Among the communities that serve the Traditional Latin Mass in our region is the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (often abbreviated ICKSP). If you have attended Mass at St. Mary’s Oratory in Wausau, you have been served by the Institute’s priests. Here is a brief introduction.
A society in full communion with the Church
The Institute of Christ the King is a Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right — a community of priests recognized and approved by the Holy See, in full communion with the Catholic Church. It was canonically established in 1990. Its priests are dedicated to the worship of God through the traditional liturgy and to the care of souls, always under the authority of the local bishop where they serve.
Its spirit and patron
The Institute draws its spirituality from St. Francis de Sales, the gentle Doctor of the Church, and lives by the motto Veritatem facientes in caritate — “living the truth in charity.” Its priests are known for the beauty and reverence of their liturgies, their care for sacred music and sacred art, and a spirit of gentleness in the service of souls. The Institute holds a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to Our Lady.
Its work
The central purpose of the Institute is the sanctification of its priests and the faithful through the traditional Mass and sacraments, the pursuit of holiness, and the spread of the social reign of Christ the King. In the United States, it serves more than two dozen apostolates, from its national shrine in Chicago to oratories across the country — including St. Mary’s Oratory in Wausau, here in our region.
Learning more
You can learn more about the Institute, find its apostolates, and read about its life and mission at its official website, institute-christ-king.org. Whether or not you are able to attend one of its apostolates, the Institute is a beautiful witness to the treasures of the Church’s liturgical tradition, offered wholly within the life of the Church.