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What is so “Great” about St. Gregory?

Born into a wealthy Roman family, Gregory was a smart, well-educated man who made a name for himself in the civil sphere. At one point, he was even Prefect of Rome, which is like being mayor.

Eventually, though, he gave up his worldly success, entered religious life, and turned his home into a monastery. He built more monasteries, was later ordained as a deacon, and then served as a church diplomat.

When Pope Pelagius II died in 590, the Church came calling. Gregory became pope and reigned as successor to Peter for 14 years. In addition to restoring civil order through the institution of the Church, Gregory showed his greatness by reforming the clergy and ending liturgical abuses. And the effects of his work are still felt today.

For example, he was the initial promoter of Gregorian chant, which bears his name. Also, Gregory would have loved the call for evangelization sounded by Pope St. John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis.

Instead of attempting to repel the barbarians, he sent out an army of monks to convert them. And continuing an old Catholic tradition, he had his monks sanctify the buildings and celebrations of the new converts so they could more easily adapt to their new faith.

Now a Doctor of the Church, Gregory the Great’s legacy includes a number of sermons and letters, a biography of St. Benedict, and a rule for pastors to help guide bishops in their role as shepherds of the flock. And like Leo before him, he was passionate about preserving unity and maintaining order in the Church.

You see, like other good fathers, the Fathers of the Church wanted to keep their family from tearing itself apart. They obviously weren’t afraid to deal with problems, but they rightly valued the unity of the Church. They sought to fulfill the prayer of Christ to his Father in the Gospel of John, that we may “all be one.”

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