News Events

On Pentecost Saturday, June 2, the Institute is organizing a Marian pilgrimage to the national shrine of Our Lady Help of Christians in the beautiful Basilica known as "Holy Hill," near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This splendid Marian shrine is centrally located between many apostolates of the Institute in Wisconsin and Illinois. Thus it is more convenient for a large number of friends and faithful of the Institute to honor our Blessed Mother, to whom the Institute is consecrated, and to gather together in the family spirit of charity, fruit of the spirituality of the Institute.

This year the Very Reverend Monsignor Gilles Wach, Founder and Prior General, will celebrate Solemn High Mass for the pilgrimage.

The program of events for this pilgrimage is listed below:

• 12:00 noon Gathering of pilgrims in the lower parking lot
• 12:15 pm Opening prayer and outdoor Rosary procession
• 1:30 pm Solemn High Mass in the Upper Basilica celebrated by Very Reverend Monsignor Gilles Wach, Founder and Prior General
• 3:00 pm Family picnic—bring your lunch
• 5:00 pm Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the St. Therese Crypt Chapel
• 5:30 pm Dismissal

For information regarding organized transportation, please contact your local Institute apostolate.

Links

• 2011 pilgrimage photos
• 2010 pilgrimage photos
• 2009 pilgrimage photos
  
• Printable card (PDF). If you are unable to attend, you may participate through the recitation of the Marian prayer on this prayer card.

With great joy and solemnity, the Shrine Church of Ss. Peter and Paul and Philomena officially opened on Saturday, March 24, the anticipated feast of the Annunciation. Holy Mass was celebrated at 10:30 AM by Monsignor Gilles Wach, Founder and Prior General of the Institute, in the presence of His Lordship, the Rt Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury, who preached the homily. Located in seaside city of New Brighton, Wirral, this is the first shrine church in England entrusted to the care of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, and dedicated to the celebration of the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, including all the sacraments.

For this special occasion, His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI offered a papal blessing with an attached plenary indulgence to all who assist at this special opening Mass, as follows:

The Apostolic Penitentiary, empowered by a faculty granted to it in a special way by our Holy Father Benedict XVI, by Divine Providence Pope, happily grants his Lordship the Most Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury, that, on the 24th March next, on which the pastoral care of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and St Philomena is solemnly entrusted to the members of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, after the offering of the Divine Sacrifice, he may impart to all the faithful present, who, their souls entirely separated from attachment to sin, take part in the sacred mysteries, a Papal Blessing with an attached Plenary Indulgence, which may be gained under the usual conditions (sacramental Confession, Eucharistic Communion and Prayer for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff).

This papal decree was an added blessing to an event already overflowing with infinite graces, and the effect was keenly felt by the large crowd. Exceeding the original expectation of 400, approximately 1,100 souls came to the Mass which re-opened this beloved landmark.

Beautifully decorated with ivy and floral arrangements, the shrine church was the prefect setting for the majestic Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form which heralded its new mission.  A choir of the Sister Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus chanted the propers of the Mass for the feast of the Annunciation, honoring both the Incarnation and the fiat of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Known as the "Dome of Home" because its large green dome was a visible sign of home to the sailors at sea, this landmark church had closed its doors in August 2008. Since its erection as a shrine church by Bishop Davies last October, it had taken many months of repair work to make it suitable for the celebration of Holy Mass at its High Altar.

The symbolism of a beacon—of hope and of home—had been repeatedly attached to the new Shrine Church of Ss. Peter and Paul and Philomena. Bishop Davies concluded in his homily: "We wish to recognise in this Shrine Church set high on the Wirral horizon not simply a landmark but a beacon announcing hope to passing generations. So above the mists of confusion which obscure our vision, the storms of controversy which unsettle us we may turn our gaze always towards Christ, loving and redeeming us, in the Sacrifice and Sacrament of the Altar."

It is the aim of this Shrine Church that progressively more Eucharistic Adorations will be offered, to eventually reach the goal of perpetual adoration. In only one week since the opening Mass, telephone inquiries have multiplied, with many requests for baptism, confirmation, and confessions. Please join the Institute as we joyfully serve Christ the King in this new venture, and in our prayers for the full restoration of the Shrine Church of Ss Peter and Paul and Philomena.

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Institute priests and faithful joined in pro-life gatherings across the nation.

In California Canon Henry Fragelli and a large group of faithful from the Institute’s Oakland and Santa Clara apostolates participated in the annual West Coast Walk for Life in San Francisco.

In the Mid-west a large pro-life event was held on Sunday, January 22, at St. Mary’s Oratory in Wausau, Wisconsin. St. Mary’s imposing edifice in the center of the city provides a rallying point for manifesting a pro-life witness. Rosary procession, Pro-Life chain, and an engaging speaking presentation were among the activities.

On the East Coast, Canon Jean-Marie Moreau and a busload of faithful from the Institute’s Oratory of St. Anthony in West Orange, New Jersey, traveled to Washington, D.C., for the national March for Life.

May Our Lady of Guadalupe, intercede on behalf of the unborn!

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On December 8, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest organized for the fourth consecutive year a candlelight procession in honor of Mary Immaculate through the very heart of Rome.

