On the road – Fr. Z's Blog: Recent Episodes
Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
Formerly entitled: "What Does The Prayer Really Say?" - Clear, straight commentary on Catholic issues, liturgy and life by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf o{]:¬)
UPDATED 10 Aug – way down at the bottom Originally Published on: Aug 8, 2026 UPDATE HERE about laptop FIRST post with travel woes – include TWO mis-landings and hours of delays and missed flight HERE After the horrible beginning, here … Read More →
3 August UPDATED: See below for the final episode. Originally Published on: Aug 1, 2026 Theoretically I’m heading to Chicago, but there are lightning storms keeping us on the ground… in the plane … at the gate … with minimal … Read More →
Excitement… I got a note from Delta that my flight was delayed out of Philadelphia and I would not make my connection. I got on the computer and found an earlier flight which had been delayed since 0900! Hence, a … Read More →
This is a test knish. Rather, test knish-es. It worked. Yay! The app is functioning again. Since I am here, I’m write this at JFK in the lounge waiting to board and to be bored (I hope). I was apprehensive … Read More →
Over in Rome the sunrise was at 6:48 and the sunset was at 16:59. The Ave Maria Bells was supposed to ring for the Curia, but it didn’t. However, it did ring at The Parish, and this is what it … Read More →
Today in Rome the Sun rose at 07:02, I watched it from the airplane, and it will set at 18:59. The Ave Maria Bell ought to ring at 19:15. Our landing was smooth, but they parked up at a remote … Read More →
I tried the newish Delta security line and zipped through from curb to the other side in under 15 minutes easily. Meanwhile… Thoughts? Why I travel with antibacterial wipes. Another from of cleansing. The attachment blocks all data transfer allowing … Read More →
Before launching into the trip itself, homage must be paid to my hosts. Last night we had terrific sauteed peppers and spicy sausage on the grill, which could be consumed with or without the excellent Turano rolls (which I have … Read More →
GjAnd so it begins… not as early as last time. Leaving for the airport. The conference this year has turned out to be great, even though Dr. Bergsma wasn’t able to be with us. His little boy is in ICU … Read More →
I’m northward bound for the annual conference for priests held by the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology. It’s already been a long morning and it is not even 0500 as I write this. At least at this time of … Read More →
It’s the last day of the Roman Sojourn cycle of April and May 2025. My first mistake was attempting something called Smash Burger It took 17 minutes to get this sloppy mess. My pressure grew as I watched the kitchen … Read More →
Roman sunrise not long time ago at 0537. Roman sunset will be long after I am gone at 2038. The Ave Maria Bell: still 2100. On the way to my last Mass here. Yesterday and today for my Roman Donors. … Read More →
The sun rise is about a half hour away as I write this sentence, at 07:17. It will set long after my departure: 17:31. The Ave Maria Bell is still in the 17:45 cycle. All is ready in the apartment. … Read More →
The sunset in Rome was at 1717. The sunset where I am now is…right now! (See below) The Ave Maria Bell doesn’t ring here either, but in Rome it ought to ring at 1730. Tomorrow, when I arrive in Rome, … Read More →
A few days in the cool breezes of the Second City will be good. A little anxiety passed on his morning. Power was going on and off. Not knowing what was up, I got my car out of the garage … Read More →
And so it begins. Lord, thank you for this day. The realization that I have forgotten a couple things just rolled over me. I shall have to remedy this with swift errands and/or orders. It isn’t mission critical but it’s … Read More →
The return trip has already had one adventure, which I never like. I like boring trips best. After checking in at zero o’clock and using the double quick security line, the teeessay guy said my eyedee and the airline info … Read More →
I bring to you attention a new book published by Emmaus Press, a branch of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. On The Demonic by Archbp. Fulton J. Sheen. US HERE – UK HERE (not yet) I brought it … Read More →
The last phase of the St Paul Center priests conference began this morning at 0500. If you have to stay in a hotel near PIT chose the Hilton Garden not the Marriott. In PIT there is a lot of construction … Read More →
