When I ministered in lower Manhattan, I loved watching people wander into St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral to pray. Some came from the street, some from the subway, some from a long, hard day of work.
“I love this church, Father,” one man told me. “The doors are always open.”
St. John Henry Newman writes: “We ever promise things greater than we master… Our promising involves a prayer for light and strength… Aim at things, and your words will be right without aiming.”
We all want to live with that kind of integrity—to have words and lives that stay open to God’s grace, even when we fall short.
There’s something profound about a church’s open doors. It is its own quiet homily: Grace is always available. No matter the hour, no matter the story, Christ waits within to give us light and strength.
Advent teaches us to live like that—to keep the door of our own heart open, ready to offer warmth and light, ready to receive God.
And so, with open hearts, we pray: “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Reflect: Is there a part of your life where you’ve grown closed off—perhaps to God, perhaps to others? What would it mean this Advent to open that door again, and to let grace—and others—enter in?
In this Advent series, Fr. Jason Smith draws from his personal experiences and St. John Henry Newman’s own Advent sermons, connecting themes like reverence, awe, and intimately encountering Christ in the simplicity and stillness of ordinary life. Pray with us on The Regnum Christi App, sign up to have each day’s reflection delivered to your inbox every morning, or follow the RC Spirituality Center on Instagram and Facebook.
Ordained in 2006, Fr. Jason has served as a Legionary priest throughout the US, primarily in New York and Michigan. His newest role has called him south, as the superior of the Houston community of the Legionaries of Christ.
Q: Why does God request us to have blind faith in him? Isn’t a person who is susceptible to believing things blindly more likely to be tricked into evil? Is it not fair to say that blind faith is more vulnerable to manipulation, subjectivity and human error? Isn’t it better for people to be skeptical and suspicious until they can root their beliefs in evidence or fact? Isn’t it unfair of God to expect blind faith? Humans are skeptical creatures by nature. We are inquisitive and yearn for answers to our questions. I apologize if these questions come off as disrespectful. That is not my intention. I was raised Catholic but never pondered these things until now, and I hope there is an answer to this that I can understand. – James
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
It’s good that you are airing your questions. This is a normal way for us to grow in understanding.
Now, it’s a bit simplistic to say that God expects us to have blind faith in him.
He gives us an intellect and expects us to use it, in part to learn more about him and what he has revealed in Scripture and ultimately in his son Jesus.
The Church urges us to use both our faith and our reason to draw closer to God.
Sometimes reason only takes us so far; this is where faith can move us ahead.
And sometimes we need reason to help purify our faith so that we don’t fall into superstition.
It’s a delicate and complex dance between faith and reason. But both were created by God, so both are good and have their place.
That said, there might be times when, yes, we can only go on faith.
That faith need not be blind in that sense that it is desperate or irrational.
We can make acts of faith when we trust God and understand how much he loves us. And to get to that point, we sometimes rely on — you guessed it — our reason.
For related reading see this Catholic Exchange post. For heavier reading, see Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio.
This year, on the hundredth anniversary of the Feast of Christ the King, Regnum Christi members from around the world celebrated our feast day with special joy! On this feast day, we renewed our consecration to Christ the King and united as a spiritual family that seeks to make the Kingdom of Christ present in our hearts and in the whole world.
Here’s a look at how we celebrated in the North American Territory and beyond:
Chicago, IL
“It takes a village and hearts filled with God's love and strength to put together such a wonderful celebration!”
Regnum Christi members and friends from RC Chicago gathered at Everest Academy in Lemont, IL, for a grace-filled day that began with confession followed by Mass celebrated by Fr. Hans Candell, LC, from Sacred Heart Apostolic School. Students from both schools served during the Mass, which was followed by testimonies of faith and community from Christy Sipusich and Br. Keiren Hamilton, LC.
The celebration continued with lunch, adoration, family activities, and a raffle—proceeds went to the students at Sacred Heart Apostolic School to help cover their March for Life trip expenses.
