Our Solitary Boast – 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{]:¬)
In Rome on 5 August 358, there was a miraculous snow fall to indicate the location of the Basilica to be built in honor of the mother of God. On the anniversary, white rose petals fall from the ceiling of … Read More →
In the traditional calendar, the Feast of the Visitation, 2 July, came at the end of the long-suppressed Octave of John the Baptist. In the Novus Ordo it now falls on 31 May, between the Annunciation and the Birth of … Read More →
Today I had options for Mass…. Apparition of St. Michael Mary, Queen of All Saints and Mother of Beautiful Love Mary, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces. Guess which one I choose. Let … Read More →
Years ago I put together the Patristic Rosary Project. Although this is fundamentally a feast of Our Lord (His Incarnation) we also rightly say and do not err in so doing… Θεοτόκε Παρθένε, χαῖρε! Ave Gratiarum Mediatrix Omnium! Here’s the … Read More →
The hits just keep rolling in. Get this. An “expert” (I know people who know him) has clarified for us what the DDF doctrinal note about titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary mean. CNA has it. My emphases and comments. … Read More →
Today on Twitter I ran across an image HERE made by a Cistercian Trappist Sister of Our Lady of the Mississippi Abbey They have an online store for the support of their community HERE which includes prints of the image … Read More →
At the web site of the White House, Pres. Trump’s Message on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Presidential Message on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception Today, I recognize every American celebrating December 8 as a Holy Day honoring … Read More →
A 5 minute daily podcast to help you in your Advent 2025 preparation. We hear from Pius Parsch today about the meaning of the Feast in the context of Advent and what it could indicate for our spiritual progress. LINK … Read More →
Photo from The World’s Best Sacristan™. I’ll just put this here. White to move and mate in 4. NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others. BONUS SHOT
Diane Montagna posted at her Substack page: HERE Cardinal Fernández Clarifies: “Co-redemptrix” Off Limits in Official Vatican Documents, Permitted in Private Devotion In comments on Mater Populi Fidelis, the DDF Prefect explains what the doctrinal Note means in stating the … Read More →
The rising sun illuminated the Borough of Brooklyn today at 6:35, which was 14 minutes earlier than how it had shed its light upon the Rione Regola in Rome. It will for this Borough set at 16:43 and for the … Read More →
UPDATE: Since I posted, the website has been updated with working links and the English text. Once again, the Holy See demonstrates its commitment to excellence on their website and the distribution of information. At the time of this writing, … Read More →
Today, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, is the Feast of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is an analogous commemoration on Friday after 1st Passion Sunday. Some time ago, I wrote a … Read More →
One of Charlie Kirk’s last videos was to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary and to tell Protestants and Evangelicals to honour her more He called her the solution to ‘toxic feminism’ pic.twitter.com/gjuiHLEPiw — Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) September 10, 2025
Fr. Hopkins (a Jesuit!) wrote this as a May offering for Mary in 1883, but I think it fits well today, the Feast of the Nativity of Mary… or any other Marian Feast! We cannot tire of honoring her in … Read More →
The Nativity of Mary, which we celebrate on 8 September – let’s get out ahead of it this time – is older than the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which was precisely nine months ago. Stop for a moment. Consider … Read More →
Some years ago, I made something called the Patristic Rosary Project, reflecting on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary especially with quotes from the Fathers of the Church. Here is the entry for today’s beautiful feast: 4th Glorious Mystery: The … Read More →
31 May is liturgically complicated. In the Vetus Ordo calendar it is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. In the Novus Ordo, it is the Feast of the Visitation. In the Novus Ordo, Queenship of Mary is on 22 … Read More →
From a priest…. QUAERITUR: I need an advice. I would like to say the Holy Mass on Tuesday in Vetus Ordo and I would like to use the texts from the Our Lady of Fatima feast (optional commemoration in Novus … Read More →
This year the 8 May Supplica to Our Lady of Pompeii has fallen during the FIRST FULL DAY OF A CONCLAVE. It is often recited at 1200 Noon. Perhaps you would say it for a good result from the Conclave. … Read More →
On this day, 19 September, in 1846 Our Lady appeared to two young shepherds at La Salette in France. She appeared seated on a rock, weeping, with her face in her hands. She wore a headdress like a bright crown … Read More →
Today, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, is the Feast of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is an analogous commemoration on Friday after 1st Passion Sunday. Some time ago, I wrote a … Read More →
My good friend Fr. Jason Charron, a Ukrainian Catholic priest in the Pittsburg area asked if I would let you know about this. It is my pleasure to do so. The theme is connected to a beautiful project to build … Read More →
In the Divine Praises we pray: Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. A few days ago, 8 September, we celebrated the Nativity of Mary. Today, 12 September, is the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Devotion … Read More →
From The Sacramentary by Bl. Ildefonso Schuster: As Eve, our first Mother, arose from the side of Adam, dazzling with life and innocence, so Mary came forth, bright and immaculate from the heart of the eternal Word, who, by the cooperation of … Read More →
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary he told her that her Son would have the throne of David and that His kingdom would have no end (Luke 1:32-33). In ancient Israel, the mothers of the House of David’s kings … Read More →
