St Pius X
Today we celebrate the feast day of St. Pius X. St. Pius X was the second of 10 children and he was raised by a poor Italian family. Joseph Sarto was his birth name and he was able to become Pope Pius X when he was 68 years old. He is actually recognized as one of the 20th century’s greatest popes.
St. Pius X was always mindful of his humble origin, St. Pius X stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” St. Pius X was sometimes embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he had said in tears while talking to an old friend. To another he said, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemani.” St. Pius X was very humble.
St. Pius X was extremely interested in politics, and St. Pius X had encouraged Italian Catholics to become more politically involved. One of his first papal acts was to end the supposed right of governments to interfere by veto in papal elections this was a practice that had reduced the freedom of the 1903 conclave that had elected him.
During the year 1905, when France had renounced its agreement with the Holy See and threatened the confiscation of Church property if governmental control of Church affairs were not granted, St. Pius X had courageously rejected the demand.
St. Pius X was also a person that had denounced the ill treatment of indigenous peoples who lived on the plantations of Peru, he also sent a relief commission to Messina after a very bad earthquake, and sheltered refugees at his own expense.
During the year of the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe had entered into World War I. St. Pius X was able to foresee this event, however, it had killed him. “This is the last affliction the Lord will visit on me. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge.” He died a few weeks after the war had began. St. Pius X was canonized during the year 1954. St. Pius X's feast day is celebrated on August 21.
Prayer to St. Pius X:
St. Pius X intercede that we may be able to guide more people to Christ by being humble, kind and charitable towards others. St. Pius X help us to be more peaceful people and help us to be more open to any challenges we may encounter.
Amen
St. Pius X pray for us
St. Joseph pray for us
May we continue to strengthen our journey to sainthood and keep others in our prayers.
Works cited
Information (read from, not taken):
Franciscan media. “Saint Pius X. ”Saint Pius X | Franciscan Media. Accessed August 21, 2021.
Images:
Saint Pius X. August 21, 2021. Saint Pius X - Google Search.