August News
Now and at the Hour of Our Death
Dear Friends in Christ our King,
This month, we honor the glorious Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our spiritual Mother, assumed body and soul into Heaven.
Our Lord, who loved His own Mother Mary perfectly, preserved her from the corruption of death just as He had preserved her from original sin. As true God and true man, Jesus had the power to raise her to heavenly glory, and He did. Mary’s Assumption is not only a triumph for her, but a promise to us all: the resurrection of the body, once fulfilled in Christ and now in Mary, awaits all who remain faithful. Just as the Apostles were strengthened by witnessing Mary’s Assumption, so too should we be filled with hope and courage in the face of suffering, death, and the trials of life.
Yet, this hope demands something of us: the grace of final perseverance, the grace to remain in sanctifying grace until the end of our lives. This grace is not guaranteed by human effort, but rather, as taught by St. Augustine and affirmed by the councils, is a divine gift, given to those who pray for it.
That is why we beg Mary at every Hail Mary: “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” In our final moments of earthly life, we ask her to intercede with her Son, the just Judge, to show us mercy.
So, dear friends, remember to cling to your heavenly Mother! Hold fast to the Rosary, that precious chain which binds us to Mary. She, who went before us into glory, longs to lead us there. Pray for the grace of a holy death, and trust that Mary will not abandon her children in their final hour. If you pray the Rosary in this life, then after death you will have the heavenly joy of seeing Mary your Mother face to face, and you will spend all eternity in her maternal embrace.
Yours faithfully in Christ our Infant King,
Rev. Canon Matthew Talarico
U.S. Provincial Superior
Ordinations Week in Italy
What a grace-filled week of ordinations last month at the Institute's Church of Saints Michael and Cajetan in Florence, Italy!
By the numbers:
- 16 seminarians received the cassock
- 68 seminarians and clerical oblates received the Tonsure and Minor Orders
- 10 seminarians ordained Sub-Deacons
- 5 ordained Deacons
- 6 ordained Priests for eternity!
Deo gratias!
July Updates at
Sacred Heart Retreat Center
With gratitude to Almighty God, the Institute of Christ the King is pleased to announce the completion of Phase One of renovations and the official opening of the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Burlington, Wisconsin this September 2025.
This milestone, the fruit of prayer, generosity, and dedicated teamwork—from Barrientos Design and Berghammer Construction to our staff, volunteers, and benefactors—marks the beginning of a new chapter in spiritual formation. The Center will host silent, guided retreats for men and women, offered in week-long and long weekend formats, along with upcoming events for clergy and laity. While private retreats are not available, registration is now open at shrcburlington.org.
Construction Updates
We will be closing our 9th month of construction. With the end of Phase One in sight, work continues to progress on all floors. The building’s new electrical service changeover is complete, and the Chiller (air conditioning) is operating. A plus during these hot and humid days!
Key Construction Updates:
1st floor 1930’s wing.
- East Refectory complete less hooking up HVAC units to their exterior venting/intake and powering them on.
1st Floor 1930’s wing.
- West is being spot cleaned.
1st floor 1950’s wing.
- Almost complete with mechanical, electrical and plumbing above the acoustical ceiling and finish carpentry millwork.
2nd floor 1930’s wing.
- East currently has the MEP finishes units going in above the acoustical ceiling grid.
- West work is complete less than the new HVAC units being installed.
2nd floor 1950’s wing.
- The new mechanical, electrical and plumbing finishes and corresponding units are being installed above the acoustical ceiling grid.
2nd floor 1950’s Lecture Hall.
- Near completion; finish carpentry woodwork is ongoing.
2nd and 3rd floor 1930’s wing.
- Near completion less dropping ceiling tile, swinging bathroom doors and refinishing the wood flooring.
2nd and 3rd floor 1950s wing.
- Near completion less dropping ceiling tile, swinging bathroom doors and installing hallway flooring with final coat of paint.
