Homily for the Memorial of Saint Pius X

Today we celebrate St. Pius X, the “Pope of the Blessed Sacrament,” who took as his motto: “Instaurare omnia in Christo”—“To restore all things in Christ.”

He was born Giuseppe Sarto, son of a postman, and became one of the most beloved and reforming popes in history. But his legacy is not in policy or politics—it is in pastoral care, in Eucharistic renewal, and in fidelity to truth.

This wasn’t a man with lofty theories and aloof reforms. This was a man who walked barefoot as a child to church, who loved the Mass with tears in his eyes, who preached to the people as a priest and never stopped being a pastor—even when wearing the papal white.

And what did he do, more than anything else?

He called the Church—clergy and laity alike—back to the heart of the Eucharist.

Pius X famously lowered the age of First Holy Communion, allowing children to receive Our Lord at the age of reason—rather than delaying until adolescence. His reasoning was profoundly simple and deeply Catholic:

“The surest way to Heaven is through the Eucharist. Why delay it?”

It was radical at the time. But he was right. Because Holy Communion is not a reward for perfection—it is strength for the journey.

He taught that even the young could love Jesus truly, even children could hunger for holiness. And his words still challenge us:

“Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven.”

Let me say that again: “Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven.”

Not money. Not comfort. Not success. Jesus. In the Eucharist.

St. Pius X was not trying to innovate. He was trying to restore clarity.

Jesus lost followers when He spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

The people couldn’t accept that. They wanted a spiritual Messiah with nice parables and good vibes—not a crucified God who feeds them with Himself.

And yet it is precisely this truth that St. Pius X defended so powerfully: that Jesus Christ is truly, really, substantially present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—in the Blessed Sacrament.

This is not a symbol. It’s not a ritual meal. It’s not a community performance.

It’s Calvary made present. It’s Heaven touching earth.

It’s Christ, whole and entire—given to you.

And if we forget that, the Church loses her very soul.

This evening, we celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass ad orientem—facing the same direction, priest and people together, toward the Lord.

This isn’t about turning backs on people. It’s about turning hearts toward Heaven.

St. Pius X advocated the renewal of liturgy not for spectacle, but for reverence. He knew that form teaches. And if the Mass becomes about us, then we’ve forgotten the Guest of Honour.

He once said:“The Holy Mass is the most beautiful thing this side of Heaven.”

Let that be true in our parishes, in our sanctuaries, in our hearts.

Because the world is distracted. The culture is noisy. Even the Church is tempted to entertain.

But the Mass is not entertainment. It is the Cross. It is the Resurrection. It is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.

So what does this mean, dear brothers and sisters?

It means…

1. Come to Mass not out of habit, but out of hunger.
2. Approach the altar not casually, but reverently.
3. Receive the Eucharist not as routine, but as life itself.

It means we must return—again and again—to the source and summit of our faith.

Let me ask plainly: Do you believe that Jesus is truly present in the Host?

Do you live as if He is? Do you prepare your soul to receive Him?

Have you made a good confession lately?

St. Pius X gave the Church a great gift: He reminded us that Christ is not far off. He is here—on our altars, in our tabernacles, in our very bodies.

That is not a metaphor. It is a miracle.

Let me leave you with the challenge of St. Pius X in his own words:

“Holy Communion is the key to Paradise.”

That’s not pious exaggeration. That’s a saint speaking from experience.

So here’s the question:

If Holy Communion is the key… are you turning the lock?

Are you coming to Mass with faith? Are you letting the Eucharist transform you?

Are you helping your children see the miracle—not just the motions?

Pius X was pope in a time of rapid change. War, division, political turmoil, moral confusion—it all sounds familiar.

But he never gave in to despair. He gave us a path forward.

Not a political programme. Not a new ideology. Not a clever strategy.

He gave us the oldest and truest thing we have: Christ. In the Eucharist.

So tonight, we honour him best not by nostalgia or pious sentiment.

We honour him by living his motto:

“Instaurare omnia in Christo”—To restore all things in Christ.

And that begins right here—at this altar.

Because this is not just bread.

This is not just a ceremony.

This is Jesus. And He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

So come. And receive the One who restores all things. And let Him restore you.