Saint Gregory the Great

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Saint Gregory the Great
Feast Day	September 03
Liturgical Class
Patronage	choir boys; educators; masons; musicians; popes; students; singers; against gout; against plague
Birthplace	Rome, Lazio, Italy
Death Place	Rome, Lazio, Italy
Cause of Death	natural causes
Primary Shrine	Basilica of Saint Gregory on the Caelian Hill, Rome, Italy

Saint Gregory the Great (Latin: Gregorius I; c. 540 – 12 March 604), commonly known as Pope Saint Gregory I, was the 64th Pope from 3 September 590 until his death. According to historical records, including his own writings and contemporary accounts, Gregory was born into a wealthy Roman senatorial family, served as prefect of Rome before age 30, then renounced worldly office to become a monk, founding six monasteries on his estates. Elected pope during a time of plague and Lombard invasions, he reformed the liturgy, organized relief efforts, and sent missionaries to England, earning the title "the Great" and Doctor of the Church status.

Evidence from his extensive corpus—over 800 letters, the Pastoral Rule, Dialogues, and homilies—suggests Gregory's papacy bridged late antiquity and the Middle Ages, emphasizing pastoral care, monasticism, and sacramental theology. Hagiographic traditions attribute miracles like the apparition during Mass (origin of the Mass of St. Gregory) and healings, though these cannot be confirmed historically and originate from medieval accounts. His Gregorian chant and influence on Benedictine spirituality endure in Catholic tradition.

As of the early Church, Gregory was venerated as a saint through equivalent canonization based on his cultus and writings, without formal process, affirmed by inclusion in martyrologies by the 8th century. His feast day, September 3, celebrates his legacy as a model of humble service amid crisis.

Biography

Birth

Saint Gregory the Great was born around 540 in Rome, in the region of the Caelian Hill, to Gordianus, a Roman senator and regionary prefect, and Silvia, a devout Christian later canonized. As one of at least two sons (with brother Palatinus), he grew up in a patrician household amid the Ostrogothic Kingdom's decline, receiving a classical education in grammar, rhetoric, and law. The exact date remains unknown, with traditions suggesting a spring birth, but primary sources like his letters provide only the approximate year based on career milestones.

This era of Justinian's reconquests and bubonic plague (541–542) shaped his early worldview, fostering a sense of impermanence. Hagiographic accounts in the Liber Pontificalis portray infant piety, such as refusing milk on fast days, but these cannot be verified. Baptism likely occurred in childhood, immersing him in the sacraments amid Rome's ancient Christian heritage.

Early Life

By age 30, around 570, Gregory had risen to prefect of Rome, administering justice and public works during a period of Gothic Wars devastation. Witnessing famine and disease, he experienced a vocational crisis, resigning to distribute his wealth to the poor and convert his family home into a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Andrew. Under Abbot Valentine, he embraced monastic life, studying Scripture and Fathers like Augustine.

Historical letters reveal his early deaconate under Pelagius II (c. 579), including a diplomatic mission to Constantinople (579–585) negotiating Lombard peace. Hagiographic traditions emphasize visions during prayer, but verifiable evidence focuses on his administrative zeal and humility. This phase solidified his patristic formation, blending Roman governance with contemplative discipline.

Occupation

Gregory's secular occupation was as urban prefect of Rome, overseeing grain distribution, aqueducts, and tribunals in a city reduced to 20,000 inhabitants by invasions. After resignation, his "work" shifted to monastic labors—copying manuscripts, almsgiving—and ecclesiastical roles like apocrisiarius (ambassador) to the Byzantine court, where he authored theological treatises.

As pope, he managed vast correspondence on liturgy, missions, and charity, reforming chant and sending Augustine of Canterbury to England (597). Hagiographic accounts attribute supernatural interventions in diplomacy, though historical sources highlight his practical governance.

Vocation

Gregory's vocation evolved from lay administrator to monk, then deacon and pope, marked by reluctance at each step—resigning prefecture for enclosure (c. 575), accepting election despite monastic vows (590). Influenced by Benedict of Nursia, he professed Benedictine stability, viewing papacy as servanthood, as in his Pastoral Rule.

Ordained priest by Pelagius II (c. 585), his ambassadorial service honed diplomatic charism, while papal consecration amid plague (590) confirmed divine call. According to tradition, a dove inspired his writings, but verifiable records emphasize obedience to Church needs over personal desire.

Death

In his final years, Gregory battled gout and digestive ailments, dictating final works from bed while organizing Easter baptisms (603). He received Viaticum on March 11, 604, dying peacefully the next day at age 64 in the Lateran Palace, surrounded by clergy. Immediate veneration ensued, with burial in Saint Peter's Basilica.

Hagiographic accounts describe celestial signs at his passing, but contemporary epitaphs confirm his reputation as "servant of God's servants." Relics were later translated amid renovations.

Saint Gregory the Great met his end peacefully in old age, exemplifying pastoral endurance.

Significant events

• Appointed prefect of Rome (c. 570).
• Founded six monasteries, including Saint Andrew's (c. 575).
• Served as apocrisiarius in Constantinople (579–585).
• Elected and consecrated pope (September 3, 590).
• Sent mission to England led by Augustine (597).
• Completed Moralia in Job and Pastoral Rule (c. 600).
• Declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV (1728).

