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November 24, 2007

Christus Regnat!

My small parish uses the We Celebrate Hymnal. Although this collection includes many standard hymns to Jesus Christ the King such as To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King; All Hail the Power of Jesus Name; Crown Him With Many Crowns; and Rejoice, The Lord Is King!, there are times when I wish we could sing something like this, which is the music I've had in my head all day...

Christus vincit!
Christus regnat!
Christus, Christus imperat!


At least To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King is based on Christus Vincit:

Christ Jesus Victor!
Christ Jesus Ruler!
Christ Jesus Lord and Redeemer!

As we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of Christ the King, I wanted to share this beautiful prayer, which I learned while discerning a vocation with the School Sisters of Christ the King, whose motto is +UT CHRISTUS REGNET + THAT CHRIST MAY REIGN+.

Jesus Christ our King,
Your name and Your title are the desire of our souls:

Gentle King, Love Incarnate,
Reigning from the throne of Your crib.
You were born of a humble Virgin and became poor
That we might become rich in Your grace.

Crucified King, Priest and Victim,
Reigning from the throne of Your cross.
You emptied Yourself of glory in loving obedience
That we too, might abandon ourselves
To the Father's unconditional love.

Eucharistic King, consuming Fire of Love,
Reigning from the throne of Your tabernacle,
You deepen our union with Yourself
That we might be nourished and strengthened
To bear Your presence to the world.

Majestic King, spouse of our souls,
Reigning from Your throne in Heaven,
Grant that we may lay our hearts before You in loving fidelity
And draw us into Your communion of love
With the Father and the Holy Spirit
For all eternity. Amen.

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