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Solemnity of Christ the King

Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925, this feast is the public counterpart of the Sacred Heart devotion.

Why this practice

Pope Pius XI instituted the Solemnity of Christ the King precisely because the Sacred Heart devotion had become so widespread that its public, social meaning needed a feast of its own. The Heart of Jesus is not only loved privately by individuals — it is the rightful King over families, nations, and the world.

The feast falls on the last Sunday of the liturgical year. It is a natural day for the public consecration of a family, a workplace, or a parish to the Sacred Heart.

How to begin

1Attend Mass on the Solemnity of Christ the King — the last Sunday before Advent.
2If you have not yet enthroned the Sacred Heart in your home, this is a fitting day to do so.
3Pray the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, composed for this feast.
4Reflect on what areas of your life have not yet been given over to His kingship — and offer them.

The Kingdom of Christ has no other foundation than the Heart of Christ.

— Pope Pius XI

A prayer for this practice

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before Thee. We are Thine, and Thine we wish to be. Reign in our hearts, our homes, our nation, our world.

Amen.

When you're ready

Friday fast in reparation →