From “Vatican II Exposed as Counterfeit Catholicism” by Frs. Francisco and Dominic Radecki, CMRI

In 1953, Pope Pius XII warned against a superficial understanding of the Catholic Faith. “Beware of being satisfied…with questions learned by heart without any understanding of their meaning.” Catholics were to understand the substance of the Faith, not just recite the answers by rote.

Pope Pius XII did not merely lead the Church during his reign; he showed the way for the future. His encyclicals and other writings are like a road map guiding Catholics today. His insight was described by the President of the International Congresses in 1939:

“Every time I came in contact with him, he impressed me by his immediate understanding of the problems presented, his quick grasp of their import, and speedy discovery of the most practical solutions…his crystal-clear mind understands everything with ease and his practical insight works…to supply at once the clues necessary for arriving at the required solutions.”

TWO SAINTLY POPES

Pope Pius X and Pope Pius XII resemble each other in many ways. They both had a great love for the Sacred Liturgy and Holy Mother Church. They were both very devout and prayerful. Both strenuously opposed Modernism in all forms and did all they could to defend the Catholic Faith. It is providential that both sat on the Throne of Peter during the turbulent twentieth century and they left a “roadmap” for Catholics today to follow. Pope Pius X had not been embalmed, however,

…in 1944, when his body was exhumed, it was found ‘excellently preserved.’ Pius X was beatified by Pius XII on Sept. 3, 1950 and was canonized on May 29, 1954 by that same pope.

PASTOR ANGELICUS

Pope Pius XII as a mortal, surely made some mistakes in his life, as all people do. Yet, he displayed a degree of love of God, defense of the Catholic Faith and love for souls that is unparalleled in recent times. Most Rev. Giacomo Martin, Prefect of the Pontifical Household, while reflecting on the life of Pius XII recalls “the deep religious spirit, the fervor of his prayer and the immobility of his face and whole person during services” His love for prayer, the Mass, sacraments, Divine Office, and Rosary was evidenced by all who came into contact with him. His focus, love of God and reverence are clearly evident in photos.