Pope Saint Gregory II (died this day 731) was the first Italian pope after a long series of Syrians and Greeks. He established the widespread use of the Roman Liturgy in the Northern lands through the work Saint Boniface (whose name the Pontiff changed from Winfred entrusting to him the missionary commission to Germany, and later making him a bishop).
I learned of Pope Gregory today listening to Radio Vaticana Italia in Rome, he is the saint on their Alzati e cammina, saint of the day (one minute or so, very informative) program, typically on a long forgotten (at least from the American Catholic standpoint) Roman Saint. (I have to visit Vatican Radio and find out what their resource is.)
Need to get the book of saints they are using for my daily pleasure!
A book of Popes I am reading (by a certain Kelly--protestant) says also that the site of his house became a certain Church of Saint Agnes in Rome. All very interesting and wonderful exploration topics between my doctoral labors here in the Eternal City.
By the way, here, after experiencing the city (from the inside) for half an year, is an alternative name I have coined for Rome (in place of the "Eternal City" which I also like but am still trying to fully appreciate in light of the passing of all things). OK. It is eternal because it is the See of Peter and he is the Rock which will not shake until the end of the world! (And the cobblestones used all over the old city are even called "san petrini's"). And it has had a continuous life since its founding over two thousand years ago. Nevertheless, what most stands out existentially here is the character of the City.
It is a city of the ordinariness of baroque exaggerations, even in the character of the Romans, if I have it right.
For now, Rome, for me, is the Crowned City.
Though, perhaps that name does not get exactly to the layers of history and the slow and sure Roman work ethic: take your time, wait and think, build it slow, do not waste any effort, care not what anyone else thinks or says about it, and make sure it will last forever! And crown it! And live with it and enjoy and admire it and leave it for the whole world, and God himself, to enjoy, eternally!
E.g. The concerts here (free, all over the place of the highest caliber) are amazing! Crowned splendor indeed, and eternal worth!
