Devotion to the Precious Blood
July 2nd, 2007 by Fr. Pius, OP
“You are ransomed . . . not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
Traditionally, the month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus. In the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus offers himself for the life of the world, so that we may all enjoy a share in the divine life, here, and unto eternity. Sharing in the life of Jesus means that we also share in his mission. In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus feeds us so that we can share his mission. We are called to offer ourselves for the life of the world in union with Him.
St. Catherine’s, New York: God in his providential love has located the parish of St. Catherine’s in proximiy to many hospitals on New York’s Upper East Side. Members of the parish practice daily the corporal work of mercy: care for the sick. We do this in diverse ways: prayer, fidelity to vocation as health care professionsls and support staff, health care ethics, hospital chaplaincy, attentiveness to study as medical students, visits, and bringing of Holy Eucharist to the sick. In this month of the Precious Blood, the parish of St. Catherine’s is highlighting Blood Donation as a way for to share in the mission of Christ, of self-giving for the lives of others. The parish is asking the people in the area to call the New York Blood Center (1-800-933-BLOOD) to schedule a time for donation. Liturgically, St. Catherine’s will celebrate in a special way with votive masses in honor of the Precious Blood of Jesus at the Noon Mass on all the Mondays of July. St. Catherine’s is located at 411 East 68th Street (on 68th Street between 1st Ave. & York) in New York City.
St. Dominic’s, Youngstown, OH: On Wednesdays in the month of July, the student brothers at St. Dominic’s Parish in Youngstown will be preaching in honor of the Precious Blood during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The student brothers in Youngstown, OH this summer are: Brs. Anthony Giambrone, OP, Dominic Bump, OP, and Jerome Zeiler, OP. St. Dominic Church is located at 77 E Lucius Ave., Youngstown, OH 44507.
“The infinite love of the Savior is announced in His Name, is symbolized in His heart, and is made eloquent in His Blood.” –Bl. Pope John XXIII.