Atlanta, GA
Nearly 400 people gathered in Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel at Pinecrest Academy in Cumming, GA. Mass was concelebrated by 15 Legionary priests from the RC Atlanta community, including main celebrant Fr. Aaron Smith, LC. Fr. Nathan Torrey, LC, gave a moving homily, and Fr. Markus Stehmer, LC, and Consecrated Woman of Regnum Christi, Jackie Lustig, later provided powerful reflections on vocations. The choir featured Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, Pinecrest students, and members of Regnum Christi Music Collective, accompanied by pianist Chris Pinto. There were 33 new associations into Regnum Christi.
After Mass, the community continued celebrating with lunch and joyful fellowship.
New Orleans, LA
Members and guests celebrated Mass for the Feast of Christ the King at the Regnum Christi Center in New Orleans.
Lafayette, LA
“It was a joyful evening of renewal and community!”
Members of the Lafayette locality of Louisiana were joined by Fr. Gregory Heslip, LC, who celebrated Mass at a local parish, and Consecrated Woman, Margie Lademan. The locality then gathered at a member’s home for testimonies, an association, renewal of commitments by RC members, and a meal. They ended the evening with a competitive game of “Bible Pictionary!”
Northshore, LA
“So glad to see so many of our RC family enjoying great fellowship. How can you beat a massive pot of gumbo under the beautiful Louisiana oaks?” —Scott Scheuermann, men’s section director for the Northshore locality.
Houston, TX
Regnum Christi Houston had about 200 Regnum Christi family and friends gather at Prince of Peace Catholic Community in Houston, TX, for Mass, which concluded with four new associations into Regnum Christi!
They highlighted the Jubilee Year with testimonies of hope from locality members who had the grace to be on pilgrimage this year: a young RC woman who went on a Discernment Camino that ended with the Jubilee of Consecrated Life in Rome; a couple who had a transformative experience of Our Lady’s love and presence in Fatima and while on a “Couple’s Camino”; and a Consecrated Woman who accompanied two groups through the holy doors in Rome this Jubilee Year, and was blessed to be in Pope Francis’ funeral Mass.
Houston—College Station
Regnum Christi College Station celebrated Christ the King with over 60 members, friends, and family, including Legionary priests and Consecrated Women from Houston.
Dallas, TX
In Dallas, seven young adults associated into Regnum Christi, and four youth made the Pledge of Friendship into ECYD!
Raleigh, NC
RC North Carolina gathered at St. Joseph’s parish in Raleigh, where Fr. Peter Devereux, LC, is the pastor. About 100 members, friends and family were in attendance, and Fr. Brian Shininger, LC, their new chaplain, led the group in song!
Miami, FL
Regnum Christi Miami celebrated the Feast of Christ the King on Sunday, November 16, with a picnic in Salvatore Park!
Orlando, FL
About 30 members of RC Orlando celebrated on Saturday, November 22, with a Mass, rosary, and potluck brunch at Holy Family Catholic Church. Brunch was followed by a reflection, testimonies, and two associations into Regnum Christi!
Washington, DC
On Saturday, Nov 7, Regnum Christi DC met at St. Bartholomew Parish in Bethesda, MD, for a joyful family gathering that featured food, fellowship and fun, including a photo booth, family bingo, games, and ministry booths.
Over 250 RC members and friends attended, and eight people associated into Regnum Christi. The day concluded with a beautiful Mass celebrating Christ Our King!
Indianapolis, IN
Over 60 people from Regnum Christi Indianapolis celebrated Christ the King Mass with Fr. Robert DeCesare, LC.
Fort Wayne, IN
Over 30 RC members and friends celebrated with a potluck in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
Michigan
More than 500 people gathered in Michigan, where 25 new members associated into Regnum Christi!
Lincoln, NB
In Lincoln, Nebraska, 20 Regnum Christi members and six religious gathered for adoration and an evening of fellowship.
Louisville, KY
“It was very much a family gathering for members and guests across generations—from grandparents down to little ones on the way! A quarter of those celebrating were youth and children, so we were able to enjoy that beautiful mystery: Christ’s Kingdom belongs to the childlike!”
Regnum Christi Louisville had the blessing of celebrating Christ the King with Archbishop Shelton Fabre in Louisville, Kentucky, this year!
