Tuesday, December 10, 2013

December 10: Pope Saint Gregory III


History

Gregory was a well-known Syrian priest who happened to be in Rome when Pope Gregory II died. But during the funeral procession, people in the crowd who recognized started shouting that they wanted him to be the next pope. And that’s exactly what happened. Shortly after he became pope, Gregory III had to deal with the Byzantine emperor, Leo III. Leo thought that it was wrong to keep holy images like icons and statues around. He wanted to destroy them. Gregory III made it clear to the whole Church that destroying any image of Jesus, Mary or the saints would be wrong.   

Activity

Images of holy people, like statues, icons and paintings help us think about holy things. For some of us, these beautiful images help us concentrate better when we pray (other people concentrate better with their eyes closed, and that’s good, too). Today, print out a coloring page of Pope Saint Gregory III and make your own beautiful artwork of this holy man to help you think about holy things. 

Saint Pope Gregory III, pray for us!

More reading for parents:

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