Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
Encyclopedia
The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (Latin: Institutum Christi Regis Summi Sacerdotis) is a society of priests in the Catholic Church that celebrates the Liturgy
in Latin
in accordance with its constitutions and founding documents. Its goals are to preserve and patronize traditional Latin Rite liturgical art and music. It has undertaken the restoration of a number of historic church buildings.
The Institute is a Society of Apostolic Life
of Pontifical Right, whose rule of life is based generally on that of the secular canons. The Institute has its own choir dress
, adopted in 2006, which was given to members by the Cardinal
Archbishop of Florence. Its stated mission is the defense and propagation of the reign of Christ in all areas of human life, both private and social.
, where the international seminary is located. The Institute's foundation was originally canonically erected in Gabon
, Africa
, where the Institute still maintains several missions, notably in the capital Libreville
. Its canonical status was of 'diocesan rite' until the 7th of October, 2008. Since then it is by decree of the Commission Ecclesia Dei of Pontifical Right. Deacons and priests are incardinated into the Institute, whose Superior General has the right to call to orders.
The Institute was co-founded by the Prior General Monsignor Gilles Wach, STD
, and Canon Philippe Mora, STD
, who serves as rector of the seminary. Both received their priestly formation under the late Cardinal Siri (d. 1989) of Genoa
. The Institute has more than seventy seminarians in formation and numbers over fifty priests.
The charism of the Institute is based on the example of its three patron saints: Saint Benedict
, with his love for the solemn celebration of the liturgy, his emphasis on work and prayer, and his role in laying the groundwork for an integral Christian civilization in medieval Europe; Saint Thomas Aquinas, with his emphasis on the harmony between faith and reason; and Saint Francis de Sales, who emphasized teaching the Catholic faith with patience and charity, and encouraging all Catholics to seek a life of holiness through the ordinary means of the Church, such as devout attendance at Mass (Eucharist
) and frequent confession
.
, and their way of life is based on the Benedictine
tradition. The community celebrates Mass
and the Divine Office
using the Traditional Latin Rite prior to the changes introduced by Vatican II. When the number of sisters has increased sufficiently, the order plans to locate convents near the Institute's churches, where the sisters will perform apostolic work such as teaching. The sisters now number nearly twenty.
, Wisconsin
, Missouri
, New Jersey
, California
, and Arizona
, with national headquarters in Chicago. Its oldest United States apostolate is St. Mary Oratory in Rockford, Illinois
, where Fr. Brian A. T. Bovee is rector. In Kansas City, Missouri
in 2005, Bishop Robert Finn
established an oratory (a public church where the Mass and other rites may be administered) for the Institute at an historic church otherwise in danger of being closed. One of its most recent foundations was in Santa Clara, California
, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help
. Superior for the United States is Monsignor R. Michael Schmitz, who is also Vicar General
of the Institute.
The Institute is active in the dioceses of Liverpool, Shrewsbury and East Anglia in Great Britain
. Since St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2006, the Institute has had a presence in the diocese of Limerick
in the Republic of Ireland
. Since May 2010, the Institute in Ireland has expanded into the diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. In addition to its oratories in the United States and missions in Africa, the Institute also has apostolates in France
, Spain
, Belgium
, Italy
, Germany
, Austria
, and Switzerland
. The Institute is especially active in the domain of education, running schools in France (Montpellier, Lille and Versailles), Belgium (Brussels International Catholic School), and Africa.
In 2007, the Institute ordained four new priests. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke
, then Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, ordained two United States priests in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
, Missouri
on the feast day of the Most Sacred Heart
of Jesus on June 15, 2007. Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera, the Primate of Spain, ordained two French priests at Gricigliano, the Institute's seminary in Italy on July 5, 2007.
, is the founder and Superior General. He was ordained by Pope John Paul II.
Canon Philippe Mora, STD
, is the co-founder and rector of the international seminary.
Monsignor Michael Schmitz, STD
, JCL
, is the Vicar General of the Institute and its United States Provincial Superior. He was ordained in 1982 by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI
.
Liturgy
Liturgy is either the customary public worship done by a specific religious group, according to its particular traditions or a more precise term that distinguishes between those religious groups who believe their ritual requires the "people" to do the "work" of responding to the priest, and those...
in Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
in accordance with its constitutions and founding documents. Its goals are to preserve and patronize traditional Latin Rite liturgical art and music. It has undertaken the restoration of a number of historic church buildings.
The Institute is a Society of Apostolic Life
Society of Apostolic Life
A society of apostolic life is a group of men or women within the Catholic Church who have come together for a specific purpose. Unlike members of an institute of consecrated life , members of apostolic societies do not make religious vows...
of Pontifical Right, whose rule of life is based generally on that of the secular canons. The Institute has its own choir dress
Choir dress
Choir dress is the vesture of the clerics, seminarians and religious of traditional churches worn for public prayer, either apart from the eucharist or by those attending the eucharist as the clergy part of the congregation rather than as the celebrants...
, adopted in 2006, which was given to members by the Cardinal
Cardinal (Catholicism)
A cardinal is a senior ecclesiastical official, usually an ordained bishop, and ecclesiastical prince of the Catholic Church. They are collectively known as the College of Cardinals, which as a body elects a new pope. The duties of the cardinals include attending the meetings of the College and...
Archbishop of Florence. Its stated mission is the defense and propagation of the reign of Christ in all areas of human life, both private and social.
Early years
The Institute, founded in 1990, is based in Gricigliano, ItalyItaly
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, where the international seminary is located. The Institute's foundation was originally canonically erected in Gabon
Gabon
Gabon , officially the Gabonese Republic is a state in west central Africa sharing borders with Equatorial Guinea to the northwest, Cameroon to the north, and with the Republic of the Congo curving around the east and south. The Gulf of Guinea, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean is to the west...
, Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
, where the Institute still maintains several missions, notably in the capital Libreville
Libreville
Libreville is the capital and largest city of Gabon, in west central Africa. The city is a port on the Komo River, near the Gulf of Guinea, and a trade center for a timber region. As of 2005, it has a population of 578,156.- History :...
. Its canonical status was of 'diocesan rite' until the 7th of October, 2008. Since then it is by decree of the Commission Ecclesia Dei of Pontifical Right. Deacons and priests are incardinated into the Institute, whose Superior General has the right to call to orders.
The Institute was co-founded by the Prior General Monsignor Gilles Wach, STD
Doctor of Sacred Theology
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
, and Canon Philippe Mora, STD
Doctor of Sacred Theology
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
, who serves as rector of the seminary. Both received their priestly formation under the late Cardinal Siri (d. 1989) of Genoa
Genoa
Genoa |Ligurian]] Zena ; Latin and, archaically, English Genua) is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria....
. The Institute has more than seventy seminarians in formation and numbers over fifty priests.
The charism of the Institute is based on the example of its three patron saints: Saint Benedict
Benedict of Nursia
Saint Benedict of Nursia is a Christian saint, honored by the Roman Catholic Church as the patron saint of Europe and students.Benedict founded twelve communities for monks at Subiaco, about to the east of Rome, before moving to Monte Cassino in the mountains of southern Italy. There is no...
, with his love for the solemn celebration of the liturgy, his emphasis on work and prayer, and his role in laying the groundwork for an integral Christian civilization in medieval Europe; Saint Thomas Aquinas, with his emphasis on the harmony between faith and reason; and Saint Francis de Sales, who emphasized teaching the Catholic faith with patience and charity, and encouraging all Catholics to seek a life of holiness through the ordinary means of the Church, such as devout attendance at Mass (Eucharist
Eucharist
The Eucharist , also called Holy Communion, the Sacrament of the Altar, the Blessed Sacrament, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a Christian sacrament or ordinance...
) and frequent confession
Confession
This article is for the religious practice of confessing one's sins.Confession is the acknowledgment of sin or wrongs...
.
Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus
The Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus Christ Sovereign Priest are a women's community (founded in 2004) associated with the Institute. They are also based in Gricigliano. The sisters are non-cloistered contemplativesContemplation
The word contemplation comes from the Latin word contemplatio. Its root is also that of the Latin word templum, a piece of ground consecrated for the taking of auspices, or a building for worship, derived either from Proto-Indo-European base *tem- "to cut", and so a "place reserved or cut out" or...
, and their way of life is based on the Benedictine
Benedictine
Benedictine refers to the spirituality and consecrated life in accordance with the Rule of St Benedict, written by Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century for the cenobitic communities he founded in central Italy. The most notable of these is Monte Cassino, the first monastery founded by Benedict...
tradition. The community celebrates Mass
Mass (liturgy)
"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...
and the Divine Office
Liturgy of the hours
The Liturgy of the Hours or Divine Office is the official set of daily prayers prescribed by the Catholic Church to be recited at the canonical hours by the clergy, religious orders, and laity. The Liturgy of the Hours consists primarily of psalms supplemented by hymns and readings...
using the Traditional Latin Rite prior to the changes introduced by Vatican II. When the number of sisters has increased sufficiently, the order plans to locate convents near the Institute's churches, where the sisters will perform apostolic work such as teaching. The sisters now number nearly twenty.
Apostolates in the United States
In the United States, the Institute is located in IllinoisIllinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
, New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. , its population was 8,791,894. It is bordered on the north and east by the state of New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania and on the southwest by Delaware...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, and Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, with national headquarters in Chicago. Its oldest United States apostolate is St. Mary Oratory in Rockford, Illinois
Rockford, Illinois
Rockford is a mid-sized city located on both banks of the Rock River in far northern Illinois. Often referred to as "The Forest City", Rockford is the county seat of Winnebago County, Illinois, USA. As reported in the 2010 U.S. census, the city was home to 152,871 people, the third most populated...
, where Fr. Brian A. T. Bovee is rector. In Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City, Missouri is the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri and is the anchor city of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, the second largest metropolitan area in Missouri. It encompasses in parts of Jackson, Clay, Cass, and Platte counties...
in 2005, Bishop Robert Finn
Robert Finn (bishop)
Robert William Finn is the current bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-Saint Joseph, having succeeded Raymond James Boland on May 24, 2005.-Early life and ordination:...
established an oratory (a public church where the Mass and other rites may be administered) for the Institute at an historic church otherwise in danger of being closed. One of its most recent foundations was in Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara , founded in 1777 and incorporated in 1852, is a city in Santa Clara County, in the U.S. state of California. The city is the site of the eighth of 21 California missions, Mission Santa Clara de Asís, and was named after the mission. The Mission and Mission Gardens are located on the...
, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Our Mother of Perpetual Help
Our Lady of Perpetual Help or "Sancta Mater de Perpetuo Succursu" Holy Mother of Perpetual Help is a title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary by Pope Pius IX, associated with a Byzantine icon of the same name dating from the 15th century...
. Superior for the United States is Monsignor R. Michael Schmitz, who is also Vicar General
Vicar general
A vicar general is the principal deputy of the bishop of a diocese for the exercise of administrative authority. As vicar of the bishop, the vicar general exercises the bishop's ordinary executive power over the entire diocese and, thus, is the highest official in a diocese or other particular...
of the Institute.
The Institute is active in the dioceses of Liverpool, Shrewsbury and East Anglia in Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
. Since St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2006, the Institute has had a presence in the diocese of Limerick
Diocese of Limerick
Diocese of Limerick may refer to:*Church of Ireland Diocese of Limerick*Roman Catholic Diocese of Limerick...
in the Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
. Since May 2010, the Institute in Ireland has expanded into the diocese of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. In addition to its oratories in the United States and missions in Africa, the Institute also has apostolates in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
, and Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
. The Institute is especially active in the domain of education, running schools in France (Montpellier, Lille and Versailles), Belgium (Brussels International Catholic School), and Africa.
In 2007, the Institute ordained four new priests. Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke
Raymond Leo Burke
Raymond Leo Burke is an American Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church. He is the current Cardinal Prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, having previously served as Archbishop of St...
, then Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis, ordained two United States priests in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis is an independent city on the eastern border of Missouri, United States. With a population of 319,294, it was the 58th-largest U.S. city at the 2010 U.S. Census. The Greater St...
, Missouri
Missouri
Missouri is a US state located in the Midwestern United States, bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. With a 2010 population of 5,988,927, Missouri is the 18th most populous state in the nation and the fifth most populous in the Midwest. It...
on the feast day of the Most Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart
The Sacred Heart is one of the most famous religious devotions to Jesus' physical heart as the representation of His divine love for Humanity....
of Jesus on June 15, 2007. Antonio Cardinal Cañizares Llovera, the Primate of Spain, ordained two French priests at Gricigliano, the Institute's seminary in Italy on July 5, 2007.
Superiors
Monsignor Gilles Wach, STDDoctor of Sacred Theology
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
, is the founder and Superior General. He was ordained by Pope John Paul II.
Canon Philippe Mora, STD
Doctor of Sacred Theology
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
, is the co-founder and rector of the international seminary.
Monsignor Michael Schmitz, STD
Doctor of Sacred Theology
The Doctor of Sacred Theology is the final theological degree in the pontifical university system of the Catholic Church....
, JCL
JCL
JCL may refer to:Business:*Juniperus Capital Limited, a Bermuda-based hedge fundComputing:* Job Control Language, a scripting language used on IBM mainframe operating systems* Java Class Library* Java Constraints Library...
, is the Vicar General of the Institute and its United States Provincial Superior. He was ordained in 1982 by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
.