St Peter Damian: Hymnus Sancti Gregorii 1 Papae (6)

Hymn to Saint Gregory the Pope

1.

Now the apostle of the English, 

Now the companion of angels, 

As at that time, Gregory, you did for that race, 

Now bring help to the faithful. 

2.  

You supply an abundance of wealth) 

And you despise 

All worldly glory, so that poor 

You may follow your poor master Jesus. 

3.

An angel seems to be a needy shipwrecked man, 

While he seeks a small offering; 

You offer now twice the less mina 

And one silver dish.  

4.

Because of this at this time Christ 

Offers you (puts you in charge of) his church; 

In this way you occupy the position of Peter, 

Whose example you also follow.

5.

O excellent pope, 

Light and glory of the church, 

May you not permit (us to go) into danger, 

Whom with so many commands you instruct.

6.

A heart having been made honey sweet 

Your lips sprinkle (it); 

Your eloquence conquers 

The strength of fragrant spices.

7.

You marvelously solve the obscure mysteries 

Of the sacred scriptures; 

Theoretical mysteries 

That very truth teaches you 

The divine mysteries of comtemplation.

8.

You having obtained the apostolic succession 

And fame at the same time, 

Release us from the snares of guilt, 

Return (us) to the seats of heaven.

9.

May there be praise to the father by those who have been born,

May there be high esteem to the only begotten (son),

And let the highest majesty of both (the father and the son)

Belong to the equal priests.

Amen.

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1. Pope Gregory the Great sent Saint Augustine of Canterbury to Britain in 595 to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity.  Gregory I, 64th Bishop of Rome 590 to 604.

2.  Perhaps referring to The storm at sea in Acts 27:23-44; There are many biblical references to selling silver vessels.
   from The Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals (which denys Vatican II).
   An Angel presents himself to thee, in the garb of one that was shipwrecked, and asks an alms; thou first makest him a double gift, and then thou givest him a silver vase.

3.  from The Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals which denys Vatican II.
   An Angel presents himself to thee, in the garb of one that was shipwrecked, and asks an alms; thou first makest him a double gift, and then thou givest him a silver vase.