In 1950 my late pastor, Msgr. Schuler, was in Rome on a Fulbright working on the manuscripts of Giovanni Maria Nanino, the successor of Palestrina for the Sistine Chapel. He had great stories about being a priest in Rome in … Read More →
Some years ago, I made something called the Patristic Rosary Project, reflecting on the mysteries of the Holy Rosary especially with quotes from the Fathers of the Church. Here is the entry for today’s beautiful feast: 4th Glorious Mystery: The … Read More →
In Rome on 5 August 358, there was a miraculous snow fall to indicate the location of the Basilica to be built in honor of the mother of God. On the anniversary, white rose petals fall from the ceiling of … Read More →
In the traditional calendar, the Feast of the Visitation, 2 July, came at the end of the long-suppressed Octave of John the Baptist. In the Novus Ordo it now falls on 31 May, between the Annunciation and the Birth of … Read More →
I have great affection for the title of Our Lady “Perpetual Help”. At my home parish in St. Paul every Tuesday evening there was the recitation of the Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, followed by Benediction with the … Read More →
31 May is liturgically complicated. In the Vetus Ordo calendar it is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary. In the Novus Ordo, it is the Feast of the Visitation. In the Novus Ordo, Queenship of Mary is on 22 … Read More →
On this Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, I give you three points to consider. First, in today’s Bollettino (daily Vatican Press Office announcement) there is a notice of a presser on 17 May for the presentation of new norms … Read More →
Annunciation by John Donne (+1631): Salvation to all that will is nigh; That All, which always is all everywhere, Which cannot sin, and yet all sins must bear, Which cannot die, yet cannot choose but die, Lo, faithful virgin, yields … Read More →
A 5 minute daily podcast to help you in your Lenten discipline. Today, even though the Feast of the Annunciation is transferred, we hear from Fr. Troadec about Mary’s “yes”. We are also reminded to be resolute about our resolutions. … Read More →
I’m calling on every Catholic in America to return to Our Lady and join in prayer. – RAYMOND LEO CARDINAL BURKE The website is HERE Sign up and each month you will received an email from Card. Burke. This video … Read More →
A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent and Christmas 2023. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf · ADVENTCAzT 2023 – 16 – Monday 3rd Week of Advent: Meekness Today, Card. Bacci describes gratitude and Fr. Troadec describes Mary and what we … Read More →
Today, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, is the Feast of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is an analogous commemoration on Friday after 1st Passion Sunday. Some time ago, I wrote a … Read More →
In the Divine Praises we pray: Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. A few days ago, 8 September, we celebrated the Nativity of Mary. Today, 12 September, is the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Devotion … Read More →
Today’s feast, the Nativity of Mary, is older than the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which was precisely nine months ago. Stop for a moment. Consider what our eternal prospects were before the birth not only of Our Lord, but … Read More →
This image of Mary is found in the the Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo in Rome. The month of September is traditionally a time for meditation on and veneration of Our Lady of Sorrows. 15 September, the day next to … Read More →
Today is the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, in the new-fangled, Novus Ordo calendar. Here is an oldie post from 2006, the final installment of my Patristic Rosary Project. ___ We conclude our Patristic Rosary Project today with the: … Read More →
On 22 August we observe, in the traditional Roman calendar, the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In the newer calendar it is the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary. When the angel Gabriel came to Mary he told … Read More →
NB: Today, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we can begin a 54 Day Novena! We might pray a 54 Day Novena using the Memorare, the Rosary, or another Marian prayer, for the mitigation of the cruel Motu … Read More →
One of my favorite depictions of the Blessed Virgin shows her protecting a soul in the form of a child from the Devil whom she is beating with a club. I also have one of St Margaret beating Satan with … Read More →
I have great affection for the title of Our Lady “Perpetual Help”. At my home parish in St. Paul every Tuesday evening there was the recitation of the Novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, followed by Benediction with the … Read More →
Quite the evening. In chessy news, Netflix is offering a game/trainer based on the massive-hit 7-part series The Queen’s Gambit, a book by Walter Tevis. That series was one of the elements that fueled the chess tsunami that is still … Read More →
Daily 5 minute podcast to help you in your Lenten discipline. Roman Station: Santo Stefano Rotondo Collect: Sts. John and Paul TODAY: One week out from Good Friday, Pius Parsch delves into the complementarity of the ferial Mass formulary and … Read More →
A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent 2022. Today, St. Ambrose in a sermon about the Visitation provides wise counsel to young women. Sr. Noble address that great shining lamp, St. John the Baptist, and the true Light, … Read More →
I recently wrote about a book: “Copies should be obtained and given to priests, especially those who lean toward traditional, and to bishops perhaps along with a spiritual bouquet.“ What book? Does TRADITIONIS CUSTODES Pass the Juridical Rationality Test? by Fr. … Read More →
I had posted about this some years ago, but on this wonderful Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe it gives us something to think about anew. Gazing at an image crafted by a true master who intended to open us … Read More →
