There are many famous sayings from Saint Augustine, but the one that encompasses the musical aspect is this one: "He who sings well, prays twice."
For the Church, chant has been a fundamental aspect, especially when carrying out liturgical celebrations.
But not just any kind of chant. The Second Vatican Council gave greater importance to Gregorian Chant. See point 116 of the Constitution “Sacrosanctum Concilium”.
The Church recognizes Gregorian Chant as the proper chant of the Roman liturgy; all other things being equal, therefore, it must be given first place in liturgical actions.
Without excluding other types of musical variety, in the case of Gregorian Chant, it is recognized as the proper chant of the Latin rite. The name “Gregorian” has much to do, precisely, with a pope.
It was Saint Gregory the Great. During his pontificate, at the end of the 6th century, he undertook the task of consolidating the liturgy of the Western Church.
He gradually unified other forms of worship - for example, the Gallican form in France, the Ambrosian form in Milan, and the Hispano-Mozarabic form in Spain.
As a result of this, the Roman liturgy was gradually implemented. This type of chant was used in it. It was Gregory himself who brought together the chants used in the Gallican and Roman liturgy, resulting in a musical compilation. Years later, it would be named "Gregorian Chant" in his honor.
His memory is celebrated every September 3rd. In addition to being the 63rd pope of the Church, he was the first monk to become the Successor of Peter.
Along with Saint Augustine, Saint Ambrose, and Saint Jerome, he is one of the most influential Holy Fathers of the Latin Church.
He is also a doctor. It wasn't until seven centuries later, in 1295, that Pope Boniface VIII granted him this title. His remains are in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
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