Shrine of Christ the King - Winfield, Illinois - Shrine of Christ the King

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A HAPPY AND BLESSED FEAST OF THE PENTECOST

TO ALL MEN OF GOOD WILL ! ! !

OCTAVE OF THE PENTECOST BEGINS PENTECOST SUNDAY, MAY 19 AND ENDS ON THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY, TRINITY SUNDAY. MAY 26

PLEASE PRAY THE NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST BEGINNING FRIDAY, MAY 10 THROUGH SATURDAY, MAY 18. VIGIL OF THE PENTECOST

NOVENA PRAYERS TO THE HOLY GHOST AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

SHRINE OF CHRIST THE KING

The Shrine of Christ the King in Winfield, Illinois is a Roman Catholic church which offers the traditional Latin Mass according to the ancient and apostolic rite of the Roman Catholic Church. This rite of Mass was given by Christ to the Apostles who in turn passed this tradition down to their successors. Pope St. Pius V then took this tradition and codified it in 1570 for us to use in perpetuity. This Mass in the Missal edition of 1945 is the one used at the Shrine. The Shrine also offers all other Sacraments and blessings in the traditional form.

In addition to the traditional pre-Vatican II Latin Rites, only the orthodox pre-Vatican II doctrine as found in the Baltimore Catechism is believed and taught at the Shrine. It is taught in such a way as to exclude the New Theology of Vatican II (1963-1965) which has brought confusion to the Church and scattered the flock. A strong emphasis is placed on the teachings and traditions established by Our Blessed Lord 2000 years ago and sustained by the work of the Holy Ghost acting throughout Church history since Pentecost.

All visitors whether Catholic or exploring the Catholic Faith are welcomed to attend Holy Mass as well as devotions and other religious functions. However, only those who have received permission of the Pastor may approach the Communion Rail to receive Holy Communion. Non-members must also receive permission of the Pastor in advance of receiving the Sacrament of Confession.

Those people who are thinking of becoming members of the Shrine's congregation must go through a period of catechesis before participating in the Sacraments. This is done to ensure that new members have the necessary time to become acquainted with the Catholic Faith and her traditions before deciding to participate in them at the Shrine. After a suitable period of time passes, the Pastor will also become familiar with the new members before deciding on their fitness for the reception of the Sacraments. At that time, previously baptized new members will take the Profession of Faith and make the Abjuration of Errors against the Faith.

Previous attendance at other chapels or churches where the Latin Mass is said does not immediately qualify a person for participation in the Sacraments at the Shrine. It is often the case that little instruction is given in those places concerning the differences between the Catholic Tradition and the Novus Ordo. This results in a woeful lack of understanding of these matters. As the doctrines of the Catholic Faith differ from the new doctrines devised at Vatican II for the Novus Ordo Church, the Catholic Faith and the Novus Ordo Religion constitute two different, separate and irreconcilable religions. A lack of understanding of this important point may allow one to approach the sacraments of the Novus Ordo Church just as easily as one would approach the traditional Catholic Sacraments which were instituted by Jesus Christ 2000 years ago. This practice is sacrilegious and it contradicts the teaching of Catholic Moral Theology, the Magisterial Pronouncements on these matters, as well as the consistent example given to the Church by the lives of the Saints.

Those people who are not Catholic but who would like to make a conversion to the Catholic Faith will be required to undergo a period of catechesis of at least one year before the waters of Baptism will be poured. They must also show a desire for closeness to Christ by consistent attendance at Holy Mass, love and acceptance for the Church's traditions, diligence in their study of the Faith, acceptance of all the crosses God sends, and show a general desire to grow in virtue, particularly the virtue of Charity.

The website outreach is a new effort on our part for the propagation of the Faith. This site will be updated periodically as events develope at the Shrine of Christ the King.

May God bless all of you.

Christ the King, Save us!

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Pope Pius VII., by his Rescript of August 14,1801, granted -
i. A plenary indulgence to all the faithful who, on the Feast of St. Pius V., May 5, being truly penitent, shall, after Confession and Communion, say on this day with devotion the following hymn before an altar or greater relic of this Saint, or else in some church dedicated to his honour, praying according to the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
ii. An indulgence of forty days, once a day, on saying this hymn with devotion.
These Indulgences Pope Pius VIII. of blessed memory granted afresh for ever by a decree of the S. Congr. of Indulgences of Oct. 2, 1830.

