03/09/2026
Pope Saint Gregory, a Doctor of the Church, is considered as one of the most influential Pope’s in the history of the Church.
Saint Gregory was born into a wealthy, noble family in Rome. His father was the mayor of Rome, a position he occupied before he had reached the age of 30. He resigned from the mayoralty after five years and became a Benedictine monk and priest. He was elected Pope, aged 50, during a time of the Lombard invasions, plague and flooding. In spite of these dangerous challenges, he reformed the liturgy including sacred music by actively supporting Gregorian chant, which was named after him and he sent missionaries to convert the Anglo-Saxons in England.
He ensured Church resources were well managed and properly administered and used them to feed the poor and hungry. His Pastoral Rule became the standard for pastoral leadership by bishops for centuries and his motto 'Servant of the Servants of God,' is a title still used by Popes today.
The love of God ensures the love of our neighbour, and the love of our neighbour serves to keep alive the love of God.
