Today the Church honors Pope Saint Gregory the Great (540–604), a humble monk who became one of the greatest popes in history. Gregory longed for a quiet life of prayer, but God called him to lead the Church during a time of crisis. He sent missionaries to far-off lands, reformed the liturgy, cared for the poor of Rome, and reminded all that the shepherd’s first duty is service.
He once wrote: “The proof of love is in works. Where love exists, it works great things.” Saint Gregory, pray for us—that we may love God and neighbor with the same zeal.
