St Gregory the Great

     Pope Gregory 1, commonly known as St Gregory the Great, because of his great strides in the Reformation of Church practices and the Gregorian chant. He was known as a Pope who had great charity for the poor. He organized the first large-scale mission from Rome to England, sending Saint Augustine of Canterbury to convert the pagan Anglo-Saxons. He is a great influencer to other Popes because of establishing a model for Spiritual and administrative leadership. He provided extensive charity to the poor and suffering, even at one point liquidating Church assets to buy grain and save thousands from famine. He reformed the liturgy and collected melodies for what is known now as "Gregorian chant". One of my favorite forms of music. He converted his own family Villa into a Monastery, championing the Benedictine movement within the Church. He is patron saint of musicians, singers, students, teachers and England. 

     He surely was "Great" as his title prevails in his merit's to the contributions to the Church and Holiness. Something we must all strive for. 

     St Gregory the Great,  pray for us!