Saint Who?
Saints Who Promoted Eucharistic Devotion
Blessed Pius IX
Pope († 1878) Feast: February 7
“The poor Pope also has need of remaining a little while alone with Jesus; he has so many things to say to him, so many lights to ask of him, so many counsels, so many graces.” Giovanni Ferretti was born in Italy in 1792. As a young man, he was rejected by the Papal Guard because of his epilepsy. He entered the seminary instead and, healed of his sickness, was ordained a priest in 1819. He served as an orphanage chaplain and hospital director before becoming Archbishop of Spoleto in 1827. He was elected pope in 1846, taking the name Pius IX.
As pope, Pius made frequent visits to his private chapel. He loved to care for the altar with his own hands, cleaning and decorating it. He had the name of Jesus set in diamonds inside the tabernacle, remarking: “Here I place what I have of the most beautiful and precious: all for him: He is the great Master and Teacher.”
Pope Pius also approved the Eucharistic rule written by Saint Peter Julian Eymard (see “Saint Who?” of June 14), and canonized Saint Leonard of Port Maurice, an ardent promoter of Eucharistic devotion. In 1870, Pius became a self-described “prisoner in the Vatican,” losing the Papal States and with them the political independence the popes had enjoyed since Charlemagne. He died in 1878, and was beatified in 2000.
Heavenly Father, may the Holy Father be guided
and strengthened by the Blessed Sacrament.
