July: A Month Dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

One of the great devotions in the Catholic Church is the honoring of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. This devotion is deeply connected to the Passion of Jesus and recognizes the immense sacrifice He made for the salvation of humanity. The shedding of His blood is central to Christian faith, symbolizing redemption and eternal life. This devotion is also intimately linked to the Eucharist, where Catholics believe the blood of Christ is made present and is consumed during Mass under the appearance of wine.

Historical Development

The celebration of the Precious Blood of Jesus has a rich history within the Catholic tradition. Various feasts were dedicated to this devotion over the centuries, but it was not until the 19th century that a universal feast was established. The pivotal moment came during the First Italian War for Independence in 1849, when Pope Pius IX was forced into exile in Gaeta. Accompanying him was Don Giovanni Merlini, the third superior general of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood.

In the midst of the conflict, Merlini proposed to Pope Pius IX the creation of a universal feast dedicated to the Precious Blood to seek divine intervention for peace. On June 30, 1849, Pope Pius IX announced his intention to establish such a feast. Remarkably, the war concluded soon after, and the Pope returned to Rome. On August 10, he formally proclaimed that the first Sunday of July would be dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. Later, Pope Pius X assigned July 1 as the fixed date for this celebration.

Post-Vatican II Changes

The Second Vatican Council brought numerous changes to the liturgical calendar, and the feast of the Precious Blood was removed. However, a votive Mass in honor of the Precious Blood was established, allowing it to be celebrated not only in July but also in other months throughout the year.

A Month for Meditation

The entire month of July is traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood, encouraging Catholics to meditate on Jesus’ profound sacrifice and the pouring out of His blood for humanity. This period invites deeper reflection on the mysteries of redemption and the Eucharistic celebration.

Prayers for the Month of July

Here is the opening prayer from the votive Mass in honor of the Precious Blood, which can be used for personal meditation and prayer throughout July:

Opening Prayer:

Father, by the blood of your Son you have set us free and saved us from death. Continue your work of love within us, that by constantly celebrating the mystery of our salvation, we may reach the eternal life it promises. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Additional Prayer:

O Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite price of sinful man's redemption, both drink and laver of our souls, Thou who dost plead continually the cause of man before the throne of infinite mercy, from the depths of my heart I adore Thee, and so far as I am able, would requite Thee for the insults and outrages which Thou dost continually receive from human beings, and especially from those who rashly dare to blaspheme Thee. Who would not bless this Blood of infinite value? Who doth not feel within himself the fire of the love of Jesus who shed it all for us? What would be my fate, had I not been redeemed by this divine Blood? Who hath drawn it from the veins of my Saviour, even to the last drop? Ah, this surely was the work of love. O infinite love, which has given us this saving balsam! O balm beyond all price, welling forth from the fountain of infinite love, grant that every heart and every tongue may be enabled to praise Thee, magnify Thee and give Thee thanks both now and forevermore. Amen.

Here is also a Prayer to the Precious Blood of Christ against all demonic forces and influences.

As we journey through July, may these prayers and reflections bring us closer to understanding and appreciating the immeasurable love and sacrifice embodied in the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.