life lived in the blood of christ is precious 2 0 1 9
TRANSCRIPT
2 0 1 9LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
Picture of St. Gaspar Del Bufalo - St. Maria in Trivio Church. Piazza dei Crociferi, Rome, Italy
About Us The Congregation of Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.) is a Society of Apostolic Life of priests and brothers. They share a common mission of service to the Church; live a community life without vows, sustained by the spirituality of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. It is these three pillars - Mission, Community, Spirituality - which support our life together. We are a worldwide religious Congregation structured into seventeen units (seven Provinces, four Vicariates and six Missions) serving the Catholich Church in more than twenty countries.
Mission We continue St. Gaspar’s Ministry of the Word by preaching renewal and conversion through missions and retreats. We bring that love of God also to parishes, schools, hospitals, and prisons. As missionaries, we work where the Church needs us most and where the Good News has not been heard.
Community Following St. Gaspar's inspiration, we try to live and work together as much as we can. A bond of charity unites us, allowing us to place our gifts at the service of the Church and one another. Our community houses serve as centres of prayer and reflection to renew us for service in mission.
Spirituality Christ’s shedding his Blood was, for St. Gaspar, and is for us, the sign of God’s great love for all the people. This spirituality of the Blood continues to impel us to build community through the inclusion of the marginalized, to walk in solidarity with those who suffer, and to seek reconciliation in a divided world.
B E C O M E A M I S S I O N A R Y O F T H E P R E C I O U S B L O O D
The Missionaries of Precious Blood is a worldwide religious Congregation serving the Church in more than twenty countries.
Would you like to be one of us?
Every call, every vocation, comes from God and every person has some kind of calling from God! The unique call of God to be a Missionary of the Precious Blood comes to Roman Catholic men, between the ages of 18 and 45 who are intelligent, well-rounded, spirit-filled, and generous of heart to labor with one another in the service of the Kingdom of God. Missionaries of the Precious Blood find their inspiration in the Blood shed by Christ on the Cross, and the love which that Blood signified for all people, especially for those on the margins of society and who feel abandoned, hurt, or unloved in some way. Most of the time, discerners have already received an undergraduate degree or more before seeking admission, but each vocation is unique and is individually discerned given the particular circumstances of each person. A Missionary of the Precious Blood is called to be either a Brother or a Priest. Both brothers and priests are given the ability to develop their unique gifts and talents and to use them in ministries which give witness to the congregation’s charism and the particular needs of the church. As a Society of Apostolic Life, Missionaries of the Precious Blood do not live under vows, but by a bond of charity toward fellow members of the community. A willingness to live the love of God and neighbour in Mission Houses and residences is one sign of a vocation. If you are interested in discovering your call, the next step is to contact the Vocation Director and he will be happy to help you discover what call you may be hearing from God and to respond to it, whatever it may be. You can contact the Vocation Director for further information and assistance. Through the intercession of St. Gaspar Del Bufalo, may the Lord bless you in your vocational journey!
HOW TO GET IN CONTACT WITH US
Vocation Director
Rev. Alarey Abella, C.PP.S.
13313 Niagara Pkwy Niagara Falls, ON L2G 0P8
House 905-382-1118 Fax 905-382-1119 Cell 416-829-6717
www.discoverthecall.org
Access to quality education is a key equalizer in building strong, healthy communities that flourish. C.PP.S. Mission Projects, through the generous support of our donors, has funded the construction of 15 primary schools for government and mission organizations along with establishing 6 secondary vocational schools specializing in the areas of carpentry, mechanics & technology and a home craft school.
In January of 2015, John Merlini secondary school began its inaugural school year!
Interested in learning more about C.PP.S. Mission Projects? Whether adopting a well or sponsoring one of our students, helping organize a mission trip or partnering with us in one of our many initiatives, there are many ways to become involved with C.PP.S. Mission Projects. You too can make a tangible and lasting impact that will benefit so many of our brothers and sisters in Tanzania.
