By Zoebelle Bean, Aquinas Reporter
Christus Rex. – Photo by J.T. Doudna II
This Sunday, Nov. 24, the Catholic Church celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King, marking the last week of the normal liturgical calendar year. This Solemnity was especially important as it signaled the last Sunday before the Advent season, which leads into Christmas.
In the Catholic Church, liturgical days are ranked by importance, the highest being solemnities, then feasts, then memorials, then a typical Mass, referred to as a “feria” mass. Solemnities are typically celebrated with incense. “The smoke ring [of incense] around Brother Andres’ head was really cool to watch. Seeing the Mass look different than it typically does was really eye opening,” said freshman Logan Licence.
This feast was originally instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI as a way to respond to growing secularism and atheism. This last Sunday of the liturgical year is a way of celebrating the transcendent Kingship of Jesus Christ that exists outside of space and time.
“[The Solemnity] is a good opportunity for Catholics to join in community. It’s a good way to end or start your week, however you want to look at it. The Solemnity Mass is the best type of Mass especially when you get some ‘Brother Andres’ incense. His face is swarmed with it; it’s like a cloud,” said sophomore Ryan Maddock.
Incense symbolizes the rising of our prayers to God and the sanctification of the reading, offering and items used within the liturgy. This is especially recognized in the Bible in Revelation 8:4: “And the smoke of the incense, with prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” Incense is pleasing to God and a worthy form of sacrifice within the Mass to show reverence to God, King of all kings. “It does not get more Catholic than some incense, an organ, and the Eucharist. It’s King Jesus on your tongue, smelling the incense, and knowing that this is as close to Heaven as you can get while still on earth. Amen, praise God,” continued Maddock.
This Mass was an important form of worship to recognize Jesus’ place as Lord and remind Catholics of Jesus’ birth as they enter Christmas time. “I think Kanye said it best: ‘Jesus is King,’” said Father Jordan, O.P.. It is a reminder that beyond any earthly government or monarchy that comes and goes, Jesus Christ is King forever, not as we know kings but as He wants us to know Him: as Creator, Alpha and Omega of all.
The Saint 