Today, April 30, is the memorial of Pope Saint Pius V.
Pope Pius V’s real name was Antonio Ghislieri. Born in 1504, he joined the Dominican Order 14 years later.
Upon his ascension to the papacy in 1566, Pius V found himself leading the task of enacting the reforms of the Council of Trent.
Under his watch, new seminaries and hospitals were opened. Published were: a new breviary, new missal, and new catechism.
In 1568, the Pope revised the Divine Office. Part of that revision included inserting the full version of the Hail Mary into the Universal Roman Breviary. That version is the exact same one being prayed today. Although Pius V did not originate this complete version, he is recognized for establishing it as a universal norm.
Foundations were established to spread the Faith and preserve the doctrine of the Church.
Pius V distinguished himself for being hands on in serving the poor and needy. With the papal treasury, he was able to care for the underprivileged.
He faced challenges in the public forum, both in the implementation of the Tridentine reforms and in interaction with other heads of state.
His papacy was from 1566 to 1572.
He died in 1572 of natural causes, some say it was cancer. Pope Pius V was beatified in 1672 by Pope Clement X. Pope Clement XI canonized him in 1712.
In 1713, his memorial was set on May 5. In 1969, his memorial was moved to April 30, the day before his death anniversary.