“I was born poor, I have lived in poverty, and I wish to die poor.”
From the Last Will and Testament of Pope Saint Pius X
Saint of the Day Quote: Pope Saint Pius X,
- Donald R. McClarey
Donald R. McClarey
Cradle Catholic. Active in the pro-life movement since 1973. Father of three, one in Heaven, and happily married for 43 years. Small town lawyer and amateur historian. Former president of the board of directors of the local crisis pregnancy center for a decade.
We can thank this pope for making reception of the Eucharist frequent. By frequent I mean anytime as long as one is in the state of grace. Children did not receive Communion until maybe 12-13 years of age. Pope Pius X set First Communion at the age of reason for the Western Rites. Typically that is at 7 years of age. Eastern rites the children received at Baptism and that has not changed.
I heard this yesterday via radio in an excellent homily while ironing linens in the sacristy. Not sure if Pope X changed the fasting time pre reception on his watch. I hope the fast is never abolished. As Eucharistic Minister to “shut ins” I learned that they do not have to fast.