“How To…” – Practical Notes – 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{]:¬)
From a reader… QUAERITUR: What’s your preferred English translation of the Bible? Or do you like different versions for different purposes? No one translation does it all. Every time you translate something you lose something. You have to make a … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I was recently in a discussion with other Catholics about the following scenario, and we weren’t able to come to an agreement, or find an answer online: would it be possible for a man and a … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I recently read your “In Illo Tempore: 8th Sunday after Pentecost” commentary on One Peter Five. I ask your opinion on this, given your remarks on suffering. What would you say to someone who is suffering, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My 2nd cousin who was raised catholic and is now a lutheran (along with his wife) are having a child in a few months. They have asked me to be a godparent of the child. As … Read More →
I’m at the annual conference for priests held by the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. They have these three times a year. I’ve been going for year and wouldn’t miss it. There is great fraternity and the presentations, on … Read More →
Again at Rorate today, there is a careful examination of the SSPX Decree and Explanatory note by an anonymous canonist who clearly knows what he is talking about. Here is a dense summary. Let’s call this… What Does The Decree … Read More →
I have several of these in my mail box, similar situations. From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am a lay person who attends a diocesan Latin Mass with my family. On occasion, we attend SSPX Masses or devotions out of necessity … Read More →
Today the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) released – along with the decree and explanatory note about the SSPX – the requirements for clerics (deacons and priests, according to the 1983 Code) seeking reconciliation with the Church. … Read More →
The Explanatory Note from the DDF today references the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts’s Explanatory Note on the excommunication for schism incurred by adherents of the movement of Bishop Marcel Lefebvre of 24 August 1996. The DDF says they adopted … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: During confession recently the priest told me I don’t have to confess venial sins, because receiving the Eucharist takes them away. He also said I don’t have to go to confession more than once a month … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At another Catholic site I saw this question and I was wondering how you would answer it. How can it be said that God loves us infinitely when He never speaks to us directly or shows … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I cannot believe what happened at the Jubilee Mass to commemorate the consecration of our cathedral this morning [Link to video] Watch from just before the 37 minute mark, where the Consecration starts. I didn’t present … Read More →
At the table, the post about humeral veils came up. Just to review, the humeral veil used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament is a sign that the priest himself is not imparting the blessing. The humeral veil hides and … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, you posted about the Divine Praises and Benediction and there is a photo in the post of Benediction. I’ve wondered about something for a while. Most of us are revolted by the regular reception of … Read More →
The other day I posted a video of the final Benediction after our Corpus Christi procession. A reader asked in a comment: QUAERITUR: Father why were the Divine Praises sung in Italian and not Latin? I gave a very short … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Do you have any insight into why Dioceses stopped using the word, “the” before words such as “priesthood”, “Eucharist, or “Church”, etc? It irritates me, as well as makes me cringe when I read phrases such … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Something I’ve wondered about for a while. Old books and hymns have Holy Ghost and new ones have Holy Spirit. I know they are the same third person of the Trinity, but what’s going on with … Read More →
From a reader: This is from the Archdiocesan website, “Why do priests anoint candidates for confirmation alongside the bishop? The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred by the bishop presiding over the liturgy. When there are a large number of candidates … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is it a sin to attend Sunday Mass and be irritated during bad homilies or take a 15 minute leave during the terrible homily? Probably not. However, you can usually tease out some good point from … Read More →
I have had emails asking about my thoughts and predictions for the SSPX and Holy See debacle. Firstly, I am deeply saddened. I worked in the Pontifical Commission “Ecclesia Dei” from its early years. I saw the birth and growth … Read More →
