Saint Pius X
Pope, Memorial
Other Celebrations for this Day:
Liturgical Cycle: A, B, C | Lectionary Cycle: I, II
Introduction
Pope Pius X is remembered for initiating the liturgical reform, particularly by making the Eucharist more accessible through his decrees on early and frequent communion. Born to poor parents, he remained, also as pope, the pastor he had been throughout his life as a priest. Close to the people, he was aware of their needs and opened the liturgy to them, bringing it to life and building up the body of the Church through the Lord’s eucharistic body. In his testament, he wrote: “I was born poor, I have lived poor, I want to die poor.”
Opening Prayer
Lord our God,
we thank you for giving us popes
like St. Pius X
to lead your Church as true pastors.
Give us always shepherds close to the people,
attentive to their needs and aspirations,
and nourishing your Church
with the bread of life
of the plain message of the gospel
and of the body of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
First Reading
We had been mistreated and insulted in Philippi, but trusting in our God, we dared to declare to you the message of God and face new opposition.
Our appeal did not hide any error or impure motive, nor did we deceive anyone.
But, as God had entrusted his gospel to us, as faithful ministers, we were eager to please God, who sees the heart rather than people.
We never tried to flatter you, as you know, nor did we seek to earn money, as God is witness.
We did not attempt to make a name for ourselves among people, either with you or anyone else,
even though we are messengers of Christ and could have asserted our authority. On the contrary, we were gentle with you as a nursing mother who feeds and cuddles her baby.
So great is our concern for you that we are ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but even our very lives, for you have become very dear to us.
Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 21-22, 25 and 27
R. (2) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;
through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.
For you have said, "My kindness is established forever";
in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"I have found David, my servant;
with my holy oil I have anointed him,
That my hand may be always with him,
and that my arm may make him strong."
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
"My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him,
and through my name shall his horn be exalted.
He shall say of me, 'You are my father,
my God, the rock, my savior.'"
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Alleluia Verse
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I am the good shepherd, says the Lord;
I know my sheep, and mine know me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel
Simon Peter’s Mission
After they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?”
He answered:
“Yes, LORD, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said:
“Feed my lambs.”
A second time, Jesus asked him:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter replied:
“Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said to him:
“Tend of my sheep.”
And a third time, he asked him:
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was upset because Jesus asked him a third time, ‘Do you love me?’ and he answered:
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
Jesus then said:
“Feed my sheep!
Prayers of the Faithful
Prayer over the Gifts
Lord our God,
in the signs of this bread and wine
we remember how Jesus your Son
gave himself to us
to make us capable of giving ourselves.
Like St Pius X,
may we too draw from Jesus the strength
to serve one another and you
and to become every day more
The body of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Prayer after Communion
Lord our God,
on the feast of St Pius X
you have gathered us
around the table of your Son
and nourished us with his body
that we may bear much fruit
of lasting unity, peace and love.
Help us to bear each other’s burdens
and to build up among us
the kingdom of Jesus Christ,
your Son and our Lord for ever.