INSTITUTE OF CHRIST THE KING SOVEREIGN PRIEST

Et Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis! “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us!” During this Advent season we contemplate the mysterious reality of the Incarnation: the infinite, powerful, and unfathomable Almighty God chose to become a Child in order to make our humanity the instrument of redemption for the whole universe.

The union of God and man in the divine Person of Christ, which is called hypostatic union by theologians, is unique and unlike any other. His humanity, imbued of divine force like a piece of linen is imbued with precious oil, continues to operate in the Church which He founded. Foremost, the humanity of Christ

is present in her sacraments and in the human words of divine wisdom which she administers in her infallible doctrine. Through these, the whole life of the Church gradually is penetrated by divine grace.

The Liturgy of the Church, which includes venerable gestures and ceremonies, holy signs and devotions, as well as law and discipline, is all an outcome of her contact with the Divinity, coming to her through her invisible head, the God-man Jesus Christ. Like a channel, His humanity brings to us abundant fruits of the grace of union, as long as we keep our own humanity open to the influence of our Savior in the Church.

Thus, we understand that the stable of Bethlehem, like the house of Nazareth, together with the mystery of the Incarnation, contains also the mystery of the Church. Finalized by the sacrificial immolation on the Cross, the triumphant resurrection and the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, the apparition of the Church as the continuation of the Incarnation of God in this world began on the Holy Night of Christmas. Then it was witnessed by only a few, while operating already for the salvation of so many.

The Catholic Church: Continuation of the Incarnation

ADVENT REFLECTION BY MSGR. MICHAEL SCHMITZ

LETTER FROM THE VICAR GENERAL

Dear friends of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, With joy and gratitude the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest participates in the mission of the Church to bring the grace of Christ to people everywhere! Guided by the spirituality and example of

our patron St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of divine love, our priests are bringing the consolation and joyful hope of Jesus the Infant King to our needy world in every sermon, in every catechism class, in every visit to the sick, in every spiritual direction, in every celebration of the traditional Roman Liturgy and Sacraments.

To fulfill this important mission for souls, we rely upon your prayers. We also urgently need your generous support. Please support the work of our Institute by a generous donation today. Every contribution counts! May Christ our Infant King reward you for your charitable gift this Christmas! The canons, oblates, sisters, and seminarians of the worldwide Institute family are praying for you each day. Your intentions are continually remembered at the altar of our Blessed Lord. Thanking you in advance for your assistance and answer to our Advent appeal, I remain,

Yours very truly, in Christ the King, Msgr. Michael Schmitz Vicar General and Provincial Superior

Adult baptisms at St. Margaret Mary in Oakland

Monthly blessing & devotions for children at Shrine of Christ the King, Chicago

Sisters Adorers in Prayer

Superiors and Seminarians at our international seminary in Gricigliano, Italy