From a priest friend (summarized): QUAERITUR: At Gloria.TV there is a story about aberrations in Germany [Imagine my shock!]. One was a Baptism problem: the priest said the words while the godfather poured the water. Is this a valid Baptism? … Read More →
Since I am “on the road” I do not have all the accoutrement one might desire for vesting according to the liturgical calendar. Of course white can substitute other colors in a pinch. Today in the Vetus Ordo being the … Read More →
There is a piece at Rorate from a couple days ago which addresses a massive problems in Italy with paltry vocations, unstaffed churches, and declined church attendance. They are hitting the pot of strong coffee that we in these USA … Read More →
I’ve been getting notes about, and seeing chatter about on the interwebs, people setting up home chapels just in case. I think it is good to have one anyway, not just in case. In any event, while it is relatively easy to … Read More →
I’ve been indulging in something I haven’t done for quite a while. Today I watched some videos on YouTube of “scambaiters” torturing scammers, wasting their time, completely controlling their computers, screwing with the phone systems and frustrating them in their … Read More →
Dear readers, I received this. Can you help? We are looking for hosts of the 2 3/8 size. We have two monstrances and lunas that take that size but no one seems to make them anymore. Previously we have gotten … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw your post about being at the Byzantine church on Sunday. You have pictures of their bread for eucharist. I know that in the Latin Church we are supposed to have unleavened hosts. If you … Read More →
I saw this at Twitter/X. These home chapels are more Catholic than a lot of post-Conciliar churches. I know a few Catholics, and I am hearing rumors of many more, who are building chapels in their homes, with altars, preparing … Read More →
My recent blog problems were a serious headache. They got worked out with the assistance of Federated Computer. What is Federated Computer? Have a Catholic site or concern to build or maintain? I’d make a bee line for this service. … Read More →
As I write, there is a big problem with the back end of the blog, what is “under the hood” that drives it. It has to do with the WordPress engine and data base. The wonderful people who give me … Read More →
Looking back at some posts, I found this which (though from happier days in 2021, despite everything) bears repeating. Two recent email exchanges brought up the importance of the Apostolic Pardon (AP). It is also sometimes called the Apostolic Blessing. The AP … Read More →
This has been ordination season, for deacons and priests even in the Diocese of Libville. It is always a pleasure to read of ordinations. HOWEVER… there are issues concerning claims of indulgences and about the manner of newly ordained priests … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: You’re probably the only priest who can properly help me navigate this, given your knowledge of the fine arts, particularly classical music, as well as being solid on Catholic morality. You’re also the only priest whom … Read More →
I went to Fishwrap (aka National Sodomitic Reporter) to see if there were any spittle-flecked nutties about Harrison Butker. They didn’t disappoint, which is itself a disappointment. I found an opinion piece stating that bishops should not quiz confirmands about … Read More →
We have lovely customs in our wonderful Roman Catholic Church, including special blessings on certain feast days, often tied to the changing of the seasons… in Rome, that is. It’s the Roman Church, after all. Tomorrow, the Feast of the … Read More →
My mention of a “minor exorcism” the other day prompted a minor flood of email questions. Some of them deal with how people today seem to see or imagine exorcisms. I answered a question a while back along these lines, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Finally I got my first Latin Mass and it was wonderful. I want more more more and I can’t understand why the Pope doesn’t want us to have it. I know he doesn’t like things he … Read More →
We are now in the Easter Octave – Happy Easter! Let’s get out in front of this before the calendar clicks over to Friday. First, allow me to post a shot of last night’s (Wednesday’s) repast. The beef is so … Read More →
Dear readers, Occasionally someone sends a donation but it is marked for Mass intentions. You should never send money for Mass intentions without first discussing it with the priest involved. Perhaps sending to an order or institute, sure, you can … Read More →
According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church, Latin Church Catholics are bound to observe fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday. Here are some details. I am sure you know them already, but they are good … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Do you have any insights on the distinction between the Latin words “ave” like “Ave Maria” and “salve” like “Salve Regina”? I’m teaching Latin Prayers to Catholic Schoolhouse students and one student asked about this. I … Read More →
