Servus Servorum Dei

"Blessed Gregory, raised upon the throne of Peter,
sought always the beauty of the Lord
and lived in celebration of that love."

The Four Doctors of the Church (1632) by Abraham Bloemaert
St. Augustine, St. Jerome (in hermit), St. Ambrose, and St. Gregory (in papal tiara)

The papal title "Servus Servorum Dei" - Servant of the servants of God- was first used by a humble pontiff who wanted a monastic life instead of the more glorious ecclesiastical positions of the medieval period (c. 5th cent.). Pope Gregory the Great was iconic with his choice of a lowly title when what determines a man's dignity in his time was the title and office he holds. The highly ranks of kings, princes, and emperor were to no avail for him; much more for even the prestigious ecclesiastical ranks of bishoprics and cardinals. Gregory, later acclaimed with an antecedent of greatness, is now exulted in the glory of God's high altars. In his humbles service to the Church of God, in him is likewise fulfilled the Blessed Mothers canticle of praise: "He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly."

Gregory's life was a sign of contradiction. When most of the clerics were being abusive and blinded by the vast wealth of the Church's power, here is he being the ruler of the one true Church showing how a true leader must be - as a servant for many. Here is the model of a true Christian, one who lives by the Word of the Lord. With his personal wealth he founded six monasteries in Sicily and one in Rome. He devoted his strength to the propagation of the faith through missionary activities in uncharted terrains. This is a man who tirelessly worked for the Lord's vineyard and sought only to give all glory due to the Most High and not for himself.

He was instrumental in the development and restoration of the beauty of the Latin liturgy and office in his time. In music, he propagated the use of the heavenly chants (now known as the "Gregorian Chants") that elevated both mind and soul in worship. Gregory is known as the Father of Christian Worship for he was able to transcend what is truly divine in the liturgical actions of his times. His aim was to aid the people in order to find meaning and a refreshing spring in moments of worship, as it is, an encounter with God.

Servus servorum Dei - one who is humble enough to place himself below others in order that he could serve them. This is the example of Jesus and this is the challenge to all Christians. We are called to serve and true service bear much fruit when its glory is rightly given to exult God, the fount of all holiness.