Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of the Kingship of Christ because he desired to make a solemn proclamation of the social dominion of Our Blessed Lord, Jesus Christ over the entire world. He is the King of souls and consciences, of intellects and wills, of families and cities, peoples and nations, indeed over the entire universe. Pius XI, in his Encyclical Quas Primas of 1925, denounced secularism as the direct denial of the Kingship of Christ. Secularism organizes social life without any reference to the existence of God whatsoever, and this attitude leads to widespread apostasy and the ruination of society. The feast was instituted in the Old Rite on the last Sunday of October, near the close of the Liturgical year. With the new Liturgical Calander in 1969, it was placed as the last Sunday before Advent, thus at the very end. It comes at the end to signify that the feast is the crowing glory of all the mysteries of the life of Christ and as an anticipation of the eternal reign He will have over the New Jerusalem.
At my own parish, every year on this feast we reconsecrate ourselves as a Parish, as famlies, and as individuals to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Pope Leo XIII consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart in 1900, and at that time all parishes recited this prayer together. Pope Pius XI prescribed that it should be recited in a modified form annually in all churches on the feast of Christ the King. When recited as a parish, this prayer is extremely powerful. There is no reason why we should not consecrate ourselves to the Sacred Heart, for what can we give him that he would want more? If your own parish does not do this together, you can do it as a family or on your own at your house.
Dearest Jesus, redeemer of mankind, look upon us as in all humility we bow down before they altar (or in the presence). Thine we are, and thine we desire to be; but in order to be more firmly united to thee, each one of us this day freely dedicates himself to they most Sacred Heart.
Many there are who have never known thee; many, too, have made light of thy commandments and forsworn thee.
Have mercy on them all, most gracious Jesus, and draw them to they Sacred Heart. Reign, Lord, as king not only of the faithful who have never left thee, but of the prodigal sons who have forsaken thee; bring them back with all speed to their Father's house, before they perish of misery and hunger.
Reign as king over those who are beguiled by heresy or kept aloof by schism: call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that before long there may be on fold only and one shepherd.
Grant, Lord, to thy Church freedom from fear and immunity from harm; grant to all nations ordered peace; perfect thy work, until the earth rings from pole to pole with a single cry: Praise be to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to that Heart be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
By the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace, set up Thy kingdom in our parish. Enter closely into the midst of our families and make them Thine own. May the triumphant Heart of Jesus be everywhere loved, blessed and glorified forever! To the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, intercede for us.
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