CHURCH HISTORYCHURCH HISTORY

500 A. D. – 1000 A. D.500 A. D. – 1000 A. D.

Journey from 500 – 1000 Journey from 500 – 1000 (Early Middle Ages)(Early Middle Ages)

The Church continued to spread the The Church continued to spread the gospel. It also preserved Western gospel. It also preserved Western

Civilization.Civilization.

This period is known as “This period is known as “the Dark Agesthe Dark Ages” ” where barbarian invasions were destroying where barbarian invasions were destroying

the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, the the Roman Empire. Nevertheless, the

Church remained a Church remained a LIGHTLIGHT

in the midst of the upheaval.in the midst of the upheaval.

Missionary ActivityMissionary Activity

In the sixth century, In the sixth century, Pope Gregory the Pope Gregory the GreatGreat

sent many missionaries to bring the sent many missionaries to bring the light of faith to the barbarian tribes.light of faith to the barbarian tribes.

Missionaries from the British Isles Missionaries from the British Isles traveled to continental Europe to traveled to continental Europe to restore Christianity in those places restore Christianity in those places which had been invaded by barbarians.which had been invaded by barbarians.

Gregorian ChantGregorian Chant

St. Gregory, born at Rome about the year 540, was the son of Gordianus, a wealthy senator, who later renounced the world and became one of the seven deacons of Rome. After he had acquired the usual thorough education, Emperor Justin the Younger appointed him, in 574, Chief Magistrate of Rome, though he was only thirty-four years of age. After the death of his father, he built six monasteries in Sicily and founded a seventh in his own house in Rome, which became the Benedictine Monastery of St. Andrew. Here, he himself assumed the monastic habit in 575, at the age of thirty-five.

Gregorian ChantGregorian Chant

After the death of Pelagius, St. Gregory was chosen Pope by the unanimous consent of priests and people. Now began those labors which merited for him the title of Great. His zeal extended over the entire known world, he was in contact with all the Churches of Christendom and, in spite of his bodily sufferings, and innumerable labors, he found time to compose a great number of works.

He is known above all for his magnificent contributions to the Liturgy of the Mass and Office. He is one of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church. He died March 12, 604.

He is the patron of teachers.

MonasteriesMonasteries

From the 6From the 6thth to 11 to 11thth centuries, centuries, monasteries for women (nuns) and monasteries for women (nuns) and men (monks) were essential to the men (monks) were essential to the preservation of Christianity and preservation of Christianity and Western Civilization.Western Civilization.

They were centers of learning and They were centers of learning and offered hospitality for travelers, the offered hospitality for travelers, the poor, and the sick.poor, and the sick.

"seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you..." (Mtt. 6:33).

Saints to KnowSaints to Know

• St. BrigidSt. Brigid

• Sts. Benedict and ScholasticaSts. Benedict and Scholastica

• St. Augustine of CanterburySt. Augustine of Canterbury

• St. BonifaceSt. Boniface

• Sts. Cyril and MethodiusSts. Cyril and Methodius

Put Christ before Put Christ before everything: St. everything: St. BenedictBenedict

Struggles and UpheavalsStruggles and UpheavalsIn the early centuries of Christianity, In the early centuries of Christianity,

Syria, Egypt and North Africa had Syria, Egypt and North Africa had given the Church some of its greatest given the Church some of its greatest leaders. In the decades following the leaders. In the decades following the death of Mohammad in 632, however, death of Mohammad in 632, however,

Muslims from Arabia conquered all Muslims from Arabia conquered all these areas, and within a few these areas, and within a few

centuries, Christians had become a centuries, Christians had become a minority in these lands.minority in these lands.

Struggles and UpheavalsStruggles and UpheavalsIn the early eighth century, Spain was In the early eighth century, Spain was

also taken over by the followers of also taken over by the followers of Muhammad, and the Christian Muhammad, and the Christian

populations of France and populations of France and Constantinople were threatened by Constantinople were threatened by

Muslim conquest as well. Muslim conquest as well. Nevertheless, the Church continued to Nevertheless, the Church continued to

grow in Europegrow in Europe