Saint of the Day November 26: Solemnity of Christ the King
Christ the King: Meaning and Celebration of the Solemnity in the Catholic Church
Name
Solemnity of Christ the King
Title
King of the Universe
Recurrence
26 November
Martyrology
2004 edition
Prayer
O Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You for universal King. All that has been made, for You was created. Exercise over Me all Your rights. I renew my baptismal promises, renouncing Satan, his delusions and his works, and I promise to live as a good Christian. And altogether particularly I pledge myself to make the rights of God and your Church triumph according to my strength. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer you my poor deeds to obtain that all hearts recognize your sacred Kingship and that in this way, the reign of your peace may be established throughout the world. So be it.
Patron Saint of
Valderice, Valledoria, Numana, Aymavilles
Roman Martyrology
Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe: to Him alone be power, glory and majesty for ever and ever.
The Saint and Mission
The Solemnity of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of the Catholic liturgical year, is a deeply significant moment that reflects the centrality of Christ in the Christian faith and his sovereignty over the universe. This feast is not just a liturgical commemoration, but a powerful reminder of Christian mission in the world.
On the Solemnity of Christ the King, the faithful are invited to reflect on the nature of Christ’s kingdom, which is distinguished by justice, love and peace, rather than earthly power. This invitation translates into a call to conversion, humility and service, in line with Jesus’ teaching on the true meaning of being leaders and servants.
The celebration of this solemnity reinforces the church’s sense of mission in spreading Christ’s message and living according to his teachings. It is a time for Christians to renew their commitment to live according to the Gospel, promoting peace, justice and love in their daily lives. The Solemnity of Christ the King, therefore, is not just a liturgical celebration, but a spiritual landmark that guides the faithful in their mission to witness to Christ in the world.
The Saint and Mercy
The Solemnity of Christ the King, celebrated on the last Sunday of the Catholic liturgical year, offers a deep and rich perspective on the role of mercy in Christ’s kingdom. This feast not only honors Christ’s sovereignty as king of the universe, but also highlights his merciful nature as the foundation of his kingdom.
On this day, the faithful are called to reflect on how Christ’s kingship is manifested not through force or power, but through love, compassion and mercy. Christ’s reign, as exemplified in Scripture, is characterized by a commitment to the poor, the suffering and the marginalized, demonstrating that true greatness is found in serving others with love and humility.
The Solemnity of Christ the King reminds us that mercy is at the heart of the Christian message and the life of Jesus. It invites believers to embody this mercy in their lives, urging them to build communities where love and forgiveness prevail over judgment and exclusion. The celebration of this solemnity thus becomes a time for reflection and renewal, an opportunity to rediscover and live mercy more deeply as a central element of Christ’s kingdom.
Hagiography
Pope Pius XI, instituting in the Jubilee year 1925 the new solemnity of Christ the King, published the very wise encyclical “Quas primas.” We quote its main points. “Having concurred this Holy Year, not in one but in several ways, to illustrate the reign of Christ, it seems to Us that We shall do what is most consonant with Our apostolic office, if, indulging the prayers of a great many Cardinals, Bishops and…