DEVOTION TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

Devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is one of the oldest devotions in the Church. Our Blessed Mother adored the Most Precious Blood of her infant Son on the day of His circumcision as the first drops of His Precious Blood were shed amongst many tears for the salvation of our sinful humanity. During His public life, hers was the heart He sought for consolation at the end of His long, tiring journeys of preaching to his own people who many times treated him with anger, ridicule or indifference. After the Passion and death of her beloved Son, Our Sorrowful Mother walked the Via Dolorosa again and again consoling her Son in his bitter sacrifice and adoring His Precious Blood poured out willingly with such great love amidst such violence and hatred in order to save us all.
St. Catherine of Siena was a great adorer of the Precious Blood, so much so that her last words were "Blood...Blood...Blood!" The prayer she composed to the Precious Blood of Jesus which she was known to pray frequently for sinners is:


“Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy, flow upon us!
Precious Blood, Most Pure offering, procure us every grace! 
Precious Blood, Hope and refuge of sinners, atone for us! 
Precious Blood, Delight of the Holy Souls, draw us! Amen.”


St. Gaspar del Buffalo (died 1837) renowned apostle of the Precious Blood and founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S) used to say that he wished he had a thousand tongues to preach about the power of the Blood of Jesus for the salvation of all. Prophetically, St. Gaspar said, "No! The chastisements of God are not yet at end; still more sorrowful times are ahead; and divine justice will be placated by the devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ."


At the turn of the twentieth century, Our Lord appeared to Sr. Mary Martha Chambon (1841-1907) of the Monastery of the Visitation in Chambery, France. He gave her a double mission to adore and invoke the Sacred Wounds unceasingly and to revive this devotion in the hearts of creatures. Our Lord said:


“The soul who during life has honored and studied the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and has offered them to the Eternal Father for the souls in Purgatory, will be accompanied at the moment of death by the Holy Virgin and the angels; and Our Lord on the Cross all brilliant with glory will receive her and crown her.”


Pope John XXIII stated, "The world can still set itself right and always will be able to, because the voice and Blood of Christ cry out for pity and mercy... Devotion to the Precious Blood is the devotion of our time...It is devotion for all souls, for the whole world." Now at the dawning of the twenty-first century, Our Lord has come again to wake us from our slumber and to plead with us to return to this powerful devotion to console Him, to adore His Precious Blood, and in return, He will bless us. 


The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood


Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for the glory of Your name, for the coming of Your kingdom, for the salvation of all people. 
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, 
As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen. 
Praise and thanksgiving be evermore to Jesus, 
Who with his blood has saved us.  


Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for the spread of the Church, for Pope N., for bishops, priests and religious, and for the sanctification of all the people of God. 
Glory . . . Praise and thanksgiving . . .  


Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for the conversion of sinners, for the loving acceptance of Your Word, and for the union of all Christians. 
Glory . . . Praise and thanksgiving . . .  


Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for our civil authorities, for the strengthening of public morals, and for peace and justice among all nations. 
Glory . . . Praise and thanksgiving . . .  


Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for the sanctification of our work and our suffering, for the poor, the sick and the afflicted, and for all who rely on our prayers. 
Glory . . . Praise and thanksgiving . . .  


Eternal Father , we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for our own special needs, both spiritual and temporal, for those of our relatives, friends and benefactors, and also for those of our enemies. 
Glory . . . Praise and thanksgiving . . .  


Eternal Father, we offer You the precious blood of Jesus, poured out on the cross and offered daily on the altar, for those who are to die this day, for the souls in purgatory, and for our final union with Christ in glory. 
Glory . . . Praise and thanksgiving . . .


Canticle of the Blood By Saint Maria de Mattias


Come, let us adore Christ, the Son of God, who has redeemed us with his blood. 
Clap your hands, all you peoples, sing unto God with a voice of jubilation. 
For you, God, glorious and mighty, have shown us mercy. 
You have not spared your only Son but delivered him up in our behalf. 
That you might redeem us from our sins in Christ’s own blood; 
That justified in the blood of Jesus you might turn your anger from us; 
That we who were separated might be reconciled through the blood of Christ. 


O God, my God, what can I render to you for all the good you have bestowed upon me? 
I will take the chalice of salvation, and I will call upon the power of Christ’s blood. 
Sing to Jesus, all you saints, and make known the memory of his holiness. 
For Christ indeed has loved us and washed us in his blood and has become our helper and redeemer.
May Christ be blessed forever who has wrought such wonders in us. 
Blessed be Jesus for all ages, and may the heavens and the earth be filled with the praises of his love. 
Come, let us adore Christ, the Son of God, who has redeemed us with his blood. Amen. 


A Prayer for My Enemies


Lord Jesus, you once asked us to love our enemies 
and to pray for those who hurt us. 
Hear my prayer today, for my love is not perfect 
and my prayer is never complete. 
There are some people I just do not know how to pray for; 
I do not know how to be reconciled with them, 
but you are the source of all reconciliation, and through your blood, 
you offered loving forgiveness to every sinner. 
Bless me and my enemy, as you would see fit, 
and lead us one day to that perfect reconciliation 
that comes from you alone. Amen.


