“It Is God’s Will, Trust In His Help!”

In September, 1884, Monsignor Apollonio, who had been making the pastoral visit of his diocese, returned home rather unexpectedly, and Monsignor Sarto(future Pope St. Pius X) was not a little surprised at being summoned in somewhat mysteriously to the bishop’s private oratory. “Let us kneel before the Blessed Sacrament”, said Monsignor Apollonio gravely, “and pray over the matter which concerns us both intimately.” Still more astonished, Monsignor Sarto knelt, and the two prelates prayed for a moment in silence. Then the bishop rose, and handing a letter of his companion, bade him to read it. Thus did Monsignor Sarto learn of his nomination to the Bishopric of Mantua. The strong man who all his life long had welcomed hardship and suffering with a cheery smile, wept like a child. He was, he declared, utterly incapable, quite unworthy of such a trust. The Bishop, who knew better, but whose heart was touched at the sight of his friend’s distress comforted him as best as he could. “It is God’s will,” he said, ” trust in His help.”