The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

In 2019, late last year before everything was turned upside down by this pandemic, our local parish church held a procession to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe.

The short procession started from a chapel in a barangay hall and meandered through a few streets under the afternoon sun, and finally made its way to the church. Our parish priest held the Holy Sacrament while riding a moving vehicle as residents waited along the road with lighted candles and quiet veneration.

Along with members of parish organizations, parishioners joined the procession and later attended the Holy Mass to celebrate the feast.🕐

This year, in this pandemic, the celebration will be confined within the church to follow the Covid-19 restrictions with limited number of parishioners in attendance. 👪

Although it would have been more meaningful that a recorrida was held where the Holy Sacrament and the parish priest rode open van as it roamed the city where residents along the route might again light candles to honor the Sovereignty of Christ as King of the Universe and to pray for His intercession in these difficult times.🙏  This was done by other parishes to celebrate the feast. 👌

The Feast of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 to celebrate the Jubilee Year and the 16th centenary of the Council of Nicaea. It was also to remind the dictators of the world at that time (Mussolini, Stalin and Hitler) that Christ was the only Sovereign King. ♔

Perhaps, this should also remind today's leaders and public servants that truth, honesty, and integrity should govern their lives and work ethics, and not greed and corruption. 🏠 

These photos are from the 2019 'Christ, the King' procession of the Our Lady of Victory Parish in the Diocese of Bacolod, Philippines.🇵🇭