Get in touch! We are happy to answer any questions you might have. We value your involvement and want to hear your ideas for raising awareness and furthering all of the good work being done in the mission field.
540 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto, Ontario, M6C 1A4 Canada
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-3pm EST; closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays
Phone: (416) 656-3054, (416) 656-4423 Toll-free (Canada & U.S.A.): 1-844-779-6979 Fax: (416) 656-0722 Email: [email protected]
Charitable Registration #: 894565795 RR0001
Director: Very Rev. Mario Cafarelli Office Coordinator & Secretary: Aimie Balde
Month of the Christ Child
After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child;
and he was called Jesus, the name given by the
angel before he was conceived in the womb.
Luke 2-21
January 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 Mary Mother of God
2 Sts. Basil the Great
& Gregory Nazianzen
3 Most Holy Name of Jesus
4 St Elizabeth Ann Seton
5 * St John Neumann
6 Epiphany of the Lord
7 St André Bessette
8 St. Raymond of Penyafort
9 St. Adrian
of Canterbury
10 St. Gregory of Nyssa
11 St. Leucius of Brindisi
12 St. Marguerite Bourgeoys
13 Baptism of the Lord
14 G St. Felix of Nola
15 St. Mauro
16 St. Liberata
17 St Anthony Abbot
18 St. Margaret of Hungary
19 St. Henry of Sweden
20 II Sunday
Ordinary Time
21 @ St. Agnes
22 St. Vincent Pallotti
23 St. Marianne Cope
24 St Francis de Sales
25 Conversion of St Paul
26 Sts. Timothy and Titus
27 T III Sunday
Ordinary Time
28 St. Thomas Aquinas
29 St. Sarbelius & Barbea
30 St. Martina of Rome
31 St. John Bosco
1 - World Day of Peace 6 - Birthday of St. Gaspar del Bufalo (1786) 10 - Birthday of Fr. Francis Xavier Brunner (1795) 12 - Death of Venerable John Merlini (1873)
20 - World Day of Migrants and Refugees 22 - Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children (US) 25/1 - Week of the prayer for Christian Unity
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Holy Spirit
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you
everything, and remind you of all that I have
said to you.
John 14:26
February 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Brigid of Ireland
2 Presentation of the Lord
3 IV Sunday
Ordinary Time
4 * St. Maria de Mattias
5 St. Agatha
6 Sts. Paul Miki
and companions
7 Bl. Pius IX
8 Saint Josephine Bakhita
9 St. Alexander
10 V Sunday
Ordinary Time
11 Our Lady of Lourdes
12 G St. Damian
13 St. Catherine de Ricci
14 Sts. Cyril and Methodius
15 St. Faustus
16 St. Faustinus
17 VI Sunday
Ordinary Time
18 St. Flavian
19 @ St. Barbatus
20 Martyrs of Tyre
21 St. Peter Damian
22 Chair of Saint Peter
23 St. Polykarp
24 VII Sunday
Ordinary Time
25 St. Caesarius of Nazianzus
26 T St. Isabel
27 St. John of Gorze
28 St. Oswald
2 - World Day for Consecrated Life 3 - Birthday of Fr. Biagio Valentini (1792) 4 - Birthday of St. Maria de Mattias (1805) 11 - World Day of the Sick
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of St. Joseph
Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man
and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.
