St. Francis of Assisi
St. Francis, who died on October 3, 1226, was an Italian mystic, poet and friar who founded the religious order of the Franciscans. Inpired to lead a life of poverty, he became a beggar and itinerant preacher. Francis is among the most admired of the saints, but few have attained to his total identification with poverty and the suffering of Christ. He was known for his boundless compassion and unconquerable joy. He is also known for his celebration of creation and love for all God's creatures. St. Gregory's, like many churches, particular honor him during our annual Blessings of the Pets service on the Saturday closest to his feast day of October 4.
St. Brigid (Bride) of Kildare
St Brigid, commonly known as "Bride," is among the most beloved of Irish saints. She was born in the middle of the 5th century and may have met St. Patrick as a young girl. She was raised in a Druid household and was the daughter of a renowned poet. However, from an early age she decided to dedicate her life to God alone as a Christian. In 470 she founded a nunnery in Kildare, Here had flourished the cult of a pagan goddess, from which it was said to have derived the sacred fire, which she and her successors maintained. Brigid actively participated in policy making decisions in Church conventions and one story has it that she received episcopal orders. She was known for her compassion for the poor and needy. St. Gregory's chapter of the Daughters of the King claims her as their patron saint.
The Reverend Pauli Murray
The Reverend Pauli Murray (Nov. 20, 1910-July 1, 1985) was the first African American female priest. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Durham, North Carolina. Murray graduated from Hunter College in 1933, and from Howard University Law School in 1944. Her senior thesis at Howard challenged the separate-but-equal principle behind segregation. It was used by lawyers in the 1954 U. S. Supreme Court case, Brown v. Board of Education. She also earned a master’s degree at the University of California School of Law in 1945. After teaching at the University of Ghana Law School in West Africa, she returned to the United States where she earned a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from the Yale Law School in 1965. Murray joined the faculty of Brandeis University in 1968. She resigned to matriculate at the General Theological Seminary in 1973, where she earned a Master of Divinity degree in 1976. On Jan. 8, 1977, Murray was ordained the first African American female priest. In 2021, a documentary film of her life story, "My Name is Pauli Murray" was produced and is available on streaming services. She is an inspiration to the beloved community God is building at St. Gregory's.
Mother Carmen Rendiles
Mother Maria Rendiles (Aug. 11, 1903-May 9, 1977) was canonized by Pope Leon XIV on October 19, 2025 becoming the first female saint from Venezuela. Feeling a deep calling to the religious life, Mother Carmen joined the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament on 25 February 1927. After completing her studies in Toulouse, France, she received her religious habit on 8 September 1927. She was dedicated to serving the needs of the people with great compassion and established convents and schools in both Venezuela and Colombia, including a school for underprivileged children located in her own family home upon inheriting it. Blessed Carmen's leadership skills and devotion to her calling were recognized by her peers, and in 1965 she founded the Servants of Jesus of Caracas. She dedicated the rest of her life to serving as the superior of this new congregation, leading by example and inspiring others in their religious vocations. Her legacy of faith, perseverance, and selfless service continues to inspire the faithful and the religious community she established. But for the St. Gregory's community, she is now treasured as the great aunt of Juan Lopez and Maria Lopez Patten, beloved members of our congregation.
Gregory the Great
Only two Popes, Leo I and Gregory I, have been given the popular title of "the Great." He was born in 540 and became Prefect of Rome in 573. He then became a monk and founded a monastic community at his ancestral home. He was appointed as an Ambassador to Constantinople where he learned much about the larger affairs of the Church. Upon his return to Rome in 590, he was elected as Pope after the death of Pope Pelagius. During the attacks against Rome, he organized the city's defenses and fed the population from the papal granaries. He was recognized for the energy and effectiveness of his leadership. He also ordered the Church's liturgy and chant, known today as a "Gregorian Chant," which has molded the spirituality of the Church to this day. He also prepared and fostered the Christian mission to the Anglo-Saxons under Augustine and other monks from his monastery, earning the title: "the Apostle to the English." He died on March 12, 604. He was a "Servant of the servants of God." St. Gregory's proudly claims him as our patron saint.
