MISSIONARIES OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD. - A religious congregation founded by the Blessed Gaspare Del Bufalo (v.) in 1815 at Giano dell'Umbria; Gregory XVI approved its Rule on 17 December 1841. Its purpose is the spread of devotion to the Precious Blood through preaching, especially missions, both among Christians and non-believers. It also embraces the most modern forms of apostolate.
The Missionaries live in community, not bound by vows but by a promise of fidelity, in observance of the Constitutions, which are free from austerity and modeled on sacred canons. They dress like secular clergy and during preaching wear a crucifix hanging from the neck by a chain.
The Congregation, despite inevitable difficulties, immediately met with widespread favor, proving to be an effective instrument of Providence for healing society from all the ferment of revolutions, struggles, and sects that characterized the 19th century. Pius VII found in it a valuable means to uproot brigandage that had developed in the Papal States during the Napoleonic period. Zealous priests, illustrious prelates, bishops—among whom were St. Vincent Strambi, Msgr. Mastai Ferretti (later Pius IX), and cardinals—drawn by the great ideal of the Blessed Del Bufalo, joined him as auxiliaries, taking part in his missions. Thus alongside the actual Missionaries there arose an institution of auxiliary Missionaries who wrote glorious pages of apostolate and contributed greatly to the affirmation of the nascent work. The Congregation spread rapidly in Italy and soon after the founder's death also abroad. Today, besides Italy, it has numerous centers in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the United States of America, Chile, and Brazil, where it directs a vast mission among the indigenous people of the Amazon. Eminent men for holiness and learning, among whom the Servant of God Fr. Giovanni Merlini, Fr. Biagio Valentini, Fr. Vincenzo Tani, and Fr. Enrico Rizzoli, bishops and writers have honored its ranks.