By Christina Hermoso
The Roman Catholic Church honors on Thursday, April 30, the memory of the initiator of the feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary – Saint Pius V (1566 -1572).
St. Pius V was believed to be instrumental in obtaining the victory of the Battle of Lepanto as he led the faithful in praying for the intercession and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fought off the coast of Greece on Oct. 7, 1571 against the Turks, the Muslims, who were out to conquer the whole Christian world, were believed to have been defeated miraculously through the intercession of the Holy Mother.
Aside from the institution of the feast, the title Mary Help of Christians was also added to the Litany of the Blessed Mother in thanksgiving for the victory.
Born on January 17, 1504 in Basco, Italy, St. Pius was ordained a Dominican priest in 1528, elected bishop in 1556, and cardinal in 1557. During his pontificate, the new breviary, missal, and catechism were published. He died on May 1, 1572. He was interred at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, which is known to be visited by Pope Francis after every foreign trip.
Pope Saint Pius V was canonized on May 22, 1712 by Pope Clement XI.