Most Precious Blood

Most Precious Blood Church was established in 1930 in northwest Rochester, serving the Italian immigrant community in that section of the city. From its founding, the parish was staffed by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood (C.PP.S.), a religious order founded in Italy in 1815 and dedicated to spreading devotion to the Blood of Christ.

Father Anthony Pece, C.PP.S., served as the founding pastor from 1930 to 1937. Father Sebastian Contegiacomo provided remarkable continuity, leading the parish for 37 years from 1937 to 1974—a pastorate that spanned the Great Depression, World War II, and the dramatic changes following Vatican II.

The present church building was constructed in 1970, replacing the original structure as the parish modernized during the post-conciliar era. However, the Missionaries of the Precious Blood withdrew from the parish in early 1987, ending nearly six decades of service by the order that gave the parish its name and identity.

After the departure of the Precious Blood Fathers, diocesan priests assumed leadership of the parish. Most Precious Blood continued to serve the northwest Rochester community for another two decades before closing on March 9, 2008, after 78 years of ministry.