Gregory I

Gregory was born around 540 in Rome, into a noble Christian family during a time of plague, war, and upheaval in Italy. Well educated and gifted in public service, he rose quickly and became Prefect of Rome while still a young man. Yet his heart was drawn to God: after his father’s death he turned his family home on the Caelian Hill into a monastery dedicated to Saint Andrew, embracing prayer, poverty, and contemplation. Called back into service of the Church, Gregory became a papal ambassador and in 590 was elected the 64th Bishop of Rome. As pope he proved a wise shepherd and tireless administrator, caring for the poor and strengthening the Church’s mission. He is especially remembered for sending the Gregorian mission to the Anglo-Saxons, helping bring England to Christ, and for restoring Catholic unity in lands shaped by Arian divisions and other heresies. His many writings and his renewal of Christian worship earned him the title “the Great,” and he is honored as a Doctor of the Church and one of the great Latin Fathers. He is patron of musicians and teachers, and is also invoked in places such as Ambria and Basiano. His feast day is March 25.