The feast day of St. Pius X is celebrated on August 21.
The birth name of St. Pius X was Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto. He was born in Riese, Italy into a family of ten children. His father was a poor parish clerk and hi mother was a seamstress.
At the age of 15, Giuseppe entered the seminary at Padua, Italy. His father died before he had graduated. His Mother would not let him return home to help the family, insisting he stay in school. He was ordained a priest in 1858 and worked as a parish priest for 17 years. Because of his many works of mercy, many were converted to the faith.
Father Sarto wished to work with the poor, however, he was named spiritual director of a major seminary and later became a bishop and then a cardinal. In 1903, he was elected the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. As Pope, he took the name of Pius X. He emphasized the importance of the Eucharist becoming known as the Pope of the Holy Eucharist. He allowed the Eucharist to be received at the age of seven. He also encouraged the use of Gregorian Chant in the liturgy.
Pope Pius X sheltered refugees with his own resources and tried to prevent World War 1. He died within two months after the war began on August 20, 1914.
The body of St. Pius X was exhumed 30 years after his death and discovered to be incorruptible. His limbs were still flexible. His body can be viewed at St. Peter’s Basilica.
I was born poor. I lived poor. I will die poor.
Quote of St. Pius X
August is the Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary