September 3: Saint Pope Gregory the Great

Pope St. Gregory the Great
by Antonello da Messina

History

Saint Gregory was born the son of a wealthy Roman senator. But Gregory was not interested in money, power or fame. He built seven monasteries and then became a monk himself when he was 35 years old. When he was 50, he became pope. His love for Christ made him famous all over the world. Despite all the work he had to do, he composed beautiful hymns to Christ, and he is now considered on of the Doctors of the Church. 

Activity

Even though Saint Gregory died more than 1400 years ago, the Catholic Church still uses many of the hymns that he wrote for the Liturgy. Read this English translation of one of Saint Gregory’s most beautiful hymns. (If you like, you can buy an MP3 of the Llandoff Cathedral Choir singing it at Amazon.com for 89 cents.) 

Saint Gregory the Great, pray for us!More reading for parents:

Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals

The Crossroads Initiative

Catholic Online