# The Importance of the Blood: Litany of the Most Precious Blood
*2015-07-10*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Veronica Giuliani, the tragedy of innocent children in the Middle East, and the central role of Christ’s Precious Blood in our faith, concluding with the Litany of the Most Precious Blood.

## A Call to Remember the Innocent

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young. Today, Friday, July 10, we celebrate the feast of St. Veronica Giuliani. I was struck by a disturbing photograph of a young boy killed in the Middle East, sent to me by Father Florian, who urged us not to look away but to pray and cry out for the holy innocents persecuted for their faith. This month is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus, and I want to begin by honoring those children with prayer.

## St. Veronica Giuliani: A Life of Sacrificial Love

Veronica Giuliani was born in Mercatelli, Italy, in 1660. When her mother was dying, Veronica placed each of her five daughters at the foot of one of Christ’s wounds; Veronica herself was entrusted to the wound below Christ’s heart. At 17 she entered the Poor Clares, despite her father’s wishes for her to marry. She served in the kitchen and infirmary, later becoming novice mistress for 22 years. At 37 she received the stigmata, which led to a painful investigation by Rome; she was temporarily removed from her office and barred from Mass except on Sundays and holy days. Yet she never became bitter. The investigation was eventually resolved, and at 56 she was elected abbess, a role she held until her death in 1727. Veronica was deeply devoted to the Eucharist and the Sacred Heart, offering her sufferings for the missions. She was canonized in 1839.

## Why the Precious Blood Matters

The Precious Blood is the very blood of Christ, shed on the Cross for our salvation. As St. Thomas Aquinas taught, we cannot grasp the presence of Christ’s Body and Blood in the Eucharist by intellect alone; we receive it through faith grounded in divine authority. St. Cyril of Jerusalem likewise reminds us of Luke 22:19: “This is my body which is given up for you.” The Church, though composed of sinners, is called to sanctify the world through the redemptive power of Christ’s blood. The Second Vatican Council renewed emphasis on this mystery, and the Council’s documents repeatedly highlight the importance of devotion to the Precious Blood.

## Litany of the Most Precious Blood

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
God the Father, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, save us.
Blood of Christ, Son of the Eternal Father, save us.
Blood of Christ, Innocent Word of God, save us.
Blood of Christ, of the new and eternal covenant, save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.
Blood of Christ, the source of forgiveness, save us.
Blood of Christ, the nourishment of the Eucharist, save us.
Blood of Christ, victorious over demons, save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of mothers, save us.
Blood of Christ, comfort of the dying, save us.
Blood of Christ, hope for the repentant, save us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

## Closing Prayer

Father, who poured out Your precious blood through Your Only Begotten Son, redeem us anew. May we, by celebrating the holy mysteries, obtain the fruits of redemption. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

*May the Precious Blood move us to act for the innocent and deepen our faith in Christ’s saving love.*