SANTO PIO V
1504-1572
Pope
Antonio Michael Ghislieri or Pius V was born of noble but impoverished parents at Bosco in Piedmont, Italy, in 1504. At the age of 14, he entered the Order of Preachers at Voghera and, as a young religious, was remarkable for his prudence and solid piety. He was ordained in 1528 and taught theology and philosophy for sixteen years and was soon given offices of responsibility: as Master of Novices, then Prior of several Dominican houses, Inquisitor and, in 1551, Commissary of the Holy Office. In 1556, Pope Pius IV appointed him Bishop of Nepi and Sutri and, two years later, he was elevated to the cardinalate.
Elected Pope in 1566 under the title of Pius V, he at once set about putting into effect the decrees of the Council of Trent, thereby, accomplishing great reforms in the Church, notably among the clergy and in the Roman Missal. Saint Pius V gave large sums to the poor, lived a life of great austerity and piety, and personally visited the sick in hospitals. Throughout his entire pontificate, he fought Protestantism. By his prayers, especially the Holy Rosary, he obtained from God the victory of the Christians over the Moslems in the celebrated battles of La Naval de Lepanto.
After fulfilling the duty of the Pastor Bonus in a pontificate that was one of the most glorious in the 16th century, he died on May 1, 1572. Pope Clement XI enrolled him in the catalogue of the saints and canonized him on 1712.
Lord, those who have practiced justice will live in your tabernacle and will rest in your holy mountain. O God, in your providence you sent to your Church, for the defense of the faith and the dignity of worship, the pope Saint Pius; grant us, through his intercession, to participate in your mysteries with living faith and fruitful love. This we ask you through Christ our Lord. Amen.
FEASTDAY: APRIL 30
MEMORIAL
