Pius X the life-story of the beatus by Hieronymo Dal-Gal
– Dublin  1953

A BROKEN HEART (August 20th, 1914)

DAYS OF PAIN

HE last days of Pius X on earth were darkened by great anxiety and dreadful pain. In the early months of 1914 it was reported to him that die Mexican Bishops had been forced to flee their country and that the Archbishop of Durango had been condemned to sweep the streets. A deep sadness came over him and the expression of joy which had shone on his face from early youth was banished forever.

An observer who saw him at that time in St. Peter’s wrote: “ Slowly the Sedia Gestatoria moved through the crowd. The Holy Father’s face was sad, and it seemed that his soul, altogether unconscious of the pomp and splendour which surrounded him, contemplated only the things of heaven. The expression of sadness on his face was so pronounced that it seemed he would never smile again. A sudden movement in the crowd caused the Pope to halt. It was as though he were tom from his contemplation. He lifted his face to heaven, and then, like a sunbeam flashing across a wintry sky, an infinitely lovable smile coloured his countenance. He looked at two Italians who stood next to me as they exclaimed: ” Bless us, dear Holy Father, bless us! ’ ”

On May 20th, 1914, Pius X held his last Consistory. Though it then appeared that peace would bless the world for many years, the Pope addressed the College of Cardinals in grave words. He began his discourse by pointing to the Cross of Christ as the only fountain of salvation and peace for suffering humanity, and continued: “ To-day more than ever we must search for that peace as we look on helplessly at the hatred which the different nations and classes bear one another, fearing that the growing discord will develop into dreadful battles. There are men of skill and authority who, foreseeing in their hearts the fate of their states and the destruction of human society, search for possible ways and means to prevent the cursed tumult and butchery of war. /..,/”

The truth of these words became evident to all only two months later, when justice and love of neighbour were trodden underfoot, and all saw clearly that Europe was making steady strides towards destruction and slaughter, because one thing was missing—God in the life of the people.

Pius X had always lived among the people. He saw the influence materialism exercised on their lives and realized that sooner or later it must bear its bitter fruit. In the first encyclical of his pontificate he had declared: “ The will for peace without God is absurd, for justice flies from where God is absent, and it is hopeless to wish for peace without justice.”

On June 28th, 1914, newspapers all over the world reported that the heir to the throne of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife had been assassinated for political reasons. This was the match that was to kindle the fire which would cause much destruction and heartbreak and consume much of the good seed scattered by the labours of the Holy Pontiff. Pius X was deeply depressed by the news, for he had often prophesied that apostasy from God would give rise to the senseless murdering of people which was now imminent. On hearing the news he hastened to the chapel and spent hours wrestling in prayer with the Almighty that He would forgive the people their sins and have mercy on the children of this world. Under his direction Pontifical diplomacy did all in its power to prevent the impending war. The Pope begged, implored and admonished with all the authority of his elevated office that governing powers should not stain themselves with blood and should seek to preserve the peace at any cost. The whole Christian world looked to their beloved Pontiff, for they realized that he was their only hope of peace, that he alone could save them from the threatening onslaught.

But in those days of passion who would listen to invocations for peace? The rulers and powerfill ones of the earth were blinded by pride, eaten with cupidity and deaf to the authority of Christ.

As the Pope worked hard for peace, eight nations mobilized their armies for war. Day and night Pius X prayed fervently, constantly and feverishly. He lay prostrate for hours before the Blessed Sacrament, repeating over and over again the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani: “ Father, all things are possible to thee: remove this chalice from me; but not what I will, but what thou wilt ” (Mark xiv. 36).

His fatherly heart suffered in anticipation all the pains and sorrows which were to overtake humanity. Vividly before his eyes he could see the battles, the cruel hatred, towns reduced to ruins, homes broken and deserted, the weeping widow, the orphan and the broken-hearted mother in place of the unity of hearts and the harmony of nature intended by the Creator. Repeatedly he tried to prevent the horrible misfortune of war or at least to stem its tide. He dared to hope against all human hope. The Austrian Ambassador asked the Holy Father to bless the armies of the Danube monarchy, but he replied: “I bless not armies, but only peace. ” It was all in vain. The war had started.

