Saint Pius X
Feast day: August 21
Pope Saint Pius X, the Pope of the Eucharist, who let children receive Communion early (21/08)
Who is he?
Saint Pius X was Pope, the successor of Saint Peter, from 1903 to 1914. He is called “the Pope of the Eucharist.” His motto was “To restore all things in Christ” (cf. Eph 1:10).
Life story
Giuseppe Sarto was born on 2 June 1835 in the village of Riese, in northern Italy. His father was a town messenger, and the family was large and poor. Every day the boy walked several kilometers to school. In 1858, he was ordained a priest. He served as an assistant priest and then as a pastor in small parishes, teaching catechism to children and caring for the poor. After that, he became Bishop of Mantua, then Patriarch of Venice.
On 4 August 1903, he was elected Pope and took the name Pius X. Even in the highest position, he still lived as simply as when he was a parish priest. It is said that when someone wanted him to give noble titles to his sisters, he answered cheerfully that they were already the Pope’s sisters, so what more did they need?
He cared very much about teaching the catechism. He wanted every parish to have catechism classes for children and adults. He encouraged the faithful to receive Communion often, even every day. In those days, children usually had to wait until they were twelve or fourteen to make their First Communion. In 1910, he issued a decree bringing back the old tradition: children who had reached the age of reason, about seven years old, could learn the catechism to prepare, make their First Confession, and then their First Communion. He wanted children to meet Jesus early, Jesus who had told his disciples to let the children come to him (cf. Mk 10:14).
In 1914, the First World War broke out. He was deeply grieved, prayed for peace and died on 20 August 1914. In 1954, Pope Pius XII declared him a saint.
Why is he a saint?
Saint Pius X lived in poverty and humility and cared for his flock with all his heart. He loved Jesus in the Eucharist and wanted everyone, even little children, to meet the Lord at Mass.
A lesson for you
- Every time you receive Communion, prepare a clean heart and talk with Jesus.
- Study your catechism carefully so you know God and love him more.
Identifying marks
- A golden chalice and a white Host: he is called “the Pope of the Eucharist,” because he encouraged everyone to receive Communion often and let children make their First Communion at a younger age.
- An old man with white hair and a kind face: he was Pope from age 68 to 79, and was known for being gentle and simple.
- A white cassock and a small white cap (zucchetto): the clothing that belongs to the Pope.
- A red shoulder cape and a golden cross on his chest: the familiar dress in his portraits.
- The inside of Saint Peter’s Basilica behind him: he was the Bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter.
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