month of the precious blood

And just like that July arrives. As I sit here looking at the lake and writing this, I must say I am truly blessed. This month is dedicated to the Precious Blood which was instituted by Pope Piux IX in 1849, although it is as old as Christianity itself. Early Fathers say the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ; the Precious Blood is the Blood which Jesus shed for us on Calvary, it is the Blood made present on the altars by words of Consecration, and it is the Blood that washes and beautifies our souls. Lets us start this month with the following prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, who came down from heaven to earth from the bosom of the Father, and did shed your Precious Blood for the remission of our sins, we humbly beseech you, that on the day of judgement we may deserve to hear, standing at your right hand: "Come, ye blessed." Who lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.