The Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Why do we call His blood "Precious"? Because one drop of it would have been enough to save the entire world, yet He poured it all out.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Christ's death was a "redemptive sacrifice"—a ransom paid to set us free from the slavery of sin.

When we participate in the Mass, the separation between time and space disappears. The same Blood that was shed on Calvary is made present on the altar to strengthen us today.

Infinite Worth and Mercy. The Church teaches that because Christ is a divine person, a single drop of his blood would have been sufficient to save the entire world. Its shedding is viewed as an "ocean of mercy" that cleanses even the greatest sins

"Jesus atoned for our faults and made satisfaction for our sins to the Father. There is no other oblation... The existence in Christ of the divine person of the Son... accepts the sacrifice and gives it an infinite value." (CCC 615-616)

At the Last Supper, Jesus changed the history of the world with a cup of wine. He established a "New Covenant"—a permanent bond between God and man, sealed not with a signature, but with His life.

Every time we hear these words at St. Anthony and OLP, we are reminded that God kept His promise. He didn't just give us a rulebook; He gave us His very life.

"Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'" (Matthew 26:27-28)

1. Offering Up the Heat

Let’s be honest: July in Texas is a penance on its own. Instead of just complaining about the heat, try to "offer it up." Unite your discomfort, your sweat, and your fatigue with the sufferings of Jesus. It turns a hot day into a prayer for someone in need.

2. Reverence at the Eucharist

Whether we receive the Host alone or under both species, we receive the whole Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. This month, make a special effort to focus on the Real Presence. After receiving Communion, close your eyes and remember the price that was paid so you could have this moment of grace.

3. Pray for the Sick and Suffering

The Precious Blood was shed for healing. This month, pray specifically for those in our parish who are suffering physically—those in the hospital, the homebound, and the elderly in Saspamco. Ask the blood of Christ to wash over them with strength and healing.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me. Body of Christ, save me. Blood of Christ, inebriate me. Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me. O good Jesus, hear me. Within Thy wounds hide me. Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.

From the malignant enemy defend me. In the hour of my death call me, And bid me come unto Thee, That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee. Forever and ever.

Amen.

From the "Anima Christi," a favorite prayer of St. Ignatius.

Ancient Roots:

The veneration of Christ's Blood is as old as Christianity, seen as the source of the sacraments and the Church itself, emerging from His pierced side on the Cross, as early Church Fathers noted.

St. Gaspar del Bufalo:

Known as the "Apostle of the Precious Blood," St. Gaspar founded the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1815. He was instrumental in reviving the devotion, seeing it as the most effective remedy for the spiritual and social ills of his time.

Institutionalization (1849):

During the 1848 revolution in Rome, Pope Pius IX was forced into exile. His companion, Don Giovanni Merlini, suggested that if the Pope vowed to extend the Feast of the Precious Blood to the entire Church, he would soon return to the Eternal City.

Pope Pius IX instituted the Feast of the Precious Blood that year while in exile, asking for heavenly aid for peace in Italy; it was first celebrated on the first Sunday of July.

The Proclamation:

Following the end of the conflict, Pius IX returned to Rome and, on August 10, 1849, officially established the feast for the first Sunday of July.

Pope Pius X later fixed the feast to July 1st, and it was elevated in rank by Pope Pius XI in 1933. 

Thematic Month:

July is kept as a month to focus on the Precious Blood, encouraging deeper reflection on Jesus's saving sacrifice.

Votive Mass:

Catholics can offer a special Votive Mass in honor of the Precious Blood, often celebrated on July 1st or throughout the month, though it's no longer on the universal calendar.

Prayer & Meditation:

Devotions focus on prayers (like the Precious Blood Chaplet or litanies) and meditating on scriptural passages (e.g., John 19:34, Hebrews 9:12) that highlight the Blood's cleansing, redemptive, and life-giving power.

Eucharistic Connection:

The devotion emphasizes that the Precious Blood, shed on Calvary, is made real and present on the altar in the Eucharist, connecting the sacrifice to the Mass.

Symbolism:

The Blood symbolizes God's infinite mercy, the price of redemption, the new covenant, and the source of spiritual life and grace. 

Dignity of the Human Person:

By meditating on the "price" God was willing to pay, Catholics are reminded of their own immense value. The devotion challenges believers to "not hold themselves cheap," as they were bought not with gold or silver, but with the Precious Blood of the Lamb.