Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope

Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope

1 Thessalonians 2:2b-8

John 21:15-17

Today, we celebrate the feast day of St. Pius X, a true shepherd of the Church. Pope Saint Pius X’s papacy exemplifies Jesus’s command to Peter in today’s Gospel from John. His focus on pastoral care, doctrinal purity, and Church reform reflects the dedication of a shepherd deeply committed to the spiritual well-being of his flock. Pope Saint Pius X’s efforts to guide, educate, and protect the Church were all part of his broader mission to “feed” and “tend” the sheep, as Christ commanded Peter.

Reflecting on the role of shepherds in the Church, we recognize that by virtue of baptism, we share the shepherding role with Jesus in the three munera: prophet, priest, and king.

You, too, sisters, have been "shepherds" in many ways throughout your lives, from the moment you heard our Lord Jesus's call. You have dedicated yourselves to feeding His sheep. As consecrated daughters of God, you embody the reading from St. Paul, who describes your ministry: “You were gentle among those you served. Like a nursing mother who cares for her children, you have shared not only the Gospel of God but your very selves with the people you’ve served.”

You have heard the Lord’s command to "Feed my lambs and tend my sheep," and you have faithfully fulfilled this call throughout your lives. I commend you for your dedication as shepherds of God’s flock. However, our call to shepherd God’s flock does not cease until the day we see Our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who will say to us, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. Come, share your master’s joy.”

Our calling is for life because each day our Lord Jesus continues to ask us the same question He asked Peter in today’s Gospel: "Do you love me?" I pray that each of us, until the day we return to the Lord, will respond from our hearts as Peter did: "Yes, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you."

May God bless us all.