St. Joseph Companions celebrate the Feast of St. Gaspar

October 19 was a day of prayer and covenant renewal, rededication to ministry, feasting, and fellowship at St. Francis Xavier parish in St. Joseph, Missouri. Over fifty members of the Precious Blood family from around the area took part in this celebration of our founder, St. Gaspar del Bufalo’s Feast Day. The prayer service, entitled “Stewards of the Mysteries of God,” was presented by the St. Joseph Companions, focused on the humble cypress tree. The cypress, a very drought-tolerant native tree of Italy, thrives there in the sun and well-drained soil. Gaspar, a native son, would have been well-acquainted with its beauty and symbolic meanings. 

Like Gaspar, the cypress is adaptable to its environment. Like the cypress, Gaspar flexed and bent during times of trial, enduring prison and emerging stronger. In Mediterranean and Jewish culture, the cypress represents uprightness, the transition between life and death, eternal life, mourning, and the uplifting of the spirit. Its tall structure, pointing to heaven, symbolizes hope and eternal life. Cypress trees produce small round cones. They split to spread seeds, which are often opened by the heat of a wildfire. Gaspar himself was on fire with the message of redemption, reconciliation, and new life, thus spreading the word of God. 

Guests were invited to note their ministries to God’s people and place their ministry cards at the foot of a small cypress tree as a gesture of rededication. 

The Covenant ceremony followed, with 16 commitments accepted by Fr. Mark Yates. 

Finally, a bountiful feast took place in the parish center, accompanied by lively fellowship and fun. Our ceremonial cypress tree went to its new home with formation candidate Carolyn Merrigan and her husband. Companion Len Archer prepared a great visual presentation of our companions at work, Lisa Alkier researched and prepared the presentation about the cypress tree, and Ruth White prepared a beautiful printed program, event placecards, and ministry cards. All of our St. Joseph Companions and Companions in formation worked together to present the annual celebration. Thanks all who joined us!