Pope St. Gregory the Great: Feast Day, Patronage & Prayers
Updated: Oct 3
Feast day: September 3 (Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church)
Patron of: Popes, teachers, musicians, and singers.
About Pope St. Gregory the Great
St. Gregory was born into a noble Roman family around 540 and served as prefect of the city before giving away his wealth, turning his family home into a monastery, and becoming a monk. He was sent as papal representative to Constantinople and, in 590, was elected pope, very much against his own wishes, while Rome was suffering from plague, flooding, and war.
He proved a remarkable shepherd. Gregory organized food for the starving, negotiated with the invading Lombards, reformed the liturgy, and in 596 sent St. Augustine of Canterbury and a band of monks to evangelize the English. His writings, especially the Pastoral Rule for bishops and his Dialogues, were read throughout the Middle Ages, and he is one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church. Gregory called himself "servant of the servants of God," a title popes still use. Gregorian chant bears his name because of his care for the Church's worship. He died in 604 and is honored on September 3, the day of his episcopal ordination. Gregory shows that holiness and hard practical service belong together.
Prayers to Pope St. Gregory the Great on Daily Catholic Prayers
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