St. Pius X – September 3rd
This great Pope’s name was Joseph Sarto. He was the son of the mailman in the little Italian town of Riese, and was given the affectionate nickname of “Beppi.” The Sarto’s were a large family, very poor, but very devout, good people. When young Joseph felt that God wanted him to be a priest, he had to make many sacrifices to reach his goal, but he did not mind. He even walked miles to school barefoot to save his one good pair of shoes.
After he was ordained a priest, Joseph Sarto labored for the souls in poor parishes for seventeen years. All the people loved him because he used to give away everything he had to help them. His sisters even had to hide his shirts or he would have nothing left to wear. Even after this good priest had become a Bishop and then a Cardinal, he still gave away what he owned to the poor, and kept nothing for himself.
When Pope Leo XIII died, Cardinal Sarto was chosen Pope, even though he kept saying he was not worthy. He took the name of Pius X, and became known as the Pope who overcame a dangerous heresy and the Pope of the Holy Eucharist, because he encouraged everyone to receive Jesus as often as they could. He also made a law permitting young children to receive Holy Communion, too. Before that time, boys and girls had to wait many years before they could receive Our Lord.
Even as Pope, St. Pius X lived as humbly and simply as ever. “I was born poor,” he said, “I have lived poor, and I wish to die poor.” He did so much to help the poor that people wondered where all the money came from. God gave him the power to work miracles, too. “Cure me, Holy Father!” a man once said, pointing to his paralyzed arm. The Pope rubbed the arm gently, saying “Yes, yes.” And the arm was healed. There were many cures like this one.
When the terrible World War! Broke out, St. Pius X suffered greatly at the thought of all those who would be killed. He had said: “I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this horrible suffering!” And a short time later, Our Lord did indeed come for this beloved Pope.
I will pray often: “Dear Lord, I am not worthy to receive You into my heart. But in order to overcome my defects, I want to love You more and receive You in Holy Communion even every day if I can.”
