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Which major works did St. Gregory the Great write?
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St. Gregory the Great
Pope Gregory I (the Great) depicted in a stained glass window at St. Michael & All Angels Church in Brinkworth, Wiltshire, England.
St. Gregory the Great (who reigned as pope from 590 to 604) was a prolific writer whose works significantly shaped medieval spirituality and moral theology. His major writings include:
- Moralia in Job: A substantial work in which he enumerated the seven deadly sins and the seven heavenly virtues.
- Pastoral Rule: A highly influential handbook for rulers and clergy regarding their duties.
- Dialogues: A popular collection that includes a biography of St. Benedict of Nursia and accounts of various miracles.
- Homilies on the Gospel: A series of sermons preached to the public offering practical wisdom.
- Homilies on Ezechiel: A work explaining the symbolism of the Temple of Jerusalem for monastic audiences.
Additionally, Gregory left behind nearly 900 letters that provide extensive documentation of his papacy, as well as fragments of exegesis on the Song of Songs.12