9th May, St Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor

St. Gregory Nazianzen, Bishop, Confessor, Doctor

Gregory was born at Nazianzus in Cappadocia. He was educated at Athens in all the sciences, at the same time as St. Basil the Great, with whom he was always united in the bonds of a holy friendship. Brothers in their studies, they remained brothers in their monastic life and in the episcopate. Having become bishop of Nazianzus and later patriarch of Constantinople (Communion), he was the "light which raised on the candlestick sheds its rays on all those who dwell in the house" (Gospel). Filled with "the spirit of wisdom and intelligence" (Introit, Epistle), his profound knowledge of the Scriptures earned for him the title of Doctor and Theologian, which the Church has confirmed. St. Gregory died in 389.

In medio Ecclesiae aperuit os ejus: et implevit eum Dominus spiritu sapientiae et intellectus: stolam gloriae induit eum. * Bonum est confiteri Domino: et psallere nomini tuo, Altissime.

In the midst of the Church the Lord opened his mouth: and He filled him with the spirit of wisdom and understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory. * It is good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy name, O most High.

(Ecclesiasticus 15:5 and Psalm 91:2 from the Introit of Mass)

O God, who didst give unto Thy people blessed Gregory to be a minister of eternal salvation: grant, we beseech Thee, that we may be worthy to have as an intercessor in heaven him, whom we have had as teacher of life on earth.

(Collect)

From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07010b.htm