Message from the director of vocations
One of my heroes growing up was Superman. I remember several times as a child using a bath towel as my Superman cape and climbing up on the flat-roof shed behind the house, taking a running leap … and crashing to the ground. Obviously, my superpowers were not quite developed, so I lived in hope; someday I will fly! Little did I know that my flying would be aboard Delta Airlines, and my destination would be the city of Rome, where I was able to connect with another hero in my life, St. Gaspar del Bufalo.
In this month of October, we celebrate the feast day of St. Gaspar, the Apostle of the Precious Blood. His commitment to emphasizing the dignity of all life, even the life of those who had become enemies of the Papal States, mirrored the love Jesus had for the Samaritans, enemies of the Jewish leaders in his day. Gaspar was a champion of hope, reaching out to those who had walked away from their faith, patiently and passionately telling the story of God’s unconditional love for us through the sacrificial gift of the blood of Jesus.
As a son of St. Gaspar, I can now see that the superpowers I longed for as a child are found in the life-giving and redeeming blood of Christ. I have no doubt that there are others in our ministerial sites who would be inspired by the life of St. Gaspar and with a little encouragement, may feel a tug to join us in our missionary activities. Send me the name and contact information of one young man you have encountered who displays the qualities of a missionary heart, and I’ll follow up with a message of invitation and support. Working together, we are creating a culture of vocations and nurturing the superpower of the Blood of Christ in the hearts of those who want to take a leap of faith.
Vocational Discernment Retreat: Harvesting God’s Goodness
November 16-17, 2024, at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio.
This weekend retreat is for single men 18–40 years old who would like to learn more about discerning their call from God. When we take time to reflect upon the blessings we receive from God in our lives, we begin to appreciate more fully God’s hand at work within us.
Do you know someone who shows a love for the Lord and a desire to give of themselves for the sake of others and their needs? Contact Fr. Angelo at the Vocation Office either by email at vocation@preciousbloodus.org so that he may extend an invitation to those interested in learning more about the call of God and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.
Prayer to St. Gaspar for the Church
Saint Gaspar, you loved the persecuted Church, and in the name of God, you accepted disgrace and exile. We beg your intercession for the Church today; help us discern how we are to live and promote the message of the Gospel. United with you, may our hearts have compassion for the poor and abandoned. Increase our love for the Blood of Christ, so that we also may be prepared to risk our lives.
We thank God for your good works and example. Strengthen our union with you that we may not weaken but grow stronger in our vocation to the honor of God and the salvation of souls. Amen.
Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S.