Novena to St. Pius X - Day 5

Christ-like Lover of Souls

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau chose St. Pius X as their patron saint and we have done the same for this newsletter and media project. Throughout his life, and particularly during his papacy, St. Pius X was a bold defender of the Church and her traditions; opposing modernist ideologies and promoting scholastic theology. Join us in praying this novena as we ask for St. Pius X’s intercession.

This novena comes from a booklet written by Rev. Lawrence G. Lovasik in 1954.

Christ-like Lover of Souls

Reflection

Saint Pius X expressed some of his zeal and love for souls in the following words : "The times we live in demand action - but action which consists entirely in ob­serving with fidelity and zeal the divine laws and the precepts of the Church, in the frank and open profession of religion, in the exercise of every kind of charitable works, without regard to self-interest or worldly ad­vantage. Such luminous examples given by the great army of soldiers of Christ will be of much greater avail in moving and draw­ing men than words and sublime sermons ; and it will easily come about that, when human respect has been driven out, and prejudices and doubting laid aside, large numbers will be won to Christ, becoming in their turn promoters of His knowledge and love which are the road to true and solid happiness."

"The fruits of our labors may come slow­ly; but charity wearies not with waiting, knowing that God prepares His rewards not for the results of toil, but for the good will shown in it."

+St. Pius X, Oct. 4, 1903.

"To restore all things in Christ by the apostolate of good works, divine grace is needed, and the apostle does not get it un­less he is one with Christ. When we have found Jesus Christ in ourselves, then only shall we be able to give Him easily to fam­ilies and to associates. All those who share in the apostolate must therefore, have solid Piety".

+St. Pius X.

Prayer

Saint Pius, Christ-like lover of souls, obtain for me through your prayers an active share in your own zeal for souls. Keep me from indifference - praying and acting only for my own needs - while around me there are many starved minds in need of God's truth, and many famished hearts in need of God's love. Obtain for me the grace to rise from my slumber. Fix deep in my soul such a personal love for Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, that I may act always and everywhere for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Increase my faith, my love, and the ardor of my desire to imitate Jesus, so that His Sacred Humanity may be­come for me a light and a source of life. Pray to the Holy Spirit for me that He may imprint, little by little, the likeness of Jesus in me, by reveal­ing Him more intimately to me, by making me share the sentiments of His Sacred Heart, especially His love for God and souls, and by giving me the strength to live according to these senti­ments in union with my dearest Mother Mary, just as you did during your lifetime. In this way let me share in the fulfillment of the great ideal of your life: "To restore all things in Christ." Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.

Saint Pius, Christ-like lover of souls, pray for us.