Very Reverend Msgr. Juan Miguel Ferrer Grenesche, Undersecretary of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, presided over the procession, which began at the Church of Jesus and Mary (Chiesa Gesu e Maria), the home of the Institute’s apostolate in Rome.

A representative group of canons and seminarians of the Institute, along with priest friends and clergy led the faithful in singing Marian hymns and in reciting the Holy Rosary. A very large crowd of about 2000 people, following the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima brought for the occasion by the Association Luci sull’Est, filed down the Via del Corso and through other avenues which serve as main arteries through the center of the city, passing along the way such well-known Roman landmarks as the Pantheon, Chiesa Santa Maria in Aquiro, Piazza Colonna, and Palazzo Montecitorio. Along the way the Madonna was greeted with ringing church bells, wholehearted applause and cries of “Viva Maria,” as festive music was played at intervals by a band of the Carabinieri, the national gendarmerie of Italy.

Upon the arrival of the procession at the Basilica Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, His Eminence, Dario Cardinal Castrillon Hoyas, Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation of Clergy and former President of the Pontifical Commission Ecclesia Dei, offered Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and delivered a closing ferverino in this splendid Gothic basilica of the Dominican Fathers.

The Institute is very grateful to the eminent clergy who were present, as well as to the groups which helped with organizing this procession such as Luci sull’Est, the Lepanto Foundation, and the Association Cristo Re of Livorno, among so many others.

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As Cardinal Raymond Burke and the Institute in Europe were making their annual pilgrimage of vocations to the Basilica of St. Therese in Lisieux, France, on October 15, the canons and faithful of the Institute in the American Midwest made their first pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help in Robinsonville, near Green Bay, Wisconsin.

The apparition of Our Lady to Adele Brise on October 9, 1859, is the first Marian apparition in the United States to receive diocesan approval. It followed close upon the dedication of the United States to the Immaculate Conception in 1847, the proclamation of that dogma in 1854, and the Marian apparitions at Lourdes in 1858. The Queen of Heaven asked Sister Adele to pray and offer sacrifices for the conversion of sinners and to teach the catechism to the children of the region. Our Lady promised her help in this mission. Now more than ever, we should not hesitate to fly to Our Lady of Good Help to beg her assistance in educating the youth and building a true Catholic culture.

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From August 29-September 2, 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.

The Chapter meeting this year was once again graced with the presence of His Eminence, Raymond Cardinal Burke, Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, who celebrated a Pontifical votive Mass of Our Lord Jesus Christ Eternal High Priest on Thursday, September 1, and preached a beautiful sermon (PDF). "I wish to express my profound joy at coming to celebrate the Solemn Pontifical Mass for you during the days of your annual chapter. It has been a great blessing for me to know the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, from the first years of my service as a diocesan bishop. I shall remain always deeply grateful for your faithful and most generous assistance to me in the care of souls, during my years as Bishop of La Crosse and as Archbishop of Saint Louis. With the affection of a spiritual father, I pray daily that your hearts may rest totally in the Royal Heart of Jesus, our High Priest, as you respond to your vocation in the Church."

The Institute was also privileged to welcome Monsignor Pozzo, Secretary for the Commission Ecclesia Dei. Monsignor gave an informative conference on the practical application of the recent Instruction of the Holy See Universae Ecclesiae.

Led by the Prior General of the Institute, Monsignor Gilles Wach, the procession which included the Co-Founder Canon Mora, and Vicar General Monsignor Schmitz, and the canons of the Institute chanting hymns in honor of the Sacred Heart, walked the two miles 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. His Eminence, Cardinal Burke, then offered solemn Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in the chapel of the Sisters Adorers.

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!

Read Cardinal Burke's Sermon (PDF)

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The week of summer camp from August 1-5 opened with a beautiful ceremony in which the camp was consecrated to the Blessed Mother. For five days the Wisconsin forest was transformed into a school of sanctity where cheerful girls pray, work, and play together. It is a wonderful experience for young hearts to learn how to love God and neighbor in a concrete way. The Institute’s devotion to the Blessed Mother and her maternal guardianship over us were represented by a candle which stayed lit for the duration of the camp. Three priests, one seminarian, one oblate, eight young adults and twelve ladies from the St. Mary’s Oratory's (Wausau, WI) Altar and Rosary Society and other mothers from U.S. apostolates of the Institute supervised a week of rigorous physical activities and spiritual growth for almost one hundred campers, aged 10 through 18. For adults the days were very demanding with overseeing these energetic young people; but how wonderful it is to see young ladies working together as they grow in their love of God and neighbor.

This year formation talks given by priests of the Institute focused on the motherly care of our Blessed Mother for us her children and upon the spiritual fruits and joys of devotion to Mary. The message could be summarized in this beautiful prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe. "I am a merciful mother to you and to all people who love me and trust in me and invoke my help. I listen to their lamentations and comfort them in all their sorrows and their sufferings." May Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Akita guide and protect us!

