Conversations that Matter: The Dialogues of St. Gregory the Great
By Derya Rix
How we share with others our experience of the faith can help bring both sharer and receiver to holiness. Learn how Pope St. Gregory the Great shared his faith and his admiration for the saints.
It is always intriguing to learn about saints crossing paths with one another. We know that St. Dominic had a deep admiration for St. Francis and even wanted to join his order. We also know that St. Bonaventure and St. Thomas Aquinas taught at the same university. However, what is especially inspiring is reading about one saint’s admiration for another.
Pope St. Gregory the Great was the first man elected to the papacy from the monastic life. He is renowned for his reform of the liturgy, his revision of the beautiful Gregorian chant that bears his name, his mission to evangelize pagan England, and many other excellent deeds that earned him the title “the Great.” If you wander into the small gift shop at St. Benedict’s Abbey guesthouse and browse through the shelves, you will stumble upon a small book, Life and Miracles of St. Benedict, in which St. Gregory speaks about the founding of the Benedictine order.
This unassuming gem is one you won’t want to put down, as St. Gregory recounts the life and miracles of St. Benedict, retelling the story in conversation with his deacon, Peter. This literary device—used not only by classical authors but also by the Church Fathers—makes the book both engaging and spiritually enriching. As St. Gregory narrates many of the saint’s miracles, Peter often interjects with questions that echo the very ones that may arise in our own minds. By answering these questions, St. Gregory not only explains the miracles but also turns each answer into a spiritual lesson, edifying the reader twice: first through the miracles of St. Benedict, and second through the teachings of St. Gregory.
Philippe de Champaigne. Scene from the Life of St Benedict. The Poisoned Cup of Wine. Oil on canvas.
For example, at one point, Peter wonders whether St. Benedict was right to leave a community he had been called to lead as their abbot. St. Benedict made this difficult decision because the monks under his care were unwilling to make the changes necessary for a more disciplined and holy life. In an attempt to rid themselves of him, they poisoned his wine. When St. Benedict blessed the drink, the pitcher shattered to pieces. Upon realizing that his monks were willing to resort to murder, St. Benedict left them to their own devices. St. Gregory responds to Peter’s question with a reflection on the importance of concern for one’s soul.
The dialogue format makes this little book incredibly easy and enjoyable to read. While Peter occasionally offers his thoughts, it is the pope, as both storyteller and teacher, who takes center stage. As St. Gregory moves from one miracle to the next, he and Peter weave a beautiful tapestry of the Gospel through the life of St. Benedict.
Through this dialogue, Peter comes to understand that the miracles of St. Benedict echo those of Moses, David, Elijah, and even St. Peter. The famous story of St. Maur walking on water to rescue St. Placid is a powerful example of how St. Benedict’s holiness sanctified and edified everyone who encountered him.
As we have now closed the Christmas season following the Epiphany of Our Lord, we should continue to reflect on the truth that Christ is always present with us, especially through those who faithfully follow in his footsteps. St. Gregory said, “The man of God who shone on this earth among so many miracles was just as brilliant in the eloquent exposition of his teaching.” Even centuries after St. Gregory’s words, the truth he spoke about St. Benedict continues to resonate, particularly for those of us who follow his Rule and teachings. I encourage you to read this little book to catch a glimpse of the light of St. Benedict.
want to continue the conversation?
Purchase the Life and Miracles of St. Benedict in the Abbey Guesthouse Gift Shop. In-store and online.