But just when he had resolved to do this, an
angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream and said, “Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 19:20
March 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Albinus
2 St. Angela of the Cross
3 VIII Sunday
Ordinary Time
4 St. Casimir
5 St. Carthach the Elder
6 * Ash Wednesday
7 Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
8 St. John of God
9 St. Frances of Rome
10 I Sunday of Lent
11 St. Peter the Spaniard
12 St. Peter the Deacon
13 St. Agnellus of Pisa
14 G Bl. Ambrose Fernandez
15 St. Louise de Marillac
16 St. Julian of Antioch
17 II Sunday of Lent
18 St. Cyril of Jerusalem
19 St. Joseph
PATRON OF CANADA
20 @ St. Alexandra
and Companions
21 Bl. Maria Candida of the Eucharist
22 St. Benvenutus Scotivoli
23 St. Turibius of Mogrovejo
24 III Sunday of Lent
25 Annunciation of the Lord
26 St. Humbert of Morailles
27 St. John of Egypt
28 T St. Venturino of Bergamo
29 St. Ludolf of Ratzeburg
30 Bl. Amadeus IX of Savoy
31 IV Sunday of Lent
1 - World Day of Prayer 4 - Foundation Day of the Adorers of the Blood of Christ (1834)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Holy Eucharist
But if we walk in the light as he himself is in
the light, we have fellowship with one
another, and the blood of Jesus his Son
cleanses us from all sin.
John 1:7
April 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Melito of Sardis
2 St. Pedro Calungsod
3 St. Irene
4 St. Isidore
5 * St. Vincent Ferrer
6 St. Elstan
7 V Sunday of Lent
8 St. Walter of Pontoise
9 St. Eupsychius
10 St. Paternus
11 St. Stanislaus
12 G St. Sabas the Goth
13 St. Martin I
14 PALM SUNDAY
15 Monday
of the Holy Week
16 Tuesday
of the Holy Week
17 Wednesday
of the Holy Week
18 Holy Thursday
19 @ Good Friday
20 Holy Saturday
21 EASTER SUNDAY
22 Easter Octave
St. Joseph of Persia
23 Easter Octave
St. George
24 Easter Octave
St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
25 Easter Octave
St. Mark
26 T Easter Octave
Our Lady of Good Counsel
27 Easter Octave
St. Lawrence Huong
28 II Sunday after Easter
(or Divine Mercy)
29 St. Catherine of Siena
30 St. Pius V
7 - Birthday of St. Francis Xavier (1506) 14 - World Day of Youth
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Virgin MaryMary said to the angel, “How can this be, since
I am a virgin?” The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come
upon you, and the power of the Most
High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy;
he will be called Son of God.
Luke 1:34-35
May 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Joseph the Worker
2 St. Athanasius
3 Sts. Philip and James
4 * Bl. Marie-Léonie Paradis
5 III Sunday after Easter
6 St. François de Laval
7 Seven Joys of Our Lady
8 Bl. Catherine
de Saint-Augustin
9 Our Lady of Loreto
10 St. Damien de Veuster
11 G Our Lady of Aparecida
12 IV Sunday after Easter
13 Our Lady of Fatima
14 St. Matthias
15 St. Isidore
16 St. Simon Stock
17 St. Paschal Baylon
18 @ St. John I
19 V Sunday
after Easter
20 St. Bernardine of Siena
21 St. Eugène de Mazenod
22 St. Rita of Cascia
23 Martyrs of Cappadocia
24 Our Lady, Help of Christians
25 St. Bede the Venerable
26 T VI Sunday after Easter
27 St. Augustine of Canterbury
28 St. Ursula Ledóchowska
29 Our Lady of Ardents
30 St. Ferdinand III of Castile
31 The Visitation of
the Blessed Virgin Mary
1 - International Workers Day 12 - World Day of prayer for Vocations 12 - Canada Health Day 12 - Mother’s Day 12 - Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of Mercy
20 - Victoria Day 24 - World Day of prayer for the Church in China 24 - Our Lady of the Precious Blood 26 - The Pope’s pastoral works 27 - Memorial Day (USA)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Sacred Heart
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from
me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls.
