Solemnity of Christ the King is one of the most glorious in the Church’s calendar. The Feast of Christ the King was instituted not all that long ago, by Pope Pius XI in the early part of the twentieth century. In his encyclical document instituting this great feast, the Holy Father spoke of the sad fact that “manifold evils” had come into the world, because “the majority of men had thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law out of their lives”.In the beginning of the twentieth century, Jesus and His rule “had no place either in private affairs or in politics”, and the Pope was intent on reminding the Church that “as long as individuals and states refused to submit to the rule of our Savior, there would be no really hopeful prospect of a lasting peace among nations” – ultimately, “Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.”
As we prepare to celebrate this great feast , let us join in praying novena and let us remember our place as servants of our Master and King. Let us clean our souls in Confession and receive the Eucharist in joy. May Christ the King reign in all of us. For His dominion is not just of the earth, sky, and cosmos. His dominion is also in our souls.
Christ the King Novena
Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and 1 Glory Be each day followed by the Novena Prayer:
O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations.
We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You,
O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things.
Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth.
Guard us we pray Most Faithful One.
Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment
Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against you.
Jesus, You are a King of Mercy.
We have deserved Your Just Judgment
Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us.
We trust in Your Great Mercy.
O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray;
May Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be recognized on earth.
Amen.
Almighty and merciful God, You break the power of evil and make all things new in Your Son Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe. May all in Heaven and Earth acclaim Your glory and never cease to praise You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