Well? Are’ya gonna do it? Do you have to call the priest RIGHT NOW so you can have a plan in place for your Sunday TLM… or Novus Ordo for that matter. WHY NOT? It’s called “Solidarity with the oppressed”. … Read More →
Have a Catholic site or concern to build or maintain? I’d make a bee line for this service. Safer. Cheaper. Better support. Can’t be “cancelled”. Today with the way “Big Tech” is openly hostile to customers like us, why – … Read More →
For years I’ve posted about this custom. This year I had pretty much forgotten about it until I was unfortunate enough to pull up a page that was live streaming the Mass from St. Peter’s in Rome and some guy … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: An assistant priest at my parish is telling my ccd class not to kneel during the Consecration of the Eucharist during mass. Any advice? I pondered this for bit and then asked some trusted clerics including … Read More →
Expert help needed for podcasts, RSS, etc. Please drop me a line if you fit the bill and really want to help. HERE
There are enough emails in my box asking me my take on the resignation of Michael Voris from Church Militant to merit a post. CM issued a statement that Michael was asked to resign for breaching their “morality clause”. Michael … Read More →
A couple weeks ago, I brought to your attention a 4 November piece at Catholic World Report by Fr. Robert McTeigue, SJ, which commented on the “Eucharistic Revival” which is underway under the impulse of the bench of bishops. Fr. … Read More →
As we approach the end of another liturgical year, an odd thing happens in the Church’s traditional, pre-Conciliar calendar. The Sundays left over after Epiphany, after Christmas, are finally dusted off and prayed until the liturgical year is concluded. This has … Read More →
You, dear reader, have an immortal soul. One of the most important things we pray in the Litany of Saints … those who know and use only the Novus Ordo perhaps have never heard this… is “A subitanea et improvisa … Read More →
Let me repeat… Repetita iuvant! Repeated things help! Repetitio mater discendi! Repetition is the mother of learning! Changing the image a bit… Si vis pacem, para bellum! If you want peace, prepare for war. A couple weeks ago in Rome I attended … Read More →
By now you will have read something about a new document, responses to dubia that were submitted by a Brazilian bishops about “trans”, etc. This is not just theological curiosity stuff, but rather practical problems that parish priests must deal with. LifeSite … Read More →
I give full marks plus an extra kudo to Jesuit Fr. Robert McTeigue, SJ. His article at Catholic World Report is OUTSTANDING. How many times have I here urged GO TO CONFESSION! Have I not again and and begged priests … Read More →
At Aleteia, which I also never look at, there is a piece very much worth reading from top to bottom. I’m glad a friend alerted me to this. A man with sons set them to a hard task. He muses … Read More →
Some time ago, I wrote about moral injury and priests who are compelled by authorities to do things that are against their consciences. Today I read that Archbp. Broglio of the Military Services had a series of convocations with active … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have a question about “active participation”. The priest that used to service my SSPX chapel was very adamant about is using a missal to follow and pray the Mass. He added that it wouldn’t be … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I’m going to entirely recast this question in my own words because I need to address the answer to priests, rather than to the laymen who sent the original query. It seems that a priest recently … Read More →
As I look down the road to writing projects, I have a question for the readership. During the wonderful conference for priests held by the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, I sat at most of the sessions next to … Read More →
At Homiletic and Pastoral Review (yes, it still exists), find the second part of important work by civil and canon lawyer Michael Mazza (whom I’ve known for a zillion years). He now works as a canonist especially in defense of … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have been doing research however to no avail. What is the official book and english translation used for blessing after Vatican 2 prior to the release of Book of Blessing? The book of blessings remained … Read More →
I just concluded a driving road trip that chalked up over 3400 miles. There were a few perilous moments and one or two that were, frankly, frightening. One involved a human who shouldn’t be allowed to drive and the other … Read More →
From a reader…. (edited): Father, My sister has been in an Assisted Living Center for some time and was just today transferred to hospice. Her daughter’s family are Nons and her husband is even actually antagonistic to any religious belief. … Read More →
Yesterday The Great Roman™ informed me of the news that for this year’s Summorum Pontificum Pilgrimage in October (I hope to be there), the locum tenentes of St. Peter’s Basilica have forbidden the celebration of Mass in the Vetus Ordo. … Read More →
