These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Saint Pius X, pope, August 21

For thus says the Lord GOD: I myself will look after and tend my sheep. (Ez 34:1-11)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082124.cfm
The prophecy of Ezekiel against the leaders (shepherds) of the people ends with the promise God makes: “I myself will look after and tend my sheep.” It’s not often that the church chooses a pope who has actually had experience as pastor of a parish. Based on his practical experience Pius X made some interesting changes in the liturgy of the church. Pius X encouraged the active participation of the faithful. He ordered a renewal of church music. The other significant change was encouraging frequent communion (at that time people received communion very rarely) and allowing children who had not been confirmed to be admitted to the Table of the Lord. Pius X is known as the Pope of the Holy Eucharist.