Our Patron Saints — Institut du Christ Roi Souverain Prêtre — Institut du Christ Roi Souverain Prêtre

The spirituality of the Institute draws on three co-patrons who form a living synthesis: Saint Benedict, Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Francis de Sales. Here you will find their lives and, gradually, their writings, as they were presented on the Institute’s former website.

Saint Benoît de Nursie

v. 480 – v. 547

Father of Western monasticism, Saint Benedict symbolizes the unity of faith, culture, liturgy, and life. His Rule, founded on moderation, gravity, austerity, and gentleness, shaped Christian civilization.

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Saint Thomas d’Aquin

1225 – 1274

The Angelic Doctor is the guardian of fidelity to the Church’s doctrine. His luminous and sure theology remains the intellectual reference for the formation of the Institute’s members.

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Saint François de Sales

1567 – 1622

Bishop of Geneva and Doctor of the Church, principal patron of the Institute, he is the master of “true devotion” and apostolic gentleness. His motto, “living the truth in charity,” is the soul of the Institute.

The Institute’s patronal mysteries

Le Christ Roi

Christ, King and Sovereign Priest, gives the Institute its name. His social kingship, proclaimed by the popes, is at the heart of the Institute’s mission.

L’Immaculée Conception

The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, the Immaculate Conception, is the patroness and Mother of the Institute, model of purity and fidelity.

The works of Saint Francis de Sales are reproduced from the complete Annecy edition (texts in French).