Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.

This feast day was instituted by Pope Pius IX in 1849 and was originally celebrated on the first Sunday of July. In 1969, it was integrated into the Feast of Corpus Christi, but some traditional Catholic communities continue to observe it on its original date, July 1st.

The entire month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. venerated as a symbol of Christ's sacrifice and a source of salvation and grace. It is associated with the Eucharist, where the wine is consecrated as the blood of Christ.

Special Devotions to Practice in July

1. Holy Mass: Attending Mass is central to the celebration, with specific prayers and readings that focus on the theme of Christ's redemption.

2. Eucharistic Adoration: Spending time in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, reflecting on the wounds of Jesus.

3. Litanies: Reciting the Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, or the Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood.

4. Scriptural Reflections: Meditating on biblical passages related to the blood of Christ: Romans 5:9 states, “we are justified by His blood”, and Hebrews 13:12 states, “and so Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people by His blood, suffered outside the gate.” 1 John 1:7 also writes of the Precious Blood: “…and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”

We invite you to take time this month to meditate and reflect upon the Most Precious Blood of Jesus and his great sacrifice.