A couple years ago I posted about the psychological abuse of priests and the resulting Moral Injury. It is good to review this concept occasionally, and consider it in light of what is going on in the Church today. Moral … Read More →
I had a question from a reader/viewer who was wondering about the preparation of the chalice during a streamed Mass. When it came to the water, I didn’t pick up the water cruet to add water. QUAERITUR: It looks like … Read More →
It is the Feast of the Sacred Heart and, therefore, the Church’s appointed Day of Sanctification of Priests. Please pray for your priests. Pray for me. HERE This striking detail is from a print by the Catholic artist Daniel Mitsui. … Read More →
I was about to post something along the lines of “KETCHUP: THE WONDER FOOD”, but then I saw this. Remember. Vatican II was – pace St. Joan – the new Pentecost… Springtime in the fullest sense. It surely – pace … Read More →
It is extremely VEXING to learn of priests who are so thick… so arrogant… that they can’t or won’t be exacting about the VALIDITY of sacraments. It isn’t hard. You “Say The Black and Do The Red” and you use valid matter. … Read More →
St. Philip is home again. The painting for the altar in the chapel dedicated to him at the parish has been restored and put back in its place. Music from Musica Al Tempo Di Guido Reni
I have been looking at Raymond Leo Card. Burke’s book from Sophia Press about worthy reception of Communion. Respecting the Body and Blood of the Lord: When Holy Communion Should Be Denied US HERE – UK HERE Firstly, I did … Read More →
This is great. You remember that Card. Cupich of Chicago attacked the people who attended the south-side church in the care of the Institute of Christ the King by placing the Institute priests in an untenable position. He forced them … Read More →
You long-time readers will know that when there is a hurricane or some natural phenomenon like storms that spawn tornadoes coming along I plead with bishops and priests to put on their gear and pray against the storms using the … Read More →
At Crisis there is a piece by Eric Sammons entitled “Our Incurious Bishops“. The idea is this. The SSPX just consecrated a huge and beautiful church in Kansas. It was packed with precisely the sort of people bishops might like … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: In your very, very fruitful apostolic endeavors, might you please have a moment to a) correctly list the Imprecatory Psalms, and b) expound on them a bit Good God…why everyone isn’t praying them daily is a … Read More →
We are now in the Easter Octave – Happy Easter! Let’s get out in front of this before the calendar clicks over to Friday Each year I get a question from readers about our obligation to do penance on Friday … Read More →
In the San Diego Union-Tribune there is a piece about the Traditional Latin Mass sure to thrill the local ordinary. Opinion: I’m a Catholic who prefers Latin Mass. For my family, it’s about handing on tradition. BY LUKE HEINSTSCHEL Shortly … Read More →
At Crisis there is a MUST READ piece by Jennifer Bryson Why Do Heretics Remain in the Church? The counterfactual optimism of heretics keeps them in the Church while working to destroy it. A perennial question. She breaks it down … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am from a town where the SSPX has recently established a vibrant chapel and has been extremely generous in providing Traditional Latin Mass and other Sacraments in the traditional rite. The local diocesan parish has … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My parish priest has asked me to find a trustworthy cleaner who can clean an old, very beautiful and still in very good shape Cope. It was made in France for the local Polish church and … Read More →
From this new study about vocations to the priesthood and ordinations in these USA: HERE I was told by a bishop that bishops say they do not hear that men have been inspired toward priesthood by Francis. Of course the … Read More →
Quoted from Robert Royal’s latest column at The Catholic Thing: St. John Henry Newman explains in his “simple rule of life”: It is the saying of holy men that, if we wish to be perfect, we have nothing more to do … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why do we have to fast and abstain? Why the Eucharistic fast? Why Ash Wednesday? Such a simply put question. Not a simple answer. It’s tied, I think, to another question from email. Also from a … Read More →
This is for either your “Too Little Too Late” file or your “Better Latin Than Never” file, depending on your predominant world view. HERE Wim Card. Eijk of the Archdiocese of Utrecht published a plan called “Continue doing this in … Read More →
If you are serious as a Catholic, you know at all times what is on the calendrical horizon. If you are a follower of the Vetus Ordo of the Roman Church, you have additional help by means of the “gesima” … Read More →
In a recent post, because of the persecution of those who desire the Traditional Roman Rite, I mentioned having a “house chapel”. Priests will be cancelled. Masses will be suppressed in churches and chapels. Remember: this is not aimed at … Read More →
