Some phrases to know the School Sisters of Christ the King
By Sr. Fiat Marie, C.K.
School Sisters of Christ the King
Branding is an interesting thing to observe. Since the Lincoln Diocese is in the Midwest, I do need to clarify that I don’t mean cattle branding. I am speaking of the process of capturing the identity and uniqueness of a group or event, so that it can be expressed in a way that can be shared. We see a plethora of logos, catch phrases and titles every day. Some have one word. Some have many words. Some just have pictures. Some have backward letters or intentionally misspelled words (a terror for teachers of elementary children). It seems at least one major goal of these efforts is to present something attractive.
For me, the brand “School Sisters of Christ the King” failed the test. I was not attracted by school or king. It seemed to be blunt and unpoetic. So why was I drawn to the Community? I saw the joy of the Sisters who were living out the charism of the Community: joyful fidelity to Christ the King.
Now, having lived as a School Sister of Christ the King for a little over 13 years, I know that the joy which drew me really is contained in the name of the community. To know and live under the Kingship of Jesus is the foundation of joy. Education is an essential work of the Church that extends Christ’s reign. To work with the King is joy. Both parts that I judged as unattractive are now very beautiful to me.
The Kingship of Christ is the joy of the School Sisters of Christ the King. This is the charism, the gift the Holy Spirit has entrusted to us for the building up of the Church. By sharing some phrases that are very familiar to CK Sisters, I hope to unveil something of this joy.
Ut Christus Regnet –That Christ May Reign
This was the episcopal motto of Bishop Glennon Flavin, Bishop of Lincoln from 1967-92 and the founder of the School Sisters of Christ the King. He said his motto expressed in some way his hopes for his episcopate and the goal of his life. He shared this motto with the community, making it our motto as well.
In religious life, we have a consistent horarium, or schedule, for the day. The intention of this is to aid our prayer, community life, and apostolate. Yet even Sisters can simply follow the motions and just look for the next thing on the list.
Our motto is an aid to raise our hearts and desires to our King and Spouse. I rise early… that Christ may reign. I raise my voice and chant the Psalms…that Christ may reign. I enter my classroom… that Christ may reign. I play pitch with my Sisters even as other concerns weigh on my mind…that Christ may reign. I keep silence… that Christ may reign.
This motto is a help to examine our hearts and uncover the false kings that bind us. This motto is a cry from our hearts, expressing our deep desire to belong to our King. This motto is for our hearts, and the hearts of our spiritual children, as each morning we pray, “May Christ the King reign in our hearts and in the hearts of all those we meet this day.”
Jesus reigns in the crib, on the cross, in the Eucharist, and in heaven
Jesus is King. This is revealed in Scripture. The fathers of the Church repeat it. Phrases such as, “with Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns forever,” are daily presented to us in the Mass. We know He is King, but how do we let this truth enter our heart?
Here we can follow Our Lady’s lead. At the first announcement of Mary’s unique role in salvation history, the angel Gabriel proclaimed that the child to be born of her would be King. As did her fellow Israelites, Mary knew the history of the kings of Israel. She was familiar with the promise made to King David of a “royal throne firm forever.” She too desired the fulfillment of this promise.
However, as the events following the Annunciation unfolded, she did not let her ideas and expectations bind the Kingship of Jesus. She watched, she pondered, and she let her understanding of kingship be formed by what God revealed in His Son. She was the faithful mother of the King, present by His throne no matter what form it took – crib, cross, altar, seat of glory. In each, He revealed something of kingship.
In the crib, she saw our King moved by love. Those who ignored or condemned his smallness, weakness, and discomfort did not deter Him. He remained in his poverty and so shared the riches of His love with her, and not just with her, but with Joseph, with shepherds, with wise men, and many unnamed people who were blessed to meet Mary carrying Jesus in her arms.
On the cross, she saw our King faithful to the Father and faithful to us. He immersed Himself in the kingly duty to protect and save us from enemies. She saw Him empty Himself, and in turn she felt drawn to empty herself, entrusting Jesus, the center of her heart, into the Father’s hands.
On the altar, in the hands of his Apostles, Mary saw our King laying out the treasures of His storehouse. She saw the bread and wine and recognized Him – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. She saw Him providing the meal, nourishing her soul, and as a gentle guest within.
At the side of the Father in heaven, she is with Jesus, our King. She sees Him unashamed to claim the majesty, glory, and authority that are His. She is unashamed to share it and to reveal it to us, that we will know the heart of Her Son, our King. She knows His deep desire for us to be unashamed to live in the glory and mystery of His Kingdom.
In the Kingship of Christ is found your motivation for sanctity. You belong to him by creation, by redemption, and by donation
These words were often repeated by Bishop Flavin. They echo in the hearts of the Sisters in a particular way. Through the work of the Holy Spirit in Bishop Flavin, we are entrusted with many precious gifts and responsibilities. We expressly strive to grow in love for the Eucharist, reverence the priesthood, support the missions, and foster devotion to Jesus’ Passion and to Mary. But of all these gifts, our “striving to be constantly aware of our total belonging, body and soul, to our Sovereign Lord and King through creation, redemption and donation” rises to the top.
In this total belonging, our work combines with the work of the King. Our efforts – that can feel so limited – are taken up into His infinite and eternal work. He receives the offering of our bodies and souls as gifts. Our lives and work find meaning because they are precious to Him. Our hearts are opened to the mysterious reality that we are a treasure of great value to Him and His Kingdom.
We belong to Him, but we are not cattle. Jesus doesn’t stamp his brand on us. Rather, in holding out His own heart and gifts, He invites us to hold out ours, that He may seal them with the joy of His reign.
Editor’s note: The School Sisters of Christ the King have begun a year of jubilee: 50 years since the community’s founding in 1976.
