Sabbath Sense Saturday

Today on the Liturgical Calendar we celebrate the feast of St. Gregory the Great. I have had the blessing of working at a parish the last few years named after this great saint. I have realized that as you work at a parish you learn more about that great saint and you learn to entrust the work that you do and the people of the parish to that saint.

So who is this Saint Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, and doctor of the church, that we celebrate today. He became pope when he was only 50 years old. He is most known for reforming the liturgy and for his impact on sacred liturgy. Some people believe that he is the creator of Gregorian Chant, and that it is named after him, I have recently read though that some people dispute this.

But, again we do know that he was a huge reformer of the Catholic Church and of the Catholic Liturgy. He lead the Catholic Church through a very difficult time in the history of Europe and within the Church.

As I was reading up on him I came across this quote, that speaks of his wisdom, and knowledge of Christ and of his faith in Christ.

"Perhaps it is not after all so difficult for a man to part with his possessions, 

but it is certainly most difficult for him to part with himself. 

To renounce what one has is a minor thing; 

but to renounce what one is, that is asking a lot" 

(St. Gregory, Homilies on the Gospels).

May we each have the same strength and courage as St. Gregory, to give of ourselves completlely as a servant of Christ. 

St. Gregory the Great, Pray for us!

Blessings,

Joy