July: The Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ

July: The Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ

In the Catholic Church, the month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, a devotion that invites the faithful to reflect on the profound sacrifice of Christ’s blood shed for humanity’s redemption. This devotion, rich in history and theological significance, underscores the central role of Christ’s sacrifice in the salvation of mankind. It is a time for Catholics to meditate on the redemptive power of Jesus’ blood, poured out on the cross, and to deepen their spiritual connection to this sacred mystery through prayer, liturgy, and acts of charity. This blog post explores the history, devotion, apologetics, and administration of this powerful devotion in the Catholic Church.

 The History of the Precious Blood Devotion

The devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is as ancient as Christianity itself, rooted in the very heart of the Gospel. The Church has always recognized the blood of Christ as the price of humanity’s redemption, a theme woven throughout Sacred Scripture. In the Old Testament, blood was central to covenantal rituals, such as the Passover lamb’s blood that spared the Israelites from death (Exodus 12:7-13). These rituals prefigured the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood established the New Covenant (Matthew 26:28). The early Church Fathers, such as St. John Chrysostom, emphasized the cleansing and redemptive power of Christ’s blood, noting that it “has washed the whole world clean” ().[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

The formal institution of the devotion, however, took shape in the 19th century. In 1849, during the First Italian War for Independence, Pope Pius IX was exiled from Rome and sought divine intervention to restore peace. Accompanied by Don Giovanni Merlini, the third superior general of the Fathers of the Most Precious Blood, the Pope vowed to establish a universal feast in honor of the Precious Blood if peace was restored. Remarkably, the war ended soon after, and on August 10, 1849, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the first Sunday of July as the Feast of the Most Precious Blood. Later, Pope Pius X fixed the feast on July 1, and Pope Pius XI elevated it to a double of the first class in 1933 to commemorate the 19th centenary of Christ’s death ().[](https://fatima.org/news-views/catholic-apologetics-174/)

Following the Second Vatican Council in 1969, the feast was removed from the General Roman Calendar and integrated into the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Despite this change, the month of July remains dedicated to the Precious Blood, and a votive Mass in its honor can be celebrated throughout the year (). The devotion continues to thrive among the faithful, particularly through the efforts of religious orders like the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, founded by St. Gaspar del Bufalo, who was declared “the world’s greatest apostle of the devotion” by Pope John XXIII ().[](https://thecatholicheroes.com/history-biographies/july-a-month-dedicated-to-the-most-precious-blood-of-jesus/)[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

 The Devotion to the Precious Blood

Devotion to the Precious Blood centers on honoring the blood Jesus shed during His Passion and Crucifixion, which Catholics believe is hypostatically united to His divine nature as the Second Person of the Trinity. This union makes the Precious Blood worthy of latreutical worship (cultus latriae), the adoration due to God alone (). The devotion emphasizes the salvific power of Christ’s blood, which reconciles humanity with God, atones for sin, and offers protection from spiritual harm. As St. Peter writes, “You were ransomed… not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).[](https://followingpadrepio.org/july-month-of-the-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

Throughout July, Catholics are encouraged to deepen their devotion through specific practices, including:

- Attending Mass and Receiving the Eucharist: The Eucharist, believed to be the true Body and Blood of Christ, is the primary way Catholics encounter the Precious Blood. Participation in the Mass allows the faithful to receive the graces of Christ’s sacrifice ().[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

- Meditating on the Seven Blood-Sheddings: Devotees reflect on the seven instances where Christ shed His blood: His circumcision, the Agony in the Garden, the Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, the Carrying of the Cross, the Crucifixion, and the Piercing of His Heart ().[](https://followingpadrepio.org/july-month-of-the-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

- Praying Devotional Prayers: Prayers such as the Litany of the Most Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and the Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood are enriched with indulgences and approved by Popes Pius VII and John XXIII (). For example, the Litany of the Precious Blood invokes the blood’s attributes, such as its role as the “price of our salvation” and “pledge of eternal life.”[](https://fatima.org/news-views/catholic-apologetics-174/)

- Making Sacrifices for Others: Imitating Christ’s sacrifice, Catholics are encouraged to perform acts of charity and self-denial, offering their efforts in union with the Precious Blood for the salvation of souls ().[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

- Scriptural Meditation: Reflecting on passages like Romans 5:9, Ephesians 2:13, and 1 John 1:7 deepens understanding of the blood’s redemptive power ().[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

Saints like St. Catherine of Siena, St. John Chrysostom, and St. Gaspar del Bufalo have been instrumental in promoting this devotion. St. Catherine began her letters with the greeting, “I address you in the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ,” and St. Gaspar expressed his fervent desire to “endear every heart to the Precious Blood” ().[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

 Apologetics of the Precious Blood

The devotion to the Precious Blood is firmly grounded in Catholic theology and Scripture, making it a robust subject for apologetics. Critics, particularly from Protestant traditions, may question the devotion as an overemphasis on a physical element of Christ’s sacrifice. However, Catholics can respond with several key points:

1. Biblical Foundation: The New Testament repeatedly highlights the redemptive power of Christ’s blood. Hebrews 9:14 states, “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God.” Similarly, Revelation 5:9 praises the Lamb “who was slain and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” These passages affirm the centrality of Christ’s blood in salvation history ().[](https://mn.catholic.org.au/news/faith-matters-the-most-precious-blood/)

2. Hypostatic Union: The Precious Blood is not merely human blood but is united to the divine nature of Christ through the hypostatic union. As such, it is worthy of adoration, just as the Sacred Heart or the wounds of Christ are venerated (). This theological truth counters claims that the devotion is idolatrous.[](https://followingpadrepio.org/july-month-of-the-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

