sicily, embracing a rigorous monastic life of prayer, study, and asceticism. This period of intense spiritual formation profoundly shaped his character and future leadership, instilling in him a deep humility and a profound commitment to the service of God.
One day, before he ascended to the Chair of Peter, while still a humble monk and deacon, Gregory walked through the bustling slave market in Rome. His eyes, ever discerning, fell upon a group of young boys with striking fair hair and luminous blue eyes, their countenances radiant even in their plight. Moved by their innocence and beauty, Gregory inquired about their origin. "They are Angles," he was told. A profound thought struck him, and he mused aloud, "Not Angles, but Angels, for they have angelic faces and ought to be co-heirs with the angels in heaven." He then asked from what province they came. "Deiri," came the reply. "Indeed," Gregory responded, playing on the words, "they must be rescued from the wrath of God (de ira) and called to the praise of God (dei laus)!" Finally, he inquired about their king's name. "Aella," they said. Gregory, with a smile that hinted at a divine purpose, declared, "Alleluia! The praise of God the Creator must be sung in those parts!"
This encounter ignited a burning zeal within Gregory's heart to bring the light of Christ to the pagan Anglo-Saxons. He immediately sought permission from Pope Benedict I to undertake this perilous mission himself. So fervent was his desire that he set out from Rome without delay, accompanied by a few companions. However, the people of Rome, who deeply loved and respected Gregory, learned of his departure and raised such a clamor, demanding his return, that the Pope was compelled to send messengers to recall him. Reluctantly, Gregory returned to the city, his missionary journey temporarily thwarted.
Yet, the seed of his vision had been sown. Years later, when the weight of the papacy fell upon his shoulders, Pope Gregory the Great did not forget the "Angels" he had seen in the slave market. In 596 AD, he commissioned Saint Augustine and a group of monks to embark on the very mission he had once longed to lead. He provided them with letters of introduction, practical advice, and spiritual encouragement, guiding them from afar. This story vividly illustrates Gregory's profound compassion, his discerning spiritual insight, and his unwavering commitment to the evangelization of peoples, marking him as a true shepherd of souls, ever watchful for those who needed the saving grace of Christ.
c. 591 AD
The ruler of souls must be pure in thought, a model in action, discreet in silence, profitable in speech, a near neighbor to everyone in sympathy, exalted above all in contemplation, a humble companion to those who live good lives, severe against the vices of evildoers. So that he may be able to discern how to speak, and when to be silent, let him avoid uttering what should be hidden, and hiding what should be uttered. For just as inconsiderate speech leads into error, so indiscreet silence often leaves in error those who might have been instructed. For often thoughtless rulers, afraid of losing human favor, are afraid to speak freely what is right, and according to the word of truth, not to act as shepherds, but as hirelings, since when the wolf comes they flee by keeping silence. But the Lord reproves them, saying: 'They are dumb dogs, they cannot bark.' (Isaiah 56:10) On another occasion he says: 'If you do not warn the wicked, his blood I will require at your hand.' (Ezekiel 3:18) For this reason, Paul also admonishes, saying: 'Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, entreat, rebuke with all patience and doctrine.' (2 Timothy 4:2) For that pastor, who fears to speak what is just, is condemning himself by his silence, and how can he be judged righteous by the righteous Judge? Truly, as a discreet silence is often a help, so when occasion requires, an indiscreet speech is of no profit. For many rulers, through their indiscreet speech, while they are trying to show off their knowledge, lose the very power of instruction. For sometimes, while they are attempting to display themselves as wise, they make their words contemptible in the ears of their hearers. For when they say more than is fitting, they make their words despised by those who hear them, and by speaking too much they sometimes become tiresome. For this reason, it is written: 'In the multitude of words, there shall not want sin.' (Proverbs 10:19) And again: 'A man full of words shall not prosper upon the earth.' (Psalm 140:11) And again: 'He that speaks much, does nothing.' For this reason, it is written: 'He that restrains his lips is wise.' (Proverbs 10:19) And again: 'There is a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.' (Ecclesiastes 3:7)
Therefore, a ruler of souls should be pure in thought, so that no defilement may stain him who has undertaken to cleanse the hearts of others. For the hand that attempts to wipe away a spot must itself be clean, lest, being itself filthy, it leave greater stains. For how can he, who has not himself cast out the uncleanness of his own life, presume to wash away the dirt of another's life? For if the darkness that is within him is not yet dispelled, how can he bring the light of truth to others? For this reason, the Truth itself says: 'First cast out the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother's eye.' (Matthew 7:5) Paul says: 'You, therefore, that teach others, teach not yourselves?' (Romans 2:21) And again: 'If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the pit.' (Matthew 15:14) Therefore, the ruler of souls must be a model in action, for by living well, he proclaims the way of life to those under him. For no one dares to blame him who commands what he himself practices. For the voice of the preacher is despised when his life contradicts his words. And it is difficult for a man to lead a life of holiness when his words are not supported by his actions. For this reason, Peter says: 'Be examples to the flock.' (1 Peter 5:3) And Paul says: 'Be an example to the faithful in word, in conversation, in charity, in faith, in chastity.' (1 Timothy 4:12) And again: 'In all things show yourself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity.' (Titus 2:7) For the good ruler of souls should so live that his flock may find in his example a rule of life, and that his actions may speak more powerfully than his words. For when the shepherd goes before, the sheep follow, and when he shows them the way by his deeds, they are more readily led to walk in the path of righteousness. For it is not by words alone that souls are moved, but by the living example of those who guide them. For this reason, the Lord says: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.' (Matthew 5:16) For the light of good works illuminates the path for others, leading them to God. And the ruler of souls must be a light, not only by his words, but by his whole life, so that those who look to him may see Christ reflected in his actions.
