St Pius X Parish, dedicated in 1958 and located in the North of Brantford, Ontario, serves over 50,000 Catholics with six Catholic elementary schools and one high school within its boundaries.
Our Patron
Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto was born on June 2, 1835 in Riese, Italy, a farming village near Venice. He was the oldest of nine children. We know him today as Pope Saint Pius X.
Don Sarto was named pastor of Salzano at the age of 32 and he remained there for nine years until 1876. He was well known for helping poor farmers and cattle ranchers. He helped to fund schools and supported the local hospital when a cholera epidemic affected his parishioners. He rarely slept and so he earned the nickname, “Perpetuun Mobile”—a machine in perpetual motion. The Bishop of Treviso realized Don Sarto’s talent and energy so he promoted him to Monsignor and other important positions including the spiritual director of the local seminary and chancellor of the Diocese of Treviso. Monsignor Sarto was known for his quick wit and humility and his love of people.
Monsignor Sarto was elevated to Bishop of Mantua on November 10, 1884. As Bishop, he adopted St. Thomas Aquinas’ teaching methodologies and instituted the Gregorian Chant for Mass. Pope Leo XIII elevated Giuseppe Sarto to Cardinal on June 12, 1893.
Pope Leo XIII died and Cardinal Sarto reluctantly accepted the position of Pope in August 1903, after a four-day conclave during which he won 55 out of 60 votes. He chose the name Pius because he said, “As I shall suffer, I shall take the name of those Popes who also suffered.” During his papacy, Pope Pius X instituted improved liturgies and music and insisted on quality preaching from his priests and bishops. He modernized Canon law and introduced progressive scholarship through the biblical institute of Rome under the direction of the Jesuits. He also lowered the age for young people to first receive the Eucharist
In the last year of his life, he granted many private audiences with the poor and sick. Rumors of miraculous cures began to spread throughout Rome after people visited him. Two religious sisters who were cured through his prayers confirmed the healings after his death and endorsed his canonization to sainthood.
Pope Pius X died on August 20, 1914 at the age of 79. The Italian press wrote, “Saint is Dead.” His tombstone is engraved with the words; “Pope Pius X, poor and yet rich, gentle and humble of heart, unconquerable champion of the Catholic Faith, whose constant endeavor it was to renew all things in Christ …” He was canonized St. Pius X on May 29, 1954. The universal Church celebrates his holy life and example on August 21. He was the first pope of modern times to be canonized. Pope Saint Pius X, Pray for us!
Our Parish Schools
Notre Dame
Our Lady of Providence
Resurrection
St. Leo
St. Patrick
St. Pius X
Saint John’s College Secondary