In the midst of a somber Roman crowd, mourning the passing of Pope Saint Gregory II, stood a Syrian priest. Despite his sense of alienation among the grieving Romans, his mind was abuzz with thoughts. As a skilled preacher, he yearned to comfort them with Christ’s promise of resurrection. His scholarly mind pondered who would succeed Gregory II and the future direction of the Church. In his devout heart, he prayed for the departed Pope and for those around him, hoping they would find eternal peace in God’s embrace. Yet, in that moment, he was merely a face in the crowd.
But not to God, nor to those who recognized the revered holy man among them. In a twist of fate, during the funeral procession, he was singled out by the people. Swept up in their fervor, they implored him to become the next Bishop of Rome. Thus, without any action on his part, his life transformed dramatically.
Proclaimed Pope Gregory III, he soon faced a challenge from Emperor Leo II, who condemned the veneration of holy images as idolatry. Leo II sought to destroy these representations of Jesus, Mary, and the saints. Gregory III, however, did not stand idly by. He attempted to send a letter to Leo II, but the priest-messenger was too fearful to deliver it. Undeterred, Gregory convened a synod that staunchly opposed the destruction of these sacred images.
As Gregory III stood firm, Leo II resorted to physical force, sending ships to abduct Gregory and bring him to Constantinople. Despite pressure from many in Rome, Gregory remained resolute. Miraculously, a storm ravaged Leo’s fleet, thwarting his plans. The Emperor’s only gain was the seizure of some papal lands.
Through Gregory’s unwavering stand, the tradition of venerating holy images was preserved. It was a testament to his understanding of when to assert his position and when to let divine intervention take its course. Pope Saint Gregory III’s tenure, from 731 to 741, thus became a pivotal period in the history of the Church, marked by his resolve and faith.
Photo credit: Public Domain via picryl
Praise be to Jesus, Mary and all the Saints in Heaven. Protect us all against evil in this world and help us along the path of salvation to God’s Kingdom. Jesus, Mary and the Heavenly Saints, pray for us, sinners in exile.
i want to be a saint
hey mac, I hear ya. I wanna , become a saint also jus don’t know how to go about it ?
All Gods people that lead a good life are saints in thier own right. Lead a Godly life and you shall redeem your rewards in the after life.
First, choose a holy life. Available to you are the sacraments, prayer, corporeal and spiritual acts of mercy, and taking up your cross. Whatever you find yourself confessing at reconciliation over and over is a cross. Carry that cross and break free. Remember that the standar for heaven is not to just a good person. You have to be holy but remember the things above to help you. Fine a Saint whose life speaks to you.
talk to the Lord and be not afraid to tell him your hearts desires, just be prepared for his answer, then spend your time in prayer..
u can if u want , u must know it is not an easy way of living , u will face a lot of obstacles , u got 2 leave everything that belongs 2 this earth and b in connection with God , prayer is a a magic tool 2 get close 2 God and b in contact with him , if u feel u r called by God then go a head and don’t fear anything or any 1. praying 4 u
God is inside of us. If you want to be a saint all you have to do is pray.
To those who desire sainthood… “Simul justus et peccator”
To start u just need 2 join one of the orders , the 1 that u feel is close 2 ur heart and things will fellow.
Prayers for Steven to recover from his illness.pray for us
Saturday mornihg and already another chance to comment. As for me, I just want to be whatever it is that my Lord and Savior, the Risen Christ Jesus wants me to be. Here or there, in sickness or in health,I love the song which in part goes “Just one day at a time sweet Jesus that’s all I,m asking of you, help me today, show me the way, one day at a time”. I seem to be at odds in this world, hard to be understood, but I take my stand at the foot of His Cross, in which He redeemed fallen mankind. I love Him and He loves me so much more than I couuld ever deserve. God, in all of His Majesty is so good. “Let everything that hath breath, Preise ye the Lord.” Amen
O Pope Saint Gregory III, pray for Pope France.
Pope Saint Gregory III, pray for us!
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O invincible defender of Holy Church’s freedom, Saint Gregory of great renown, by that firmness thou didst show in maintaining the Church’s rights against all her enemies, stretch forth from heaven thy mighty arm, we beseech thee, to comfort her and defend her in the fearful battle she must ever wage with the powers of darkness. Do thou, in an especial manner, give strength in this dread conflict to the venerable Pontiff who has fallen heir not only to thy throne, but likewise to the fearlessness of thy mighty heart; obtain for him the joy of beholding his holy endeavors crowned by the triumph of the Church and the return of the lost sheep into the right path. Grant, finally, that all may understand how vain it is to strive against that faith which has always conquered and is destined always to conquer: “this is the victory which overcometh the world, our faith.” This is the prayer that we raise to thee with one accord; and we are confident, that, after thou has heard our prayers on earth, thou wilt one day call us to stand with thee in heaven, before the eternal High Priest, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth world without end. Amen.
Pope saint Gregory, pray for us amen.