St. Pius V

St. Pius V - May 5th

This holy Pope’s name was Michael Ghisleri. He was born in a little town of Italy of very poor parents. As a boy, he wanted to become a priest, but it seemed as though his great dream would never come true, because he had no money to go to school. One day, two Dominicans came to his home and when they met Michael, they liked him so much that they offered to educate him. And so at the age of fourteen, Michael joined the Dominican Order.


He became a holy priest, and a superior in different Dominican monasteries. Then he was made a bishop, and later a Cardinal. Courageously he defended the teachings of the Church against those who opposed them. And he always lived a holy life of penance, just as he had done in his monastery.


When he was sixty-one, he was chosen Pope and he took the name Pius V. He who had once been a poor shepherd boy was now the Head of the whole Church. Yet he remained as humble as ever. He still wore his white Dominican habit, the same old one he had had. And no one could persuade him to change it.


There were many problems for the Pope Pius V to face. He drew strength from the crucifix. Twice a day he meditated on the sufferings and death of Our Lord. Whenever he entered or left his room, he would kiss the feet of Christ on the cross.


At this time the Turks were trying to conquer the whole Christian world, and they had a great navy on the Mediterranean Sea. A Christian force went to battle them at a place called Lepanto, near Greece.


This was one of the greatest sea battles there ever was. From the moment the army set out, the Pope prayed the Rosary almost without stopping. And he had the people do the same.


Thanks to the help of the Blessed Mother, the Christians won a great victory. In gratitude to Our Lady, St. Pius V established the feast of the Holy Rosary.


If we make it a habit to say a Rosary every day, we will win our Heavenly Mother’s help and protection from evil.