São Gregório Magno
Autor: Desconhecido
Centro de Fabrico: Desconhecido
Data: Século XVIII
Material: Óleo sobre tela
Dimensões (cm): Larg. 135; alt. 161
Proprietário: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
N.º de Inventário: PNA491 / PNA 66693
This painting depicts Saint Gregory I, seated, with an open book, receiving a sign from a dove – symbolizing the Holy Spirit. According to Deacon Peter, it was the Holy Spirit who inspired the Saint when he wrote his homilies.
Gregory I – known as “the Great” – was born in Rome in 540. He studied Law and, at the age of 30, held the position of Prefect of his home-town. Drawn to religious life, he renounced his position and became a monk, embracing the Order of Saint Benedict.
He was sent as an ambassador of Pope Pelagius II to the Byzantine court – in Constantinople – and achieved such a great reputation in all of his missions that, in 590, after the death of Pope Pelagius, both the people and the clergy unanimously proclaimed him Pope.
His papacy was marked by a concerted effort to reorganize and restore the Church.
He introduced the title Servus servorum Dei for Popes, reformed liturgy and codified plainchant – the liturgical music, known as Gregorian chant.
He died in 604 and was buried in the Basilica of Saint Peter (Vatican). Canonized shortly after his death, he was honoured with the title of Doctor of the Church and recognized as one of the four great Fathers of the Latin Church.
