Much of life is a rolling evolution. The days grind or gallop along and, absorbed in other concerns, we can scarcely take more than passing note of the changes that are inevitably all around us.

“While we are moving toward the celebration of the Light of the World, first we must spend time with the shadows of this season. To do so, however, may first stir our fears. The invitation I’d like to offer is to enter the Advent dance of the shadows — to explore those hidden, perhaps feared and fearful aspects of our lives, of our relationships with others, our world, and our God.” 

This season speaks to us of the journey of discernment that all of us take in this life. The Word becomes flesh in each of us as we say “yes” to God’s call by responding fully to our baptismal call to holiness and the dream God has placed in our hearts.   

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.

“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).

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.   

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.

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.   

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.

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 
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. 

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!”

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.

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 …

Fr. Mark Miller, C.PP.S., invites us to take a closer look at racism and the Christian Nationalism movement.

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. 

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.

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...

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!  

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.