/ …./

THE SUPREME HOLOCAUST

The anguish of Pius X reached its zenith when he held a farewell audience for the theological students who were forced to leave the Eternal City and abandon their sacred studies in order to return to their various countries to fight one another. He blessed English, French, Slavs, Austrians, Germans and Belgians, realizing that these young men who now stood side by side united in their love for the Pope would, within a few months, meet again as enemies at the battle front. With tears in his eyes he admonished them solemnly: “ Show yourselves worthy of the Faith you profess, and in war don’t forget mercy and compassion.” He paused for a moment and turned his eyes to heaven as though in a last desperate effort to plead with the Almighty for peace and harmony among men, but his prayer went unanswered. This sorrow was plainly too much for him; he recalled the words of the Divine Master: “ I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep ” (John x. 11), and offered his life a holocuast for the salvation of the world.

The robust constitution of the Pope which had weathered the storm of attacks on the Church in Mantua and Venice gradually broke under the painful impact of the war. “ He was tired in soul, shaken and depressed,” wrote his doctor, Professor Marchiafava. On the afternoon of August 15th, 1914, he felt extremely ill and had to retire to bed. The 16th and 17 th he spent struggling from bed to study-table time and time again in the hope of spending his last ounce of energy in the cause of the Church. On the 18th his condition fluctuated, and while at moments the end seemed near, at other times he felt sufficiently well to conceive the hope of recovering and returning to his work. The morning of the 19th brought an unexpected relapse, and it became certain that the end was nigh. The Pope was now fully convinced that all hope of recovery must be abandoned, and he resigned himself, breathing, “ Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” All anxiety and worry had left him and an air of peace and joy surrounded the dying Pope. “ There was no sign of excitement and no word of complaint,” said Cardinal Merry del Val. Fully conscious, he received towards midday the Viaticum and Extreme Unction ‘with great joy and peace.

Towards evening the big bell of St. Peter’s sounded solemnly to proclaim to the Romans that Christ’s Vicar was dying. All the bells in the city took up the peal simultaneously, and a heavy cloud of sorrow covered that city whose children were about to lose their beloved father. Churches were filled with people praying fervently, many offering their lives that God might prolong the life of the Pope. Men, women and children lifted their hands to heaven and begged that God would not deprive them of their only hope in those days of dreadful anguish. But God had decided differently. While the whole world trembled with anxiety, Pius X lay in bed calm and recollected. He whispered fervent ejaculations, asking God to forgive him his sins and to spare His sinful people who were so mercilessly destroying one another.

He gave his last farewell greeting to his faithful friend and loyal co-worker, the Cardinal Secretary of State, who had stood at his side for the past eleven years and had shared his sorrows and joys. The dying Pope could no longer speak, but with a look of great joy and love used his last ounce of strength to embrace and kiss the hand of his friend. The silent gesture gave expression to his whole-hearted gratitude and love. Then he smiled at his sisters and the other Cardinals present around his bedside, inviting them to turn their eyes heavenwards as he breathed his consummatum est. He fell asleep and after a few moments moved once again to make the Sign of the Cross; then he folded his arms, and a mysterious look came over his face as though he beheld the presence of a heavenly visitant. At I .IJ on the morning of August 2oth, he kissed his little crucifix and closed his eyes forever.

^u His death could not have been more peaceful,” testifies Professor Marchiafava, who was present. The Archbishop of Pisa, Cardinal Maffi, gave expression to the general opinion when he said that Pius X was one of the first victims of the war. Sorrow for his children, delivered to fury and hatred, had broken his heart.

In the early hours of the morning a little altar was erected in the sick-room, and a few Cardinals, prelates and confidants of the Pope celebrated the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Others approached the bed and touched the body with their rosaries, medals and crucifixes to be preserved as precious memories and relics. The same pathetic scene was witnessed again the following day when the body, clad in Papal vestments, was exhibited in the Throne room; where crowds of people of all classes and nationalities came, blocking the courtyard of St. Damasus, the Vatican stairways and many rooms, not so much to pray for the dead Pope as to beg his intercession before the throne of God. The multitude was so great that the Vatican Guards had to come on the scene to maintain order. Two Monsignori stood by the body of the Pope and touched it with religious objects which the crowds presented for that purpose.