3rd floor 1930’s wing.
- East is almost ready for above acoustical ceiling grid inspection with bathroom accessories and doors to follow.
- West Dignitary Suites is almost ready for above acoustical ceiling grid inspection with bathroom accessories and doors to follow.
3rd floor 1950s wing.
- Near completion for above acoustical ceiling grid inspection with bathroom accessories and doors to follow.
We look forward to updating the progress next month with occupancy scheduled late August.
See the latest construction update video above!
Follow the news on restoration progress! 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 to visit the new website.
Pilgrimage to
Our Lady of Consolation Shrine
Saturday, August 23, 2025
Join the Institute’s Apostolates from Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland and Pittsburgh as we unite ourselves to the many pilgrims who seek the help and intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Consoler of Afflicted. Come join us at the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation, as we place our apostolates, our families, and the needs of the whole Church Militant into the hands of Our Blessed Mother.
Pilgrimage schedule
9:00 a.m. Arrival in Carey (315 Clay Street, Carey, OH 43316)
9:30 - 10:30 a.m./11:00 a.m. Rosary Walk in the Shrine Park
11:00a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Confessions in the Shrine Crypt/Basement
Pilgrimage schedule
9:00 a.m. Arrival in Carey (315 Clay Street, Carey, OH 43316)
9:30 - 10:30 a.m./11:00 a.m. Rosary Walk in the Shrine Park
11:00a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Confessions in the Shrine Crypt/Basement
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form at the Main Altar of the Basilica
Following Mass, talk about the history of the Shrine
Following the talk, cafeteria space available for lunch
Following the talk, cafeteria space available for lunch
Departure as desired after the talk
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
April 13-24, 2026
Join Canon Heitor Matheus on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land next April!
The Sacred Scriptures will come to life as you walk in Christ’s footsteps—to re-live His birth, childhood, public ministry, Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The pilgrimage tour follows the life of Christ and allows you to pause in prayer at the holy sites. See the cave where Christ was born in Bethlehem. Pray on Mount Calvary in Jerusalem. Be amazed when you see the empty tomb and know that He is truly risen.
For more information and to register, click the link below.
Pilgrimage to Mexico
October 6–11, 2025
Embark on an unforgettable spiritual journey to the heart of Mexico!
From October 6–11, 2025, join Canon Benjamin Norman and walk in the footsteps of saints and martyrs on a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, where Our Lady appeared in the 16th century and ushered in the great “Baptism of Mexico.”
Discover local history with visits of Colonial Mexico, the enchanting Floating Gardens of Xochimilco, ancient pyramids, and more. Honor the heroic legacy of the Cristero Martyrs, especially Mexico’s beloved “Scarlet Pimpernel,” Blessed Miguel Pro.
For more information, click the link below.
A Word from the Sister Adorers
Summer Camps
The sister Adorers joined dozens of girls and young ladies last month at the Institute's annual summer camps, now held at the Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Burlington, Wisconsin.
In the morning, the girls have hours of outdoor fun in classic games such as tug of war, three-legged races, and water balloon challenges, before spending the afternoon with the Sisters learning and working on artistic projects involving painting, design, embroidery, and bead-work. The evenings are marked by traditional campfires and a camp talent show.
The love of God is weaved throughout each day and each activity, with daily Mass and confessions, spiritual talks given by the Canons, a group rosary every evening, and the possibility of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The camp concludes with a High Mass with all of the families, during which the girls sing the multi-voice Latin hymns that they have learned with the sisters throughout the week.
Thanks be to God for all of these graces, and please join us in praying for the beautiful souls of these young ladies.
Little Flower
Recurring Gift Society
All of our benefactors who make a recurring gift of any dollar amount are enrolled in the Little Flower Recurring Gift Society.
Members have the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered for them and are prayed for especially during the Perpetual Novena in honor of St. Therese of the Child Jesus offered at our U.S. Provincial Headquarters.
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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