The Solemnity of Christ the King is a devotional feast dedicated to Christ during Ordinary Time. It was instituted by Pope Pius XI on 11th December 1925. The feast was first celebrated on the last Sunday in October. More recently, it has been moved to the last Sunday of the liturgical year.
Lourdes, the happiness of the Kingdom
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”
These verses from the Gospel of the Feast of the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe (Mt. 25:31-46), which concludes Ordinary Time before we enter the season of Advent, speak to us of what is experienced at Lourdes.
On 18th February 1858, the Lady appeared to Bernadette and said, “I do not promise you happiness in this world, but in the other.” And that other world is what pilgrims experience here because Lourdes is the place where the last come first, where everyone finds their place. This happiness of the Kingdom is everyday love because everything the Lord asks can be done every day.
Solemnity of Christ the King and local WYDs
Local WYDs support and complement the international WYDs that took place this summer in Lisbon. Because they are local, they can be a source of commitment and investment for young people today.
The theme of this year’s local WYD is “Joyful in Hope”. The 2024 WYD will take place on the same solemnity, on Sunday 24th November, on the theme “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary”.
These two themes will feature in the preparations for the Youth Jubilee, as part of the Great Jubilee of 2025, “Pilgrims of Hope”, which will take place in Rome.
Following the closing Mass of the Lisbon WYD, Pope Francis officially announced that the next WYD would take place in Seoul (South Korea) in 2027.
Young people in Lourdes
At Lourdes, young people can experience a number of highlights, just like at WYD: moments of sharing, prayer, friendship and service!
The youth ministry is delighted to welcome all young people, and the team is ready to help them put together a pilgrimage programme.
“Bernadette weekend” in Lourdes
The “Bernadette Weekend” for young professionals (18-30 years), is offering a new programme in 2024 at the Youth Village!
On the agenda from 16th to 18th February: group activities; veneration of the relics; prayers, participation in celebrations at the Sanctuary etc.
Information and registration 
sjeunes@lourdes-france.com
