Solemnity of
Our Lord Jesus Christ,
King of the Universe
In 1925, Pope Pius the XI instituted the Feast of Christ the King—properly
known as the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe since the 1969
when Pope Paul VI gave it a new name. It was originally set to be the last Sunday in
October preceding the Feast of All Saints. In 1970, the date was changed to be the
last Sunday of the liturgical year.
On this particular feast day, we are encouraged to remind ourselves that we
must place God first in our lives and that everything else will follow. "The faithful,
moreover, by meditating upon these truths, will gain much strength and courage,
enabling them to form their lives after the true Christian ideal. If to Christ our Lord is
given all power in heaven and on earth; if all men, purchased by his precious blood,
are by a new right subjected to his dominion; if this power embraces all men, it must
be clear that not one of our faculties is exempt from his empire. He must reign in
our minds, which should assent with perfect submission and firm belief to revealed
truths and to the doctrines of Christ. He must reign in our wills, which should obey
the laws and precepts of God. He must reign in our hearts, which should spurn natural desires and love God above all things, and cleave to him alone. He must reign in
our bodies and in our members, which should serve as instruments for the interior
sanctification of our souls, or to use the words of the Apostle Paul, as instruments of
justice unto God." (Pope Pius XI, Quas primas, §33, Libreria Editrice Vaticana)
Novena to Christ the King
What is a Novena?
Coming from the Latin word novem, novena means nine. It is a series of prayers repeated
over nine days often in anticipation of a Church feast day. It is derived from the time
following the Ascension of Jesus when Mary and the disciples prayed for nine days until
the Holy Spirit came down upon them at the Feast of Pentecost.
The Christ the King Liturgy Committee has prepared the
following prayer for you to use at home with your family to prepare yourselves for our
patron feast day. Pray it with your family, from Nov. 12 through Nov. 20, and know that
your Christ the King family is praying it with you.
Pray the following prayers for nine consecutive days.
Recite One Our Father, One Hail Mary and One Glory Be per day
followed by the Novena Prayer:
O, Lord, our God. You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all the Universe. 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. Deliver us from every evil and strengthen us against all temptations so that our lives
may be filled with Your Grace of Joy, Happiness and Health. Forgive us, O Sovereign King,
our sins against you and others. Jesus, You are a King of Mercy. Have mercy on us, Lord, that
we may attain what we seek....... (Pause and place your Intentions here) from the
Abundance of Your Grace. O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray; May
Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be always recognized on earth. Amen.