(1835-1914) One of 8 children of the poor village cobbler, Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto was born in modern-day Italy (Austria at the time). He was the first Pope elected in the twentieth century and died at the beginning of World War I. Known as the Pope of the Blessed Sacrament, Pius X lowered the age of reception of the Eucharist, advocated frequent reception of the same, reformed the liturgy, and promoted the reading of Sacred Scripture.

Pope Saint Pius X believed, “The daily adoration or visit to the Blessed Sacrament is the practice which is the fountainhead of all devotional works.” Eucharistic adoration is an excellent setting to put the Twelve Steps into practice—every one of them. Have you tried it?

“My hope is in Christ, who strengthens the weakest by His Divine help. I can do all in Him who strengthens me. His Power is infinite, and if I lean on him, it will be mine. His Wisdom is infinite, and if I look to Him for counsel, I shall not be deceived. His Goodness is infinite, and if my trust is stayed in Him, I shall not be abandoned” (Pope Saint Pius X).

Reflection by Brad Farmer