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.
Many believe the most powerful prayer on earth played a role in Mary’s appearance with St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist in Knock, Ireland, on Aug. 21, 1879. Before this, Father Bartholomew Cavanagh, the parish priest, pledged he’d say 100 Masses for the souls in purgatory. He offered the last of these 100 Masses just days before the Marian apparition occurred. By 1880, Father Cavanagh recorded 300 cures credited to Mary. Looking for some heavenly help for departed loved ones? Seek Our Lady of Knock’s intercession this Aug. 21 by requesting a Mass enrollment at the Knock shrine.