August 20, 1914: The Death of Pope Pius X, & August 21st: The Feast of St. Pius X

The Featured Item: A Framed Relic of Clothing of Pope St. Pius X

This is a unique item, a second class relic (meaning it is a piece of clothing from the saint).

The notation was signed by his sister, Maria Pia Sarto, who died in 1930.

His coat of arms is on the right-hand side in wax.

It appears that the notation on the reverse side refers to the relic as a piece of clothing belonging to Blessed Pius X. He was beatified on June 3, 1951 (and canonized on May 29th, 1954). The notation was signed on December 17, 1953 by Maria Pia Sartor.

Coat of Arms & Motto of Pope St. Pius X

Instaurare Omnia in Christo
 To restore all things in Christ

The Controversy Surrounding the Election of Pope Pius X

Pope Pius X was elected but really Cardinal Rampolla received the most votes. He didn’t end up being Pope, because the Archbishop of Krakow used the veto vote of Austria’s Emperor. That was the last time a secular power intervened in a conclave. The year after his election, Pius X abolished that rule under the threat of excommunication. From then on, only cardinals could vote.  Papal Artifacts refers you to the story connected to the acquisition of these artifacts, which are some of the rarest items ever to have become part of the Collection. The items are featured under this link.

Scrutiny Sheet & Ballot Paper from the Conclave that Elected St. Pius X

Autographed Photo of St. Pius X

Pius X was obviously interested in the spiritual well-being of Catholics. Known as the Eucharistic Pope, he not only encouraged daily reception of the Eucharist, but also sought to allow children to receive it at the age of reason (seven years of age) rather than the customary twelve to fourteen years. In 1914, he also revised the missal. In total, his initiatives were so far-reaching he was hailed as a pioneer.

A deeply conservative man who was so transparently good and humble, he was highly regarded for his holiness during his own lifetime. Many miracles were credited to him even while still alive. He died at the beginning of World War I and was devastated at its outbreak. Rather than bless the Austrian troops who sought his blessing, he simply stated, I will bless peace. He was seventy-nine years of age and was buried initially in the Vatican grottoes. In the 1950’s his body was transferred, along with Blessed Innocent XI’s and (eventually) Saint John XXIII’s to three altars in St. Peter’s Basilica where their relics are venerated in glass sarcophagi.