Recognized holiness

It was on June 12, 1954, that Pius XII canonized St. Gaspar del Bufalo. 117 years had passed since his death and 139 years since the founding of the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. The work he left behind continued to grow, and therefore the Church recognizes its relevance today, the richness of the spirituality of the Precious Blood, and the fundamental role of its mission in the world.

A tireless man in proclaiming the power of the Blood of Christ for the renewal and conversion of life, in his contact with the poorest, sickest, and most disadvantaged in society, in his fearless dealings with thieves, or in combating ideals that, by taking root in society, distanced people from God, a bold and energetic missionary, he generously dedicated himself to the service of the Church, a service that was often requested of him by the Supreme Pontiff. Some called him a "spiritual earthquake" because of the depth of his ministry and his words.

The Congregation is present in many countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America. Since 1988 there has been the Iberian Province, formed by three countries: first Spain and Portugal, and later Guinea-Bissau. Pope John XXIII defined St. Gaspar as the greatest apostle of the Blood of Christ.