St. Gregory the Wonder-worker

Saint Gregory the Wonder-worker

Bishop & Confessor

Gregory was born as Theodore to a noble pagan family in Asia Minor, around the year of Our Lord 213. He and his brother became disciples of the famed scholar Origen, and when baptized Theodore took the name Gregory. After returning home, a reluctant Gregory was soon consecrated bishop of the tiny diocese of Caesarea. About this time he received one of the earliest apparitions of Our Lady, along with St. John the Evangelist, who delivered a statement of Trinitarian doctrine. Gregory defended the faith against heresies, preserved his flock from persecution, and attracted many converts through the public celebration of feast days. He earned his surname Thaumaturgus, or Wonder-worker, by performing countless miracles, including many healings, conversions, and escapes from persecutors. He once prevented a flood, and another time moved a mountain to make more room for a new church; he is thus a patron against floods and earthquakes, as well as of hopeless causes. It is said that, after beginning with a diocese of only seventeen Catholics, at his death around the year of Our Lord 270, Gregory governed a diocese containing only seventeen pagans.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for November 17th

AT Neocaesarea, in Pontus, the birthday [into heaven] of St. Gregory, bishop, illustrious by his learning and sanctity. The prodigies and miracles which he wrought to the great glory of the Church gained for him the surname of Wonder-worker.

In Palestine, the holy martyrs Alphaeus and Zacchaeus, who in the first year of the persecution of Diocletian, after many torments underwent capital punishment.

At Cordova, during the same persecution, the holy martyrs Acisclus, and Victoria, his sister, who were most cruelly tortured by order of the governor Dion, and thus merited to be crowned by our Lord for their glorious sufferings.

At Alexandria, St. Denis, bishop, a man of the most profound learning. Renowned for having often confessed the faith, and illustrious by the various sufferings and torments he had endured, full of days he rested in peace a confessor, in the time of the emperors Valerian and Gallienus.

At Orleans, St. Anian, bishop, whose precious death in the sight of the Lord is attested by frequent miracles.

In England, St. Hugh, bishop, who was called from a Carthusian monastery to the government of the church of Lincoln. He ended his holy life in peace, renowned for many miracles.

At Tours, St. Gregory, bishop.

At Florence, St. Eugenius, confessor, deacon of blessed Zenobius, bishop of that city.

In Germany, St. Gertrude, virgin, of the Order of St. Benedict, who was renowned for the revelations she received. Her festival is celebrated on the 15th of this month.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.