Fr. Giovanni Merlini to be beatified on Jan. 12, 2025
The Missionaries of the Precious Blood have announced the beatification of Fr. Giovanni Merlini, its third Moderator General, on January 12, 2025, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome. The occasion marks a significant milestone in recognizing Fr. Merlini’s unwavering dedication to faith, service, and the mission of the Church.
Is there room at the inn? Welcoming the stranger in our midst
“While they were there the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7).
An encounter with awe
I am always fascinated gazing into the night sky when there is a full moon shining, along with an abundance of stars. When I walk below the starlit night sky, it is as if God is presenting me with a gift, a gift as beautiful as a diamond ring. God is showing his love. The stars are not just thrown out there randomly. Those who look closely and study them can connect the dots and see figures of animals and humans. The skies reflect the beauty of God’s creation on earth.
Precious Blood profile: Father Vince Wirtner, C.PP.S.
Like much of the campus, the chapel at Melbourne Central Catholic High School in Melbourne, Florida, is open and welcoming. The decor is contemporary and fresh, like the students themselves. They wander in during free periods, dropping into comfortable seats set off in a sunny nook.
International retreat for Precious Blood brothers
Twenty-eight brothers got together either in person or by Zoom to once again join in retreat and ponder the vocation of brotherhood. It was a joyous occasion to gather in Lakeside, Michigan, during a week in October leading up to the Feast of St. Gaspar. We were led in reflection by Br. Michael McAward, a Marianist brother.
Reconciliation and restorative justice
Raechel hopes to gain additional tools and understanding to bring to her current work of offering healing to those who face housing insecurity. Created by the Schreiter Institute of Precious Blood Spirituality at Catholic Theological Union and supported in part by Missionaries of the Precious Blood, the certificate offers both practice and theory that students use to gain a deeper understanding of the spirituality behind reconciliation and restorative justice and apply that understanding to their work.
High school students visit Sorrowful Mother Shrine
During the fall months, the Sorrowful Mother Shrine becomes a vibrant hub of activity as nature and spirituality converge. The changing colors of the leaves and the crispness in the air set a tranquil backdrop, inviting pilgrims and visitors to experience the sacred space in a new light.
Closing Prayer for November 6 Prayer Session
Closing Prayer for November 6 Prayer Session
May your presence and your Holy Spirit be with us today and for many days to come as we face the reality of this election.
Vocations update from Fr. Angelo Anthony, C.PP.S.
Last week, a young adult came up to me and said, “I am so mad at God. For some reason, He won’t tell me what my vocation is. I’ve asked him to please answer my prayers for months now, and I’m not hearing anything!”
Five reasons why technology is vital to today’s Catholic Church
In a world increasingly shaped by digital communication and innovation, the Catholic Church has embraced technology as a key tool in its mission to spread faith, foster community, and engage with people of all ages and locations.
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 …
Keep the conversation alive
Fr. Mark Miller, C.PP.S., invites us to take a closer look at racism and the Christian Nationalism movement.
From “the Green Heart of Italy” to the World
Today we mark the feast day of St. Gaspar del Bufalo, who founded in the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1815 in Giano, a village in what is now Italy.
HIBAKUSHA
As tensions spiral in the Middle East, we must be aware that this is only one area in which war and the threat of war are upending the international order.
The good news is that a grassroots Japanese group, Nihon Hidankyo, recognized for its efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this year.
No fence is too high
The news has focused on record numbers of migrants crossing over into the United States from our southern border. Most of these migrants are entering the country legally by entering into the asylum system. The problem is that our immigration system is broken...
Yet another year without the "Great Pumpkin!"
At the end of this month, yet another Halloween most likely will come and go — and still there will be no “Great Pumpkin” rising out of the pumpkin patch — although I intend to remain vigilant!
PBMR Education Lab launches new programs
Expansion of the Education Lab at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago allows us to better serve the needs of our communities. Read more from the latest issue of Missionary Pulse.
Precious Blood Companion recognized by Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Companion Mark Giesige, the Missionaries’ mission coordinator, was presented with the Spirit of Sr. Dorothy Stang Award during a Mass on Sunday, Sept. 29, at Immaculate Conception Church in Celina, Ohio.
Fr. William Hoyng, C.PP.S.
August 22, 1934 – September 28, 2024
Fr. William Hoyng, C.PP.S., 90, died at 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in the infirmary of St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, where he made his home.
Br. Theophane (Fred) Woodall, C.PP.S.
Br. Theophane Woodall, C.PP.S., 85, died at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, in the infirmary at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio, where he had lived and ministered for 55 years. He had been in failing health in recent years.