Spiritual Lifestyle

From our earliest days we were taught to pray, to open our hearts to God who calls us by name to follow him.  As children we are shaped by the faith life of our parents. As adults we make a personal choice to follow Jesus and his great commandment of love. This puts us in touch with the life we share in the Holy Spirit, our spiritual life.  Someone once described spirituality as faith raised to a lifestyle. 

As Missionaries of the Precious Blood, our lives are shaped by the Precious Blood of Jesus.  Our mission and communal life reflect the gift of the spirituality of the Precious Blood.  For our founder, St. Gaspar del Bufalo, this was found in recognizing the dignity of all human life. Gazing upon the crucifix, he saw that the blood of Christ flowed as a font of life for all people. This image motivates our mission and ministry today as we seek to be a life-giving, reconciling, and hope-filled presence in our world today.

This section offers an introduction into a lived spirituality of the Precious Blood through publications, podcasts, music, art, and history.  In reflecting upon these materials, you may discover that you have a Precious Blood heart and a call to be a fellow missionary!   

Stained glass depicting a saint gaspar, catholic brotherhoo, called to ministry, catholic chicago

Getting to know our founder

Our members are not bound together by vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, as are members of religious orders. We make a promise of fidelity to live the Bond of Charity, to follow the example of Jesus, who loves us unconditionally.

“I am humbled and in awe of the great diversity of personalities, the spiritual depth, the abounding apostolic energy, and the sense of mission that makes up our C.PP.S. family.” Br. Ben Basile, C.PP.S.

Our History
catholic ministry helping the hungry, catholic ministry helping relieve gang violence

Ministries

Missionaries are encouraged to listen to God’s call in their own life and put to good use the gifts that God has given them. This has led to many unique ministries. At the same time, we are part of a religious community, so we balance our own preferences and desires with the needs of the Precious Blood community and the Church.

Where We Serve
Parishes

Through prayer, we seek to deepen out relationships with God, express our faith, and seek guidance, comfort, and strength.

Rhythm of Prayer

Prayer is our communication with God which involves speaking and listening. Nurturing a strong prayer life is important in the journey of discernment because we must learn to distinguish God’ s voice among the many competing voices call for our attention.  This section on prayer offers various tools for prayer and styles of prayer that will be helpful to your ongoing spiritual growth. 

Just as communication is key to any relationship, an important part to developing a rhythm of prayer is setting aside time each day to communicate with God. The traditional hinge hours for prayer are morning and evening. Be patient, kind and gentle with yourself as you make prayer a priority each day. The more you spend time with your Beloved, the more you will desire to live in Christ and Christ in you.    

Devotional Prayer

Devotional prayers are a good starting point in developing a relationship with God. Offering devotional prayers enables you to bring focus to your prayer time and can help express what you feel in your heart. Some people will use the rosary, various chaplets, litanies, and other devotionals. There are times when we don’t know what to say in prayer, and so, reciting the prayers written by holy men and women of faith can increase your prayer life.  

Traditional

The Precious Blood Congregation has traditional prayers that are part of our patrimony. They have guided discerners for some 200 years.

Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood
Litany of the Precious Blood
A Mystical Outpouring of Saint Catherine of Siena
Anima Christi
Canticle of the Blood of Christ 
Passion Sunday Prayer of Saint Catherine Siena
Prayer in Honor of Mary Help of Christians
Prayer to Saint Francis Xavier
Prayer to Saint Gaspar for the Church
Short Chaplet of the Precious Blood

Contemporary

Over the years, members of the Precious Blood family have composed prayers for various occasions that are offered for your reflection.

A Reconciliation Prayer
Litany of Redemption 
Morning Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood
Prayer for an End to Violence 
Prayer from Center for Hope 
Prayer of Companions
Prayer to St. Maria de Mattias
Prayer to Saint Gaspar for Vocations
Prayer to Saint Gaspar to Obtain Love for the Precious Blood
Psalm of Liberation

Contemplative Prayer

Each day we encounter many voices competing for our attention. Contemplative prayer seeks to quiet our mind and heart, drawing us into the silence to listen for the voice of God.  There are various ways to enter the silence such as slowly breathing in the breath of life and exhaling the stresses and challenges of the day, or saying the name of Jesus slowly four or five times, or focusing on the light of a candle and drawing that light into yourself, or sitting before the Blessed Sacrament…whatever will help you still your restless spirit to encounter the living God. In this prayer you desire to enter into union with God. The following are a few examples of contemplative prayer styles that are found within the tradition of the Church. 

