St. Gregory the Great

03/09/15

Today's Saint:

St. Gregory the Great

-Born in Rome
-Father was a senator and mother was St. Celia
-Studied philosophy and became prefect to Rome
-After death of his father, he changed his huge house to a monastery
-Lived as a holy monk
-Became deacon and then Pope
-Most greatest papacy in Catholic church
-Helped poor people and developed Rome
-Humble and simple Pope who served people like servant
-Send good monk to preach in unknown areas

St. Gregory was born in 540 in Rome. His father was a senator. His mother was St. Celia. Gregory studied philosophy and while still young became prefect of Rome. When his father died, Gregory turned his large house into a monastery. For several years he lived as a good and holy monk. Then Pope Pelagius II made him one of the seven deacons of Rome. When the pope died, Gregory was chosen to take his place. He did not want that honor at all. He was so holy and wise, however, that everyone knew he would be a good pope. For fourteen years he ruled the Church. Gregory was one of the greatest popes the Church has ever had. He wrote many books and was a wonderful preacher. He cared for people all over the world. In fact, he considered himself the servant of all. He was the first pope to use the title “Servant of the Servants of God.” All the popes since have used this title. St. Gregory took special, loving care of poor people and strangers. During a famine, he fed the hungry people. He restored Rome, which had earlier been devastated by invasions and earthquakes. He was also very sensitive to the injustices people suffered. It is said that when he was still a monk, he saw some boys up for sale in Rome’s slave market. He asked where they were from and was told that they were from England. The saint felt a great desire to go to England to bring the love of Jesus to those people. When he became pope, one of the first things he did was to send some of his best monks to tell the English about Christ. The last years of this holy pope’s life were filled with great sufferings, yet he continued working for his beloved Church until the very end. St. Gregory died on March 12, 604. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Sabinian on September 3, 604.

Every morning we can decide to do at least one good deed or act of kindness during the day. Then we’ll imitate St. Gregory the Great, who knew that true greatness lies in reaching out in loving service to our neighbor for the love of Jesus.