A Precious Blood pilgrimage
The U.S. Province of Missionaries of the Precious Blood sent 29 pilgrims to Italy for the Jubilee of the Precious Blood this year. Read below for their reflections on their trip.
“It was almost a year ago when I offered to help organize the American delegation for the Precious Blood Pilgrimage 2025. I had been to all the places we would visit ten years ago when the congregation celebrated our 200th anniversary. While I felt blessed to be in those places once again, I was especially blessed to share them with a different group of people. Seeing the joy on their faces brought joy to me. Sharing stories of Gaspar and Maria with the other 28 pilgrims in our group was also a blessing, as well as reconnecting with a number of my fellow Missionaries of the Precious Blood and Adorers of the Blood of Christ from other countries around the world.” Fr. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S.
“Con-celebrating Mass in the Vatican on the Papal altar was probably the biggest highlight of the pilgrimage. I also think of the places we had Mass and the history of those who celebrated Mass in those places ahead of us. How cool is it to celebrate Mass in the same place that St. Gaspar celebrated Mass? This group of pilgrims started out the week barely knowing each other, and by the end of the trip, a community was formed through the meals we shared together, visiting on bus rides, or taking a walk to get gelato.” Fr. Matt Keller, C.PP.S.
“To see all the Precious Blood priests, sisters, and lay Companions from around the world gather at St. John Lateran and St. Peter’s Basilica was incredible. Going to San Felice was like going to the Upper Room for Pentecost. Albano held treasures I did not know were there … like the crucifix Gaspar used to preach
missions. While in Italy, I devoured the writings of St. Maria De Mattias, and what a treasure she is! It was such a joy to spend time with the group — I think we could have done another few weeks together!” Fr. Patrick Gonyeau, C.PP.S.
“Reading about St. Gaspar, St. Maria, and Blessed Merlini was not enough for me, but walking in their footsteps, visiting their homes, churches, and the places where God inspired them opened a new world. On July 1, as our group attended Mass with a few thousand people from the various Precious Blood communities around the world, I felt a strong connection of belonging to St. Gaspar’s family. Our travels took us to San Felice, where St. Gaspar and the Missionaries took a monastery and gardens in disrepair and revitalized it. This trip was an invitation to become another Gaspar when I came home … to be truthful, faithful, and more prepared to spread the word of God.” Jeanne White, Companion Inquirer
“Although we had been to Rome before as tourists, this time, our experience was as pilgrims: a tourist sees the sights, and a pilgrim sees God in the journey. The churches we visited reminded us of the depth of Catholicism, and being able to participate each day in Mass in one of these churches connected the past to the present. Even the difficulties of the trip, which included the extreme heat, all became a part of our pilgrimage journey, reminding us that sometimes life is difficult, but God is always with us, and it is especially through those we journey with that he makes his presence known.” Pat and Neil Diller, Companions
“Pilgrimage isn’t just about the land you visit; it’s about the people you walk it with. Our 29-member group expanded when we shared the international prayer vigil at St. John Lateran and Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica with hundreds of religious families and lay movements of the Most Precious Blood. Even though most of the dialogue was in Italian, we could appreciate the magnificent choir and orchestra of the Diocese of Rome.” Mary Chaston, Companion
“Witnessing the Jubilee of the Most Precious Blood made us realize how widespread their presence is around the entire world. We were struck by their genuine friendliness, humbleness, and shared excitement for the work they are doing. As stunning and breathtaking as our first days in Rome were, our favorite tours were getting out of the city and into the smaller towns where the founders of the Precious Blood congregations lived and practiced their faith, spreading God’s word and building communities that cared for one another. Learning more about the lives of Saint Gaspar, Blessed Giovanni Merlini, and Saint Maria de Mattias and realizing how their good works continue to touch so many lives today, including ours, was truly inspiring.” Cam and Cindi Brady, Companions