Talks continued today. A friend of mine, retired chaplain, Navy Captain, remarked “Coming to the conference would have been worth it for this talk alone.” I agreed. We had an excursion to the new building of the St. Paul Center … Read More →
This is a recently recovered skeleton of the elusive Pullus, but not the Pullus Galinaceous, but rather Pullus Marinus, as the sign says. It is in the airport in Pittsburgh, which is a strange place for it. However, seeing is … Read More →
I’m heading to Pittsburgh today in anticipation of the conference on Monday. The airport I’m using today has not had any sort of lounge for passengers. Until now. There is now something associated with Priority Pass and a cut rate … Read More →
Nope, not Rome. Welcome Registrants: Chrissue Lulu Helengrace3712 Sjsprunger Reddog Nancy F. Liz1952 Nipper I was out with priest friends in deepest Queens last night for Chinese food, which is plentifully lacking in Rome. Good Chinese that is. We … Read More →
At 06:04 the sun rose over Rome. At 20:02 the sun will sink past the horizon. The Ave Maria Bell…. poor thing… 20:30. Thank you, Lord, for this 122nd day of this year of Salvation. It is the Feast of … Read More →
The 1st day of my Roman Sojourn. This morning the sun rose at 06:09 and it is set at 18:26. Still “daylight saving” here. The Ave Maria bell ought to ring at 18:45. WELCOME REGISTRANT: Patrick508 The airport was empty … Read More →
I’m at JFK waiting for the redeye to Rome. The food in the club was remarkably good. Too bad they are gutting the FF program. Prayers downloaded. Gotta catch up. The lines for the flight to Sao Paolo were stretched … Read More →
I’m on my way to the wonderful Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Wisconsin. A couple days ago, the flights were ghastly, as most are these days, jammed and delayed by several hours thus resulting a a very late … Read More →
I’m heading back the way I came. Solid driving got me back to Parris Island. Supper with my buddy who’s at the MCRD. Nice sunset. That, by the way, is not at the MCRD. Which drink is mine? Blue Points … Read More →
My time at the conference held by the St Paul Center for Biblical Theology (and Emmaus Press) was great. Being close to Pittsburgh I wanted to see something of the city. So, with the help of a great priest, Eastern … Read More →
Schedule for Wednesday, July 12 (Eastern Time) Morning Session 8:30–9:45 a.m. Conference Session – Dr John Bergsma 11:15 a.m. Daily Mass Homily Posted 11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Conference Session – Dr Lawrence Feingold Afternoon Session 2:00–3:00 p.m. Optional Workshop – Dr Ralph Martin … Read More →
I’ve been on the road for a few days. One needs a visit to Buc-ee’s. However, I think I will never visit one of these places on a summer weekend again unless perhaps early in the morning. I was jammed. … Read More →
I was not in Rome to see today’s sunrise at 0534. Instead, I was awake to see the sunrise in Brooklyn at 0526, though I admit I went back to sleep for a while. I’ll probably stay on my feet … Read More →
05:53 and 20:20 and 20:30 and it is the Feast of St. Isidore the Worker, the same who was canonized on that fateful day, 12 March 1622 by Gregory XV along with Sts. Ignatius Loyola, Francis Xavier (aka “the real … Read More →
On this lovely Roman Sunday the sun arose at 05:57 and it will set at 20:17. The Ave Maria is locked in at 20:30 right now. Eventually, this will shift in another 15 minute increment as the days get longer. … Read More →
At last I – we (I am with friends) – are in Rome. It is April 1 and a 1st Saturday. The Roman Station was St. John at the Latin Gate. The sun rose at 6:52 and set at 19;37. … Read More →
And so it begins; the second leg. This morning brought bagels and schmear with lox and black coffee. The morning was dedicated to updating my electronics and playing some blitz against an engine. After a super fast trip into JFK … Read More →
My sojourn in northern parts has come to an end. It was nice to hear and feel he crunch of snow underfoot. No more. Here are a few sights and (hopefully they loaded) sounds of the last few days. Pre-prandials. … Read More →
I’m heading into the proverbially windy urban zone. I look forward to catching up with friends even at the cost of dealing with flights and airports. UPDATE It is still hard for me to get my head around all the … Read More →
The Roman sun rose today at 7:06 and will set at 18:53. The Ave Maria is slated for 19:00, which is a 15 minute shift from yesterday. Gosh, things change so fast. Breakfast today was more along the lines of … Read More →