HYMNUS: BELLI TUMULTUS INGRUIT

LATIN

Belli tumultus ingruit,
Cultus Dei contemnitur;
Ultrixque culpam persequens
Jam poena terris imminet.

Quem nos in hoc discrimine
Coelestium de sedibus
Praesentiorem vindicem,
Quam te, Pie, invocabimus?

Nemo, beate Pontifex,
Intensiore robore
Quam tu, superni numinis
Promovit in terris decus.

Quem nos. &c.

Ausisve fortioribus
Avertit a cervicibus,
Quod Christianis gentibus
Jugum parabant barbari.

Quem nos. &c

Tu comparatis classibus,
Votis magis sed fervidis
Ad insulas Echinadas
Fundis tyannum Thraciae.

Quem nos. &c.

Absensque eodem tempore,
Hostis fuit quo perditus,
Vides, et adstantes doces
Pugnae secundos exitus.

Quem nos. &c.

Majora qui coelo potes,
Tu supplices nunc aspice,
Tu civium discordias
Compesce, et iras hostium.

Quem nos. &c.

Precante te, pax aurea
Terris revisat; ut Deo
Tuti queamus reddere
Mox laetiora cantica.

Quem nos. &c.

Tibi, Beata Trinitas
Uni Deo sit gloria,
Laus, et potestas omnia
Per saeculorum saecula. Amen.

V. Ora pro nobis, Beate Pie.
R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus.
Deus, qui ad conterendos ecclesiae tuae hostes, et ad divinum cultum reparandum beatum Pium pontificem maximum eligere dignatus es: fac nos ipsius defendi praesidiis, et ita tuis inhaerere obsequiis, ut omnium hostium superatis insidiis perpetua pace laetemur. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum, &c. R. Amen.

HYMN: BELLI TUMULTUS INGRUIT

ENGLISH

Wars and tumults fill the earth;
Men the fear of God despise;
Retribution, vengeance, wrath,
Brood upon the angry skies.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

None more mightily than thou
Hath, by holy deed or word,
Through the spacious earth below
Spread the glory of the Lord.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

Thine it was, O pontiff brave!
Pontiff of eternal Rome!
From barbaric yoke to save
Terror-stricken Christendom.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

When Lepanto's gulf beheld,
Strewn upon its waters fair,
Turkey's countless navy yield
To the power of thy prayer:

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

Who meanwhile with prophet's eye
Didst the distant battle see,
And announce to standers-by
That same moment's victory.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

Mightier now and glorified,
Hear the suppliant cry we pour;
Crush rebellions haughty pride;
Quell the din of rising war.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

At thy prayer may golden peace
Down to earth descend again:
License, discord, trouble cease;
Justice, truth and order reign.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

To the Lord of endless days,
One Almighty Trinity,
Sempiternal glory, praise,
Honour, might, and blessing be.

Holy Pius! Pope sublime!
Whom, in this most evil time
Whom, of saints in bliss, can we
Better call to aid than thee?

V. Pray for us, blessed Pius.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

God, Who, to the destruction of the enemies of thy Church and for the restoration of Thy holy worship didst vouchsafe to elect blessed Pius to be thy High Priest; grant us so to be defended by his protection, and so to remain steadfast in Thy service, that, overcoming the snares of all our enemies, we may enjoy perpetual peace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

"The partisans of error are to be sought not only amongst the Church's open enemies; but...in her very bosom, and are the more mischievous the less they keep in the open." "The Church has no greater enemies. For they put into operation their designs for her undoing, not from without but from within. Hence, the danger is present almost in the very veins and heart of the Church, whose injury is the more certain from the very fact that their knowledge of her is more intimate." "They seize upon professorships in the seminaries and universities, and gradually make of them chairs of pestilence." "Certainly we don't expect to find men dressed in sheepskin. No. What we are told to "beware" of is that which on the surface sounds pleasing to the ear; that which seems "positive" or "beneficial" at first glance. But behind it all is a subtle error that destroys Faith. What is one of the best ways that an error against the Faith can be taught to a Catholic and have him easily accept it as true even if it at first they question the novelty of it? The way it was done at the turn of the century was to say that "doctrine evolves", or that "truth evolves with man." Today, however, being that evolution is not generally looked upon favorably by Catholics, they will instead say that you must realize that there is "doctrinal development" - this is the "sheep's clothing" of which Our Lord speaks." (Pascendi Gregis, Encyclical of Pope St Pius X,)

