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Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood CPS

Celebrating 140 Years of Missionary Love: The Journey of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood

By Sr. Christine Masivo  From the hills of Mariannhill to the far corners of the world, the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood continue to pour out love and service across generations and continents. In 1885, the seed of a powerful missionary legacy was planted in the heart of South Africa by Father Francis Pfanner , a visionary Trappist monk from Austria. Responding to the spiritual and social needs of the time, he welcomed the first women missionaries from Germany later known as the White Sisters  to Mariannhill, near Durban. This marked the humble but fervent foundation of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood (CPS) , the first missionary congregation for women established in South Africa. Now, 140 years later, the congregation stands as a vibrant testimony of faith, resilience, and boundless service . Rooted in the Precious Blood of Christ, the Sisters have taken their charism of reconciliation, healing, and compassionate presence to every corner of the wor...

100 Years of Mission: Celebrating CPS in the United States

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By Sr. Marian Muskulak CPS “This truly is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” This year, the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood (CPS) joyfully celebrate 100 years of missionary service in the United States. What began humbly in Princeton, New Jersey, where our Sisters first worked alongside the Vincentian Fathers at St. Joseph’s Preparatory College and the Vincentian novitiate in Germantown, has blossomed into a century-long legacy of faith, service, and dedication. Celebrating 100 years of mission in the NAP Province A Century of Service in Education Education has always been at the heart of our mission. From our early years at schools such as Our Lady of Pompeii in Bethlehem, Immaculate Conception, Star of the Sea in Tremont, and Precious Blood Convent Day Care Center, to more recent ministries at La Salle Academy, Holy Name, Central Catholic High School, John Paul II Center for Special Learning, and Alvernia University, CPS Sisters have dedicated ...
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  200 Years of Abbot Francis Pfanner Celebration in Langen Austria In 2025, on 21 September, the 200 th anniversary of the birth of Franz (Wendelin) Pfanner (1825–1909) marked a historic era. The visionary missionary and founder whose life of faith and service continues to inspire people across the world. A farmer's son, priest, seeker, Trappist, founder of monasteries and religious orders, missionary and modern apostle to the Gentiles, visionary and adventurer in a habit, obedient rebel, silent prayer The jubilee celebration was held in  Langen, Austria , the birthplace of Abbot Pfanner, where he first opened his eyes to life two centuries ago. The  Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood (CPS)   and the  Missionaries of Mariannhill (CMM)  came together with family descendants, parishioners, and the local community of Langen to honor his legacy in the very village where his journey began. Known for his deep spirituality, courage, and pioneering missio...

Pilgrims of Hope Celebrate the Jubilee of the Precious Blood with Global Unity and Sacred Symbolism

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  In a deeply moving display of global faith and unity, the Precious Blood family comprising religious men, women, and lay associates gathered from all corners of the earth to celebrate the Feast of the Precious Blood in a unique and powerful way. This year’s celebration, set against the backdrop of the Jubilee Year 2025 and the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” drew thousands to the heart of the Catholic Church for a celebration steeped in prayer, symbolism, and mission. The month of July, traditionally dedicated to the Precious Blood of Christ, opened with a vibrant vigil on June 30 at the Basilica of St. John Lateran. The evening of prayer was led by Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV for the Diocese of Rome, and beautifully animated by members of the Precious Blood congregations and their associates. Throughout the vigil and the Mass, TaizĂ© chants filled the basilicas with meditative peace. Angelic singing, TaizĂ© chants, scripture, and symbolic processions created...

Pope Francis - The Pope of the Heart

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By Sr. Walburga Ballhausen CPS – Rome, May 2, 2025 “Buona sera!” With just two simple words and a gentle wave from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on March 13, 2013, Pope Francis instantly disarmed the world. “Brothers and sisters, good evening!” he said—softly, humbly, as if greeting old friends. It was in that moment that many of us knew: this was no ordinary pontificate. This was a man of the people. A pastor. A father. A friend. Pope Francis  Who is Pope Francis for me? He was, and will always remain, the Pope of the heart . From day one, his pontificate was marked by a refreshing simplicity and deep human warmth. Dressed in plain white, he appeared almost shy—but his presence was powerful. His humility wasn’t performative; it was the very essence of his being. That modesty remained a steady undercurrent throughout his twelve years as the Bishop of Rome. “Please. Thank you. Excuse me.” Three little words. That’s what he offered to young people on many occasions—wor...

JUBILEE PRAYER 2025

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Let us pray together for the Lord to enlighten and strengthen our hope and faith. Amen

Palm Sunday: A Celebration of Faith, Simplicity, and Communion

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  By Sr. Christine Masivo  Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, was celebrated with great devotion and spiritual fervour by communities around the world, including religious sisters and lay faithful in Rome. This day commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds greeted Him with palm branches, shouting "Hosanna!" as a sign of honour and recognition. In the congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Precious Blood also known as the Mariannhill Sisters, the celebration took two forms. Some sisters gathered in the quiet intimacy of the convent chapel for Mass, entering prayerfully into the solemnity of the occasion. The chapel’s atmosphere was peaceful, imbued with a sense of unity and reflection as palms were blessed and readings proclaimed the Passion narrative. Others joined the local community at St. Bruno Parish, a vibrant parish in Rome. The church was filled to capacity, especially with families—many children came with their parent...