There are not that many popes who have been officially named “great”; only three: Leo I, Gregory I, and Nicholas I, all of whom lived before the 10th century. The second of these was the 63rd successor to St. Peter as Bishop of Rome, and he began his papacy on September 3, 590, and served for about thirteen and a half years.
Pope St. Gregory the Great was the son of a Roman Senator and became the Prefect of the city of Rome. However, when his father died, he distributed his inheritance among various monasteries and turned his own home into one.
After serving as the secretary to Pope Pelagius II, he became the first monk to be elected pope. Shortly thereafter, one of the monks of his monastery died. When that monk had pronounced solemn vows, including a vow of poverty in which he promised to have no property of his own, he hid three gold coins. In time this violation of his vow was discovered and he was punished. But after his death, Pope Gregory was concerned that his sin might require further purification. He told the abbot who had taken his place when he became pope: “We must come by charity to his aid, and as far as possible help him. Go and arrange thirty Masses for his soul, so that for thirty consecutive days the Saving Victim is immolated for him without fail.” The abbot complied with this directive and to this day we have the tradition of asking that Masses be offered for a deceased person for thirty straight days. This custom is known as the “Gregorian Masses.”
But perhaps more familiar to people—Catholics, non-Catholic Christians, and even non-believers—is a form of sacred music that also bears the name of this great pope. Gregorian chant is simple, unaccompanied, plainchant that continues to lift the minds and hearts of people to God. The 20th century Pope St. Pius X discouraged elaborate concert-style liturgical music and promoted Gregorian chant which, because of its simple melodies, could be sung by the entire congregation.
Gregorian chant and other sacred music aren’t just for Mass. Anyone struggling to maintain a regular prayer routine can incorporate it into their spiritual life. Listening to sacred music can be a way to lift one’s mind and heart to God, especially when one is too tired to read.
For a beautiful selection of sacred music, check out Relevant Radio’s Sacred Music Channel. You can find it on the Relevant Radio app. It’s there for you 24/7.