April News
Never Surrender to Sadness
Dear Friends in Christ our King,
Holy Week approaches soon! We enter into the sorrow of Holy Mother Church in some of the most beautiful liturgies of the entire Liturgical Year.
We will soon meditate on two apostles—Judas and Peter—both of whom sinned against Christ. One betrayed Him, the other denied Him. Both were sorrowful, yet their sorrow led to very different ends: Judas despaired and took his own life, while Peter repented and found salvation. As we approach Good Friday, we must ask ourselves: in moments of weakness, whom do we imitate—Judas, who surrendered to despair, or Peter, who clung to hope?
The devil often tempts us with sadness, hoping to lead us to resentment, discouragement, and ultimately despair. Bad habits, frustrations in the spiritual life, or even simple disappointments can weigh us down. But if our sadness isolates us, makes us spiritually lazy, resentful, or self-indulgent, we risk falling into the despair of Judas. Instead, holy sorrow—the contrition that leads us to confession—should move us to action, drawing us back to God’s mercy. True repentance, like Peter’s, humbles us, opens us to grace, and restores our hope in God’s mercy.
So, how do we overcome this temptation to destructive sadness? Prayer is the key. Scripture tells us: “Is any of you sad? Let him pray.” (James 5:13)
Rather than withdrawing into ourselves, we must reach outward—helping others, embracing the sacraments, and keeping our hearts busy with love for God and neighbor. The remedies against despair are the very things that draw us closer to Christ: confession, the Eucharist, and a life of active faith.
Above all, let us turn to Our Lady, the Mother of Sorrows, who never surrendered to despair but remained steadfast in hope. The Rosary, the Scapular, and the Miraculous Medal are powerful weapons against the devil who tempts us to sadness. By imitating Mary’s virtues—her faith, her hope, her charity—we will learn to persevere through trials. As we stand at the foot of the Cross this coming Good Friday, let us not fall into sorrow like Judas, but rise in hope like Peter!
With Mary, we will never surrender to sadness, like Judas; but, through Mary, we will rise from the death of sin, like St. Peter the Apostle, to the new life of grace and to the heavenly life of the world to come.
Yours faithfully in Christ our Infant King,
Rev. Canon Matthew Talarico
U.S. Provincial Superior
Updates at
Sacred Heart Retreat Center
Hello Spring!
As we close our 5th month of construction, work continues to progress on all floors and the new visual elements of the remodeling layout is starting to take shape and reveal itself.
Key Construction Updates Include:
Due to existing spaces being present in the 1930’s wing, we have split construction into East and West appropriately.
1st floor 1930’s wing
- East Refectory walls and ceilings are almost ready to be closed up.
- West targeting 2nd week of April, 4-6 weeks start to finish concurrently with 2nd floor.
1st floor 1950’s wing
- Half of all stud walls are up and the overhead rough-in for the electrical, HVAC and plumbing has begun.
2nd floor 1930’s wing
- East will have the drywall ceilings installed once the 3rd floor is closed up; studs to follow.
- West targeting 2nd week of April start, 4-6 weeks start to finish.
2nd floor 1950’s wing
- Berghammer completed the new drywall ceilings and metal studs are starting to go up below them; soon the roughing in the electrical, HVAC and plumbing.
3rd floor 1930’s wing
- East had inspection last week and we can start to close up the walls and ceilings.
3rd floor 1950s wing
- Passed first inspection. All walls are drywalled with texture and paint to follow.
- West Dignitary Suites have all the studs up and electrical, HVAC and plumbing will begin rough-in work on a specifically timed schedule and completed from start to finish in 4-6 weeks.
New windows are complete, less the 1st and 2nd floors 1930’s West, which will be done in the 4–6-week timeframe.
We look forward to updating the continued progress next month!
Follow the news on restoration progress! The latest restoration update is above. To see all videos detailing work at Sacred Heart Retreat Center, click the link below to see the playlist.
To learn more about the Sacred Heart Retreat Center, click the link below.
Ordinations Pilgrimage to Gricigliano
June 28 - July 5, 2025
Join family and friends of the seminarians of the Institute of Christ the King in celebrating their elevation to the sacred priesthood, diaconate and subdiaconate, minor orders and tonsure, at the Institute’s Baroque church in Florence! See the many treasures of Florence and take excursions to medieval Lucca and the Seminary in the Tuscan hills!
For more information, click the link below.
2025 Summer Camps at
Sacred Heart Retreat Center
Save the dates! There will be four camps for the youth this summer taking place at Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Burlington, Wisconsin:
- Saint Therese Camp for Girls (July 7-11)
- Immaculate Conception Camp for Young Ladies (July 13-19)
- Saint Dominic Camp for Boys (July 21-25)
- Saint Michael Camp for Young Men (July 27-August 2)
For all information, including registration registration links and frequently asked questions, click the link below.
Read the testimony from the parents of one of the participants last year:
"My son was nervous about attending, but he met a boy his age, and they have since become pen pals. We encouraged them to write handwritten letters instead of emails, and they’ve been exchanging letters ever since. Their letters are filled with faith, prayers for each other, and conversations about sports, God, and family. My son loves receiving these letters. The same is true for my daughter—it has been an incredible experience for both of them."
Volunteers Needed!
Interested in helping out at summer camps in Wisconsin? We need all the helpers we can get!
Those interested who are at least 18 years old can follow the link below to apply. The deadline to apply is May 1.
May God reward you for your generosity!
2025 Sursum Corda Retreat
This year's Sursum Corda Annual Young Adult Retreat will take place from June 6 to 9 at the Colombiere Conference and Retreat Center in Michigan. Come and join young adults from all over the country in a time of prayer and fun!
For more information, including and how to register, click the link below.
Note: Today (April 1) is the last day payments are accepted at early bird prices!
$270 for 3 Nights
$210 Commuter Rate (includes meals)
Limited single rooms available for additional charge.
$270 for 3 Nights
$210 Commuter Rate (includes meals)
Limited single rooms available for additional charge.
A Word from the Sister Adorers
Visit to the Museum
For the feast of Saint Benedict, the sister Adorers of Wausau received the wonderful opportunity to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum. There were many beautiful works of religious paintings and sculptures from the baroque era in Europe, as well as sacred art from a variety of origins, such as a beautiful statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 18th century Guatemala.
In addition to sacred art, the museum featured many other works to pique the sisters' interest and admiration, such as a collection of antique German clocks and unique and intricately-carved wooden furniture.
Good Servants. Good Stewards. Good Friends.
Reaching Out to Souls
St. Patrick Oratory, Waterbury, Connecticut
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Contact us with any questions: 773-363-7409 x13
Contact us with any questions: 773-363-7409 x13
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Little Flower
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Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest
U.S. Provincial Headquarters
6415 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773-363-7409
6415 South Woodlawn Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60637
773-363-7409