St Gregory the Great

Gregory the Great was born in Rome. His father was a senator and his mother was St Celia. His family had lots of money. He received a good education and went on to become the governor of Rome. After his parents died, he used the money he had been left to him to build 6 monasteries in Sicily, Italy. He also turned his family home in Rome into a Benedictine monastery and entered the order. Pope Pelagius assigned him as one of the seven deacons of the Church. He was ordained a priest and took the position. When Pope Pelagius died, Gregory became pope. Pope Gregory was a wise pope and was liked by many. He worked hard to care for the people of the Church by ruling with fairness and justice. He referred to himself as “the servant of the servants of God.” He is considered one of the four Fathers of the Western Church. He is the patron saint of teachers.