Saint Pius X (1835-1914)
for August 21
Saint Pius X is one of the 20th century's greatest popes. He had grown up in a poor family, and he was often embarrassed by the showiness and excess of the papal court. He often saw this insistence on grandeur as a penance, because he wanted to live simply. Pius was very involved in politics, and encouraged Catholics to do the same. One of his greatest political acts was to end the government's right to influence papal elections by exercising veto power. He was very concerned about the poor treatment of native plantation workers in Peru. When World War I broke out, as Pope Pius had foreseen, he said, "This is the last affliction the Lord will visit me with. I would gladly give my life to save my poor children from this ghastly scourge." He died shortly afterward, and was canonized in 1954.
Read more about Saint Pius X (1835-1914)
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Reflection
Saint Pius X was very active in the problems of his time. He felt great compassion for those around him, and his love of God inspired him to both act to help others and to encourage other Christians to attempt to tackle the problems of the time. Although he recognized the preeminent importance of first developing one's relationship with God through solitude and prayer, St. Pius X encouraged Christians to proactively participate in the struggles of their fellow human beings. In what struggles do you participate? What problems could you more strongly help to remedy?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, please show me how I can more readily and beneficially help to fix the serious problems in my community. Help me to show your love and compassion to everyone with whom I work and speak.
