Founder of C.PP.S.

Brief History• Born

January 6, 1786

• Ordained July 31, 1808

• Founded C.PP.S. on August 15, 1815

• Died December 28, 1837

• Canonized June 12, 1954

Gaspar is entombedin San Maria in Trivio in Rome

Interesting Factoid

• Pope John XXIII went to San Maria in Trivio prior to the start of the Second Vatican Council to ask Gaspar’s intercession for the success of the Council.

Events that shaped his Life

• Grew up in Rome

• Early years marked by sickness– engendered a concern for sick

• Came into contact with many poor rural peasants in Rome– Organizing on behalf of social action

• Chaos -- due to the reign of Napoleon

• Clergy grew laxed in their duties

The Foundation of the C.PP.S.

• Founded on August 15, 1815 in San Felice– ran into opposition from Church hierarchy– later Pius VIII removed all financial assistance that

came to Community– The Rule not approved until after Gaspar’s death

• An Apostolic Community--exists for “work”“. . .be a contemplative at home and an apostle

in the field.”

• Joined by “charity” not vows

The Poor in Rome

• Many peasants came to Rome

• Even at a young age Gaspar reached out – feeding– organizing them for

social action

The Banditti• Terrorists had taken

over the town of Sonnino– What about terrorists

today?

• Gaspar reached out • Was able to save the

town• There is a plaque in

the town

Sonino

Loyalty Oath

• Napoleon had taken over the Papal states

• Was required of all– pledge of loyalty to

Napoleon above all else

• “I cannot, I will not I must not”

In Exile

• Gaspar was imprisoned for his refusal to take the loyalty oath

• He refused to back down from his commitments

• Spent four years in prison and/or exile

Years in Exile

• Vision becomes clear– continue works of mercy in context of community– join with men and women in bond of charity– proclaim peace through the blood of the cross– reaching out to the outcast– to preach missions for the the renewal of the

diocesan clergy– to preach a new way of living made possible

through power of blood of Christ

Gaspar’s Accomplishments

• Responded to needs of poor and outcast– went to Sonnino to the terrorists

• Renewal of clergy of Rome

• A man of conviction– stood up to several Popes– in spite of obstacles, Community survives

San Nicolo in Carcere

• In December 1808 Gaspar preached at the inception of the Archconfraternity of the Precious Blood

• Engenders a devotion to Precious Blood

The Birth place of CPPSSan Felice--Giano, Italy

Founded the C.PP.S.August 15, 1815

• Gaspar had come into contact with the Archconfraternity of the Precious Blood through Fr. Albertini– Some lay “associates”

• Had a little trouble establishing the Society

• Pius VII then was supportive and assigned the missionaries to convert the banditti in the southern papal states

Gaspar’s Canonization

June 12, 1954

Procession with the painting

made for the

canonization