St Pope Gregory I

Quote: “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.”

Patronage: Musicians, singers, students, and teachers

Feast day: 3rd of December (RCC)/12th of March (EOC)

Venerated in: Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, Anglican Communion, Lutheranism

Known for: being Bishop of Rome, creating the Liturgy of St Gregory the Great, attempts at converting Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, and creator of the Gregorian chant.

Life: He was born around 540 in Rome and became a monk in 574. He also founded several monasteries on his family’s properties. He was ordained a deacon and was sent to Constantinople, where he lobbied for aid from the Lombards. In 590, he was elected Pope. Through many trials and tribulations, he was able to defend Rome from the Lombards. St Gregory was also a great opponent to corruption within the Church, such as simony (buying ecclesiastical offices). He was a shining example of humility, taking on the title “servant of servants of God”. Throughout his life Pope Gregory was an avid defender of the Christian Church and a friend of the needy, earning him the title of Saint.