This Week in Christian History: Methodist Bishop, 'Gregorian Chant' Pope, Billy Sunday

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Twitter

Gregory the Great Becomes Pope - September 3, 590

A seventeenth century painting of St. Gregory the Great, who served as head of the Roman Catholic Church from AD 590 until his death in AD 604.
A seventeenth century painting of St. Gregory the Great, who served as head of the Roman Catholic Church from AD 590 until his death in AD 604. | (Photo: Public Domain)

This week marks the anniversary of when St. Gregory the Great was consecrated head of the Roman Catholic Church, whose writings greatly shaped the church throughout the Medieval era.

Pope Gregory was known for his support and personal practice of monastic living, with the musical genre "Gregorian Chant" named in his honor.

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"Gregory's moral theology shaped medieval spirituality and in his writings offered a practical wisdom for the Christians of his day. Several of his works, including the Moralia on Job (579–596) and his handbook for rulers, Pastoral Rule (591), were extremely popular," explained Britannica.

"... the importance Gregory placed on the Eucharist defined the medieval church. These teachings would be underscored in the Counter-Reformation, when Gregory's view of the church, emphasizing penance, works, and the sacraments, was reemphasized in response to Protestant reforms."

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