The Solemnity of Christ the King is a relatively new formal liturgical celebration in our Church, initiated in 1925 by Pope Pius XI in response to the rise of secularism and a denial of Christ throughout much of Europe, including: in 1917 the seizure of power in Russia by the Bolsheviks; the marked decline in the temporal power of the Church in the newly unified Italy, with the Fascists seizing power in 1922 under Benito Mussolini.

Amidst this backdrop, it is a feast day designed to remind us of Christ’s authority and leadership over our world and that we are to turn to Christ as our model and guide for leadership and true authority. All authority is derived from God, not from our own humanity. Any authority we do have must then aim to replicate the leadership model of Christ, one based on service, underpinned by love and one that gives dignity to the human person.

Fr. Tom