St. Pius V – The most remarkable Dominican Pope

Four Popes have shed lustre on the Dominican order, while they ruled the church of God in justice and holiness: Peter of Tarentosia, under the title of Innocent V, called Blessed by the annalists of the order; Nicholas Bocasini, known as Blessed Benedict XI;  Benedict XIII, amember of the Princely family of the orsini, and Michael Ghislieri, known as St. Pius V. The latter undoubtedly the most remarkable of them all.                                                           This great saint shows us an example of virtues suited for several states of life. He had the austerity of an anchorite, the burning zeal of an apostle, prudential governing powers of a faithful christian bishop, the learning of a cardinal, and that combination of virtues and natural qualities necessary to make a great and holy Pope. As a Bishop, he never ceased to be religious. Clothed in the purple of the Roman Cardinalate, he did penance so severe that his rank might be a snare for the humility of his soul; with the tiara on his brow he was as humble as when a novice in his monastery, and yet as bold as a lion when the honor and glory of God called him to defend the Church.                                                                                   Happy Feast Day.

St. Pius V, Ora Pro Nobis.