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St. Pius X, Pope

Wednesday August 21, 2024

St. Pius X came from humble beginnings. Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, he was the second oldest of ten children. His parents believed strongly in the value of education, and Giuseppe walked almost 4 miles to school every day. He also studied Latin with a local priest. He received a scholarship to attend seminary and was ordained a priest in 1858.

As a priest, and later as a bishop, he thought it important that all children receive religious instruction. He enabled children in public schools to learn about the faith through instruction, which was unusual at the time. He also worked with sick during a cholera plague in the area in the early 1870s.

Giuseppe was elected pope in 1903. He took the name Pius X.

He strongly believed that frequent reception of the Eucharist should be promoted. He also encouraged children to receive Holy Communion and reduced the minimum age for reception of the Eucharist from 12 years old to 7 years old.

St. Pius X died on August 20, 1914. He is sometimes called "Pope of the Blessed Sacrament".

His feast day is August 20.

Patron Saint of ...

St. Pius X is the patron saint of first Communicants.

Daily Mass Readings for the Memorial of St. Pius X, Pope

In addition to the readings below, the readings for the Memorial may also be taken from the readings for the day or the Common of Pastors: For a Pope.

  • First Reading - 1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8: "With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us."
  • Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 89: "For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord."
  • Gospel - John 21:15-17: "After Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and eaten breakfast with them, he said to Simon Peter, 'Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?' Simon Peter answered him, 'Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.' Jesus said to him, 'Feed my lambs.'"

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Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven.

St. Pius x

Read more about this saint

He also promoted the reading of the Bible among laypeople, reformed the liturgy, promoted clear and simple homilies, and brought back Gregorian chant. He revised the Breviary, reorganized the curia, and initiated the codification of canon law.

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