From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
August 21st - Pope Saint Pius X
(1835-1914)
=E2=80=9CHoly Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven.=E2=80=9D
Pope Saint Pius X, Confessor, reformer, and the 259th pope. Referred
to as the =E2=80=9CPope of the Blessed Sacrament,=E2=80=9D Pope Pius X is p= erhaps
remembered best for his encouragement of frequent reception of the
Holy Eucharist, especially for children. He urged all Catholics to
look to Our Blessed Mother, and to =E2=80=9CRestore all things in Christ=E2= =80=9D for
the betterment of personal lives and of the world--a world plunged
into war during his papacy. Throughout his life, Pope Pius X never
forgot his humble beginnings, and lived a life of poverty, service,
and humility. His last will and testament proclaims this sentiment: "I
was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor."
A contemporary of this great holy man, Baron von Pastor, stated of
him: "He was one of those chosen few men whose personality is
irresistible. Everyone was moved by his simplicity and his angelic
kindness. Yet it was something more that carried him into all hearts:
and that 'something' is best defined by saying that all who were ever
admitted to his presence had a deep conviction of being face to face
with a saint.=E2=80=9D
Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in the small village of Reise, Venetia,
the future pope experienced poverty and demonstrated humility from an
early age. Giuseppe's father was the town postman and with his moth=
er,
the couple struggled to financially support ten children. Despite
their poverty, both parents highly valued education, and rather than
working, Giuseppe walked six kilometers to school each day to receive
his education.
As a child, Giuseppe demonstrated aptitude for learning and devotion
to the Lord. He studied Latin with a local priest, and through his
hard work, secured himself a scholarship to attend Seminary in
Padua--something his family could not have afforded. Ordained at the
age of twenty-three, he served as curate, and then labored for 17
years as a parish priest. As a priest, Giuseppe sought to prefect his
knowledge of theology by assiduously studying Saint Thomas and canon
law. At the same time he established a night school for adult
students, and devoted himself of the ministry of preaching in other
towns to which he was called. Giuseppe was elected bishop of Mantua,
and in 1892 was advanced to Cardinal, and appointed to the
metropolitan see of Venice with the honorary title of Patriarch. Noted
for his keen intelligence, diligent work, and great piety, he was
sought out for prestigious positions and advanced rapidly. Through all
of his work, Giuseppe obediently answered the call of the Lord, never
seeking election or promotion, but accepting that which was thrust
upon him.
Giuseppe was elected Pope in 1903, taking the name Pius X, described
as "a man of God who knew the unhappiness of the world and the
hardships of life, and in the greatness of his heart wanted to comfort everybody." The primary goal and aim of his papacy was to =E2=80=9CRenew al=
l
things in Christ=E2=80=9D ("instaurare omnia in Christo"). He preached
frequent reception of Holy Eucharist, a restoration of church
music--including Gregorian Chant, encouraged daily Bible reading and
renewal and reform of institutions to teach Biblical matters,
reorganized the Roman ecclesiastical offices, and codified Canon
Law--all in attempts to draw the faithful to Christ and renew the
Church in His presence.
As Pope and spiritual director of the Church on earth, he displayed
untiring self-sacrifice and great energy. Above all things, he
defended the purity of Christian doctrine. He realized to the full the
value of the liturgy as the prayer of the Church and the solid basis
that it furnishes for the devotion of Christian people. He promoted
sacred music so that the congregation may better participate in holy
prayer, and had choir books printed for the congregation. Above all,
his holiness shone forth conspicuously. From Pius X we learn again
that "the folly of the Cross", simplicity of life, and humility of
heart are still the highest wisdom and the indispensable conditions of
a perfect Christian life, for they are the very source of all
apostolic fruitfulness.
On the 11th anniversary of his election as pope, Europe was thrust
into the first World War. Taking ill with bronchitis, he wrote, =E2=80=9CTh=
is
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.=E2=80=9D Pope
Saint Pius X died a few days later, on August 20, 1914. His sanctity
and power to work miracles had already been recognized. He was the
first Pope canonized since Saint Pius V in 1672.
Saint Quotes
=E2=80=9CMy hope is in Christ, who strengthens the weakest by His Divine he= lp.
I can do all in Him who strengthens me. His Power is infinite, and if
I lean on him, it will be mine. His Wisdom is infinite, and if I look
to Him for counsel, I shall not be deceived. His Goodness is infinite,
and if my trust is stayed in Him, I shall not be abandoned.=E2=80=9D
--Pope Saint Pius X
=E2=80=9CLet the storm rage and the sky darken--not for that shall we be dismayed. If we trust as we should in Mary, we shall recognize in her,
the Virgin Most Powerful =E2=80=9Cwho with virginal foot did crush the head=
of
the serpent.=E2=80=9D
--Pope Saint Pius X
<><><><>
O most benevolent and most merciful
Heart of Jesus,
imprint in our hearts a perfect image
of your great mercy,
so that we may fulfil the commandment
You gave us:
"Be merciful as your Father is merciful".
Mother of mercy, look upon so much misery,
so many poor people,
so many captives, so many prisoners,
so many men and women
who suffer persecution at the hands of their brothers and sisters,
so many defenseless people
so many afflicted souls, so many troubled hearts.
Mother of mercy, open the eyes
of your clemency and see our desolation.
Open the ears of your goodness
and hear our supplication.
Most loving and most powerful advocate,
show that You are truly the Mother of Mercy. Amen.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)