Parental prayer and sacrifice also played a major role in the life of St. Pius X. Born into a devout but poor family in 1835, Joseph Sarto knew he wanted to be a priest from a young age. Not knowing where the money for his studies would come from, his mother, Margherita Sanson, prayed and sacrificed for her son even as she was left to care for nine children after her husband’s death. By providence young Joseph earned a scholarship to the seminary and was ordained in 1858. Throughout his ministry, including his 11-year pontificate, he remained a humble country priest at heart who believed in the power of prayer coupled with action as he combated modernism, addressed social issues, promoted love for the Blessed Sacrament, and performed great acts of charity. In honor of his Aug. 21 feast day, pray for the intercession of this saintly pope at home or at the church in Greensboro dedicated to him.
