He was the son of a Roman senator, and initially embarked on a purely political career. His great administrative talents and moral integrity led to him being named Prefect of Rome, the highest civil office in Rome, when he was only 30 years old. So imagine the stir he caused, when he announced he wished to devote his life to God as a Benedictine monk.
He desired the quiet monastic life, but God had other plans. The Pope sent Gregory as his Papal Legate to Constantinople. After performing his duties, he returned to Rome, and when the Pope died of the plague, Gregory was elected Pope.
One of his great accomplishments was to send missionaries to Britain which was largely unevangelized. He is also a doctor of the Church because of his great contributions to teaching Christian Doctrine. And most notable was his impact on the Church’s liturgical worship—giving us the form of liturgical chant that bears his name—Gregorian chant.
1500 years later even Vatican II taught that “The Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services.” Unfortunately, this teaching has been neglected in the last 50 years, much to the detriment of Catholic Worship. It’s my contention that some if not many Catholics who have fallen away from the faith these past 50 years have done so because Pope Gregory’s chant has been neglected and replaced, in many places with quite uninspiring, uninspired drivel.
Pope Gregory the Great was the first Pope to refer to himself as the servus servorum Dei—the servant of the servants of God, a title which the Popes continue to use to this day. This title is a reminder that to be a Christian is to be a servant. The Pope’s great task isn’t to Lord power over the Church, to bask in luxury and comfort in the papal palace. Like the Lord in the Gospel who says, “I am among you as the one who serves” the Pope is first and foremost servant—in leading, guiding, and shepherding Christ’s flock.
He serves the Church, that every Christian might better and more faithfully serve our God. And that, in the end, is why Saint Gregory is known as the great, because he wasn’t just a competent administrator, but that he poured himself out in service to Christ. He knew that true human greatness is found in total surrender to Christ. He put into practice all that he preached and became a living example of the Gospel he proclaimed.
Through the intercession of this great servant of the Gospel, may we be led to lay down our lives ever more deeply in humble service for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
That the Pope, Bishops and Clergy, and all members of the Church may place their entire lives in service to God, is faithfulness to our Gospel mandate.
That through the intercession of St. Gregory, our liturgical worship may always be beautiful, reverent, and worthy.
During this month of September, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, we pray for all those who grieve, and that we may grieve sufficiently for our sins.
That the love of Christ, the divine physician, may bring healing to the sick and comfort to all the suffering.
For the deceased members of our families, friends, and parish, and all the poor souls in purgatory, for deceased priests and religious, and for those who have fought and died for our freedom.
O God, who know that our life in this present age is subject to suffering and need, hear the prayers of those who cry to you and receive the prayers of those who believe in you. Through Christ our Lord.
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