Ontario, CAN
Regnum Christi Ontario celebrated Christ the King with over 100 Regnum Christi members, family, and friends. They celebrated with a Mass, welcomed 11 new RC members and two new ECYD members, and had a wine-and-cheese social. Afterward, RC Ontario youth spent the weekend on missions. Check out the Christ the King 2025 highlight reel and Regnum Christi in a Year 2025 recap video they made for the occasion!
Calgary, AB, CAN
In Calgary, Alberta, Regnum Christi young adults hosted a Worship the King vigil—an evening of adoration, music, and reflection—at St. Teresa of Calcutta Chapel on Saturday, November 22. The next day, Regnum Christi Calgary gathered for Mass celebrated by the Legionaries of Christ community, followed by associations and a luncheon at Ascension Catholic Parish.
Regina, SK, CAN
In Regina, Saskatchewan, approximately 150 people gathered from Regnum Christi, ECYD, Challenge, and Conquest for an adoration for vocations and Mass at Holy Rosary Cathedral. Fr. Kenneth LeBlanc, LC, traveled all the way from Calgary, AB, to celebrate with the Regina community. Mass was followed by testimonies and a potluck supper.
Philippines
In Manila, 350 people from RC Philippines, including over 100 members from the Mano Amiga community, gathered for Mass at Everest International Academy. Nine individuals from the Everest Manila and Everest Nuvali communities associated into Regnum Christi during a ceremony held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel. Afterward, 60 young people from Everest Manila and Mano Amiga made or renewed the Pledge of Friendship into ECYD!
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. André Lasana, LC, and concelebrated by Fr. Luis Garza, LC, Fr. Luis Lorenzo, LC, Fr. Roberto Antonio, LC, and Fr. Simon Cleary, LC.
Following the liturgy, attendees enjoyed fellowship and an apostolic fair.
Regnum Christi around the world
Regnum Christi is a spiritual family of over 25,000 members throughout 38 countries worldwide! Here’s how we celebrated across the globe:
90 people gathered at Notre-Dame d’Auteuil in Paris for an evening of aperitif, testimonies, mediation, prayer, and praise.
In Boulogne-Billancourt, ECYD members participated in two days of events, including a rugby match for the boys, a treasure hunt throughout Paris and a sleepover for the girls! The next day, the youth gathered for street missions and ended the weekend with Mass and consecration.
At the Regnum Christi community at Château de Méry, Consecrated Women of Regnum Christi, Mariana Esquer and Astrid de Segonzac, accompanied by Fr. Louis de Vaugelas, LC, led a formation weekend in Ignatian discernment for students and young professionals.
In Bordeaux, ECYD members participated in a street mission in the city center, families gathered for a rugby match, and on Sunday morning, all gathered to celebrate Mass.
In Switzerland, 40 students and members of Regnum Christi gathered for Mass and a potluck feast.
In Belgium, members of Regnum Christi from France, Luxembourg, and Belgium celebrated Mass with Fr. Pedro Barrajón, LC, followed by a community lunch at the Castle of Rixensart.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Regnum Christi members and parishioners of Christ the King Parish in M’Badon gathered to celebrate the feast day. Three new members associated into Regnum Christi following a Mass at the Grotto of St. John Paul II, presided by Fr. Dain Scherber, LC.
In Spain, after preparing for the Feast of Christ the King by celebrating Kingdom Week, Regnum Christi members participated in a weekend full of encounters, joy, and faith. Hundreds of families and young people gathered for Masses, associations into Regnum Christi, ECYD pledges, and family activities—from paella competitions to sports tournaments—in four localities across Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Valencia). Check out their photo galleries and the video they created for Cristo Rey 2025 here.
Across Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama, more than 100 new members associated into Regnum Christ, and over 20 young people made the ECYD Pledge of Friendship.
And in the Territory of Mexico and Central America, Christ the King celebrations took place in localities across Mexico, and in Costa Rica, where Fr. Alberto Simán, LC, and Fr. Fernando Fabó, LC, celebrated Mass, followed by an apostolic fair. The day offered a space to renew, together, the decision and commitment to live the vocation of being a community of apostles that strives to make the Kingdom of Christ present in the world.
