Founder of C.PP.S.

Brief History Born January 6, 1786 Ordained July 31, 1808 Founded C.PP.S. on August 15, 1815 Died December 28, 1837 Canonized June 12, 1954

Gaspar is entombed in San Maria in Trivio in Rome

Interesting Factoid Pope John XXIII went to San Maria in Trivio prior to the start of the Second Vatican Council to ask Gaspar’s intercession for the success of the Council.

Events that shaped his Life Grew up in Rome Early years marked by sickness –engendered a concern for sick Came into contact with many poor rural peasants in Rome –Organizing on behalf of social action Chaos -- due to the reign of Napoleon Clergy grew laxed in their duties

Roma  Sonnino

The Foundation of the C.PP.S. Founded on August 15, 1815 in San Felice –ran into opposition from Church hierarchy –later Pius VIII removed all financial assistance that came to Community –The Rule not approved until after Gaspar’s death An Apostolic Community--exists for “work” “...be a contemplative at home and an apostle in the field.” Joined by “charity” not vows

The Poor in Rome Many peasants came to Rome Even at a young age Gaspar reached out –feeding –organizing them for social action

The Banditti Terrorists had taken over the town of Sonnino –What about terrorists today? Gaspar reached out Was able to save the town There is a plaque in the town

Sonino

Loyalty Oath Napoleon had taken over the Papal states Was required of all –pledge of loyalty to Napoleon above all else “I cannot, I will not I must not”

In Exile Gaspar was imprisoned for his refusal to take the loyalty oath He refused to back down from his commitments Spent four years in prison and/or exile

Years in Exile Vision becomes clear –continue works of mercy in context of community –join with men and women in bond of charity –proclaim peace through the blood of the cross –reaching out to the outcast –to preach missions for the the renewal of the diocesan clergy –to preach a new way of living made possible through power of blood of Christ

Gaspar’s Accomplishments Responded to needs of poor and outcast –went to Sonnino to the terrorists Renewal of clergy of Rome A man of conviction –stood up to several Popes –in spite of obstacles, Community survives

San Nicolo in Carcere In December 1808 Gaspar preached at the inception of the Archconfraternity of the Precious Blood Engenders a devotion to Precious Blood

The Birth place of CPPS San Felice--Giano, Italy

Founded the C.PP.S. August 15, 1815 Gaspar had come into contact with the Archconfraternity of the Precious Blood through Fr. Albertini –Some lay “associates” Had a little trouble establishing the Society Pius VII then was supportive and assigned the missionaries to convert the banditti in the southern papal states

Gaspar’s Canonization June 12, 1954

Procession with the painting made for the canonization