Novena to Saint Gaspar del Bufalo – Apostle of the Precious Blood
Who Is Saint Gaspar del Bufalo?
The Novena to Saint Gaspar del Bufalo is prayed from October 13 to October 21 in honor of this missionary priest and founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. Known for his courage during persecution and his deep love for the Church, Saint Gaspar is a powerful intercessor for those seeking strength, missionary zeal, and devotion to the Blood of Christ.
In this novena, we ask his help for the Church today and for our personal vocation in following Christ.
A Short Biography of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo
Born in Rome in 1786, Saint Gaspar del Bufalo was ordained a priest during a time of great political turmoil. He refused to take an oath of allegiance to Napoleon, which led to his exile and imprisonment. After his release, he founded the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, dedicated to spreading devotion to the Blood of Christ and preaching missions in rural areas.
His tireless work for the poor and the spiritually abandoned left a strong legacy in Italy and beyond. He died in 1837 and was canonized in 1954.
🔗 Learn more about Saint Gaspar del Bufalo on Catholic.org
🔗 Related: Novena to the Precious Blood of Jesus
Why Pray This Novena?
We pray this novena from October 13 to October 21 to ask Saint Gaspar’s intercession for:
- Strength and courage in times of persecution or fear
- Love and reverence for the Precious Blood of Christ
- Zeal for the salvation of souls and the mission of the Church
- Growth in our own vocation and call to holiness
How to Pray the Novena
Each day, simply pray the following Novena Prayer to Saint Gaspar del Bufalo. You may also add:
- 1 Our Father
- 1 Hail Mary
- 1 Glory Be
- Your personal intention
Novena Prayer to Saint Gaspar del Bufalo
Prayer to St. Gaspar for the Church
Saint Gaspar,
you loved the persecuted Church,
and in the name of God
you accepted disgrace and exile.We beg your intercession
for the Church today;
help us discern how we are to live and promote
the message of the Gospel.United with you,
may our hearts have compassion
for the poor and abandoned.Increase our love for the Blood of Christ,
so that we also may be prepared
to risk our lives.We thank God for your
good works and example.Strengthen our union with you that
we may not weaken,
but grow stronger in our vocation
to the honor of God and
the salvation of souls.Amen.
Closing Thoughts
As you finish this Novena to Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, may his example of fearless faith and love for Christ strengthen your own vocation. He reminds us that the Church needs bold, humble souls who will carry the message of salvation with compassion and courage.
May the Precious Blood of Jesus protect you, and may Saint Gaspar intercede for your intentions.