(c.550-615) The 67th pope was first a student under Saint Gregory the Great, then a Benedictine monk, and finally chosen as pope in 608. He was the first to convert a pagan temple to Christian use in Rome. The Pantheon had been a temple to all of the Roman gods, and Pope Boniface IV dedicated it to Our Lady and all the martyrs (the origin of All Saints Day, then May 13). Saint Boniface IV supported expansion of the Church in England, encouraged reform of the clergy, and helped those suffering from famine and disease in Rome.

One reflection that can be gleaned from the life of Pope Saint Boniface IV is the skill of transferring what led us to our old “idols” to devotion to the only God. Where our defects once ruled (Step 6), we now strive to implement the opposite spiritual principles (Step 7).

“My Creator, I am now willing that You should have all of me, good and bad. I pray that You now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength, as I go out from here, to do Your bidding. Amen” (7th Step Prayer, Alcoholics Anonymous).

Reflection by Brad Farmer