The Practice of Contemplation

St. Teresa of Avila described Contemplative prayer as “nothing else than a close sharing between friends; it means frequently taking time to be alone with Him who loves us.”  It this type of prayer the focus is not on asking God for things or engaging the mind, it is a loving attentiveness to your beloved, you looking at God and God looking at you delighting in what is seen. Start with 15 minutes of sitting in silence and as you become more comfortable with this type of prayer increase your time to thirty minutes to an hour.    


Lectio Divina (Divine Reading)

In this type of prayer, sacred scripture is used as a way of opening the door to what God wants to say to you. God’s Word is ever ancient and ever new.  Because scripture is the living Word of God, it has the power to transform our lives and give new meaning to our journey of faith.

The basic “movement” of Lectio Divina is to Read, Meditate, Pray, and Contemplate. 

  • Read the passage slowly to yourself or out loud and then read it a second time being attentive to a word or short phrase that stands out to you.   

  • Meditate about the word or phase that touched your heart. How does this word connect with your life.

  • Pray in conversation with God about what you are hearing in your heart.

  • Contemplate God’s love through His Word.  This new awareness is an invitation to growth and your identity as a beloved of God.

A helpful prayer practice is to use the movement of Lectio Divina to contemplate the gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday.  This prepares your heart to enter more fulling into the celebration of the Mass.   

Lectio Divina The Call of Jeremiah
Lectio Divina Walk Humbly With God
Lectio Divina Many Members One Body
Lectio Divina Seek God’s Kingdom

Visio Divina (Divine Seeing)

God is beauty itself!  St. Paul VI once spoke of artist as “those who grasp treasures from the heavenly realm of the spirit and cloth them with words, colors, forms, and textures—making them accessible.”  Visio Divina involves using sacred images, art or nature to nurture the soul and ponder the mysteries of heaven and earth.  God is beauty itself and when we gaze upon beauty, our souls are nourished and strengthened.

In the Catholic tradition we use all our senses in prayer. Visio Divina encourages the use of not only words, but beauty, color, form, and symbol to help us enter the mystery of the incarnation and the beauty of this world as a foretaste of what will be in God’s eternal kingdom.    

Visio Divina The Flight Into Egypt
Visio Divina Feeding the Crowd
Visio Divina By Faith We Understand the Universe

Meditative Prayer or Mental Prayer

This type of prayer engages the mind and the heart.  Here it is common to use publications to guide your time of prayer. Some examples include sacred scripture, meditations for Eucharistic Adoration, quotes from the lives of the saints, and the beauty of creation. Pondering the text, you listen for God’s voice in your heart and how the Spirit is at work in you through these reflections. Resource for Meditations on the Precious Blood
The Blood of Christ – A month of Meditations
By:  Fr. Tullio Veglianti, CPPS
Proclaiming Abundant Love, Biblical Reflections on the Spirituality of the Precious Blood by Fr. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S.

Centering Prayer
The goal of this form of prayer is to meet God in the center of your being.

Then to rest there peacefully for an extended time. Read the Scripture passage slowly; note a special word and then sit still and silent for 15 to 20 minutes (as you grow comfortable with silence this can be increased to 30 minutes). If your thoughts wander, simply turn the distraction into a prayer and return to the special word.

Proverbs 31:8-9
The goal of this form of prayer is to meet God in the center of your being and then rest there peacefully for an extended time.

• Open your heart to God asking Him to accompany you in this time of prayer.

• Read the Scripture passage and be attentive to a special word:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

• Sit still and silent for 15 to 20 minutes (as you grow comfortable with silence this can be increased to 30 minutes.) Let the heart of God speak to your heart.  If your mind wonders, make a brief prayer about the distraction and then return to the special word, resting with the Lord.

• Close your prayer with gratitude to God for this time to be together. 

1 Corinthians 7:17
The goal of this form of prayer is to meet God in the center of your being and then rest there peacefully for an extended time.

