Gregory I the Great
(540-604) Source for his life is the letter before Magna Moralia in Job. 573 Prefect becomes monk; founds St. Andrew in Rome - deacon - apocrisarius in CP - return. 590 Pope (first monk; appointed other monks); time of plague and wars (Justinian II and Lombards - negotiated peace & wrath of emperor
Interpretation of SE: sermons, comm.(Job, 1Kings), Magna Moralia in Job (whole SE). 3 senses. dialogues (holy men & women in Italy) Pastoral Rule (duties and ideal of bishop, especially preaching). No relation with Sacramentary or liturgical chant. He was not an innovative theologian, but formed vocabulary. Balance between active & contemplative life. Ideal pastor.