St. Pius V

Pius V was born Antonio Ghislieri in Bosco, Italy, in 1504. He later joined the Dominicans, and was ordained in 1528. He studied at Bologna and Genoa, and then taught theology and philosophy for sixteen years before holding the posts of master of novices and prior for several Dominican houses. Named inquisitor for Como and Bergamo, he was so capable in the fulfillment of his office that he was named by Pope Julius III commissary general of the Inquisition.

Ghislieri was elected pope on January 7, 1566, and took the name of Pius V. Pius saw his main objective as the continuation of the massive program of reform for the Church, in particular the full implementation of the decrees of the Council of Trent. In 1571, Pius created the Congregation of the Index to give strength to the Church's resistance to Protestant and heretical writings.

In dealing with the threat of the Ottoman Turks who were advancing steadily across the Mediterranean, Pius organized a formidable alliance between Venice and Spain, culminating in the Battle of Lepanto, which was a complete and shattering triumph over the Turks. The day of the victory was declared the Feast Day of Our Lady of Victory in recognition of Our Lady's intercession in answer to the saying of the Rosary all over Catholic Europe.

Pope Clement XI canonized Pius on May 22, 1712. His Feast Day is April 30.