In our series dedicated to the presentation of the popes in the fourth issue of" Counter-Revolution "profiles of Leo the Great, we recall the form of a second pope, to whom posterity gave the nickname "Great" or
Gregory I. He came from the family's colorful Roman patricians. It was a family that has several saints, among them parents of St. Gregory, St. Gordie and St. Sylvia. The future pope was born about 540 in Rome. At the turn of 572/573 was elected prefect of Rome, but not held too long this feature, since after the death of his father by all offices and on their estates founded seven monasteries: 6 in Sicily and one in Rome, where it lived and lived his life according to St rule. Benedict. Even then revealed his lack of attachment to worldly goods reflected in the wonderful charity work. Also during the monastic life initiated the venerable tradition of celebrating the 30 days of the Mass. for the dead, which today is known as the Gregorian Masses.
From 579-585 he served an important function in papal diplomacy in Constantinople. He then established himself as a zealous defender of Catholic orthodoxy, as he converted from heresy Eutychiusza patriarch of Constantinople. After returning to Rome, became an adviser to Pope Pelagius II, after whose death was - against his will - elected in January, the Pope 590 years. In the autumn of that year he was ordained.
As Pope has consistently built his authority as secular matters and, above all, in ecclesiastical matters. His pontificate coincided with the period of decline in Italy. St. Gregory's skillful diplomatic action led to peace between the Lombards and Byzantines, and seeing that the population is hungry, he put reformed their possessions and the income they set aside for charitable purposes. Helping the poor with heartfelt concern - Often personally on them. He must also defend the primacy against the deposed Patriarch of Constantinople, but he did so with great humility, as evidenced by the fact that instead of using the existing titles, took the title "Servant of the Servants of God" (this phrase should be understood as analogous to the wording of the "Virgin of virgins," or " forever and ever "). As if this were not enough, he started a mission in northern Europe, especially among the pagan and heretical (Arian) Germanic tribes. It was inspired by the mission St. Augustine of Canterbury and thus gained the faith of the Anglo-Saxons. In addition, stronger discipline among the clergy and monasticism penetration. It is worth emphasizing the merits of St. Gregory was in the field of liturgy. He was standardized and popularized the Roman rite (previously there were many local rites), and contributed to the codification and dissemination of liturgical singing, which is called Gregorian chant.
St. Greg was a great preacher and pastor, but rather a very original thinker. But perhaps that is why his writings served as For centuries the role of textbooks morality, ascetyki, mysticism, and the formation of priests.
Without underestimating the achievements (impressive as the fourteen-year pontificate) St. Gregory should be stressed that its size is also manifested in the personal excellence. His work stemmed from a genuine love for God and others, which resulted in holiness confirmed miracles during his life.
Wlodzimierz Jan Ziolkowski
text appeared for the first time in the fifth issue (September - October 2009) "Counter-Revolution
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