St. Gregory the Great, a central figure of the medieval western Church and one of the most admired popes in history, is commemorated in the Ordinary Form of the Roman Catholic liturgy on Sept. 3.
Born near the middle of the 6th century into a noble Roman family, Gregory received a classical education in liberal arts and the law. He also had strong religious formation from his devout family, particularly from his mother Silvia, also a canonized saint. By around the age of 30, Gregory had advanced to high political office in Rome, during what was nevertheless a period of marked decline for the city.
Some time after becoming the prefect of the former imperial capital, Gregory chose to leave the civil administration to become a monk during the rise of the Benedictine order. In reality, however, the new monk's great career in public life was yet to come.
After three years of strict monastic life, he was called personally by the pope to assume the office of a deacon in Rome. From Rome, he was dispatched to Constantinople to seek aid from the emperor for Rome's civic troubles and to aid in resolving the Eastern Church's theological controversies. He returned to Rome in 586 after six years of service as the papal representative to the eastern Church and empire.
Rome faced a series of disasters caused by flooding in 589, followed by the death of Pope Pelagius II the next year. Gregory, then serving as abbot in a monastery, reluctantly accepted his election to replace him as the Bishop of Rome.
Despite this initial reluctance, however, Pope Gregory began working tirelessly to reform and solidify the Roman liturgy, the disciplines of the Church, the military and economic security of Rome, and the Church's spreading influence in western Europe.
As pope, Gregory brought his political experience at Rome and Constantinople to bear in the task of preventing the Catholic Church from becoming subservient to any of the various groups struggling for control of the former imperial capital. As the former abbot of a monastery, he strongly supported the Benedictine movement as a bedrock of the western Church. He sent missionaries to England and is given much of the credit for the nation's conversion.
He is known above all for his magnificent contributions to the Liturgy of the Mass and Office. He is one of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church.
In undertaking these works, Pope Gregory saw himself as the "servant of the servants of God." He was the first of the Bishops of Rome to popularize the now-traditional papal title, which referred to Christ's command that those in the highest position of leadership should be "the last of all and the servant of all."
Even as he undertook to consolidate papal power and shore up the West during the crumbling of the Roman empire, St. Gregory the Great maintained a humble sense of his mission as a servant and pastor of souls from the time of his election until his death on March 12, 604. He is the patron of teachers.
— Catholic News Agency
Chart your path through God’s Country:
An interactive map
As the annual fall pilgrimage to western North Carolina begins, our churches along some of the state’s most scenic routes serve to amplify the beauty of God’s Country. With striking interiors, stained glass windows and sacred art – these churches invite visitors to stop in and experience the spiritual uplift a moment of reflection can bring.
From our newest parish, St. Jude near Gorges State Park in Sapphire, to one of our oldest, St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, these churches will elevate your visit – and your faith.
Many also offer historical and architectural significance within proximity of such natural treasures as Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Gorge and Sliding Rock.
This year, peak color is expected from the early October through early November, depending on elevations. Come see God’s grandeur – inside and out.
Chart your path through the mountains of western North Carolina, and explore some of our churches while you're visiting! Use our interactive map to guide your journey – simply click on each leaf to browse a profile of each church: