News General

Published during this Year of the Priest with the support of the Institute of Christ the King, the monumental book The Catholic Priest: Image of Christ places in the forefront the beauty and sacredness of the Catholic priesthood. With 560 illustrations spanning fifteen centuries of art originating in many parts of the world, the author depicts all aspects of the life of the priest, focusing most particularly on the celebration of the Eucharist as the very heart of the priestly being. Included in these vignettes are the life of a priest as a religious and the self-sacrifice of the priest at its highest level: martyrdom.

Profound exposés on the meaning and value of the Holy Mass and on the sanctity and charity of the priesthood are found throughout the book. These accompanying essays, which include important contributions by the His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Medina Estevez, as well as Monsignor Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, and Monsignor R. Michael Schmitz, Vicar General in the Institute, among others, describe not only what the priest does, but more importantly, who he is.

In addition, various chapters vividly chronicle exemplary priestly lives which reflect Jesus Christ, Sovereign Priest in an extraordinary way: Saint Bernard and Saint Jean-Marie Vianney and martyrs such as Saint Maximilian Kolbe and Blessed Ivan Ziatyk. Splendidly illustrating the lives of holy priests through the beauty of sacred art, this book offers to the reader a sublime meditation on the sacred grandeur of the priestly vocation.

Since the Catholic priesthood is just as relevant today as ever before, the author explores the manner in which contemporary sacred art portrays the priest as an image of Christ in. In contrast to the pervasive images of the Crucifixion found in most commercial art, the author gathers together many inspiring and prayerful alternatives from around the world. Included in this book are paintings and stained glass images by contemporary artists, whose work reflects the Holy Father’s directive on sacred art: "in continuity with the past, but not copying it." These new canvases find themselves in good company with painters such as Fra Angelico or Zurbaran as can be briefly seen in the video clip at right. Like the Church, this is a truly universal book.

The attractive design and layout of this book together with its enlightening articles available in six languages make this volume a masterpiece in itself. Blending insightful text with impressive iconography, this book emphasizes the mystic, sacramental, and divine aspects of the priesthood, as well as the vital importance of the priest as a man of Christ-like charity. This work is also meant to be a tribute to the many holy priests who, living as 'alter Christus’ (other Christs) in a modern world so often hostile to their priestly being and ministry, are the unsung heroes of today.

A truly positive and encouraging gift for priests and seminarians during these difficult times for vocations, this book is also gladly received by young people as an appealing means to deepen their Faith and by families as a valuable catechetical resource.

The author, Mr. Steen Heidemann, is of Danish origin and holds degrees in architecture and art (Oxford Polytechnic), as well as a Master of Science degree in management. He now lives with his French wife and children in Normandy and works as an organizer of international art exhibitions. Having been received into the Catholic Church at Westminster Cathedral in London, the author dedicated this book in grateful appreciation for his conversion to the Catholic Faith. With the encouragement of the Institute of Christ the King, the author devoted six years to create this book.

An edition of The Catholic Priest: Image of Christ published by Liana Marabini of LIAMAR in Monaco is available in the United States since June 1, 2010, through Ignatius Press.

Order the Book through Ignatius Press »

The bouquet has ended.

The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is preparing to send a spiritual bouquet to His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI.  Via an online form, the faithful may contribute to this bouquet, along with others throughout the world, which will be presented directly to His Holiness.

All are invited to contribute Holy Masses, Rosaries, novenas, Holy Hours, or works of charity for our Holy Father at a time in which he is being unjustly attacked.

During the first two weeks of June, the Founder and Prior General of the Institute, Monsignor Gilles Wach, visited many of the apostolates of the Institute across the United States. Large numbers of faithful gathered at each apostolate to welcome Monsignor. They kindly prepared pleasant receptions with good food and lively conversation in the family-like atmosphere characteristic of the spirit of the Institute. Touched by their charity, Monsignor Wach expressed time and time again his gratitude to the faithful for their continual prayers and generous support of the Institute priests and seminarians.

At St. Margaret Mary church in Oakland, California, Monsignor was the celebrant of a Votive Solemn High Mass of the Sacred Heart for the First Friday of the month. Then he offered a Sunday Solemn High Mass at St. Gianna Oratory in Tucson, Arizona, the Institute’s most recent US apostolate. From Arizona Monsignor traveled east to St. Louis, where he celebrated a Solemn High Mass followed by Marian devotions at St. Francis de Sales Oratory.  He greeted the present Archbishop of St. Louis, the Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, as well as Archbishop Raymond L. Burke, presently the Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Next Monsignor Wach was present at the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago for the Solemn Te Deum and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament offered by His Eminence Francis Cardinal George in thanksgiving for the Institute’s reception of the Pontifical Rite status. This ceremony was the opening event for the national retreat of the Society of the Sacred Heart, at which Monsignor Wach and Monsignor Schmitz preached the spiritual conferences. On Sunday, June 14, Monsignor Wach was the celebrant of the Solemn High Mass and procession for the External solemnity of Corpus Christi. After a Solemn High Mass at Saint Mary Oratory in Rockford, Illinois, Monsignor then came to St. Anthony of Padua Oratory in West Orange, New Jersey, where he celebrated a Solemn High Mass and Te Deum.

While the increasing number of American apostolates did not make it possible for Monsignor to visit all of them this year, he said that he looks forward with anticipation to returning next year for another tour.

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At a Wednesday audience in early April, Monsignor Wach presented Reverend Mother Mary of the Love of God of the Adorers of the Royal Heart to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The other Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart were also present. Engaging the Reverend Mother in conversation for several minutes, the Holy Father graciously granted the Apostolic Blessing upon our young and ever-growing community of Sisters, as well as upon all members of the Institute and the faithful of its apostolates.

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Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI kindly expresses his gratitude to all of the many people who offered him the very abundant spiritual bouquet presented to him by the Institute in March. The following letter has been received from the Vatican Secretariat of State:

I gladly confirm the reception of your letter with which you have presented a rich spiritual bouquet with promises of prayers for Our Holy Father from the faithful who are associated with the Institute of Christ the King in many places across the United States.

His Holiness has asked me to convey his gratitude to all of you for this beautiful sign of fidelity to the successor of St. Peter and of his service as universal Shepherd.

Pope Benedict XVI includes your intentions in his prayers as well and grants you wholeheartedly the desired Apostolic blessing.

With best Easter wishes and kind regards,

Monsignor Gabriel Caccia
Assessor

During his recent visit to California, Monsignor Schmitz celebrated a Solemn High Mass in honor of Our Blessed Mother on Saturday, February 21, at the Mission church Santa Clara de Asís. The location of this historic Mission is not far from the apostolate of the Institute in Santa Clara, the Oratory of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. A large number of faithful of the Oratory, as well as from the Institute’s Oakland apostolate at St. Margaret Mary’s, were present for this Holy Mass and provided the Gregorian chant and choral music, as well as the liturgical service at the altar.

Located on the campus of Santa Clara University, this mission was founded on January 12, 1777 by Blessed Junípero Serra. Ruined and rebuilt six times, the present church was rebuilt in the 1920s, and consecrated in 1929.

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Amid the anti-Catholic sentiment in the media of today, please remember to pray for our beloved Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, that God may continue to grant him an abundance  of spiritual wisdom and strength to guide the Barque of Peter through the difficult waters of our times.

Desiring to show our filial support and gratitude to our Holy Father, the Institute of Christ the King wishes to offer an abundant spiritual bouquet to His Holiness. Your prayers are needed. To participate in this spiritual bouquet, please use our online form, which will be available until Saturday, March 7. Simply indicate the number and types of prayers you wish to offer. This spiritual bouquet will then be presented directly to His Holiness.

May God bless you for your prayers and sacrifices on behalf of His Vicar on earth.

[Note: The spiritual bouquet form is now closed.]

CONSTITUTIONS OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHRIST THE KING APPROVED BY THE HOLY SEE: CANONS AND OBLATES LIVE PROPER IDENTITY ACCORDING TO CANONICAL FORM OF LIFE.

With the Decree Saeculorum Rex signed by the President of the Commission Ecclesia Dei, Dario Cardinal Castrillón Hoyos, in the name of the Roman Pontiff, the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest was elevated to the status of Pontifical Right on October 7th 2008, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This favor was granted after a mature deliberation conducted according to the traditional procedures of the Roman Curia, including several positive Apostolic Visitations and the affirmative consultation of over fifty Bishops in whose Dioceses the Institute is present.

The canonical form of the Institute’s life is mainly expressed in the emphasis its constitutions put on the regular and solemn celebration of the Sacred Liturgy during the day, foremost through the solemnity of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, which is the focus of the community life, but also through the Holy Office, which, in its recited or chanted form, regulates and sanctifies the daily work. After the example of the secular Canons in the history of the Church, the Canons and Oblates of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest have the goal to spread the kingdom of Christ and to evangelize the world through the sanctification of life with the liturgical celebrations instituted by Jesus Christ the Eternal High Priest and cultivated by the Church under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. For this reason, the members of the Institute make the glorification of God in the Liturgy the focus of their fraternal unity and of their apostolic work. Both are expressed in their Choir habit, which underscores their canonical order of life. The blue color of the choir habit signifies their consecration to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception as their main patroness and their devotion to St. Francis de Sales as the example of their desire for an ever greater charity. With these are combined the spirit of true Romanity and a faithful attachment to the Vicar of Christ on earth.

Now approved by the Holy See, the Institute’s canonical order of life as established by its constitutions under the governance of Monsignor the Prior General seals the distinctive identity of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest. The Canons and Oblates of the Institute are humbled by the fact that their very own charism and identity was approved by the highest ecclesiastical authority. They promise to live the spirit and letter of their constitutions to the fullest, well knowing that perfection is a gift of God and that all their efforts can only come to fruition if commenced, accompanied and accomplished by divine grace.

On June 2, Archbishop Raymond Burke of St. Louis, conferred upon Abbé Alexander Willweber the Bene Merenti Papal Medal, an award given by the Holy Father himself for outstanding work done for Holy Mother Church. Abbé Alexander, a professional designer by trade, has been the artistic consultant for the Institute of Christ the King since his entrance as an oblate. He is not only responsible for the creative composition of the interior of St. Mary’s Oratory in Wausau, but has undertaken many other church design projects in the US, Europe, and Africa.

On Wednesday, October 3, Msgr. Gilles Wach, Prior General of the Institute of Christ the King, had a very special surprise visit with the Holy Father at  the General Audience! His Holiness, recognizing Msgr. Wach at the front row amidst the  pilgrims awaiting his passing by, graciously stopped for a short conversation in which he commented on the Institute's large number of vocations and inquired about its latest developments. View Images