By CAROLE BRESLIN
Can anyone imagine a more challenging time in the history of the Church than the 16th century — besides this century? The Protestant Revolt north of Rome decimating the numbers of faithful Christians; to the west, England persecuting all Catholics; to the southeast, the Turks of the Ottoman Empire conquering at will place after place, setting their sights on all of Christendom — even together these were not enough to destroy the Catholic Church. For God sent to the faithful many great saints to renew and reform the Church.
There are those who criticize Pope St. Pius V for his passionate fight against error, but the man was holy, humble, and instrumental in leading the Church through one of the most difficult periods in her history. His feast day is celebrated on April 30.
On January 17, 1504, the infant cry was heard in the simple house of the noble Ghislieri family at Bosco, in Italy. Michele Ghislieri who would become Pope Pius V was born. By the age of 14 he had taken the Dominican habit; through the order he received an orthodox education in authentic, if austere, piety. After ten years he was ordained and he taught theology and philosophy until 1544. In addition to taking charge of the novices, he was elected to the post of prior for several different Dominican houses.
He sought to instill the spirit of the order’s founder by improving the practice of monastic virtues. Since he himself fasted, did penances, and spent many hours in meditation and prayer, he won over the hearts of his charges. When he traveled, he did so on foot, practicing silence or speaking only of the things of God.
In 1556, Ghislieri was named a bishop by Paul IV, soon being named inquisitor of the faith in Milan and Lombardy. The next year Paul IV made him cardinal with the responsibility of being inquisitor general for Christendom. In 1559, he was appointed to Modovi where, though hindered by war conditions, he succeeded in restoring a purity of faith and discipline in the Church.
He shrank from no one in his zealous pursuit. When the Pope tried to name a Medici who was only 13 to the Sacred College of Cardinals, Ghislieri fought the move. Likewise he defeated the efforts of Maximilian II, emperor of Germany, when he tried to do away with priestly celibacy.
When Pope Pius IV died, Michele Ghislieri was elected Pope — much to his dismay, but much to the joy of the Church. As Pope Pius V, he quickly put an end to unnecessary luxuries by giving large sums to the poor. The pious practices of earlier days continued throughout his pontificate. In fact, he would spend time in meditation before the Blessed Sacrament twice a day despite his heavy workload.
He visited hospitals to console the sick, preparing patients for death, and kissing the repugnant wounds of lepers. Witnessing such compassion converted an English nobleman.
With his close associate, St. Charles Borromeo, he worked to reform the clergy, ordered bishops to reside in their assigned dioceses, and banished prostitutes from Rome. He oversaw the preparation of the Roman Catechism. He revised the Roman Breviary and Missal which the Church used for over 400 years. He not only enforced the disciplines of the Council of Trent (1545-1563), but he also reformed the Cistercians and proclaimed the supremacy of the Holy See over secular government.
Pope Pius V encouraged the persecuted Catholics of Spain, Germany, France, and England, and excommunicated Queen Elizabeth, supporting the cause of Mary Stuart of Scotland. He gave new force and focus to the Inquisition.
Perhaps the most significant event of his reign as Pope was the defeat of the powerful and seemingly invincible Turks. First, he sought to unite all Christian princes against the Muslim invaders, including Maximilian, Philip II, and Charles I. He supported the Knights of Malta and sent money to towns in Italy to build fortifications against the Turks. He collected one tenth of the revenues from convents to support his efforts, as well as declaring a year of jubilee of fasting and prayer to turn back the tide of the invaders.
He finally succeeded in bringing the forces of Venice, Spain, and the Holy See together after the Turkish leader attacked Cyprus in 1570. He organized a final expedition under the leadership of Don Juan of Austria, advising him to leave behind all soldiers of ill repute. The Pope told him that by doing so victory would be his. Don Juan also carried the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe on the masthead of his ship. The replica had been given to Philip II by the archbishop of Mexico, who had given it to Don Juan.
As many already know, Pius V ordered public prayers for victory. On October 7, 1571, praying the rosary, the people begged God for a victory. While the Battle of Lepanto raged between the militarily superior Turks and the greatly outnumbered Christians, the Pope worked with cardinals. Suddenly he rose and went to the window, declaring, “A truce to our business; our great task at present is to thank God for the victory which He has just given the Christian army.”
When official word arrived of the victory, he broke down in tears, overjoyed at the defeat of the Turks from which they never recovered. In honor of Mary’s intercession, he instituted the Feast of the Holy Rosary on October 7. He also added Mary, Help of Christians to the Litany of Loreto.
Within a year of this great victory, Pope Pius V passed away on the first of May, 1572. Having put prayer first, he overcame many enemies of the Church. Pope Clement X beatified him in 1672. Pope Clement XI canonized him in 1712.
Dear Lord, our times are not much different from those of your servant Pius V. We beg of you that we too will be inspired by his example of fasting and prayer to defeat the enemies of Holy Mother Church. May the Blessed Virgin Mary protect us and obtain for us success in converting sinners. Amen.
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(Carole Breslin home-schooled her four daughters and served as treasurer of the Michigan Catholic Home Educators for eight years. For over ten years, she was national coordinator for the Marian Catechists, founded by Fr. John A. Hardon, SJ.)
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