May Christ the King continue to reign in our hearts throughout the upcoming year!
In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years. Once when he was serving as priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense. Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”
Opening Prayer: Lord Jesus, I ask for the grace to grow in faith, hope, and love. Let this prayer open my heart and mind to be receptive to what you want to tell me today. Ask me what you want, and give me the grace to do it.
Encountering Christ:
An Enduring Suffering: Zechariah and Elizabeth were Godly people who served the Lord faithfully. However, they bore the profound sorrow of not having children. Saint Augustine wrote that many people live quiet lives of despair. In our fallen world, it is reasonable to conclude that everyone is carrying some burden. Many feel overwhelmed and seek an escape such as substance abuse or worse. Others feel numb, as if their daily routine is simply going through the motions. “I keep going, but to what end?” they say. There is a reason why from the Cross our Savior, united to all human suffering, cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46). Just like Zechariah and Elizabeth, believers are not spared this struggle.
Doubting the Miracle: While Zechariah was fulfilling his priestly duty in the temple, the angel Gabriel appeared to him, saying “your wife will bear you a son.” Zechariah’s response was incredulity. How could his wife conceive at such an old age? At times, our lack of belief denies God the space to do something wonderful in us. We are tempted to project onto God our discouragement and limitations: “It won’t work. We have already tried.” Now that God offered Zechariah a miracle, he almost lets it slip away. Jesus teaches, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Mt 17:20).
When the Miracle Does Not Come: What do we do when, after a faith-filled prayer, or numerous ones, God does not grant the desired miracle? We may wonder, “Is it simply my lack of faith?” While our faith can always grow, there is often something greater at work. First, faith does not eradicate the cross from our lives; it enables us to carry it. Second, when a miracle we requested does not come to pass, we need to ask the Lord to reveal, in his time, the greater miracle he is working in our lives. Our faith reminds us that God’s ways are always greater than our ways, and even our greatest cross is meant to lead to a resurrection. When we abandon ourselves to his providence and try to live fully each moment in which we find ourselves, our faith grows. We become convinced that God has us there for a reason, and that reason is motivated by his love.
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, help me to grow in faith. Allow me to understand that your love and your grace is ever-present in my life. I have only to entrust myself to it. You have created me to reveal your goodness and your glory to the world. As such, there are many miracles of grace that you want to work through me. In my moments of struggle, remind me that your providence is always gently guiding me.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will say a prayer entrusting a particular difficulty to your care.
Alex Kucera has lived in Atlanta, GA, for the last 46 years. He is one of 9 children, married to his wife Karmen, and has 3 girls, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way. Alex joined Regnum Christi in 2007. Out of the gate, he joined the Helping Hands Medical Missions apostolate and is still participating today with the Ghana Friendship Mission.
In 2009, Alex was asked to be the Atlanta RC Renewal Coordinator for the Atlanta Locality to help the RC members with the RC renewal process. Alex became a Group Leader in 2012 for four of the Atlanta Men’s Section Teams and continues today. Running in parallel, in 2013, Alex became a Team Leader and shepherded a large team of good men.
Alex was honored to be the Atlanta Mission Coordinator between 2010 to 2022 (12 years), coordinating 5-8 Holy Week Mission teams across Georgia. He also created and coordinated missions at a parish in Athens, GA, for 9 years. Alex continues to coordinate Holy Week Missions, Advent Missions, and Monthly missions at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Cumming, GA.
From 2016 to 2022, Alex also served as the Men’s Section Assistant in Atlanta. He loved working with the Men’s Section Director, the Legionaries, Consecrated, and Women’s Section leadership teams.
Alex is exceptionally grateful to the Legionaries, Consecrated, and many RC members who he’s journeyed shoulder to shoulder, growing his relationship with Christ and others along the way. He knows that there is only one way, that’s Christ’s Way, with others!
Ordained in 2006, Fr. Jason has served as a Legionary priest throughout the US, primarily in New York and Michigan. His newest role has called him south, as the superior of the Houston community of the Legionaries of Christ.
Indianapolis, IN
