Saint Gregory the Great was a pope who lived more than 1,400 years ago. He was born around the year 540 in Rome and became Pope in 590. He is remembered as a humble man who loved God and cared deeply for people, especially the poor. September 3 is the day of his episcopal ordination and was moved from the March 12 date of his death so the solemnity would not coincide with Lent.
Gregory worked hard to strengthen the Church and spread the Christian faith. He supported missionaries who traveled to other countries to share the Gospel. He also helped improve the way Christians worshiped and is traditionally connected with Gregorian chant, a form of Church music.
Because of his work and influence, Saint Gregory is the patron saint of musicians, singers, teachers, students, scholars, and church musicians.
Saint Gregory the Great teaches us that leadership is not about power or fame. It is about serving others with humility, kindness, and faith.
From a Sermon from Saint Gregory the Great, taken from the Liturgy of the Hours, Office of Readings
‘Son of man, I have appointed you as watchman to the house of Israel.’ Note that Ezekiel, whom the Lord sent to preach his word, is described as a watchman. Now a watchman always takes up his position on the heights so that he can see from a distance whatever approaches. Likewise whoever is appointed watchman to a people should live a life on the heights so that he can help them by taking a wide survey.
These words are hard to utter, for when I speak it is myself that I am reproaching. I do not preach as I should nor does my life follow the principles I preach so inadequately.
I do not deny that I am guilty, for I see my torpor and my negligence. Perhaps my very recognition of failure will win me pardon from a sympathetic judge. When I lived in a monastic community I was able to keep my tongue from idle topics and to devote my mind almost continually to the discipline of prayer. Since taking on my shoulders the burden of pastoral care, I have been unable to keep steadily recollected because my mind is distracted by many responsibilities.
I am forced to consider questions affecting churches and monasteries and often I must judge the lives and actions of individuals; at one moment I am forced to take part in certain civil affairs, next I must worry over the incursions of barbarians and fear the wolves who menace the flock entrusted to my care; now I must accept political responsibility in order to give support to those who preserve the rule of law; now I must bear patiently the villainies of brigands, and then I must confront them, yet in all charity.
Saint Gregory the Great, pray for us.
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