Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest.
Does the Institute have its own seminary?
Yes. The Institute's house of priestly formation is the Seminary of Saint Philip Neri, located at the Château of Gricigliano in the Archdiocese of Florence, Italy. It welcomes more than eighty seminarians from around the world.
What is the Institute's mission in the Church?
The Institute's mission is to glorify God and sanctify priests in the service of the Church and souls, through doctrinal and spiritual formation. Its particular missionary purpose is the spreading and defense of the reign of Our Lord Jesus Christ in all aspects of human life, through the Church's centuries-old liturgical, spiritual, and cultural heritage.
What type of apostolate does the Institute engage in?
Beyond ordinary pastoral duties (daily Mass, sacraments, preaching, catechesis), the priests of the Institute offer spiritual retreats in the spirit of Saint Francis de Sales, summer camps for young people, and the direction or chaplaincy of schools. The Institute is also present in Gabon, where it conducts evangelizing missions.
Who are the members of the Institute?
The Institute includes more than 130 priests, affiliated diocesan priests, non-ordained members (Oblates), more than 80 seminarians, about sixty Sister Adorers (the female branch of the Institute), and the Société du Sacré-Cœur, which brings together hundreds of lay associate members.
Is the Institute a French community?
No. Although founded by two French priests and using French as the language of the seminary, the Institute is fundamentally Catholic and Roman. Its members come from around the world and its apostolates span four continents, in response to calls from many bishops.
Why do the priests of the Institute wear a particular choir dress?
The choir dress expresses the strong spiritual unity and distinctive identity of the Institute, while enhancing the solemnity of the liturgy. It includes the rochet, the mozzetta, and the cross of Saint Francis de Sales. It is the visible sign of the canonical belonging of the Institute's members.
What do the Institute's coat of arms represent?
The motto “Veritatem facientes in Caritate” (making truth in charity) expresses the soul of the Institute. The globe represents the universal royalty of Christ; blue symbolizes the Immaculate Conception; the fleurs-de-lis evoke purity and the geographical link with Florence, where the Institute was founded.
Where is the Institute's generalate?
The generalate and the seminary are established at the Château of Gricigliano, in Sieci (FI), in the Archdiocese of Florence, Italy. This is where the Superior General, Monsignor Gilles Wach, resides and where the principal liturgical and community life of the Institute takes place.
In how many dioceses is the Institute present?
The Institute is present in about twenty dioceses across four continents, always at the invitation of a bishop. The French Province alone serves 27 French dioceses. The Institute is also strongly established in the United States, Italy, Germany, and several African countries.