Dear readers, we have to get our heads into a place that will help us to maintain our cool and balance in a storm or wave of storms. Mental and spiritual preparation before hand is needed. It is possible – probable … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hello Father , I am in need of confession and I feel to embarrassed to speak to my church face to face. I am asking for a chance to rid myself of these thorns that won’t … Read More →
I am from the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, where, back in the day, the “consecrated blizzard of the North”, Archbp. John Ireland (nomen omen) drove thousands of Ruthenian Catholics into schism by his narrow prejudices and tyrannical attitude. … Read More →
I saw this photo on Twitter. I post just the photo and not the link because of the off-color remark that accompanied it, surely motivated by disgust. I’m not precisely sure what motivated the off-color remark about this sign. Several … Read More →
Here are some bits of good news. First, an amuse bouche. Next, I had this note from someone where the TLM is celebrated by the FSSP: Someone from work and with lots of prejudices came yesterday and he said he … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have recently learned I believe several years ago then when going to confession one must confess mortal sins by kind and “x” times #. Well, I don’t think I’ve ever done that until I found … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am asking advice that you’d think you’d never be asked to do – how to defend the Novus Ordo. No, I don’t mean to defend it as being superior to the TLM – trust me, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My job with a state agency includes reviewing proposed regulations of other state agencies. For many years, when we did this task we would change old references to the generic “he” or “him“ to “he or … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have read your blog on and off for years but recently began reading regularly. I always find your writing edifying and informative. I will try to keep my question/concern short and to the point. I … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I know a young couple. The man from indigenous descent who is converting to the faith and who will be baptized and confirmed this April. She has asked about an amulet her husband never takes off … Read More →
I’m getting a lot of questions about something that Francis said to seminarians from Barcelona. Story at the Catholic Herald HERE. As the tale goes, Francis delivered profanity-studded “off the cuff” remarks to seminarians, including “not to be clerical, to forgive everything”, adding … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My cousin’s parish priest said that there is no purgatory. What say you? I say that, if he really thinks there is no Purgatory, then the priest is a heretic. I say that if he has … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is making a sponsorship to an SSPX church a sin, if one doesn’t support being in Schism. I have a deep love for Our Lady of Guadalupe for example and would like to support the side … Read More →
Yesterday I received a PDF of a new “Decree” from the Archbishop of Cincinnati, Dennis Schnurr. HERE The Archbishop has introduced a new “policy” on ad orientem worship. There must be in every parish or “cluster” (they say “family”) of parishes at … Read More →
I bring to the attention of the readership and interesting site called Reverent Catholic Mass Let Us Help You Find a Reverent Catholic Church Near You! The site reads: Trying to find a reverent Catholic Mass or acquire resources to … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: On a recent podcast a priest said that asking a specific person in Purgatory to pray for you/us is necromancy. Thoughts? My first reaction is that Father seems not to understand the difference between conjuring spirits … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: The feast of the Epiphany is a Friday this year. Our FSSP calendar has it marked as a day of abstinence, according to 1962 law, but my TLM planner from The Liturgical Year calendar family does … Read More →
A the beginning of a new civil calendar year, quite a few people are moved (at least for a while) to assess their lives and resolve (at least for a while) to make some changes. These changes are mostly about … Read More →
In the Novus Ordo calendar it is the Feast of St. John Neumann (+1860) and also of St. Edward the Confessor (+1066). However, it is also the Vigil of Epiphany and feast of St. Telesphorus (c. 137). St. Irenaeus says … Read More →
This question comes from a comment under another post, but it stands on its own. From a reader… QUAERITUR: Father, quick question? I too believe that Benedict is a saint in heaven. Of course, when someone dies (including a pope), … Read More →
This year 1 January, the Octave of Christmas or the Solemnity of Mary the Mother of God fell on a Sunday. All Sundays are Holy Days of Obligation. Next year, 2024, 1 January falls on a Monday. That means that, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: After a number of years away from the faith of my childhood, I made the decision to return to the Catholic church. After attending a few masses, my heart longed to receive the Eucharist, so I … Read More →
