From August 27-31, members of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest began the five day, annual Chapter at the Motherhouse in Gricigliano, Italy, with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and a solemn invocation of the Holy Ghost through the Chant of the Veni Creator Spiritus. Not only is this week of conferences and meetings with the Institute's Founder and Prior General, Monsignor Gilles Wach, an opportunity to discuss various affairs concerning the Institute's growing apostolic work, but it also provides an opportunity for the priests of the Institute, who work in over sixty locations throughout the world, to be able to come together in a spirit of fraternal charity which fosters a strong unity of mind and spiritual purpose. Besides Monsignor Wach's conferences, presentations were given by Monsignor Michael Schmitz, Vicar General and superior of the American province, as well as by Canon Gilles Guitard, the Master of liturgical Ceremonies for the Institute, and Canon Wulfran Lebocq, Choirmaster of Gregorian Chant.
The Chapter meeting this year was graced with the presence of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Luciano Giovannetti, Bishop emeritus of nearby Fiesole, who has been a longtime friend of the Institute. Bishop Giovannetti celebrated a beautiful Pontifical Mass and presided over a festive luncheon in his honor.
Led by the Prior General, the canons and sisters walked in procession chanting hymns in honor of the Sacred Heart from the seminary down to the convent of the Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus. There Monsignor Wach solemnly renewed the consecration of all the Institute—priests, sisters, oblates, and lay members—to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Afterwards, solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament was given in the chapel of the Sisters Adorers. Through the generosity of charitable benefactors, this antique building is currently undergoing necessary renovations which are long overdue.
Through the many photographs of this year's Chapter one catches a glimpse of the family spirit of the Institute, which unites canons, seminarians, oblates and sisters with the superiors and Prior General. Under the guidance of the Immaculate Conception and the other patron saints, the Institute's members rely upon the prayers of those souls to whom they minister in order that they may be ever more closely united to the Royal Heart of Christ the King. A special thank you to all the faithful and friends of the Institute family for their prayerful support!