Remembering St. Pius X... the saintly pope that my childhood school and church were named after...

My latest over at Patheos talks about "the Pope of the Eucharist"... St Pius X...

Here's a sample...

I was a little girl in a white dress, with white Mary Jane shoes, (and yes, white gloves!) making her First Holy Communion at St. Pius X Church in Plainview, New York. It was the late 60s and I was in the second grade. For seven years I walked the halls of that parochial school, past St. Pius’ silent statue with his triple-tiered tiara, as was papal customary of the time. Though I saw his visage almost every day, I never really knew his history, or that he was the early 20^th century pope who lowered the age norms for First Communicants, something benefitting me directly and so many modern generations who come to the Lord’s table at a young age.
 St Pius X taught: “Holy Communion is the safest and shortest way to Heaven.”
 Long before he became the first pope elevated in the 20^th century, with the name Pius X, or Pio X, as the Italians call him, a young Father Giuseppe Sarto exerted a lively and holy influence in his parish. His pastor wrote of his zeal during his first assignment.

They have sent me as curate a young priest, with orders to mould him to the             duties of pastor; in fact, however, the contrary is true. He is so zealous, so full of good sense, and other precious gifts that it is I who can learn much from him.   Some day or other he will wear the mitre, of that I am sure. After that—who knows? (Lives of Saints, published by John J. Crawley & Co.)

There's more, here.

Among Women Podcast #114: Prepping for the New Roman Missal

Among Women 114 is a powerful combination of faith testimony and practical suggestions for preparing your heart (and your children!) to receive the words and prayers of the forthcoming New Roman Missal, coming to the English speaking Catholic world this Advent. I welcome Jaymie Stuart Wolfe, an author and an editor for Pauline Books and Media, who, not only brings her own faith story to Among Women, but unpacks some great resources for the spiritual life.

Together we discuss and a great new book for children,
The Mass Explained for Kids, and new book series for young people:  Praying with the Holy Father.  And here is the new iMass app available for iPad and iPhone.


In our saint segment, we'll profile a copier of books, and a former princess who gave up her position to become a religious sister: St Euphrosyne of Polotsk.