We have recently celebrated the feast of Christ the King, a feast dear to our hearts since it is a reminder that our Lord Jesus Christ must reign in our souls, families, and parishes, and at every level in civil society.

In fact, this doctrine was the theme of our recent Angelus Press Conference in Kansas City. There, we explored the doctrinal foundation of Christ’s Kingship, the practical applications of that doctrine, and examples of Catholic action in some of the great historical battles of Christendom. I encourage you to obtain a recording of these conferences from Angelus Press.

The keynote speaker for this year’s conference was His Excellency, Bishop Tissier de Mallerais, who gave two excellent conferences: one on the doctrine of Christ the King in the life of Archbishop Lefebvre, and a second conference on Catholic Action.

During his first conference, His Excellency recounted the life and struggles of Archbishop Lefebvre, showing that this doctrine was particularly dear to the Archbishop, whose every action was motivated by a desire to promote the reign of Christ.

In his second conference, Bishop Tissier explained that there are two kinds of action for laymen according to the teaching of the Popes. The first is the help that laymen can give to the priests in their apostolate, collaborating in the work for souls under the direct leadership of the priests. Organizations such as the Legion of Mary and the Holy Name Society, teachers and catechists who assist the priest in the education and formation of youth, camps and youth groups–all are examples of this form of assistance. It is the priest’s responsibility to develop and lead these precious apostolates, which count greatly on the generous involvement of lay Catholics.

His Excellency explained, however, that there is Catholic Action properly defined, which is to work for the reign of Christ in civil society. This work is the particular responsibility of laymen, whose task it is to see that the principles of the Gospel are applied in society. The priest should be looked to for guidance and support, but the responsibility and therefore the initiative belongs to the laity. This work is not easy in today’s world, but it must be remembered that it belongs to a Catholic’s duty of state, and especially to that of Catholic fathers of families.

Because of the immense value for Catholics in each of these talks, we have reproduced them in this month’s issue of The Angelus in their entirety. It is my great hope that readers will study these talks and truly seek to understand them and, consequently, promote the Social Reign of Christ the King according to their state in life.

In addition to these two wonderful conferences from Bishop Tissier, you will also find, in this issue, articles that will help you to better understand how we can promote Christ and His Church, and to better understand the disastrous consequences that come when Christ’s reign is opposed or ignored.

As we move towards the end of the liturgical year, and in light of our recent conference on Christ the King, I challenge each of you to truly study the teachings of our faith, particularly those explained in this month’s issue of The Angelus, so that we may truly know, love, and serve Christ in order that He may reign not only over us as individuals, but also over cities, states, and the whole of society.

Finally, I have some exciting changes to mention to the format of The Angelus magazine. As we mentioned in the August/September issue, The Angelus will be switching to a much larger, bi-monthly magazine starting in January 2012.

Each issue will have a section dedicated to a specific theme, as well as having regular sections on subjects such as Spiritual Life and Devotion, History, the Liturgy, and more. We hope that these changes to The Angelus will give you, the reader, a better, more focused magazine, covering the issues that matter to you from the best Catholic writers in America.

Because we are focusing on this new layout, this October issue will be the last for the 2011 year. Don’t worry, though; we will be extending your subscription for an additional two months to cover this hiatus. I can only assure you that the wait is worthwhile. Also, please do not forget to renew your own subscriptions, and even participate in the work of Angelus Press by purchasing subscriptions for others. More information on how to purchase gift subscriptions will arrive in the upcoming Angelus Press Christmas catalog, which you will receive shortly.

As we enter this new phase in the life of The Angelus, I ask you to please remember us in your prayers, that as Pope St. Pius X stated regarding Catholic periodicals, we may not only publish Catholic journals, but also “spread them as far as possible that they may be read by all.”

Instaurare Omnia in Christo,
Fr. Arnaud Rostand