Saint Pius X was born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto on June 2, 1835 in Reise, Italy. He was born into a poor family, the oldest of eight surviving children. His intelligence and moral character earned him a scholarship to attend a good high school, where he felt the call to the priesthood. He received a scholarship to the seminary in Padua, and was ordained in 1858, at the age of 23. He was assigned to a small parish, where he loved serving the poor. His zeal and passion for the faith was noticed, and he was soon appointed pastor of a large parish. He still took care of the poor, often giving away his own items to them. He insisted that his parishioners learn the fundamentals of the faith. He was soon appointed Canon of the Cathedral at Treviso, and eventually was named Bishop of Mantua. He found a troubled diocese, persecuted by the government and fallen prey to secularism. He worked tirelessly to restore the faith with much success.
He was appointed Cardinal of Venice by Pope Leo XIII, where he found many of the same problems he had faced in Mantua. He again worked hard to restore the faith, and won the support of his flock. When Pope Leo XIII died in 1903, he repeated many times to his fellow Cardinals that he was both unworthy and incapable of being Pope. However, he gained votes with each ballot and when he received enough votes to be elected he bowed his head, broke into tears, and whispered, “Fiat voluntas tua” (Thy will be done).
In his first encyclical he announced the aim of his reign – “To restore all things in Christ” (Eph 1:10). He knew that the path to do this was through the clergy. He strengthened formation for clergy, and then insisted that clergy implement religious instruction for young and old within their parishes. He moved the age to receive the Eucharist back so that children could receive, and encouraged the frequent reception of the Eucharist.
His tireless devotion to restoring all things in Christ came to an end on Aug. 20, 1914. He was canonized on May 29, 1954. His feast day is August 21.
Learn more about his writings and speeches at his official biography on the Vatican's website.