GREGORY THE GREAT

BIOGRAPHY

• Born in 540 AD in Rome to Gordanius and Silvia
• Gave up politics and became a monk in 574
• Named deacon by Pope Pelagius II in 579
• Papacy started in 590, succeeding Pope Pelagius II
• Died on March 12, 604 AD

Hagiography
While teaching his homilies to Ezekiel, a curtain was drawn between Gregory and his secretary. After Pope Gregory stayed silent for a
long period of time, the servant cut a small hole in the curtain and when he looked through the hole, he saw a dove on top of Pope
Gregory's head and the beak was in between his lips.

When the dove withdrew its beak, the holy pontiff would speak and the secretary would write down his words. But when the dove remained silent again, the secretary would look through the small hole again, the dove's beak would be in between Pope Gregory's lips again.

ICONOGRAPHY/PATRONAGE

• Depicted with a dove
• Holding a Gospel book and blessing with his right hand
• Patron Saint of:
• Musicians, singers, students, and teachers

Untitled Slide

Untitled Slide

"Whatsoever one would understand what he hears must hasten to put into practice what he has heard."

"The proof of love is in the works. Where love exists, it works great things. But when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist."

Father, you guide your people with kindness and govern us with love. By the prayers of Saint Gregory give the spirit of wisdom to those you have called to lead your Church. May the growth of your people in holiness be the eternal joy of our shepherds. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Personal Analysis
I believe that Saint Gregory the Great was one of the greatest influences in the Church. Because without him, our Church today would be completely different had he not reformed the liturgy.

TRUE/FALSE

• Saint Gregory the Great was born in 540 AD
• Patron Saint of widowers
• Reformed the Church
• Chose to follow his political path instead of becoming a monk
• Died on March 12 606 AD

ANSWERS

• True
• False; musicians, singer, students, teachers
• True
• False; gave up his political career
• False; 604