August 21 : Saint Pius X

Pius X is known for vigorously opposing modernist interpretations of Catholic doctrine, promoting liturgical reforms and scholastic theology. Pius X was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Confidence. St. Pius X, original name Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, ordained in 1858 and became a parish priest in the Italian region of Venetia. He was, however, named spiritual director of the major seminary and chancellor of the diocese. Later, he became a bishop and then a cardinal. He was elected Pope on 4 August 1903. He took “Restore all things in Christ” as his motto. He was the head of the Catholic Church from 1903 to his death in 1914. Three aspects of his policy particularly aroused bitter controversy: The repression of Modernism, a contemporary intellectual movement seeking to reinterpret traditional Catholic teaching in the light of 19th-century philosophical, historical, and psychological theories; His reaction against Christian Democrats and his attitude toward separation of Church and State in France. He directed that children as young as seven should be allowed to receive the Eucharist. He initiated changes in Church music and worship. He began a biblical institute. He gave the first official impetus to the modern liturgical renewal. Pope Pius X believed that real peace could be achieved only through social justice and charity. He sponsored and sheltered refugees with his own resources. His decision to adapt and systematize canon law led to the publication of the new code in 1917, effective in 1918. Pius X was known for his firm demeanour and sense of personal poverty, reflected by his membership of the Third Order of Saint Francis. He regularly gave sermons from the pulpit, a rare practice at the time. He rejected any kind of favours for his family, and his close relatives chose to remain in poverty, living near Rome. He was beatified in 1951 and canonized in 1954 by Pope Pius XII. A statue bearing his name stands within St. Peter’s Basilica; and his birth town was renamed Riese Pio X after his death.