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Patron Saint of our Parish
St. Pius X, the Pope A fearless defender of the purity of
Christian Doctrine. St. Pius X, the Parish A consistent leader, in the forefront of new programs, pilot projects, and new methods; that did not so much change, but help to build up Christ's Church. all in accordance with the new Liturgy brought about by Vatican II
A young vibrant and exciting community - working together, worshipping together, serving and sacrificing - because they love their God and each other. Let us be leaders; but not of the worldly type, who accomplish by forcing, urging and driving to get things done; rather leaders who lead as Christ did: "Come, follow me!"
St. Pius X Reference: Our History, 1986, Jack Hubenig
FEAST
OF ST. PIUS X, Pope "To defend the Catholic faith and make all things new in Christ" was the task that St. Pius set for himself. His motto "To renew all things in Christ" was the guiding principle of his reign as pope. Giuseppe Sarto (1835-1914) was born to poor parents. He entered the seminary at age 15 and was ordained in 1858 at age 23. For seventeen years he was a parish priest, then chancellor of his diocese. Appointed Bishop of Mantua in 1884, he endeared himself to his people by his gentleness and warmth as he went about renewing his diocese. Ten years later he was named Cardinal and Patriarch of Venice, and in 1903 he was chosen to be Pope. It was a time that clled for strength in leadership in the Church and this humble saint was equal to the challenge. The opening prayers of the Mass (on His Feast Day) recognized that he was filled with "heavenly wisdom and apostolic courage." He met the needs of the Church and the needs of society. Primarily he turned to the spiritual needs of the Church and is remembered as the pope who encourage frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children, and he urges that they receive this wonderful sacrament as early as possible. Of great interest to us today is the personal initiative that he took and encouraged in liturgical matters. He initiated reforms of liturgical books, a revision of the text of the psalms, and he encouraged an active participation of the laity in the celebration of mass. It is known that he was convinced of the value of the vernacular in the liturgy, but thought the thime was not yet right for its use. Much of what he envisioned and encouraged is a reality for us today. In the internal affairs of the Church he gave impetus to the codification of Church law. He took a strong stand against interference in the internal affairs of the Church by governments, especially France. He was concerned also for the correct teaching of catholic doctrine and the strong catechetical formation of the youth. He encouraged the serious and critical study of the Scriptures. The years of the pontificate of Pope Pius X were difficult, but he untiringly gave of himself "in spirit of simplicity, poverty and courage, arousing the faithful to a Christian way of life and waging constant warfare against the errors of his age." (cf. note in The Liturgy of the Hours). He was a gentle and sensitive shepherd after the model of Jesus the Good Shepherd. An historian wrote of him: 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." We have been blessed with great and competent popes in our century. They have been teachers, spiritual giants, inspiring guides, courageous and zealous preachers. Above all they have been holy pastors. And today we are privileged to honor the first of the 20th century popes, the gentle sensitive, pastoral Pius X. _ Excerpts from St. Monica Parish Bulletin 08/19/01, NYC, NY, USA -
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