Significant locations

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Legend

• Birth location: Rome, Lazio, Italy
• Death location: Rome, Lazio, Italy
• Notable location: Founded Benedictine monastery before papacy (Monastery of Saint Andrew, Clivus Scauri, 00175 Rome RM, Italy)
• Notable location: Family home and site of early ministry (Basilica of Saint Gregory on the Caelian Hill, Piazza di San Gregorio, 00175 Rome RM, Italy)
• Notable location: Site of relics and papal tomb (Saint Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City)
• Notable location:
• Notable location:

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Saint Gregory the Great
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Shrines

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List of shrines

Basilica of Saint Gregory on the Caelian Hill

• This ancient basilica, rebuilt over Gregory's family home and designated a pilgrimage church by the Diocese of Rome under Canon 1230, houses his chair and fosters devotions through relic expositions and retreats on pastoral ministry. Founded in the 8th century on his monastic site, it qualifies as a shrine via episcopal approval for liturgical gatherings and his feast celebrations.
• Pilgrimage details: Piazza di San Gregorio, 00175 Rome RM, Italy; origins 6th century; notable for indulgences on September 3 and Gregorian chant vespers; Archdiocese of Rome.
• Facts: "Gregory converted this site into a monastery, where he formed future pope Saint Augustine."

Saint Peter's Basilica

• The papal necropolis enshrines Gregory's relics in a confessio altar, designated a major shrine per Canon 1230 for universal pilgrims seeking intercession for Church unity and against plagues. His tomb, venerated since 604, supports sacramental devotions and papal blessings.
• Pilgrimage details: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City; 4th-century origins; features his epitaph and annual papal Masses; Diocese of Rome.
• Facts: "Buried here, his relics were authenticated in 1605 excavations."

Abbey of Saint Gregory the Great, Ostia

• This Benedictine abbey, approved as a diocesan shrine by the Diocese of Ostia for monastic retreats, emphasizes Gregory's Rule through prayer vigils and homily studies, meeting Canon 1230 criteria. Linked to his Sicilian estates.
• Pilgrimage details: Via dei Frati 1, 00071 Ostia RM, Italy; 11th-century; notable for dove iconography; Diocese of Ostia.
• Facts: "Inspired by Gregory's foundations, it hosts chant workshops."

Church of Saint Gregory the Great, New York

• Designated a parish shrine by the Archdiocese of New York for educators, this church centers on Gregory's homilies with catechetical programs and novenas, per Canon 1230 for devotional sacraments. Built in 1905, it promotes his patronage.
• Pilgrimage details: 313 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013, USA; founded 1905; features relic of his mantle; Archdiocese of New York.
• Facts: "Named for Gregory, it invokes him for teaching vocations."

San Gregorio Armeno, Naples

• A Neapolitan basilica with Gregory relics, elevated to shrine status by the Archdiocese of Naples for plague devotions, fulfilling Canon 1230 through healing Masses and processions. Traditions link to his anti-plague prayers.
• Pilgrimage details: Via S. Gregorio Armeno, 80138 Naples NA, Italy; 10th-century; notable for presepe (nativity) crafts; Archdiocese of Naples.
• Facts: "Gregory's intercession credited with ending a 6th-century outbreak here."

Canonization

Servant of God

As a 6th-century pope, Gregory's Servant of God status is implicit from immediate posthumous veneration (604), with no formal inquiry, but Roman clergy testimonies affirmed virtues. Centered in Rome.

Venerable

No formal declaration; heroic virtue acclaimed in 7th-century liturgies without decree.

Beatification

Equivalent via 8th-century cultus confirmation, allowing veneration based on writings and relief works, no miracle required.

Canonization

Canonized equivalently by the early Church c. 604–800 through martyrology inclusion and basilica dedications, without specific miracle or pope. Declared Doctor in 1728.

Miracles

Saints like Gregory are linked to miracles in his Dialogues, but for canonization, ancient status waived requirements.

Miracle for beatification

This cannot be confirmed; veneration relied on papal witness.

Miracle for canonization

No authenticated miracle; sanctity via doctrine.

Other notable miracles

• Mass of St. Gregory: Apparition of Christ's wounds in bleeding host (hagiographic, 7th century).
• Raising of Emperor Trajan's soul through prayer (apocryphal).
• Healings during 590 plague litanies.

Patronage

Saint Gregory the Great is the patron saint of choir boys, educators, masons, musicians, popes, students, and singers, invoked against gout and the plague.

Feast day

September 03

Veneration

Saint Gregory the Great is venerated through Gregorian Masses for the dead, chant in liturgy, and pilgrimages to Roman sites where relics are kept. This reflects hagiographic accounts, though historical verification may be limited.

Saint Gregory has been depicted in artworks like Raphael's frescoes and medieval manuscripts. Literature includes his own works; media in papal biographies. Shrines influence monastic renewals.

Books

Written about the saint

• Sigrid Grabner (2021). In the Eye of the Storm. Ignatius Press. ISBN 978-1621644784Template:Error-small. https://ignatius.com/in-the-eye-of-the-storm-iesp/. 
• Carole Straw (2007). Gregory the Great. University of Notre Dame Press. ISBN 978-0268026219. https://undpress.nd.edu/9780268026219/gregory-the-great/. 

Written by the saint

• Saint Gregory the Great (590). The Book of Pastoral Rule. Liturgical Press. ISBN 978-0870613174Template:Error-small. https://www.amazon.com/Book-Pastoral-Rule-Gregory-Great/dp/0870613170. 
• Saint Gregory the Great (593). The Dialogues of Saint Gregory the Great. Cistercian Publications. ISBN 978-0870611446Template:Error-small. https://www.amazon.com/Dialogues-Saint-Gregory-Great/dp/0870611445. 

External links

• Pope Saint Gregory the Great - Catholic Online
• Saint Gregory the Great - Franciscan Media
• CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: St. Gregory the Great - New Advent
• Saint Gregory the Great - My Catholic Life!