St. Maria De Mattias

St. Maria, a great teacher, founded the Adorers of the Blood of Christ modeled on the inspiration of her contemporary, St. Gaspar Del Bufalo, who founded the Society of the Precious Blood. She opened schools in many towns which had none and was a gifted speaker and apostle for the glory of God. She is shown here supported by a chair as was her teaching style and also with a book as she was often portrayed. Early in her life she spent deep communion with a painting, “The Maternity of Mary,” shown at left. Mary communicated to Saint Maria saying, “Do not be afraid. I will help you.” The wine grape shared with St. Gaspar embodies the blood of Christ, and the wheat is her connection to Kansas and the fruition of seeds planted through teaching.

St. Gaspar Del Bufalo

St. Gaspar began the missionaries of the Society of the Precious Blood in Giano, Italy. Even before he was ordained he preached and ministered to the poor. He twice refused allegiance to Napolean; once he was exiled and once imprisoned. after which he dedicated his life as an apostly of The Precious Blood. He is pictured here with the mission cross over his heart, the symbol of his community, and with the larger cross and his hand uplifted as he is often portrayed.I was fortunate to have as reference an entire book of portraits of St. Gaspar. He is often portrayed with the communion chalice receiving the Precious Blood. Here he is assisted by an angel. The grape vine, symbol of Christ’s offering, is shared with St. Maria De Mattias, his contemporary and follower in devotion to the Precious Blood.