• Open your heart to God asking Him to accompany you in this time of prayer.
• Read the Scripture passage and be attentive to a special word:
“Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them.”

• Sit still and silent for 15 to 20 minutes (as you grow comfortable with silence this can be increased to 30 minutes.) Let the heart of God speak to your heart.  If your mind wonders, make a brief prayer about the distraction and then return to the special word, resting with the Lord.

• Close your prayer with gratitude to God for this time to be together. 

To order a printed copy of this book email: 
resources@preciousbloodus.org

Proclaiming Abundant Love, Biblical Reflections on the Spirituality of the Precious Blood by Fr. Dennis Chriszt, C.PP.S.
Precious Blood Resource Center
2860 US Route 127
Celina, OH 45822

Mail a check for $6.00 per copy to the above address.  Check should be made out to Society of the Precious Blood.  In the check memo, write Proclaiming Abundant Love.

If you purchase it at St. Charles Center, the book can be purchased for $5.00 per copy, since there would be no charge for shipping.

Communal Prayer

Nurturing a healthy prayer life also involves gathering as a community of faith to offer prayers of worship and thanksgiving to God. In public prayer we more clearly reflect the diversity of the Body of Christ gathered as one as we ask Jesus to intercede for us before the Father. 

Proper of Feast Days for Congregations Dedicated to the Blood of Christ
This publication offers the Mass prayers for the various Feast Days within the Precious Blood Family

The Liturgy of the Hours for Feast Days for Congregations Dedicated to the Blood of Christ
The Liturgy of the Hours is the official prayer of the Church. This publication offers Evening Prayer I, Office of Readings, Morning Prayer, Daytime Prayers and Evening Prayer II for our congregational Feast Days.  
Catholic feast day mass prayers, become a priest

Podcasts

"Restoring Hope," a podcast series dedicated to stories of faith, healing, and reconciliation. Rooted in our charism of bringing Christ’s redeeming love to the world, our series invites you on a journey to discover how hope can transform lives—even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.

Faith, leadership, and restoration in today's world - Fr. Jeff Kirch

The call to love our neighbor - with Sr. Barbara Jean Franklin

Is God calling you to something more? – with Fr. Angelo Anthony

Coffee with Fr. Barry podcast series - 25 Episodes

priest podcast, catholic podcast, restoring hope podcast

A podcast series recorded at Marian University reflecting upon his 50 years of serving the Lord as a Missionary Priest of the Precious Blood.  Responding to God’s call has taken him around the globe proclaiming the gift of life found in the Precious Blood of Jesus. Fr. Barry hopes that through sharing his story, you will be inspired to reflect upon your own unique faith journey.

Coffee With Fr. Barry - Ep 1: Discerning becoming a missionary
Click to watch
Nov 8, 2023 - Today Fr. Barry talks about his decision to become a Missionary of the Precious Blood and his first time in seminary

Coffee With Fr. Barry - Ep 2: Silentium Altum
Click to watch
Nov 20, 2023 - Today Fr. Barry talks to us about his life in the seminary and all his adventures before his travels to South America.

Coffee With Fr. Barry - Ep 3: The College Life
Click to watch
Dec 18, 2023 - Today Fr. Barry tells us about his first time exploring South America and his first Christmas outside of the United States!

Coffee With Fr. Barry – Ep 13: Redemptive Suffering
Click to watch

Spiritual Media

Sacred music
A powerful part of the Catholic faith is helping believers grow closer to God through worship, prayer, and reflection. From traditional hymns and Gregorian chants to modern Catholic worship music, music has always been central to the Mass and the spiritual life of the Church. Catholic music inspires faith, strengthens community, and creates meaningful worship experiences that draw people deeper into the presence of Christ.

”Chalice Prayer”
Music by Fr. Keith Branson, CPPS  Lyrics by Fr. Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.
A setting of Joseph Nassal's Chalice Prayer in a new version. Featured is Soprano Maria Gabriela Milazzo.

“Song of Liberation”on the Feast of the Precious Blood
By Fr. Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.
Pilgrims from the U.S. (Frs. Dennis Chriszt & Dave Matz; Companions Jane & Dave McNeal & their daughter, Amy of Wapakoneta, Ohio; Companion Kathy Mescher of Celina, Ohio), as they lead the congregation in singing Fr. Joe Nassal’s “Song of Liberation,” at the Feast of the Precious Blood at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.