Under the protection of Our Lady and countless guardian angels, the daily routine of summer camp included praying and playing: daily Mass, confessions, Rosary processions, Capture the Flag, scavenger hunt, Olympics, and the favorite, Cooking Contest. The American spirit of challenge is never ending—all capped with a presentation of award certificates on the last day.

During the closing ceremonies of the camp the Marian hymn Salve Regina was sung by the young ladies, the entire staff of this girls' camp, and by the parents who came to be present. As the camp candle was extinguished, the campers departed with the light of Christ, the love of the Blessed Mother, and the prayers of the saints in their minds and hearts.

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The children of the Institute’s American apostolates, filled with fond memories of last year’s choir camp, returned to Kentucky last week with great enthusiasm and met up with old friends from around the country. The results of their dedication were evident within the first days of their arrival. Guided by their chaplain and a team of accomplished faculty and counselors, the young musicians quickly settled into a rigorous schedule of three hours of class and two hours of rehearsal per day. Classes included vocal technique with Nick Botkins, music composition with composer Kevin Allen, Latin with Joseph Reidy, and Gregorian chant with Canon Aaron Huberfeld. Canon Huberfeld’s presence this year as camp chaplain made possible the celebration of daily Mass and the opportunity for confession. The camp closed with a High Mass at which the children sang the pieces which they had been learning throughout the week.

The Ursuline sisters who hosted the camp at their retreat center followed the progress of the camp very closely and were deeply touched by the performance which the children offered them halfway through the week. “What beautiful Latin!” exclaimed one. They all expressed their earnest hope that our children would remain committed to the study of sacred music, and that they would see them all again next summer. You can be sure that they will!

The Institute of Christ the King wises to express its thanks to the camp’s faculty and counselors, as well as to the generous donors who helped to defray the cost of the camp. You have made a valuable investment in our children’s future and in the future of the Church. The study of sacred music is essential to that solemn celebration of the liturgy which is so earnestly desired by the Holy Father and carried out in the apostolates of the Institute of Christ the King. Thank you for your generous support.

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DEO GRATIAS!  This year’s Boys’ Youth Camp was very successful thanks to the good weather and the help by the faithful of St. Mary’s Oratory.  The annual camp was held at the JMJ Farm in Bowler, Wisconsin, from July 18-22.  The camp was organized by Rev. Canon Henry Fragelli, with the help of Canons Gardner, Meney, Hellmann, and Huberfeld.

About 60 boys ages 12 through 18, along with many of their fathers and adult chaperones, from various apostolates of the Institute of Christ the King Apostolates in the Midwest, participated in this year’s camp, of which the aim is the Catholic formation of boys.

The boys were divided into six teams named after their chosen patron saint. Each team was led by a team leader and a chaperone.  The camp started each day with Holy Mass, during which confessions were made available, and ended with a campfire, where each team entertained everyone with their talents and creativity.  Daily spirituality talks on topics such as Catholic Manhood, Vocation and State of Life, as well as on Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. John Vianney, were also given.  The camp promoted healthy competition and camaraderie between teams through games, Olympics, and Silly Olympics.

They also participated in various outdoor activities such as scavenger hunt and horseback riding.  In addition, the boys joined together for Stations of the Cross and Rosary processions around the beautiful farm.  On the last day, the boys and helpers were given awards for their great participation and contribution to the youth camp.

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Young men and women came from all parts of the U.S. to take part in what promises to be the first of many events sponsored by the Institute of Christ the King for the spiritual and cultural enrichment of young adults, an initiative dubbed Sursum Corda. The inaugural event was a four-day retreat from July 8-11 on the beautiful grounds of St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The long weekend featured daily Mass and spiritual talks, sports, visits to churches and a museum, live music and square dancing, and a very impressive talent show. Canons Meney, Hellmann, and Huberfeld were all on hand for the event, along with several lay organizers. Sunday was crowned with Solemn High Mass at St. Stanislaus Oratory with Canon Huberfeld’s final first blessing as as a priest ordained in July of 2010. The weekend ended with Exposition and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament accompanied by a small polyphonic choir formed from among our musically gifted participants.

Here is what the participants had to say about Sursum Corda:

"Many thanks to the Institute of Christ the King for providing this enriching weekend, giving great hope in friendships with like-minded young Catholics."

"Sursum Corda is a group where a young, traditional Catholic can truly feel at home. After four days we feel like we’ve known each other four years, because we have the same mindset. We all want eternal happiness for each other; long lasting true friendships are inevitably formed."

"It was a beautiful, awesomely exhausting weekend!"

"This was an amazing opportunity for finding great companions. We hope to see the camp continue and grow. Thank you for an enjoyable, spiritually rewarding weekend."

"Thank you so much for doing this. I had an amazing time. I learned a lot, made new friends and grew in faith."

"I am so grateful to the Institute for putting together this first Sursum Corda weekend. From the conferences on friendship to the volleyball games, I have learned so much from this experience. The friendships built here continue the family of the Institute and help spread the love of God throughout the world. Thank you again!"

"What spiritual refreshment! In a dark world, I have found true friendships in the spirit of God. Receiving the Sacraments and the spiritual talks were the core of this camp—what graces I received here!"

"Absolutely wonderful! Can’t wait until next year!"

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