The Man

On June 2, 1835, Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto was born at Riesi, Province of Treviso, near Venice.  He died on August 20, 1914, and on May 29, 1954, he who had become the two hundred fifty-eighth pope was canonized St. Pius X.  He was the second of 10 children and experienced real poverty throughout his childhood. He had to walk five miles to school each day. He was the first pope elected in the 20th century, reigning from 1903-1914. Two of his most outstanding accomplishments as pope were the inauguration of the liturgical renewal and the restoration of frequent communion from childhood. He once said that Holy Communion is “the shortest and safest way to heaven.”  He also encouraged frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance so that Holy Communion could be received worthily.  He also waged an unwavering war against the heresy of Modernism (a theological school of thought which claimed that Catholic dogma itself should be modernized and blended with nineteenth-century philosophies). He also gave great impetus to biblical studies, and brought about the codification of Canon Law. His overriding concern was to “renew all things in Christ”.  He is the only pope of the 20th century with extensive pastoral experience at the parish level, and his pastoral approach can be seen throughout his pontificate.  His was a practical, down-to-earth approach to the faith. Above all, his holiness shone forth conspicuously.  From St. 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.  His last will and testament bears the striking sentence: "I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor."  His feast day is August 21.

References to Pope Pius X:

• Vatican
• Wikipedia