Feast Days · November 22, 2026 · Draft for Tony's review

Christ the King and Viva Cristo Rey

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, falls on the last Sunday before Advent. In 2026 that's November 22. It closes the Church's year.

Pope Pius XI started the feast in 1925 with his encyclical Quas Primas. Europe had just come through the First World War, and new ideologies were telling people that the state, the nation or the self should rule everything. The Pope reminded the world that Christ is King: of nations, of families and of each human heart.

A few years later in Mexico, the government persecuted the Church, and many Catholics died rather than deny their faith. Blessed Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest, was executed by firing squad in 1927. He stretched out his arms like a cross and said "¡Viva Cristo Rey!", long live Christ the King. Those words became the cry of the Cristero martyrs.

A prayer for the day: "Lord Jesus, I acknowledge you as King of the universe. Reign in my heart, my home and my work. Viva Cristo Rey! Amen."

Related designs: Latin and Traditional Catholic Shirts · Catholic Saint Shirts