c. 731 AD
At this time, that is, in the year of our Lord 582, the blessed Gregory, who was afterwards Pope of the Apostolic See, was still living in lay habit. For he was then a Roman citizen, and was skilled in worldly affairs, being the Praetor of the city. But when he had embraced the monastic life, he grew to such a height of perfection that he was made by the Pope, Benedict, a cardinal deacon of the Roman Church, and was sent by him to Constantinople, as his apocrisiarius, or legate. And there he was greatly renowned for his sanctity and wisdom, and was held in great veneration by the Emperor Maurice, and by the patriarch, Eutychius. It was while he was at Constantinople that a certain discussion arose between him and the patriarch Eutychius concerning the resurrection of the body. For Eutychius asserted that the body in the resurrection would be impalpable and more subtle than the wind, and not such as it now is. But Gregory, on the other hand, strongly contended that the body in the resurrection would be palpable and substantial, as it is now, though it would be glorified. And he proved his assertion by many testimonies of Holy Scripture, and by examples of the resurrection of Christ, who, after His resurrection, showed His hands and feet to His disciples, and invited them to touch Him, saying: 'Handle Me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see Me have.' (Luke 24:39) And also, that He ate and drank with them after His resurrection. And the discussion was carried on with great earnestness on both sides, until at length, by the intervention of the Emperor Maurice, the patriarch Eutychius was convinced of his error, and retracted his opinion, acknowledging that the body in the resurrection would be palpable and substantial, as Gregory had maintained.
After this, when the blessed Gregory returned to Rome, he was made abbot of his monastery, which he had built and endowed in honor of St. Andrew, on the Caelian Hill. And there he lived a life of great austerity and devotion, giving himself up to prayer, fasting, and study. And he greatly excelled in the interpretation of Holy Scripture, and in preaching the word of God. And he wrote many books, among which are his Morals upon Job, his Dialogues, and his Homilies on the Gospels. And he was so zealous for the salvation of souls that he would often go out into the city, and preach to the people, and exhort them to repentance and to a holy life. And he was especially solicitous for the conversion of the Gentiles, and greatly desired to send missionaries to the Anglo-Saxons, of whom he had heard that they were a people of fair complexion and angelic countenances. It is said that once, when he saw some Anglo-Saxon boys exposed for sale in the Roman forum, he was deeply moved by their beauty, and inquired of what nation they were. And when he was told that they were Angles, he immediately said, 'Not Angles, but Angels, if they were Christians.' And when he further learned that they came from Deira, he added, 'Deira, from God's wrath (de ira) they must be rescued.' And when he was told that their king was named Aella, he exclaimed, 'Alleluia! The praise of God the Creator must be sung in those parts!' From that moment, he conceived a fervent desire to send preachers to that nation, and even wished to go himself, but was prevented by the love of the Roman people, who would not suffer him to depart.
But after he was made Pope, which happened in the year of our Lord 590, when a grievous pestilence was raging in the city of Rome, and had carried off his predecessor, Pope Pelagius, he did not forget his former purpose. For although he was burdened with the cares of the whole Church, and was afflicted with many infirmities, yet he sent the servant of God, Augustine, and other monks with him, to preach the word of God to the Anglo-Saxons. And he furnished them with all things necessary for their journey and for the work of their ministry, and wrote letters to the kings and bishops of Gaul, commending them to their charity and assistance. And he also wrote letters to Augustine and his companions, encouraging them in their arduous undertaking, and instructing them how to proceed in the conversion of the Gentiles. And by the grace of God, their mission was crowned with great success, and the Anglo-Saxons were converted to the faith of Christ, and many churches were built, and monasteries founded throughout their land. And thus, through the zeal and foresight of the blessed Gregory, the light of the Gospel, which had been extinguished in those parts, was rekindled, and a numerous people were brought into the fold of Christ. And for these and many other good works, the blessed Gregory is justly celebrated throughout the whole world, and is venerated as one of the greatest and most holy of the Roman Pontiffs.
Churches, particularly those with a focus on traditional liturgy, often feature Gregorian chant prominently during Masses and Vespers on his feast day, honoring his historical role in its codification and widespread promotion.
Saint Gregory the Great is widely credited with the organization and dissemination of the form of liturgical music known as Gregorian chant, making it a cornerstone of Western Christian worship.
Musicians, singers, choirmasters, and scholars frequently invoke Saint Gregory the Great as their patron, and some musical communities within the Church may hold special prayer services or gatherings to honor him on his feast day.
He is recognized as the patron saint of musicians, singers, choirmasters, and scholars due to his profound influence on sacred music and his extensive theological writings.
Clergy, seminarians, and individuals engaged in pastoral ministry often use his feast day as an opportunity to reflect upon and study the teachings contained in his seminal work, *Pastoral Rule* (*Regula Pastoralis*).
As a Doctor of the Church, his *Pastoral Rule* remains a foundational text for understanding the duties and virtues required for effective spiritual leadership and pastoral care.
Inspired by his extensive charitable efforts during times of famine and hardship in Rome, some Catholic parishes or charitable organizations may organize special collections or outreach programs for the poor and needy on or around his feast day.
Saint Gregory was renowned for his compassionate care for the poor, managing the Church's resources to provide sustenance and assistance to the populace, embodying Christian charity.