Matthew 11:29
June 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Justin
2 ASCENSION
OF THE LORD
3 * Sts. Charles Lwanga
and Companions
4 Our Lady of the Hill
5 St. Boniface
6 St. Norbert
7 St. Landulf of Yariglia
8 Our Lady of Alexandria
9 PENTECOST
10 G Blessed Virgin Mary
Mother of the Church
11 St. Barnabas
12 Polish Martyrs
13 St. Anthony of Padua
14 St. Methodius I
15 St. Trillo
16 MOST HOLY
TRINITY
17 @ Our Lady of the Forest
18 St. Osmanna
19 St. Romuald
20 Irish Martyrs
21 St. Aloysius Gonzaga
22 St. Paulinus of Nola
23 MOST HOLY
BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
24 Nativity of
St. John the Baptist
25 T St. Maximus of Turin
26 Our Lady of Meliapore
27 Our Lady of Perpetual Help
28 MOST SACRED
HEART OF JESUS
29 Sts. Peter and Paul
30 XIII Sunday
Ordinary Time
2 - World Communications Day 4 - Independence Day (USA) 12 - Canonization of St. Gaspar del Bufalo (1954) 16 - Father’s Day
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Precious Blood
So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and
drink his blood, you have no life in you.
John 6:53
July 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 The Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
2 * St. Acestes
3 St. Thomas
4 St. Elizabeth of Portugal
5 St. Anthony Zaccaria
6 St. Maria Goretti
7 XIV Sunday
Ordinary Time
8 St. Maria Chaira
9 G St. Augustine Zhao Rong
and companions
10 St. Peter of Perugia
11 St. Benedict
12 Our Lady of Lure
13 St. Henry
14 XV Sunday
Ordinary Time
15 St. Bonaventure
16 @ Our Lady of Mount Carmel
17 St. Andrew Zorard
18 Our Lady of Victory
19 St. Felix of Verona
20 St. Apollinaris
21 XVI Sunday
Ordinary Time
22 St. Mary Magdalene
23 St. Birgitta
24 T St. Sharbel Makhluf
25 St. James
26 Sts. Joachim and Anne
27 Bl. Titus Brandsma
28 XVII Sunday
Ordinary Time
29 St. Martha
30 St. Peter Chrysologus
31 * St. Ignatius of Loyola
1 - Canada Day 4 - Independence Day (USA)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Almighty God
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, who is and
who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
August 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Alphonsus Maria
de Liguori
2 St. Peter Julian Eymard
3 St. Peter of Anagni
4 XVIII Sunday Ordinary Time
5 Dedication of the Basilica
of Saint Mary Major
6 Transfiguration
of the Lord
7 G St. Cajetan
8 St. Dominic
9 St. Teresa Benedicta
of the Cross (Edith Stein)
10 St. Lawrence
11 XIX Sunday
Ordinary Time
12 St. Jane Frances
de Chantal
13 Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus
14 St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe
15 @ Assumption of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
16 St. Roch
17 Bl. Miguel Kurobioye
18 XX Sunday
Ordinary Time
19 St. John Eudes
20 St. Bernard of Clairvaux
21 St. Pius X
22 Queenship of
Blessed Virgin Mary
23 T St. Rose of Lima
24 St. Bartholomew
25 XXI Sunday
Ordinary Time
26 St. Pandwyna
27 St. Monica
28 St. Augustine of Hippo
29 The Beheading
of Saint John the Baptist
30 * Our Lady of Carquere
31 St. Dominic del Val
15 - Missionaries of the Precious Blood FOUNDATION DAY (1815) 15 - USC Meeting in Niagara 20 - Death of St. Maria de Mattias (1866) 28 - Birthday of Venerable John Merlini (1795)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Holy Cross He called the crowd
with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them
deny themselves and take up their cross and
follow me.
