Michael Ghisleri was born in Bosco, Italy in 1504. The experience of poverty was prevalent throughout his childhood, so he had little schooling and had to tend sheep with his father. His early virtue and quick mind attracted attention and he entered a Dominican school at an early age. By the time he turned fourteen, he entered the order and would later be ordained a priest. He lectured and taught, was elected prior of a number of Dominican houses and was known for his personal discipline and purity. This was a time of conflict and heresy and he was appointed inquisitor in Como, Italy. His great zeal and courage attracted similar positions in Milan and Lombardy and he would later become Inquisitor General. In this role, he even challenged the Pope who had appointed him. When Pius IV died, he was elected Pope and took the name Pius V. He combated heresy, excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I of England, visited the sick and helped the poor and suffering. He played an important role in standardizing Church worship, enforcing the decisions of the Council of Trent and publishing a standard Catechism. One of his most important achievements was in organizing a Christian fleet which defeated the Turks at Lepanto. He credited the intercession of the Virgin Mary and instituted the Feast of the Holy Rosary to commemorate the victory.
This week pray a Rosary in his honor, his feast day is April 30th.
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