July - Month of the Precious Blood

This Month dedicated to the Precious Blood of Christ was instituted in the Church in 1849 by Pope Pius IX.  Blood is symbolic of life and atonement. In the Old Testament animals were sacrificed to God in atonement for sins and at the time of the Passover the unblemished lamb was sacrificed and the blood sprinkled over the doorposts of those who were saved from death.

But the ultimate Sacrifice was paid for us by Jesus. The most Precious Blood of Christ was poured out for all of us on the Cross for our sins.  He, the unblemished lamb of God was sacrificed for us and endured the most painful death imaginable.  Both blood and water gushed forth from His pierced heart at the hour of His death at
3 o'clock, as a fountain of Mercy for us and for the whole world. 

“Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy, flow upon us!
Precious Blood,
Most Pure offering, procure us every grace!
Precious Blood,
Hope and refuge of sinners, atone for us!
Precious Blood,
Delight of the Holy Souls, draw us!
Amen.”

— Saint Catherine of Siena