”Sanguis Christi”
By Fr. Keith Branson, C.PP.S.
Blood of Christ, Our Salvation is the core of St. Gaspar del Bufalo's preaching and ministry. Featured is Soprano Maria Gabriella Milazzo.

”At Play in the Vinyard” 
Music by Fr. Keith Branson, CPPS  Lyrics by Fr. Joe Nassal, CPPS. 
From a recording session we did in the early 2000s. Elizabeth Barmann and Mary Hanover are the soloists. The chorus is a group of my dear friends.

”Deo Adjuvante”
By Fr. Keith Branson, C.PP.S.
God is with us, we have nothing to fear. Featured is Soprano Maria Gabriella Milazzo.

”Mother of Sorrows”
By Keith Branson, C.PP.S.
In honor of Don Giovanni Merlini, C.PP.S. who was beatified 12 January 2025. He was the Third Moderator General of the Society of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), and assisted in the creation of the Adorers of the Precious Blood (ASC).

”Peace with God”
By Fr. Keith Branson, C.PP.S.
This text was frequently sung at the end of St. Gaspar del Bufalo's parish missions in 19th Century central Italy. Featured is Soprano Maria Gabriella Milazzo.

”Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood”
Words by Fr. Francesco Albertini, Music by Fr. Keith Branson, C.PP.S.
A traditional Precious Blood devotional prayer.

”Children of Light”
Music by Fr. Keith Branson, CPPS  Lyrics by Fr. Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.
From a recording we did in the early 2000s. Alice Obaski was the soloist. The choir is a few of my friends.

Precious Blood content

Content that helps share the Gospel through powerful storytelling, worship, livestreamed Masses, sermons, and inspirational media. Using modern video production Catholic ministries can reach people around the world with messages of faith, hope, and encouragement.

The Missionaries of the Precious Blood
Our priests and brothers share a commitment to reach out to those who are lost or forsaken. They are encouraged to follow God’s call in the tradition of our founder, St. Gaspar del Bufalo, to serve the people of God in ways that will invigorate God’s Church. Our priests and brothers live as a family and find in each other the support and friendship that sustains them in their ministries.

Journeys of Faith Collection By Bob and Penny Lord
Journey with Bob and Penny Lord through Italy, to discover the heartfelt life of St. Gaspar del Bufalo, whom Penny lovingly describes as, "faithful, humble and truthful."  Experience the joys and trials of Gaspar's vocation, as a Catholic priest whose mission overflows throughout the world with the life-giving Precious Blood he faithfully brought to the marginalized, outcast, and those suffering from the plague.

Virtual Tour of St. Gaspar's Italy
Enjoy the virtual tour of Rome, visiting the churches that were central to St. Gaspar's life. This production brings to light the suffering Gaspar endured under the strongarm of the Napoleonic invasion. Gaspar inspires as he faithfully carries on his life mission (vocation) with holy fervor.  

Articles

Explore a collection of articles designed to deepen your Catholic faith, enrich your prayer life, and inspire your vocational journey. From reflections on Scripture and the lives of the saints to practical guidance for living the Gospel in today's world, these resources offer wisdom, encouragement, and spiritual insight for Catholics seeking to grow closer to Christ.

Covenant, Cross, Chalice 
If we see the ministry of the Covenant as central to what we do, then our special focus and contribution to the overall mission of the Church would center around two things: community-building and communication... 

Community Identity
A spirituality of the Precious Blood is able to interpret and give direction to individual lives... 

Preparing Missionaries to be Agents of Reconciliation and Peacemaking
Throughout history, Christian missionaries have configured their work according to different understandings of how best to communicate the Gospel…

Reconciliation: An Essential Element of Mission
I am a Missionary of the Precious Blood. To me, this is an important statement of identity. I am a Missionary of the Precious Blood…

Outline of Precious Blood Devotion and Spirituality from Saint Gaspar to the Present Day
The theme of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ has been central to the identity and self-understanding of our Congregation from the very beginning… 

Towards a Precious Blood Spirituality of Mission
In light of the reflections of Steve Bevans in his paper entitled “Towards a Mission Spirituality,” I would like to preface my paper by stating that I share his understanding of “spirituality.” …

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