3. Eucharistic Connection: The Precious Blood is inseparable from the Eucharist, where Catholics believe Christ’s blood is truly present under the appearance of wine. This belief is rooted in Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). The devotion thus reinforces the Catholic understanding of the Real Presence ().[](https://thecatholicheroes.com/history-biographies/july-a-month-dedicated-to-the-most-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

4. Historical Continuity: The devotion’s antiquity, dating back to the early Church Fathers and reinforced by saints and popes, demonstrates its organic place within Catholic tradition. Its formal establishment in 1849 by Pope Pius IX and its promotion by figures like St. Gaspar del Bufalo highlight its enduring relevance ().[](https://fatima.org/news-views/catholic-apologetics-174/)

5. Spiritual Efficacy: The Precious Blood is seen as a source of spiritual protection and intercession. Catholics invoke it for deliverance from evil, healing, and the conversion of sinners, aligning with the Church’s mission to bring souls to Christ (). This practical aspect appeals to believers seeking tangible spiritual support.[](https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/july-devoted-precious-blood-jesus)

In a world marked by division and violence, the Precious Blood devotion offers a message of reconciliation and unity. It reminds Catholics that every human soul is of inestimable value, purchased by Christ’s blood, and calls the faithful to protect life and foster peace ().[](https://mn.catholic.org.au/news/faith-matters-the-most-precious-blood/)

 Administration in the Catholic Church

The devotion to the Precious Blood is administered in the Catholic Church through various liturgical and devotional practices, primarily centered on the Eucharist and specific prayers. While the standalone Feast of the Most Precious Blood is no longer part of the General Roman Calendar, its spirit is preserved in the following ways:

- Votive Mass of the Precious Blood: After the post-Vatican II liturgical reforms, a votive Mass in honor of the Precious Blood was established, allowing priests to celebrate it throughout the year, particularly in July. The opening prayer of this Mass asks God to continue His work of love through the mystery of salvation ().[](https://thecatholicheroes.com/history-biographies/july-a-month-dedicated-to-the-most-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

- Liturgical Calendar: July remains dedicated to the Precious Blood, and parishes may emphasize this devotion through homilies, prayers, and devotions during the month. Some dioceses, such as the Archdiocese of Liverpool, maintain local celebrations of the Precious Blood on specific dates ().[](https://saintfrancischurch.org/2025/07/devotion-to-the-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

- Religious Orders: The Missionaries of the Precious Blood, founded by St. Gaspar del Bufalo, play a significant role in promoting the devotion. Their charism focuses on spreading awareness of Christ’s sacrifice and encouraging Eucharistic adoration ().[](https://sbarnabas.weebly.com/about-the-parish.html)

- Devotional Practices: Parishes and individuals are encouraged to pray the Litany of the Precious Blood, the Chaplet of the Precious Blood, and other approved prayers. These devotions are often enriched with indulgences, making them powerful tools for spiritual growth ().[](https://fatima.org/news-views/catholic-apologetics-174/)

- Eucharistic Adoration and Reception: The Eucharist is the primary means of encountering the Precious Blood. Catholics are encouraged to attend Mass frequently, receive Communion with reverence, and participate in Eucharistic adoration to honor Christ’s blood ().[](https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/july-devoted-precious-blood-jesus)

- Art and Symbolism: The Precious Blood is celebrated in sacred art, such as the Ghent Altarpiece, which depicts the Mystic Lamb’s blood flowing into a chalice, symbolizing salvation. Such imagery is used in churches to inspire devotion ().[](https://mn.catholic.org.au/news/faith-matters-the-most-precious-blood/)

 Conclusion

The month of July offers Catholics a profound opportunity to reflect on the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, the price of humanity’s redemption. Rooted in Scripture and tradition, this devotion invites the faithful to meditate on Christ’s sacrifice, participate in the Eucharist, and live lives of charity and sacrifice. Its history, from its ancient origins to its formal institution in 1849, underscores its enduring significance. Apologetically, it stands as a testament to the Catholic belief in the Real Presence and the hypostatic union, offering a powerful response to critics. Administered through the liturgy, prayers, and religious orders, the devotion remains a vibrant part of Catholic life, calling believers to draw closer to the heart of their faith. As we honor the Precious Blood this July, may we echo St. Catherine of Siena’s prayer: “Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: Flow upon us!” ().[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

Sources:

- Catholic Culture, “July, Month of the Precious Blood.”[](https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/07_1.cfm)

- Covenant Catholic, “July: Dedicated to the Precious Blood.”[](https://covenantcatholic.org/devotion-of-the-month/july-dedicated-to-the-precious-blood/)

- The Catholic Heroes, “July: A Month Dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.”[](https://thecatholicheroes.com/history-biographies/july-a-month-dedicated-to-the-most-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

- The Fatima Center, “Most Precious Blood: History and Devotions for the Feast.”[](https://fatima.org/news-views/catholic-apologetics-174/)

- Following Padre Pio, “July: Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus.”[](https://followingpadrepio.org/july-month-of-the-precious-blood-of-jesus/)

- The Divine Mercy, “July, Devoted to the Precious Blood of Jesus.”[](https://www.thedivinemercy.org/articles/july-devoted-precious-blood-jesus)

- Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, “FAITH MATTERS: The Most Precious Blood.”[](https://mn.catholic.org.au/news/faith-matters-the-most-precious-blood/)

- @PrayTheRosary12, July 1, 2023.

- @PrayTheRosary12, June 30, 2025.

- @father_rmv, June 30, 2024.