St. Gregory the Great

St. Gregory the Great was born circa 540 in Rome. He was prefect of Rome for a year before selling his possessions and turning his house into a Benedictine monastery. With his money, he built six monasteries in Sicily and one monastery in Rome. The future pope also served as a missionary to England. On Sept. 3, 590, he was elected the 64th pope. He sent St. Augustine of Canterbury and other monks to spread the word of God to England. The pope also sent missionaries to France, Spain and Africa. Since he collected melodies and plain chant, they became associated with him and are called Gregorian chants. He is one of the four great doctors of the church. He died in Rome in 604. St. Gregory the Great is patron saint of singers and England.