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“As to the company of the world, far be it from our hearts to judge any one in particular to be of a worldly spirit; but let us shun long or much conversation with those, from whose words or demeanour we fear danger to ourselves, mixing with them only as much as charity and decency may require; and, during such company, raising our hearts often with fervour to God, to keep ourselves in spirit with him. Let that be our usual company, by which our hearts may be most improved and warmed in virtue. The less we can have of this, the more leisure we must reserve to converse and renew our spirit with God. In short, our grand preservatives are, mortification, prayer, meditation, good books. The oftener we are exposed to hear vanity, the more diligently must we listen to God." Fr. Alban Butler

Novena to the Holy Ghost

"We ought to pray and invoke the Holy Ghost, for each of us greatly needs His protection and His help. The more a man is deficient in wisdom, weak in strength, borne down with trouble, prone to sin, so ought he the more fly to Him Who is the never ceasing Fount of Light, Strength, Consolation and Holiness." - Pope Leo XIII

ACT OF CONSECRATION
TO THE HOLY GHOST

On my knees / before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses / I offer myself, soul and body / to Thee O Eternal Spirit of God. / I adore the brightness of Thy purity / the unerring keeness of Thy justice / and the might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength / and Light of my soul. / In Thee I live and move and am. / I desire never to grieve Thee / Mercifully guard my every thought / and grant that I may always watch for Thy light / and listen to Thy voice / and follow Thy gracious inspirations. / I cling to Thee / and give myself to Thee / and ask Thee / by Thy compassion / to watch over me in my weakness. / Holding the pierced feet of Jesus / and looking at His five Wounds / and trusting in His Precious Blood / and adoring His opened side and stricken Heart / I implore Thee / Adorable Spirit / Helper of my imfirmity, / so to keep me in Thy grace / that I may never sin against Thee. / Give me grace / O Holy Ghost, / Spirit of the Father and of the Son / to say to Thee always and everywhere / "Speak, Lord / for Thy servant heareth."

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS
OF THE HOLY GHOST

O Lord Jesus Christ / Who, before ascending into heaven / did promise to send the Holy Ghost / to finish Thy work / in the souls of Thine Apostles and Disciples / deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me / that He may perfect in my soul / the work of Thy grace and Thy love. / Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom / that I may despise the perishable things of this world / and aspire only after the things / that are eternal, / the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Thy Divine Truth / the Spirit of Counsel / that I may ever choose / the surest way of pleasing God / and gaining heaven, / the Spirit of Fortitude / that I may bear my cross with Thee / and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, / the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself / and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, / the Spirit of Piety / that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, / the Spirit of Fear of the Lord / that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God, and may dread in any way to displease Him. / Mark me, dear Lord, / with the sign of Thy true disciples / and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit. / Amen.

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FIRST DAY
Holy Spirit! Lord of light!
From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Ghost

Only one thing is important ~ eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared ~ sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us."

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit; the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

SECOND DAY
Come Thou, Father of the poor!
Come, treasure which endure!
Come Thou, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Holy Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven where Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

THIRD DAY
Thou, of all consolers, best,
Visiting the troubled breast,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake, persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority: His Blessed Mother and the Saints, The Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake, lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

FOURTH DAY
Thou in toil art comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Piety

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will, an impulse and energy which move it to undertake without hesitancy, the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot, human respect, and to endure without complaint, the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome, and separated from Thee, my God and greatest good. Amen.

FIFTH DAY
Light immortal! Light Divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth ~ in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretence of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

SIXTH DAY
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay,
All his good is turned to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we kinow them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths, and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory, to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

SEVENTH DAY
Heal our wounds ~ our strength renew;
Onour dryness pour Thy dew!
Wash the stains of guilt away!

The Gift of Counsel

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly, what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding, to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen.

EIGHTH DAY
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written, "all good things come to me with her, and innumerable riches, through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfectss charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light."

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power, and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them foreven. Amen.

NINTH DAY
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess, and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:

Give them comfort when they die;
Give them life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost

The gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue, more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation, and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive, and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforet in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits: charity, joy, peace, patience, long-suffering, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and modesty, continency and chastity, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.