PARISH HISTORY

Who is St. Edward?

Who is St. Edward?

Our patron, "St. Edward the Confessor", was born in England in 1003. Edward was sent to Normandy at the age of ten to protect him from harm during the invasion by the Danes. Edward's father, Ethelred, and his uncle, Edward, were the last reigning Anglo Saxon kings before the Danes conquered the country. Edward was raised by the Duke of Normandy and he learned and lived the Christian way of life. At the age of 40, Edward returned to England and was crowned king. He maintained a religious and just administration and was well loved by his people.

Edward made a vow to go on a pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Peter in Rome if God would end the miseries of his family. He was relieved from that promise by Pope St. Leo IX because to take such a journey may have endangered his kingdom. The Pope then requested that he do good works for the poor and rebuild a monastery.

He repaired what is now known as Westminster Abbey. He died one week after the Abbey was consecrated and is buried in his beloved Abbey.
Who is St. Gaspar?

St. Gaspar Who is St. Gaspar?

St. Gaspar founded the Society of the Precious Blood in Giano, Italy, on August 15, 1815. Here, in the 10th century abbey of San Felice, our founder opened the gates of an ardent devotion to the Precious Blood of Christ.

The preamble of the C.PP.S. constitution captures this new beginning:

• Impelled by the love of Christ, manifested especially in the shedding of his Blood, and sensitive to the needs of the Church, St. Gaspar del Bufalo founded a priestly institute. He attracted from the diocesan clergy a group of like-minded priests and uniting them by a bond of charity only, instead of vows. Living together in mission houses, they were a source of continual renewal for the priests and the people, mainly by preaching missions and retreats.

In this nucleus the Society of the Precious Blood had its origin and from it derives its spirit. Learn more about St. Gaspar by visiting page.