The liturgical year guided and nourished and shaped Catholics for centuries. It does so far less now, since it is much diminished after the “reforms” that hacked away at the calendar. However, once upon a time people not only followed … Read More →
I received this email. First, let me say… GO TO CONFESSION! That means PRIESTS too! Next, use my tips for making a good confession. HERE Now… I received this email. Good afternoon, Father. In the middle of a recent confession, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I went to confession and the words said by the priest for absolution were “I absolve you from these sins” etc. Would this absolution be valid? Thank you for going to confession. KEEP GOING. This is … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Our parish priest speaks in a very distinct way. He chants the Novus Ordo from “For on the night he was betrayed he himself took bread, and giving you thanks he said the blessing, broke the … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Fr, I went to confession at a Catholic church in France that gets pilgrims from around the world. Because of the many languages of the penitents there was a checklist in the confessional with a wide variety of sins translated … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At Mass yesterday the priest said that St. John the Baptist never sinned his whole life due to the absolution he received from the Lord during the Visitation (‘ . . . and he leapt in … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Would my Baltimore Catechism No 4 and the Sacred Liturgy be best as a layman as my manual for daily life? I ask because I’m wondering if I should carry both my Catechism and my 1962 … Read More →
Yesterday I posted a response to a question about the validity of Mass if a priest says “for all” instead of “for many” in the English version of the Novus Ordo. HERE That raised a question in the combox so … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My schedule required me to attend a lunchtime Novus Ordo near my office today. The priest (I believe intentionally) modified the Eucharistic Prayer, employing the old “for all” translation of pro multis. As far as I … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My 1956 Saint Andrew Daily Missal, pages 1111 et seq., allows for partial indulgences, measured in days and years, upon various prayers; yet, current my Baronius Press missal does not. Two Questions: 1. Have partial indulgences … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father Z, can you advise me on how to react to a Polish friend who had a vivid experience that she was promised by the Archangel Jeremiel that he would protect her? The reason that … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: On Friday, I will br undergoing ACL reconstruction surgery after a farm related injury. Part of the procedure involves rebuilding my ACL by screwing a cadaver tendon in the place of my torn ACL. I am … Read More →
There’s chatter about “Eucharistic Revival”. I have my ideas about what will work, but I’m afraid that the spirit of Vatican II, at least under the control of the power-that-be, will not be able even to imagine giving them a … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Dear Father Z, I have a question about how to deal with a priest who has a difficult personality. He can be very rough and impolite in his language, even during Mass. He is known for … Read More →
From a priestly reader… QUAERITUR: I cannot find when to use the Biretta at the Homily, should it be worn, if so, then does one wear at for the Epistle & Gospel readings in the vernacular/English? Thank you for your … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have never seen a decree or document stating that the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary have been indulgenced. I suspect you also have never seen a decree that the Glorious Mysteries have been indulgenced. The … Read More →
Let’s have a review of the indulgences available for All Souls and the days that follow, so that you can plan your own action. Don’t let these days slip by. From the Handbook of Indulgences: Visiting a Church or an Oratory … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: One would think having the bishop allow a diocesan priest to do the Tridentine Mass would fill the faithful with joy. However this priest (who strongly objects to the NO) also is angry with his TLM … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: What is a reasonable ordinary donation to a priest in connection with a request to say a mass. Or a reasonable range? I understand that it is not strictly necessary to send a certain amount, and … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At my parish, we have a new pastoral administrator…. Don’t know the whole story, but suffice it to say that Fr. W does not really seem to want to be in parish ministry. Our parish has … Read More →