Mark 8:34
September 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 XXII Sunday
Ordinary Time
2 Bl. André Grasset
3 Saint Gregory the Great
4 Bl. Dina Bélanger
5 G St. Teresa of Calcutta
6 St. Dionysius
7 St. Pamphilus
8 XXIII Sunday Ordinary Time
9 St. Peter Claver
10 Bl. Anthony of Korea
11 Our Lady of Hildesheim
12 Holy Name of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
13 St. John Chrysostom
14 @ Exaltation of the
Holy Cross
15 XXIV Sunday
Ordinary Time
16 Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
17 St. Robert Bellarmine
18 Our Lady of Smelcem
19 St. Januarius
20 St. Andrew Kim,
Paul Chong and companions
21 T St. Matthew
22 XXV Sunday
Ordinary Time
23 St. Pio of Pietrelcina
24 St. Gerard Sagredo
25 Sts. Cosmas and Damian
26 Canadian Martyrs
27 St. Vincent de Paul
28 * St. Lawrence Ruiz
29 XXVI Sunday
Ordinary Time
30 St. Jerome
1 - World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation 2 - Labour Day 27 World Tourism Day
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of the Holy Rosary
So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will
be yours.
Mark 11:24
October 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 St. Thérèse
of the Child Jesus
2 Guardian Angels
3 St. Cyprian of Toulon
4 St. Francis of Assisi
5 G St. Faustina Kowalska
6 XXVII Sunday Ordinary Time
7 Our Lady of the Rosary
8 St. Amor of Aquitaine
9 Saint John Leonardi
10 St. Daniel Comboni
11 St. John XXIII
12 Our Lady of the Pillar
13 @ XXVIII Sunday Ordinary Time
14 St. Callistus I
15 St. Teresa of Jesus
16 St. Gerard Mejella
17 St. Ignatius of Antioch
18 St. Luke
19 Sts. Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf, and Companions
20 XXIX Sunday
Ordinary Time
21 T St. Gaspar del Bufalo
22 St. John Paul II
23 St. John of Capistrano
24 St. Anthony Mary Claret
25 St. Boniface I
26 St. Alfred the Great
27 * XXX Sunday
Ordinary Time
28 St. Simon and Jude
29 Martyrs of Douai
30 St. Alphonsus Rodriguez
31 St. Antoninus
1 - World Day of Prayer for the care of Creation 2 - Labour Day 14 - Thanksgiving Day (CAN) 14 - Columbus Day (USA) 27 World Tourism Day
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of All Souls
For you were going astray like sheep, but
now you have returned to the shepherd and
guardian of your souls.
1 Peter 2:25
November 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 All Saints
2 All Souls
3 XXXI Sunday
Ordinary Time
4 G St. Charles Borromeo
5 St. Zachary
6 St. Demetrian
7 St. Willibrord
8 St. Joseph Nghi
9 Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
10 XXXII Sunday Ordinary Time
11 Saint Martin of Tours
12 @ Saint Josaphat
13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
14 St. Alberic of Utrecht
15 St. Albert the Great
16 St. Margaret of Scotland
17 XXXIII Sunday Ordinary Time
18 Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul
19 T St. Azas and Companions
20 St. Edmund the Martyr
21 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
22 St. Cecilia
23 St. Clement I
24 Christ the King
25 St. Catherine of Alexandria
26 * St. Dominic Doan Xuyen
27 St. James Intercisus
28 St. Andrew Trong
29 St. Illuminata
30 St. Andrew
11 - Remembrance Day 23 - Death of Fr. Biagio Valentini (1847) 24 - Death of Bishop Francis Albertini (1819) 28 - Thanksgiving Day (USA)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
Month of Advent The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and
the power of the Most High will overshadow
you; therefore the child to be born will be holy;
he will be called Son of God.
