<p>Gregory was born about the year 540 into a wealthy Roman family. After serving briefly and with great distinction as Chief Magistrate of Rome, Gregory resigned to become a Benedictine monk and used his great wealth to establish several monasteries. In 578 he was ordained deacon and sent to Constantinople as papal ambassador.</p>
<p>In 586 Gregory was recalled to Rome, became abbot of his monastery and, four years later, was unanimously elected pope. His charity in feeding starving Romans, his sense of justice towards his tenants, his protection of Jewish rights, and his political diplomacy helped him earn the title 'Great.' He maintained contact with all the churches of Christendom and composed numerous liturgical works. Several centuries after his death, Gregory was credited with developing 'Gregorian chant,' probably because of his liturgical contributions, but from early days this was disputed.</p>
<p>His writings include the highly influential <em>Book of Pastoral Care,</em> a guide outlining the practical and spiritual duties of bishops. He is known as the Apostle of England for sending missionaries there, including Augustine of Canterbury.</p>
<p>Gregory died in 604 but his influence was lasting. He is called the 'Father of the Mediaeval Papacy' and is a Doctor of the Church.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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