Life
Caspar del Bufalo was born on January 6, 1786, in Rome. His father, Nicola del Bufalo, was a lawyer, and his mother, Anna Maria Mazzetti, was a noblewoman. Caspar was the youngest of five children. He was educated at the Jesuit Collegio Romano, where he showed a strong interest in mathematics and science. After completing his studies, he briefly worked as a lawyer. However, he soon felt called to the religious life and, in 1808, he entered the novitiate of the Redemptorists. He was ordained a priest on September 18, 1808.
As a Redemptorist, Caspar del Bufalo worked in various missions throughout Italy. He quickly became known for his zeal and dedication. He was also a skilled preacher and confessor. In 1815, he was appointed the superior of the Redemptorist mission in Rome. However, he soon came into conflict with the Redemptorist leadership over his plans to establish a new religious order dedicated to the Precious Blood. In 1816, he was dismissed from the Redemptorists.
Undeterred, Caspar del Bufalo continued with his plans. He founded the Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood on March 18, 1815, in Giano dell'Umbria, Italy. The congregation was dedicated to spreading devotion to the Precious Blood and to providing education and assistance to the poor and needy. The congregation quickly grew and spread throughout Italy and beyond.
Gaspar del Bufalo served as the superior general of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood until his death in 1837. He died in Rome on December 28, 1837, at the age of 51.
Veneration
Caspar del Bufalo was declared a venerable on January 2, 1849, by Pope Pius IX. He was beatified on November 17, 1890, by Pope Leo XIII. He was canonized on June 29, 1954, by Pope Pius XII.
Saint Caspar del Bufalo is considered the patron saint of lawyers and of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. His feast day is December 28.
Legacy
Caspar del Bufalo's legacy continues to live on through the work of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. The congregation has grown to include over 6,000 members, who serve in over 60 countries around the world. The Missionaries of the Precious Blood are committed to spreading devotion to the Precious Blood, and to providing education and assistance to the poor and needy.