Pius V

Pius V was born Antonio Ghislieri on January 17, 1504, in Bosco in the Duchy of Milan (today Bosco Marengo, Italy). At fourteen he entered the Dominican Order, taking the name Michele, and grew into a priest of austere prayer, fasting, and rigorous discipline. As a teacher and later an inquisitor and bishop, he became known for placing fidelity to the faith above favor or fear, resisting corruption and nepotism even among the powerful. Elected pope in 1566, he devoted himself to renewing the Church in the spirit of the Council of Trent. He strengthened clerical discipline, promoted reverent worship, and standardized the Roman Missal, shaping the liturgical life of the Latin Church for centuries. He also honored the wisdom of Saint Thomas Aquinas, naming him a Doctor of the Church and supporting a major edition of his works. In a time of grave danger, Pius formed the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire and attributed the victory at Lepanto to the Blessed Virgin Mary, instituting a feast of thanksgiving. He is venerated as a reforming shepherd and steadfast defender of the Church, and is patron of Bosco Marengo, Cattolica, and Pennabilli. His feast day is April 30.