On this (N.O.) Feast of the wonderful St. Therese, (St. Remigius ) who saved my vocation, in Rome the sun rose at 7:05, and I saw it, and will set at 18:54. The Ave Maria should be rung at 19:15. … Read More →
And this is how airplanes work, courtesy of xkcd: I had to change flights around because of the hurricane. We skirted the edge of the storm going north. I can’t believe the terminal at LGA. It is amazing. The new … Read More →
I’m on the hoof today, heading home after a great trip to the freezing cold north. It was only 86 yesterday. Last night my hosts and I had some classics. That’s not Norcia beer in that Norcia beer glass, but … Read More →
I’m visiting friends and we decided on saltimbocca alla romana. Happily, even with chain supply problems, since we are in a heavily Italian neighborhood, there was plenty of veal and good prosciutto. There was a lot more than this. The … Read More →
A couple of hops and I’ll be … not in but near the Windy City. That sad sad city, civilly and ecclesially. It ain’t my kinda town right now. Thence northward for meetings and personal chores and a glimpse of … Read More →
The conference has wrapped up and every one has returned home… or… they aren’t there anymore. The Conference was terrific. I would go every year and I warmly recommend it to my priest readers. HERE BTW… many of the guys … Read More →
I’m heading to a conference for priests. More on this HERE. Priests could sign up for the virtual conference from anywhere in the world. My next flight is delayed… not too long, but perhaps long enough to miss a shuttle. … Read More →
I was up with the Roman sun at 5:37 but I won’t be around for the sunset at 20:52. I won’t be around to hear – or not hear – the Ave Maria bell ring in Vatican City at 21:15. … Read More →
Rome greeted somewhat less blazing sun at 5:36 and shall bid the chariot to depart at 20:52. The Ave Maria remains in the 21:15 cycle. It is the Feast of the Most Precious Blood and this month is dedicated to … Read More →
Sunrise… sunset… sunrise… sunset…. not many more! 5:34 and 20:52 & AV@2115. It is the feast of, inter alios, St. Proper of Aquitaine (+455 in Rome). In other news, in Madrid nudius tertius, for Round 8 Nepo threw a Reti … Read More →
Sunset was at 20:52 and, somewhere the Ave Maria may have rung at 21:15. The sunrise was at a distant 5:33. Please remember me when shopping online. Thanks in advance, it’s really important for me. US HERE – UK HERE And please let any … Read More →
We are past the Solstice. Sunrise was at 5:33 and sunset will be at 20:52. The Ave Maria should ring at 21:15 One of the saddest lines in all of the New Testament, but also one leading to profound mysteries, … Read More →
Sunrise was at 5:33 and sunset at 20:51 and the Ave Maria, were it to chime in SCV, 21:15. The Summer Solstice occurred at 9:13 UTC. It is the Feast of St. Aloysius Gonzaga in both the Novus and Vetus. … Read More →
On this fine, sunny, hot, Roman June day the sunset occurred at 5:32. Sunset, 20:51. Ave Maria, you already know….21:15. Today in many places there was the “external” celebration of Corpus Christi, or Corpus Domini, or Corpus et Sanguis Domini, … Read More →
You know how this goes… 5:32 – 20:50 – 21:15. I went into Trastevere today over the Sistine Bridge, the Ponte Sisto, my favorite Roman bridge. My goal was to visit S. Giovanni de Matha (closed), S. Dorotea, S. M. … Read More →
These long Roman summer days. This one started with sunrise at 5:32 and will conclude with sunset at 20:50. The ringing of the Ave Maria is scheduled for 21:15. It is the traditional Feast of Corpus Christi, often observed on … Read More →
I was not up to see it, but I am confident that the Roman sunrise was at 5:32 and that the sunset will be at 20:50. In the Vatican City State the Ave Maria bell won’t ring at 21:15 as … Read More →
5:32 was sunrise in Rome and 20:49 will be sunset, by which time I hope to be eating Spaghetti alle vongole with The Great Roman™. The Ave Maria bell is in its 22:15 cycle. I put some time and energy … Read More →
The time of sunrise in Rome today was 5:32. Sunset will fall at 20:49. The Ave Maria won’t ring at 21:15 in the Vatican, but it should ring at one Roman parish at 21:19. It is the feast of St. … Read More →
Sunrise was quite some time ago at 5:32 and sunset will very close to now at 20:48. The Ave Maria Bell should ring in the Vatican at 21:15. However, technically it should ring elsewhere at 21:18. Some have desired more … Read More →
Sunrise…. sunset… 5:32… 20:48 Ave Maria? 21:15 I committed a crime against humanity here. I have been sketching as I go about. The results have not been good. But here… as I regarded my scratchings… I nearly wept for … Read More →