Today is the Feast of St. Gaspar del Bufalo, a saint for our times!
He used to say that “one must do much, do it quickly, and do it well for Christ.” Just as in his time “forces,” “well-organized schemes,” and “currents of thought” emerged aiming at silencing the voice of God by asserting that man is the master of the world, so too are these things present in today’s society—now in more sophisticated forms. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood are called to be in the world and to proclaim that Christ remains alive; He continues to die every day for those who suffer, for the poor, for the elderly living in solitude, and for those whose dignity has been violated. We long to have “a thousand tongues” to share this great mystery of love with everyone.
Painting by Giovanni Gasparro: https://www.instagram.com/giovanni.gasparro/
St. Gaspar was a tireless missionary, unafraid to confront environments marked by violence—as seen in his pastoral work among the bandits who controlled the mountains and valleys of Sonino. Sent to communities where his mission seemed destined to fail, he would preach openly in the town squares, holding up a large crucifix to convey the value of the blood shed by Jesus on the cross. In the same way, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (CPPS) must be fearless and courageous, rejecting a culture of calculation and worldly success. Instead, with simplicity and clarity, they must reveal the value of the cross of Jesus, trusting that no mission is ever in vain.
Today, 211 years after the founding of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the work begun by St. Gaspar remains alive—through priests, brothers, and laypeople, in parishes and schools, and within a vast family spread across the globe. The initial dream of one man, empowered by the Holy Spirit, has brought us to the present day with a renewed spirit, as we strive to respond courageously to the challenges of the Church’s presence in the world. The flame remains lit, continuing to shine. We have the task of serving with joy, knowing that we carry an immense treasure in jars of clay.