HWP: Pope St. Pius V

In the Extraordinary Form yesterday (and Ordinary Form last Thursday) we celebrated the feast of Pope St. Pius V. He is arguably one of the most influential popes in the history of the Church by his implementation of the reforms of the Council of Trent and direction in the times following the Reformation, as well as his spiritual guidance and example of holiness. With this in mind, I bring out for the Half-Way Prayer of the week this newfound gem recounting his many good works:

A Hymn to Pope St. Pius V: Belli tumultus ingruit 

Wars and tumults fill the earth;

Men the fear of God despise;

Retribution, vengeance, wrath,

Brood upon the angry skies.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

None more mightily than thou

Hath, by holy deed or word,

Through the spacious earth below

Spread the glory of the Lord.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

Thine it was, O pontiff brave!

Pontiff of eternal Rome!

From barbaric yoke to save

Terror-stricken Christendom.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

When Lepanto's gulf beheld,

Strewn upon its waters fair,

Turkey's countless navy yield

To the power of thy prayer:

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

Who meanwhile with prophet's eye

Didst the distant battle see,

And announce to standers-by

That same moment's victory.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

Mightier now and glorified,

Hear the suppliant cry we pour;

Crush rebellions haughty pride;

Quell the din of rising war.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

At thy prayer may golden peace

Down to earth descend again:

License, discord, trouble cease;

Justice, truth and order reign.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

To the Lord of endless days,

One Almighty Trinity,

Sempiternal glory, praise,

Honour, might, and blessing be.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!

Whom, in this most evil time

Whom, of saints in bliss, can we

Better call to aid than thee?

V. Pray for us, blessed Pius.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. God, Who, to the destruction of the enemies of thy Church and for the restoration of Thy holy worship didst vouchsafe to elect blessed Pius to be thy High Priest; grant us so to be defended by his protection, and so to remain steadfast in Thy service, that, overcoming the snares of all our enemies, we may enjoy perpetual peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.