Universal Church teaching
What we mean when we call Christ “King”
In the Scriptures the coming Messiah is promised as the King descended from David, whose reign will have no end (Luke 1:32–33). Jesus proclaimed that “the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15), yet he refused earthly power. Before Pilate he declared, “My kingship is not of this world” (John 18:36), and over the Cross was written, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19).
The Church teaches that Christ exercised his kingship by drawing all people to himself through his death and Resurrection. His disciples share in this royal office through Baptism, and for the Christian, “to reign is to serve him,” particularly in the poor and the suffering (Catechism of the Catholic Church 786).
Christ’s Kingdom is already present in mystery in the Church, but it will be fulfilled only when he comes again in glory. For this reason we pray in the Our Father, “Thy kingdom come” (CCC 671).
The Solemnity of Christ the King
Pope Pius XI instituted the feast in 1925 with the encyclical Quas Primas, at a time of growing secularism, to remind the world that Christ’s authority extends to individuals, families and societies. It was first kept on the last Sunday of October.
In the liturgical reform that followed the Second Vatican Council, Pope St Paul VI gave it the titleOur Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and moved it to the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Sunday before Advent. It now crowns the Church’s year and turns our attention to Christ’s return in glory.
This year, the Solemnity is celebrated on Sunday, 22 November 2026.
Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.
Luke 23:42
Our parish
The patronal celebration in Phuvkiu
Awaiting parish confirmation
The parish’s customs for its patronal feast, including liturgies, processions and community celebrations, will be described here once provided and approved by the parish. These are local traditions, separate from the universal teaching above.
Sources
- Pope Pius XI, encyclical Quas Primas (11 December 1925).
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 668–682 and 786.
- Scripture references: Luke 1:32–33; Mark 1:15; John 18:33–37; John 19:19; Luke 23:42.