About the Institute
Serving the Church with beauty and reverence since 1990
For the Glory of God
The Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest is a Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical Right, founded in 1990 by Monsignor Gilles Wach and Canon Philippe Mora. Its mission is the honour of God, the sanctification of priests, and the spread of the traditional Roman liturgy throughout the world.
Headquartered in Gricigliano, Italy, the Institute operates an international seminary where young men are formed in the classical tradition of the Church — studying philosophy, theology, sacred music and the liturgical arts.
Today, over 115 priests and seminarians serve across Europe, Africa and the Americas, bringing the treasures of the Church's liturgical heritage to the faithful.
Our Presence on the Island
The Institute's presence in Ireland began in 2010 with a Sunday apostolate in Galway at St. Mary's College Chapel, where Mass continues to be offered every Sunday at 3:00pm.
In 2012, the Institute acquired the Sacred Heart Church in Limerick — a magnificent church built by the Jesuits in 1868, featuring 22 types of marble and a splendid high altar. An extensive programme of restoration has been underway since, returning the church to its original glory.
In 2019, the Institute was entrusted with the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Belfast, which has become the principal apostolate in Ireland with a full schedule of daily Masses, confessions and parish life.
Most recently, in 2021, the Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus established a convent in Ardee, County Louth — the House of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary — bringing a contemplative religious presence to the area.
The Pro-Provincial for Ireland is Canon Wulfran Lebocq, who also serves as rector of the Sacred Heart Church in Limerick.
The Traditional Roman Rite
The Institute is dedicated to the celebration of the traditional form of the Roman rite — the Mass of the Ages, handed down through the centuries. This ancient liturgy, with its sacred music, Gregorian chant, beautiful vestments and profound theological richness, draws the faithful into the mystery of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary.
Through the beauty of sacred art, architecture and music, the traditional liturgy speaks to the heart and lifts the soul to God — making visible the invisible realities of our faith.
“The beauty of the liturgy is a powerful means of evangelisation.”— Pope Benedict XVI