November 25, 2018 ~ Jasper Christian Gambito/ St. Peregrine Laziosi Diocesan Shrine.  At the St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish, a public exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, procession to and from the St. Peregrine Laziosi Diocesan Shrine and a Vigil Mass was held on the eve of the Solemnity of Christ the King marking the last Sunday in Ordinary Time. The procession and public exposition of the Blessed Sacrament was headed and presided by Rev Fr Deogracias Ma. Alejandria, Jr., OSM (Parochial Administrator and Vicar-Provincial of the St. Peregrine Philippine Vicariate of the Order of Servants of Mary) and Rev Fr Waren Ma. Campilan OSM presided over the Vigil Mass at the Shrine.

Today, we are celebrating the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. This feast marks the end of the current liturgical year and the start of the advent season. In this celebration, we are recognizing that the our Lord is the King, not only of the supernatural world – referring to the world of the invisible, but most of all as the King of the natural world – the world wherein we are currently living. We are affirming Christ’s authority and primacy over all creatures, powers, and dominions of this world every time we say after the Lord’s Prayer – “for the Kingdom, the power, and glory are yours now and forever.” However, as Catholics, what is the significance of this feast to us? As mentioned by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical Quas Primas which instituted this feast, we, the people of God should, welcome him not only in our hearts, but also allow him to reign in our minds and in our wills for in doing so, all of our desires will be in accordance to his will – thus making us instruments of his saving love. Permitting Christ to reign in ourselves makes us better persons as we will experience abundance of joy, love, and devotion. Allowing Him to reign in our society allows His’ people to live in peace. “Sedebit Dominus Rex in aeternum: Dominus benedicet populo suo in pace.” The Lord will sit on his royal throne forever; the Lord will bless his people in peace.