continue at ICKSP ChicagoIntroduction
Since 2007, the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago has embraced a devotion to the Infant King, including a monthly novena. The devotion is gaining more and more adherents, both locally and nationally. In response to some queries about this devotion, Canons of the Shrine answer questions posed to them by the faithful in an interview format.
The questions generally fall into three separate categories: 1) about the Infant King Statue, 2) about the Infant King devotion in general, and 3) about the practice of the novena at the Shrine, including the Children’s Blessing
Part I - About this particular statue of the Infant King
How did this image come to be chosen as the symbol of, and the object of, devotion at the Shrine of Christ the King? A. The mission of the Institute is to draw people closer to our Lord and to spread the splendors of His Kingdom. The Divine Infant, being adorable and approachable, is an ideal representation of Christ's perfections that everyone can relate to; He is attractive and imitable.
Is there a special history behind this 18th century statue? A. Devotion to the Divine Infant is old. The devotion’s true origin appears already in Sacred Scripture with the example of the Blessed Virgin, St. Joseph, the Shepherds, and, who could forget the Adoration of the Magi. The popular devotion as we know it has been particularly strong in Spain since the 15th Century. This statue at the Shrine was crafted in Spain, as part of that wave of devotion. It was gifted to the Shrine by a benefactor. Its craftsmanship, construction, and artistic merits suggest its age to be the 18th Century, if not earlier.
When the statute came into the Shrine’s possession, did it need a lot of restoration work? A. It was well-preserved and in very good condition; all it needed was some touching up and a new set of liturgical garments. You’ll notice that He wears a stole as well. This is to remind us that the Infant King is also Sovereign Priest.
Was it important that it be crowned and formally installed at the Shrine of Christ the King in Chicago, IL by Cardinal George? A. "The more you honor Me the more I will bless you" is the promise of the Infant King. The coronation ceremony is a beautiful public display of honor. Having the Ecclesiastical authority do the crowning shows that the Cardinal grants full approval of this devotion and designates the Shrine to be a particular place of honor for the Infant King. This statue is a very special sacramental. Sacramentals are one of the means through which grace is conferred. The blessing and installation of relics and statues in a church, for example, are important because they can inflame our hearts to devotion and open our hearts to grace.
HT Rorate
1 comment:
It is "mandatory" that every Catholic church have a crucifix at it's altar. Every photo of the altar at the seminary in Gricigliano Italy, and other ICKSP church's are missing the crucifix (shown on www.facebook.com/ICKSP). There is only a small cross, and the doll placed above the cross on a shelf.
Why is there no crucifix at the altar? I understand that they are secular canons, and are not members of a religious orders. They do not take solemn vows (as stated on their own website, they are free of religious vows), and do not live a consecrated life. ICKSP members make a promise to the head of the Institute to live an apostolic life. Is this why they are not required to have a crucifix at their altars?
The small cross, and the doll, should never be a permanent replacement to the crucifix at the altar.
Here is one reference to the mandatory crucifix in Roman Missal No. 308:
https://www.ewtn.com/library/Liturgy/ZLITUR35.HTM
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