The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is a Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right, founded in 1990, dedicated to the honor of God and the sanctification of priests through the treasure of the Latin liturgical tradition.
Our Founders
The Institute was founded in 1990 by Monsignor Gilles Wach and Monsignor Philippe Mora. Inspired by love of the traditional Latin liturgy and the desire to serve the Church in the fullness of her spiritual heritage, they laid the foundations of a community of priests wholly dedicated to Christ the King and Sovereign Priest. Msgr. Wach, Apostolic Administrator of Gricigliano, provides its leadership; Msgr. Mora, auxiliary, contributes to the international expansion of the Society.
Mission and Charism
The mission of the Institute rests on three pillars:
- The sanctification of priests through fidelity to the traditional liturgy of the Roman Church (the Mass of all time, the Roman Breviary, the traditional sacraments).
- The apostolate in the service of souls in a spirit of Salesian charity and gentleness: preaching, confessions, pastoral visits, retreats.
- The cultivation of sacred beauty as a path of access to mystery: Gregorian chant, polyphony, architecture, sacred arts — beauty is at the service of holiness.
A Society of Pontifical Right
Erected as a Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right by the Holy See's decree of June 18, 1999, the Institute is in full communion with the Catholic Church. Its members, canons under the adapted Rule of Saint Augustine, live in community. The Institute benefits from an exemption allowing it to celebrate the liturgy according to the 1962 rite, in accordance with the dispositions of the Holy See.
The Motherhouse: Gricigliano
The headquarters of the Institute is located at Gricigliano, a village in the Tuscan hills, north of Florence. The magnificent Villa Martelli, restored by the Institute, houses the General House and the international Seminary. It is here that future canons are formed, in prayer, study, and liturgical service; here that the charism of the Institute takes root and radiates to the whole world.
A Worldwide Presence
Since its founding, the Institute has grown across all continents. It now numbers more than 170 members spread across ten provinces: Italy, France, United States, Germany, Great Britain, Gabon, Ireland, Spain, Belgium, along with missionary outposts in other countries. The Institute’s apostles serve parishes, chapels, retreat centers, and schools that testify to the vitality of the traditional charism.