Adorers of the Blood of Christ (ASC)
Provincial House, Aradhana Convent, Arekere, I.I.M.B.Post
Bangalore - 560076, Karnataka - India
ABOUT US
ASC: Adoratric Del Sangue di Cristo (Adorers of the Blood of Christ)
About us
The ASC Family is a community of Adorers of the Blood of Christ Religious Sisters and those inspired by our values and spirituality. The Adorers were founded by St. Maria de Mattias in Italy
Adorers of the Blood of Christ
We are the Adorers of the Blood of Christ, a vowed religious community of Roman
Catholic women who were founded in 1834 as a teaching order by the Italian, St.
Maria De Mattias, in the small town of Acuto, Italy. Worldwide, we are nearly 1,000
OUR VISION
Embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ, our vision is to be a source of hope, healing, and joy in the world. We strive to live a life of humility, simplicity, and selfless love, following in the footsteps of our founders and serving with compassion and dedication.
WHAT WE DO
Our daily activities revolve around prayer, worship, community service, and spiritual growth. We engage in various ministries, reaching out to the marginalized, providing education, and offering support to those in need. Our commitment to living out the Gospel motivates us to make a positive impact on the world.
OUR COMMUNITY
As a close-knit community, we support and uplift one another in our spiritual journey. Our bond is strengthened through shared prayer, fellowship, and mutual encouragement. We cherish the diversity within our community and strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Our History
The alarming picture of the post-Napoleonic period could not leave the young Roman priest, Gaspar Del Bufalo (1786-1837), indifferent. In his contemplation of God’s love for humanity expressed in Jesus’ bloody sacrifice, Gaspar understood the priceless value of each human person redeemed by His Precious Blood and sees in the power of this Blood the only anchor of salvation from many evils. Finding himself a prisoner in Bologna, he plans two Institutes to this end, one a men’s institute and the other a women’s. Both were to contribute to the reform of society, the first through popular missions and the second through effective Christian and devotional education, working with all their might that this blood not be shed in vain but that each person take advantage of it for his or her salvation.
March 4 ,1834
The women’s Institute begins in Acuto (FR) in the diocese of Anagni, through the work of Maria DeMattias who opened a school for the girls of the people. Later she gathers young people and marriedwomen, gives retreats, animates liturgies, promotes women who will be able to reform their families,the first cell of society. In a short time, other companions join her, and open schools in the smalltowns of the Pontifical State and the Kingdom of Naples. She wrote, “The purpose of this Institute isthe same as that of the Blood of Christ.”
Our Foundress: St. Maria de Mattias
Maria de Mattias’ Early Life
Maria De Mattias was born on February 4, 1805, into a privileged family in the small mountain village of Vallecorsa, Italy. Due to political and social upheaval in Italy at the time, many people lacked the good quality of life that she enjoyed. But even with all of her privilege, she had to teach herself to read and write because women did not receive formal education at the time. She felt a calling at a young age to change that.
She believed that the calling was from God and experienced a mystical vision at 16 that ignited her passion for improving the lives of those in her community.
Her Legacy
Over the next 32 years, Maria de Mattias established nearly 70 schools, most of
them in under-served towns and rural areas. On the advice of Saint Gaspar del
Bufalo, C.PP.S., founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, and with the
help of her mentor Giovanni Merlini, C.PP.S., Maria founded on March 4, 1834, the
Congregation of the Sisters Adorers of the Blood of Christ. She died in 1866.
Throughout her life, other women joined her work, forming a community that
eventually opened missions in Europe, the United States, China, Brazil, Congo,
Australia, and other places throughout the world. Maria was canonized in 2003,
recognized for her missionary zeal. Her commitment, compassion, and courage
continue to inspire those who hear her story.
Our Spirituality
A sculpture of St. Maria de
Mattias outside the Woman of the New Covenant Chapel in the Wichita Center
Precious Blood Spirituality
Our spirituality is based on the belief that when Jesus died on the cross, the blood he spilled flowed into all of humanity. His death and resurrection give us hope, forgiveness, eternal life, and a sense that we are interconnected. We see God’s spirit in each other.
Reconciliation
The forgiveness we received in Jesus’ death is a gift we feel compelled to share with each other. We are called to be a reconciling and hope filled presence. Even beyond forgiveness, is reconciliation: the healing of broken relationships and working toward hope and healing.
Our Dear Neighbor
We believe that all people, regardless of our differences, are part of one community. We stand alongside them, help in their greatest needs, and advocate for better lives for all.