November 21st: On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.
Here are 3 interesting facts about this feast:
1) Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925 in response to growing secularism and atheism post World War I. He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations. This solemnity reminds us that while governments come and go, Christ reigns as King forever.
2) In 1984, St. John Paul II chose the occasion of the feast of Christ the King to speak specifically to young people: “the Church proclaims the Kingdom of Christ, already present, but still growing in all its mystery towards its full manifestation. You, young people, are indispensable bearers of the dynamics of the Kingdom of God, the hope of the Church and the world.”
3) In 2020, Pope Francis declared the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, as the new day the Church would celebrate young people every year.
Please join us in praying for youth and young adults as we celebrate World Youth Day 2021
A Prayer for Youth and Young Adults
Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, to you we turn in humble prayer. Look with favor upon all young people, bearers of hope for the Church and the world.
Jesus Christ, companion of youth and young adults, bless the paths of discovery and discernment, through times of joy and experiences of hardship, with the constant love and support of your Church.
Jesus Christ, alive in the hearts of all your people, grant that we may “journey together, young and old… to nourish our enthusiasm, cause dreams to emerge, awaken prophesies and enable hope to blossom.”
Jesus Christ, Redeemer of all humankind, open our hearts to encounter all young people, to accompany and be in community together, and as one Church, embark upon our holy mission.
Jesus Christ, in the company of the Father and the Holy Spirit, graciously hear our prayer and be with us forevermore. Amen.
- https://www.usccb.org/resources/usccb-christ-the-king-guidebook-prayer_0.pdf