A Reconciliation Prayer


God of reconciliation, passionate for your whole creation, 
impel us by the love of Christ to see your guiding hand 
in leading us to forgiveness, pardon, and peace. 
Give us the courage to hear every story of every person 
with dignity and respect. Give us hope in the blood of the cross. 
Help us by your grace in the ministry of reconciliation 
you have given us to do: to heal and to make whole, 
and that we might work to remove every structure that provokes, 
promotes, and sustains violence. 


Let your word of reconciliation be in our mouths and in our hearts
that your peace might be present to all. 
Do not count our sins against us, but build us up 
into the body of Christ, a living temple. 
We pray at the table of the Lamb and at the foot of the cross. 
We are washed in your precious blood. 
We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.


Prayer for the Community


Let us pray for the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, for the superiors, members and Companions, and for an increase of vocations.
O Lord, through the intercession of Saint Gaspar and Saint Francis Xavier, bless our community and those who govern it in your name, as well as all its members and Companions.  Grant us many more zealous members who will serve the community in fidelity and the bond of charity, and in all things carry out your holy will. 


Let us pray for our missions:
O Lord, who said, "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few," raise up among us many generous vocations for the missions and bless those who exercise this ministry today.  May the holy apostles Peter and Paul and all the holy missionaries help them and protect them.


Let us pray that we might see and fulfill our mission in the world today:
O Lord, make us aware of our ever-changing tasks.  Help us to understand the signs of our times, so that our work may bear fruit for the salvation of people and for your glory.


Let us pray for our sick:
O merciful Jesus, graciously look upon your servants who are sick.  Comfort and strengthen them.  Accept our prayers on their behalf, and may they accept their suffering in the same spirit as  you accepted the cross for our redemption.


Let us pray for our benefactors:
O Lord, in your kindness reward with life everlasting all those who have been good to us for your name's sake.


Let us pray for the grace of a happy death:
O Jesus, King of eternal glory, grant that we may leave this world in your love and be brought into your holy light.  May St. Joseph, patron of the dying, intercede for us.


Let us pray for the souls in purgatory, especially for our deceased members and benefactors:
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.  May they rest in peace.  Amen.


Psalm of Liberation by Joseph Nassal, C.P.P.S.


The blood of Christ refreshes our souls,
gives us new courage, liberates our lives.
The blood of the poor soaks into the land,
cries out for justice, yearning for peace.
We are redeemed in the blood of Christ.
We are washed in love.
Sent by the blood, stained by the blood;
We are servants of the blood of Christ.
The bones of the weary ache for an answer,
searching for vision, shout out with new strength.
The blood of the wounded, looking for healing,
teaching compassion, we touch with our hands.
We are redeemed in the blood of Christ.
We are washed in love.
Sent by the blood, stained by the blood;
We are servants of the blood of Christ.
Blood of new covenant welcomes the stranger,
seeking communion, we are companions.
The cup of salvation poured out in service,
stream of redemption, we thirst to be free.
We are redeemed in the blood of Christ.
We are washed in love.
Sent by the blood, stained by the blood;
We are servants of the blood of Christ.
The blood of the cross bringing us closer,
bonds us in charity, we long to be one.
The breath of the dying conspiring for life, 
remembering mercy, we comfort with hope.
We are redeemed in the blood of Christ.
We are washed in love.
Sent by the blood, stained by the blood;
We are servants of the blood of Christ.


Precious Blood Protection Prayer


Lord Jesus by faith in Your merits, I now take Your Precious Blood and sprinkle it over myself and my family right from the crown of my head to the very soles of my feet. I claim total and complete protection for my life and my family. Lord Jesus, keep me free today from evil, sin, temptation, Satan's attacks and afflictions, fear of darkness, fear of man, sickness, diseases, doubts, anger, all calamities and from all that is not of Your Kingdom.
Fill me Lord Jesus with the gifts of Your Holy Spirit and grant me the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, faith, understanding and discernment, so that I will live today in Your Glory by doing what is right.
I praise You Jesus, I thank You Jesus,
I love You Jesus, I adore You Jesus.


Litany of the Precious Blood


Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us.
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns,   save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls,   save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us.
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. .
V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood.
R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.
Let us pray
Almighty and Eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant we beg of You, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.


Chaplet of the Precious Blood of Jesus


V. O God, come to my assistance. 
R. Lord, make haste to help me. 
V. Glory be to the Father, etc. 
R. As it was in the beginning, etc.


1st Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision
Let us ask for chastity of soul and body. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray, You, Lord, help your people whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.


2nd Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood while praying in the Garden of Olives.
Let us ask for the spirit of prayer. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray You, Lord, help your people whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.


3rd Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood in the scourging
Let us ask for the grace of mortification. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray you, Lord, help Your people whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood


4th Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood in the crowning with thorns
Let us ask for contempt of worldly honors. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray you, Lord, help Your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.


5th Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood while carrying the Cross
Let us ask for patience. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray You, Lord, help Your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.


6th Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood in the Crucifixion
Let us ask for contrition for our sins. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray You, Lord, help your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.


7th Mystery - Jesus shed His Blood and water when His side was pierced.
Let us ask for the grace of perseverance. 
Pray 5 Our Fathers and 1 Glory be. 
We pray You, Lord, help Your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.


Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for my sins, in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church. Amen.


Feast day: July 1

DEVOTION TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS