Solemnity November 22Solemnity · Last Sunday of the Church year

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

The Church's year ends by proclaiming Jesus, the Redeemer who reigns from the Cross, as King of hearts, families and nations. In 2026: November 22.

Jan van Eyck, The Ghent Altarpiece: God Almighty (1432). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Who was Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe?

Pope Pius XI instituted the feast of Christ the King in 1925, in a world wounded by war and by growing secularism, to remind people that Christ's peace comes only through his reign of truth and love. Saint Paul VI moved it in 1969 to the last Sunday of Ordinary Time, so that the whole liturgical year culminates in Christ, King of the Universe.

This is a movable feast: it always falls on the Sunday before the First Sunday of Advent, between November 20 and 26. In 2026 it is celebrated on November 22, and in 2027 on November 21. The Gospel shows a King crowned with thorns, who reigns by giving his life for us.

Feast day and traditions

In Mexico, "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" was the last cry of martyrs like Saint José Sánchez del Río and Blessed Miguel Pro, and the great statue of Cristo Rey stands on the Cerro del Cubilete in Guanajuato. In Rio de Janeiro the statue of Christ the Redeemer opens its arms over the city.

Many parishes end the day with Eucharistic adoration and an act of consecration to Christ the King.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe and Redeemer of the world, reign in my heart, in my family and in our nation. Thy kingdom come. Amen.

Novena

To pray a novena that ends on the eve of the feast, begin on November 13 and finish on November 21.

Mass readings

Read the Mass readings for November 22 from the US bishops (USCCB).

Open readings →

Free · By email

We'll remind you of the feast

Get an email before November 22 with the saint's story, prayer and a greeting ready to send.

Celebrate as a family

Make a simple paper crown, write on it one way each person will let Jesus be King this week, and place it near your family's crucifix.

Wish someone a happy feast day

Send a greeting with this saint's story and prayer.