Deepertruth: Stand In The Gap With Our Saint of the Day: Saint Pius X

Stand In The Gap With Our Saint of the Day: Saint Pius X

Ordained in 1858, he became a parish priest in the Italian region of Venetia. Pope Leo XIII made him bishop of Mantua (1884) and in 1893 cardinal and patriarch of Venice. He was elected pope on August 4, 1903.

St. Pius X, also known as Pope Pius X, is the patron saint of First Communicants and pilgrims. Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2nd, 1835 in the town of Riese formerly in the Austrian Empire, he remained poor his entire life.

His most important reform was to publish the first “Code of Canon Law”, which collected the laws of the Church into one volume for the first time. He was known as a pastoral pope, encouraging personal piety and a lifestyle reflecting Christian values. Pope Pius was particularly devoted to Mary

Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children.

The second of 10 children in a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pius X at age 68. He was one of the 20th century’s greatest popes.

Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “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.”