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St Pius X
Feast Day August 21
Patron of Children, the Poor, and First Communicants
St Pius X
had a great love for the faithful, especially children and the poor. Those
who follow his encouragement of early reception of Communion and family Bible
reading have given parents a model to follow to place a love of Jesus and His
Word deep in their childrens' hearts so that it might guide them through life.
If they happen to stray from the path of mass and the Sacraments, we pray those
seeds of spiritual gifts buried deep in the heart of a prodigal might blossom
once again in their lives, nouished by the prayers of those who love them.
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Who
was Saint Pius X?
Joseph Sarto (Pope Pius X)
was born into a poor Italian family and is recognized as a great 20th century
popes. He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court, but, gained
his strength, his gentleness and warmth for people from the source of all gifts,
the Spirit of Jesus. He is best remembered for his encouragement of the
frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children.
As pope, he issued decrees on early Communion at the
age of 7, advocating frequent and even daily Communion, reformed the liturgy,
promoted clear and simple homilies, brought back Gregorian chant, revised the
Breviary, and teaching of the Catechism, reorganized the administrative
elements of the Church, initiated the codification of canon law, promoted Bible
reading by all the faithful and supported foreign missions.
His will read: “I was born poor; I lived poor; I wish
to die poor.”
Describing Pius X,
a historian wrote that he was “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 everyone.”
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Prayer
Asking
the Intercession of St. Pius X
Glorious Pope of the Eucharist, Saint Pius X, you sought "to restore all things
in Christ." Obtain for me a true love of Jesus so that I may live only for Him.
Help me to acquire a lively fervor and a sincere will to strive for sanctity of
life, and that I may avail myself of the riches of the Holy Eucharist in
sacrifice and sacrament. By your love for Mary, mother and queen of all, inflame
my heart with tender devotion to her.
Blessed model of the priesthood, obtain for us holy,
dedicated priests, and increase vocations to the religious life. Dispel
confusion and hatred and anxiety, and incline our hearts to peace and concord.
so that all nations will place themselves under the sweet reign of Christ. Amen.
Saint Pius X, pray for me.
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