The whole world, even the enemies of the Church, bowed in reverence before the greatness and sanctity of this unique personality. The great Protestant newspaper of France, Le Temps of Paris, wrote on August 2ist, 1914: “ Pius X was never led by the motives which determine human decisions. He was above the things of earth and wholly orientated to things divine. His faith alone was the light which illumined his path. The reality, power and sovereignty of his spirit was evidenced by his determination to preserve die rights and freedom of the Church.” On the same day The Times of London wrote: “ All who appreciate the true meaning df sanctity must unite themselves with the Catholic Church which weeps to-day for the loss of a holy priest, a great bishop, and a famous Pope.”

The Socialist paper I ’Humanity of Paris wrote: “ A great Pope has died. His politics were extremely simple; they consisted in restoring the values of faith with apostolic force. He could conduct this policy with authority because the simplicity of his soul and the sincerity of his virtue was never doubted. Judge him as you wish, you must admit he was a great Pope.” A democratic newspaper of Rome did not hesitate to assert: * We have seen living in our midst the form of the poor man of Assisi—Pius X is a saint.”

His death caused very great sorrow among the diplomats and ambassadors who had had dealings with him during his life. Cardinal Merry del Val reports: “I saw several diplomats moved to tears. One of them, a non-Catholic, spoke to me the morning after his death and told me that he had it in mind to request his Government to appoint him to a new field of action because, whoever the new Pope might be, without Pius X, Rome would not be for him the capital of the world. Another diplomat, speaking of the general chaos into which Europe had fallen, said that with the death of Pius X the last hope and light had been extinguished and now nothing remained but darkness all about.”

THE LAST TESTAMENT OF PIUS X

Pius X wrote his last testament on December 30th, 1909. It resembles those of the Popes of the earliest Christian times. It reads: “ I was bom poor, I have lived in poverty and am sure that I shall die a poor man. I commend my sisters, who have always lived with me, to the generosity of the Holy See and beg that they be allowed a small sum of money each month to support them in their old age. . . I expressly command that my body shall not be touched or embalmed. According to the custom it should be exposed for a few hours and then buried in the crypt of St. Peter’s.”

Two days after his death the contents of the last testament were made public. The spirit of sacrifice and humility expressed in it made a deep impression on the people, who were amazed at his heroic sanctity. “ Pius X will certainly be raised to the honour of the altar . . . he is a saint,” was on the lips of all. A correspondent of Le Temps, Jean Carr&re, telegraphed his paper in the following words: “ This te : stament reveals the truly evangelical spirit of Pius X. It caused a magnificent manifestation of public feeling in the Basilica of St. Peter’s, where the whole of Rome, kneeling before the body, called out together, ⁴ St. Pius, pray for us.’ I have seen impressive ceremonies in Rome, but never have Iwitnessed anything like this magnificent spectacle at which a gigantic crowd of people of all classes unanimously declared the Pope who had just died a saint . . . Vox populi, vox Dei.”

IN THE PEACE OP THE VATICAN GROTTO

On the evening of August 23rd, 1914, the humble son of Riese was buried according to his wish in the crypt of St. Peter’s. His grave was on the right of the little stone stairway which leads from the Basilica to the grotto under the statue of St. Andrew. The body was laid in a plain marble sarcophagus adorned only with the words “ Pius Papa X.” On the floor in front of the tomb there was a plate with an inscription which synthesizes the character, the virtue and the Pontificate of Pius X. It reads:

PIUS PAPA X
PAUPER ET DIVES
MITIS ET HUMILIS CORDE
REIQUE CATHOLICAS VINDEX FORTIS
INSTAURARE OMNIA IN CHRISTO
SATAGENS
PIE OBIIT DIE XX AUG. A. D. MCMXIV

“ Pius X; poor and rich; meek and humble of heart; strong defender of the rights of the Church; labouring to restore all things in Christ, died piously on August 20th, 1914.”

