St. Pope Gregory the Great was born to a wealthy Roman Senator in Italy around the year 540, and by the time he was 30, Gregory was the Prefect of Rome. After his parents died Gregory renounced his position, used his wealth to convert his family’s home into a monastery, and took a vow of poverty. Though Gregory preferred the monastic life, he was ordained by the pope, was given the task of healing a schism, then sent to be the pope’s ambassador to Constantinople. After he was elected to the Chair of St. Peter, Pope Gregory dealt with the plague, famine, and war, used Church money to ransom prisoners, sent missionaries to England, reformed the liturgy, and his extensive theological writings earned him the title Doctor of the Church.
CHALLENGE
St. Pope Gregory the Great is credited with the practice of Gregorian Masses, which is 30 consecutive days of Masses offered for the repose of the soul of a deceased. However, he is most often credited with the development of Gregorian chant, and the Second Vatican Council affirmed that “it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.” Today turn off your secular music and TV, and fill your day with Gregorian chant.
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