Reception of Christ as King and Lord

16-11-2016
1923

The Jubilee Act of the Reception of Christ as King and Lord was solemnly recited on 19 November 2016 in the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy and, on the following day, in all Polish parishes this act of faith, confirming the choice of Christ and sealing with Him the baptismal covenant, was repeated. This act is recognition of His dominion over the entire world and submission to His law.

The Act of the Reception of Christ as King and Lord of Poland is the moment that marks the end of the Year of Mercy. The Holy Father Francis in the Bull „Misericordiae Vultus” said, with reference to the closing of the Holy Door of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, “We will entrust the life of the Church, all humanity, and the entire cosmos to the Lordship of Christ, asking him to pour out his mercy upon us like the morning dew, so that everyone may work together to build a brighter future.” Recalling these words, the Polish Bishops’ Conference decided that, on the Solemnity of Christ the King and on the eve of the feast at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Lagiewniki, a specially prepared Act of Reception of Christ as King and Lord would be recited. This act, which also refers to this year’s celebration of the 1050th anniversary of Poland’s Baptism, contains a profession of faith and renunciation of evil.

The Act is the fruit of the dialog and the collaboration of the Commission for the Movements of Enthronement with the representatives of these movements. In a pastoral letter dated 11 October, the Polish Bishops explained: „there is no need to enthrone Christ, in the sense of placing him on the throne and giving him the power or proclaiming him king. Indeed, He is the King of kings and Lord of lords, forever.” The Bishops explained that today „we are witnessing an increasing tendency to leave God on the margins of life, or even to move away from God,” thus depriving him of the places and worship due to him. Therefore, the group of the Episcopal Committee has indicated, with regard to Movements of Enthronement, that there is an urgent need to enthrone Christ in the hearts of the faithful, by reviving living faith and the life of faith.

Bishop Andrzej Czaja, president of the group, explained that the Jubilee Act of Reception of Christ as King and Lord is intended as a conscious confirmation of the choice of Jesus, an unambiguous pronouncement in his favor, and a revival in living the vocation to holiness.