Reality is sometimes harsh. For example, if a parish is not able to pay its bills, it’ll probably have to close or be “merged”. Either way, a few hearts will be broken. I don’t say “lots of hearts” because if … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Both of my parents were fortunate to receive the last rites and the apostolic blessing. I was filled with peace at their deaths because I had hope they may have been saved. That peace has been … 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 →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Is there any situation in which a Catholic layman could officiate a wedding? A friend has been asked to officiate at a non-Catholic wedding ceremony between 2 non-Catholic persons and is unsure whether the Church would … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Do you know of anyone who prints missals in large print? My wife has what is called low vision. Perhaps one of your regular readers knows this. Looking around a little I found these. St Joseph … Read More →
As I prepare for my upcoming Roman Sojourn, thanks to readers, I am making sure all my financial tools are tidy and functioning. Included in these tools is WISE, a nifty way to transfer funds and exchange with low fees … Read More →
From a friend in Rome, today. TAN BOOKS has been faithful for years. Their recent titles are excellent. I’m just now looking at their new edition of the Seven Last Words of St. Bonaventure, due out later. Priestly chess players, … Read More →
This is an oldie post, slightly edited. I am prompted to repost it because I recently had the pleasure of meeting a friend for lunch who had been in the Masons for sometime before his conversion. From a reader… QUAERITUR: … Read More →
I was requested by a reader to repost something I wrote back in the relatively happier times of 2017. Upon re-reading it, I think it stands still, adjustments having been made for the cruelty of Traditionis custodes. Published on: Jun 4, … Read More →
The ramifications for a priest of being canceled are manifold. Depending on their past (whether they are late vocations and have a pension) or their families (perhaps well-to-do), life can be really complicated. “Canceled” usually means not just emotional turmoil … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Question on marriage: Canon Law says a Catholic marrying an Orthodox Christian by an Orthdox priest has a valid marriage (as long as the usual free to marry, openness to kids etc. are part of the … Read More →
Say someone is convinced that the Vetus Ordo is a better channel for living our Catholic identity in this vale of tears. While not doubting that the Novus Ordo is a valid rite and not wholly ineffective, just not as … Read More →
This is what devout resistance looks like. When the bishop thrown you out of your church, go to the gym. I rarely look at Fakebook, but this rare time it was worth it. The Bishop of Arlington tossed the folks … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why do most clergy have almost no interest in the Liturgy of the Hours? [Maybe they are saying the Roman Breviary!] I know many lay people who have discovered and love the divine office and expend … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Why does is “ on the third day He rose AGAIN “. Why the word again? Every Sunday I wonder……. Okay… that’s a little scrambled, but I get the sense of the question. I have received … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have often felt used and abused spiritually, psychologically and emotionally by bitchy, nosy, petty, likely psychopathic/narcissist church people. What was once a naive and blind trust and obedience was crushed by the sadistic cackling of … Read More →
Because I didn’t post yesterday, I had a few notes asking if I was okay. I acknowledge that it is rare for me not to post at least something. Yesterday, however, I wound up pretty busy and hampered by a … Read More →
A year ago, I posted about the psychological abuse of priests and the resulting moral injury. This topic returned to the fore as I read a recent story about a priest who was forced out of his position because he … Read More →
The Vetus Ordo is not going away. No matter how much pressure and repression, no matter how much persecution of priests and marginalization of lay people certain “shepherds” apply, it will remain and grow stronger in ways they fear more … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: At the visitation at a funeral home for an elderly male relative of mine, instead of a family rosary being said, the local parish sent a nondescript religious Sister, who said she’d conduct a prayer service. … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: What hobbies are permitted on Sundays? I like to knit and crochet clothing and blankets for pleasure, but have heard that this is considered servile labor. Yes, perhaps historically this was work, but nowadays this is … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: Hello if I go to Saturday night anticipation mass and receive Holy Communion, and then go the following morning to Sunday mass, may I receive Holy Communion again? I have been told you cannot because it’s … Read More →