The body remained here until 1943, when the excavations in the Vatican Grotto caused it to be removed to a chapel in the grotto. In 1944 it was brought into the Basilica and placed in a niche in the wall of the chapel of the Annunciation.

A Prelate said at the burial service, “ Pius X is dead, but he still lives on in the memory of the people and in the history of the Church. I have no doubt but that this part of the Vatican grotto will become a place of pilgrimage.” This prophecy was fulfilled; from near and far men of all nations came to pray at the grave of the holy Pope. The number became so great that it was impossible for the crypt to hold the crowds, and many knelt in the Basilica itself just over the tomb. Cardinals, bishops, prelates and priests celebrated Mass on the little altar near the tomb, and many of the faithful showed their devotion to Pius X by receiving Holy Communion at this altar. They brought candles, flowers and votive plaques which were immediately removed, so that the veneration of the people would not become a cult, and so delay the Beatification process.

In order that the faithful might easily find the spot in the Basilica directly over the tomb, Cardinal Merry del Vai had a metal plate with the inscription “ Pius Papa X ” set into the floor. On the 20th of each month the pious Cardinal celebrated Holy Mass on the little altar in the grotto near the tomb, until February 20th, 1930, six days before his own unexpected death.

All felt that they had in Pius X a new helper and intercessor at the throne of God. The devotion and confidence of the people grew continually in a way that was, “ humanly speaking, inexplicable,” as a Cardinal said.

Finally, the Cardinals resident in Rome, with one accord demanded that the processes for Beatification and Canonization be started immediately. This was the ardent wish of millions of the faithful, including bishops, prelates and princes. It is unique in the history of the Church that the processes should be started by the Cardinals. On February 14th, 1923, they appointed Don Benedetto Pierami, Abbot of the Roman Benedictine Abbey of St. Prassede, Postulator for the Cause. At the same time the canonical diocesan processes were started in all the places in which Pius X had lived. These were concluded when the Congregation of Rites introduced the Cause of Beatification on February 12 th, 1943.

Immediately after this followed the Apostolic Process to investigate the virtues of the Servant of God. On September 3rd, 19so, after thorough and diligent investiga­tion, the process concluded with the declaration of heroic virtue and gave him the title * Venerable.” Never once was it necessary to seek petitions for the Beatification; they poured in in thousands. The deep inner conviction of the sanctity of Pius X caused the faithful of the whole world to fill the archives of Postulation to overflowing with petitions for his Beatification.

TWO MIRACLES PROPOSED FOR THE BEATIFICATION

With the recognition of the heroic virtues of the Servant of God the Process for the Beatification reached its conclusion. But it was necessary to wait until God Himself confirmed the judgment of His Vicar on earth. The Process of Beatification tells of many graces and favours which had been received during his lifetime by the blessing of Pius X. As many are recorded as taking place through his intercession after his death. Of these, two were recognized, after a strict scientific examination, as being genuine miracles approved by the Church.

SUDDEN HEALING OF OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE HIP

The subject of the first of these miracles was a Sister of the Convent of the Visitation in Dole, France, by the name of Marie Fran$oise Deperras. She was suddenly healed from an osteosarcoma of the hip—an illness much feared by the doctors.
As the illness had been declared incurable from the very first diagnosis the Sister prepared herself for death. The end seemed imminent as the pains were unbearable. The nurse of the convent, Sister Germaine, received a relic of Pius X, and persuaded the other Sisters of the Community to join in a Novena to the great Pope, to obtain through his intercession the healing of the sick Sister. The relic was fastened with a pin to the clothing of the patient while the Community joined in fervent prayer for her recovery. Nine days passed and nothing happened. Her condition became even worse, but her confidence in Pius X was very strong. Instead of despair, the worsening of her condition only incited the Sisters to greater confidence and they started a second Novena for the same intention. Though on December 6th her condition seemed hopeless, on the morning of the 7th she felt as if new life were streaming through her veins. She suddenly felt better and all pain vanished. She sat up in bed feeling in perfect health. Imagination? No, a first class miracle.
The doctor, who had left her a few hours before, had advised the Sisters to give her great care and attention as death was likely to come at any moment. When summoned, he was absolutely dumbfounded and could do nothing but confirm complete restoration to health and admit that he was faced with a fact wholly inexplicable in the light of human science. Besides this doctor, Henri Sullerot, the surgeon René Jennessau, and the practitioner, Félix Bourgeat, with whom Sullerot had repeatedly discussed the case and who had frequently visited the sick Sister, both admitted that the cure was inexplicable from a clinico-pathological point of view. All three doctors felt certain that the healing had a supernatural cause. Sister Marie Françoise rose from her bed and immediately took up her place in community life, completely healed. On March 21st, 1950, experts from the Sacred Congregation of Rites declared after a careful examina-tion of all the data of the case that it was a sudden, complete and lasting cure which could only be explained in terms of the supernatural.

