We venerate the saints to give glory to God for His wonderful works in them, to ask for their assistance, and to imitate their virtues. St Gregory was one of the great Fathers and Doctors of the Church, a teacher whose writings are of perennial value.

He put his natural gifts at the service of the Church, being a wise and unimpeachable leader who taught others how to exercise authority and pastoral care. He was drawn to the contemplative life in the monastery and, although God called Him away from this life, he continued to write spiritual works for others to lead them in the path of prayer.

St Gregory is often pictured with a dove speaking into his ear, representing the Holy Spirit. He combined an effective practical apostolate with an experiential knowledge of the journey of the soul in its relationship with God through prayer and charity.

He is also renowned for helping to give shape to the sacred liturgy of both East and West, and for promoting the music of the Church which is in continuity with the sacred music of the Jewish people that was known and used in prayer by Jesus Christ Himself. Our celebration of Mass today owes much to St Gregory’s care and reverence for the form of our worship.

As we celebrate the feast of our holy patron, we ask for his prayers for our parish, that we may learn from him in our worship and in our evangelisation. In our own prayers, we ask for the wisdom and perseverance that he showed by his own teaching and example.