SVP Catholic Primary School

Learning about the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Louis Hawthorne, Year 6

Writing for this month’s Oremus, I was given the topic of the Most Precious Blood, but I must admit that I did not know much about this feast. Now, however, I have learnt a lot and let me share with you what I found.

The month of July is dedicated to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, a Feast which was established in 1849 by Pope Pius IX. Blood is our life-force. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice by dying a bloody death on the cross to save us from sin. His blood represents His unconditional love for us and this feast gives us the chance to reflect on what this means to us.

So, why is this feast especially important for Westminster Cathedral? I discovered that in 1895 the church was originally dedicated as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and as you enter the cathedral you may notice the Latin words above the entrance: Domine Jesus, Rex et Redemptor, per Sanguinem tuum salva nos. This translates into English as: ‘Lord Jesus, King and Redeemer, heal us through your blood’. Although the Most Precious Blood is not celebrated everywhere now at the beginning of July, the feast of the Dedication of the Cathedral is always celebrated here on the first day of this month.

You may have heard of the Litany of the Most Precious Blood. But what is a litany? In religious terms, it is a type of prayer. It is usually led by the priest reciting petitions or requests with the responses given by the congregation. The Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus was approved for use in 1960 by Pope St John XXIII. There is also a Precious Blood Rosary consisting of seven mysteries, to represent the seven times Jesus shed His blood. The rosary was composed in 1809 by Francesco Albertini, a Roman priest. Some people that pray the rosary every day, like to pray the Precious Blood Rosary on Fridays as an acknowledgment of Jesus’ passion.

I am now in my final year at St Vincent de Paul Primary School. I am so grateful to all my teachers for their dedication and kindness over the past eight years.

I would like to especially thank my current teacher Miss Storey (Assistant Head Teacher) who is also our SENCO, theatrical director and Latin tutor! And to Mrs Fothergill (Head of School) who has cared for us and taught us RE in a most inspiring and prayerful manner. It is an honour to be part of the Westminster Cathedral parish community – something I shall carry with me all my life. Happy Feast Day for the Dedication on 1 July!