THE SUDDEN HEALING OF A MALIGNANT TUMOUR

The second miracle approved by all the doctors and specialists consulted, and recognized by the Sacred Congrega-tion of Rites after the usual and detailed examination, took place in Italy. Sister Benedetta Maria of the Convent of St. Clare in Boves, in the Province of Cuneo, suffered from a dangerous abdominal growth—cancer. Before she was attacked by this she had already suffered from a dangerous illness of the stomach, and this new affliction rendered her condition serious. Her death was expected at any moment.
But in the Convent of Boves the Sisters were aware that the Process for the Beatification of Pius X was in progress and they resolved to beg his intercession. In February, 1938, the Community started a novena for this intention. The doctor, Dr. Abrate, would have liked to attempt an operation, though he admitted that he could not hope for much success. The patient and her Sisters firmly resisted this plan, since even the doctor had doubts about it. In the meantime the novena was continued. One day Sister Benedetta was overwhelmed with devotion to Pius X, and she swallowed a relic—a small part of his clothing. Miraculous medicine! At that very instant the pain ceased, and the growth, which had become the size of an orange, vanished at a stroke. The Sisters were at that moment in choir, and could not believe their eyes when they saw Sister Benedetta enter the chapel fully dressed and unassisted. As soon as they left the chapel all the nuns together started asking questions excitedly, and the Sister could not get a chance to tell her story. She answered every one of the torrent of questions with the same expression: “ Healed by Pius X! Healed by Pius X!”
Very soon the doctor came on the scene and wanted to know what all the excitement was about. When he was told the facts one by one, in anything but chronological order, he shook his head in amazement. “Doctor,” said the Mother Superior, ” you still have a little faith left.” ” But,” replied the physician, ” here we don’t need faith; we are standing before an irrefutable fact.” The doctor waited for some time in order to assure himself that the cure was permanent, before giving his certificate. Then he dictated his certificate to the Sisters and thanked and praised God Whose power had been manifested before his eyes. The very day that the cure had taken place, Sister Benedetta took up her duty once more as portress, and told everyone who came to the gate of the wonderfill favour she had received at the intercession of Pius X.
The hour for the glorification of the servant of God was at hand. On February 11th, 1951, Pius XII acknowledged, by his authority as Vicar of Christ, the two miracles, and on March 4th following he declared that the Beatification of the Servant of God could be prepared without hesitation.

RAISED TO THE RANK OF THE BEATI

On June 3rd, 1951, in a most solemn ceremony, Pius X was raised to the honour of the altar. Providence arranged that this event should take place on the anniversary of the Baptism of the son of the poor Cursore of Riese. None of those who on June 3rd, 1835, accompanied him to the Church of Riese even suspected that 116 years later the Holy Father, amidst a vast crowd of pilgrims from all over the world, would venerate that child under the title of “ Blessed.” On the broad steps of St. Peter’s, before the gilt shrine which contained the remains, Pius XII venerated the new Beatus. * Heavenly joy fills my heart,” he said, and in a masterly way he painted the life of his great predecessor, stressing his eminent virtues, his shining example and his incomparable achievements. The long awaited wish of the faithful was fulfilled. All the bells of Rome chimed in festive manner, ringing out the song of praise and jubilation inscribed on the obelisk in the centre of the square of St. Peter’s:

CHRISTUS VINCIT, CHRISTUS REGNAT, CHRISTUS IMPERAT