Luke 1:35
December 2019
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 All Saints
2 All Souls
3 4 St. Charles Borromeo
5 St. Zachary
6 St. Demetrian
7 St. Willibrord
8 St. Joseph Nghi
9 Dedication of the Lateran basilica
10 11 Saint Martin of Tours
12 Saint Josaphat
13 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
14 St. Alberic of Utrecht
15 St. Albert the Great
16 St. Margaret of Scotland
17 18 Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul
19 St. Azas and Companions
20 St. Edmund the Martyr
21 Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
22 St. Cecilia
23 St. Clement I
24 25 St. Catherine of Alexandria
26 St. Dominic Doan Xuyen
27 St. James Intercisus
28 St. Andrew Trong
29 St. Illuminata
30 St. Andrew the Apostle
11 - Remembrance Day
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1 I Sunday of Advent
2 St. Pontian
3 St. Francis Xavier
4 G St. John Damascene
5 St. Dalmatius of Pavia
6 St. Nicholas
7 St. Ambrose
8 II Sunday of Advent
9 Immaculate Conception
of the Virgin Mary
10 St. Florentius of Carracedo
11 St. Damasus I
12 @ Our Lady of Guadalupe
13 St. Lucy of Syracuse
14 St. John of the Cross
15 III Sunday of Advent
16 St. Albina
17 Our Lady of Amiens
18 T St. Peter Truat
19 St. Nemesius
20 St. Peter Thi
21 St. Peter Canisius
22 IV Sunday of Advent
23 St. John of Kanty
24 St. Tarsilla
25 Nativity of the Lord
26 * St. Stephen
27 St. John
28 Holy Innocents
29 The Holy Family
30 St. Liberius of Ravenna
31 St. Sylvester I
3 - Death of St. Francis Xavier (1552) 8 - Foundation Day of the first USC (1808) 28 - Death of St. Gaspar Del Bufalo (1837)
Missionaries of the Precious Blood Atlantic Province
LIFE LIVED IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS PRECIOUS
USC - UNION OF THE BLOOD OF CHRIST (Unio Sanguis Christi)
HISTORY The USC was founded in Rome, at the Basilica of San Nicola in Carcere, by Canon Francesco Albertini, who called it the "Pious Association in Honour of The Most Precious Blood". Its primary purpose was to promote religious culture, the sacramental life and works of mercy among the lay faithful. It was erected as an Archconfraternity by Pius VII, and very shortly after it came to include priests and religious members. St Gaspare del Bufalo, who considered it to be a sound means of renewing Christian life, became its most fervent promoter, and when he founded the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, in 1815, he considered it to be spiritually united to the Archconfraternity. In 1851 Pope Pius IX erected the Pious Union of the Most Precious Blood. It moved from San Nicola in Carcere and was placed under the Moderator General of the Missionaries with its headquarters in the mother church of the Congregation. In 1951, Pope Pius XII reconfirmed its organisation and approved the new Statutes, which were once again updated following the second Vatican Council. On 24 May 1988, the Pontifical Council for the Laity decreed recognition of the Sanguis Christi Union as an international association of the faithful of Pontifical Right.
IDENTITY The USC, a spiritual family which grew up around the work of St Gaspare del Bufalo, strives to spread the spirituality of the blood of Christ according to the rule of life which is summed up in the words of the Gospel, "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jn 15:13). In order to respond to this ideal of holiness, the members, who are admitted to the Union after an appropriate period of formation, dedicate themselves to listening to the Word of God; maturing their baptismal grace through frequent participation in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and by participating in the public worship of the Church through the celebration of the Liturgy of the Hours, which prepares and extends the praise thanksgiving and memory of the mysteries of salvation to different hours of the day; cooperating in building up the Church and working for Church unity and the spread of the Kingdom of God in the world. The members of USC undertake to help create a social order based on justice and peace among peoples, according to their circumstances, and both individually or in groups co-operate with every initiative of the Church and civil society to improve the life and foster the dignity of the human person.
ORGANISATION The USC comprises individual members (laity, religious, priests) and
associates (religious congregations, associations, confraternities) and is organised at the international, regional and local levels. The central director of the Union is the Moderator General of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood who, with the Council, is responsible for animating the association, disseminating the
spirituality of the blood of Christ, and encouraging communication of experiences between the various regional units. At the regional and local levels, the work of the Union is coordinated by regional and local Directors, men and women.
MEMBERSHIP The USC has 10,800 members in 5 countries, in Europe,
North America and South America.
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