A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent 2022. Today, Prosper Gueranger pours out his heart about the Blessed Virgin Mary. Fr. Troadec strives to put some backbone into all of us. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf · ADVENTCAzT 2022: 14 … Read More →
Happy Feast of the Immaculate Conception! Here’s something beautiful for Our Lady. When I was in seminary in Rome, the rector called everyone to the chapel and personally taught all the men this chant. Here’s another version which I love, … Read More →
It seems that Soundcloud was down for some time. A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent 2022. Today is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so we focus on the Blessed Virgin Mary with Fr. Troadec and … Read More →
Today is the 9th and Final Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe … Read More →
Today is the 8th Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this Novena. … Read More →
Today is the 7th Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this Novena. … Read More →
Today is the 6th Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this Novena. … Read More →
Today is the 5th Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this Novena. … Read More →
Today, we hear about the Rorate Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin on Saturday’s of Advent. Card. Bacci talks about “dissipated souls”. St. John Vianney prays for priests. The Benedictines of Mary sing to Mary, Queen of Priests and … Read More →
Today is the 4th Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this Novena. … Read More →
Today is the 3rd Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this Novena. … Read More →
Today is the 2nd Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this … Read More →
Today is the 1st Day for a Novena before the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Will you participate? Even if you are late to starting, that’s okay! Start anyway. And remember that there is no one way to observe this … 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 →
UPDATE: 21 Oct 22: Check this out. Hilarious and sad at the same time. HERE Originally Published on: Oct 19, 2022 While bad news is unpleasant, and often we do well to sidestep the avalanche that hurtles at us everyday, sometimes … 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 →
Today, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, is the Feast of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is an analogous commemoration on Friday after 1st Passion Sunday. Some time ago, I wrote a … Read More →
In the Divine Praises we pray: Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Today, 12 September, is the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary. Devotion to the name of Mary was at first in Spain, by Carmelites. … Read More →
Today’s feast, the Nativity of Mary, is older than the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which was precisely nine months ago. Stop for a moment. Consider what our eternal prospects were before the birth not only of Our Lord, but … Read More →
September is traditionally associated with the Seven Sorrows devotion. Back in 2019, because the Church is pretty obviously hurtling into chaos from the top down, I determined to write reflections on the Seven Sorrows of Mary. I started writing these … Read More →
I am sure that you have by now seen the moronic, sick, anti-Catholic dreck at The Atlantic about the Rosary written by … who? The writer feverishly connected the use of the Rosary, as a matter of spiritual warfare – … Read More →
When the angel Gabriel came to Mary he told her that her Son would have the throne of David and that His kingdom would have no end (Luke 1:32-33). In ancient Israel, the mothers of the House of David’s kings … Read More →
NB: Today, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we can begin a 54 Day Novena! We might pray a 54 Day Novena using the Memorare, the Rosary, or another Marian prayer, for the mitigation of the cruel Motu … Read More →
Here’s a British film from the late 80’s about an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Ukraine, a place much in the news these days. As it began, I couldn’t help but think about the way that traditional Roman … Read More →
We are today one week from Good Friday. As such it is the feast of our lady of Sorrows. I wrote seven posts on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin. Please visit my “Our Lady of Sorrows Project” page: … Read More →
Daily 5 minute podcast to encourage you in your Lenten discipline. COLLECT: Ss. John and Paul STATION: Santo Stefano Rotondo Today Fr. Troadec unfolds the mystery of Mary’s offering of her Son. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf · LENTCAzT 2022 – 38: … Read More →
Daily 5 minute podcast to encourage you in your Lenten discipline. COLLECT: Santa Maria ad Martyres STATION: San Lorenzo in Lucina TODAY: There is a link between the Station and the reading for Mass for the Lenten day. Fulton Sheen … Read More →
In another post here, concern was raised about a way that the Blessed Virgin is to be addressed in the upcoming (tomorrow) Consecration of “all humanity” and “especially” Russia and Ukraine. Mary is referred in pretty much all language versions … Read More →
The news is that on 25 March, Feast of the Annunciation, Francis will “consecrate Russia and Ukraine” to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Also, in Fatima, the papal almoner Card. Krajewski will do “the same act, on the same day”. … Read More →
In the Kunsthistorisches Museum there is a canvas by Josef von Führich depicting the journey of Mary – in haste – over the hills to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This is the Gospel of today’s Mass in the Vetus Ordo, … Read More →
In the Vetus Ordo, there is an indication that today is the Feast of the Translation of the House of Loreto. In the Novus Ordo 10 December is an optional memorial (Memoria ad libitum) for Our Lady of Loreto. There … Read More →
On this Feast of Our Lady of Pillar, please ask the Queen of Heaven to intercede with her Son for a special intervention in the Church regarding her ordained pastors, from the lowliest to the loftiest. The apparition of Mary … Read More →
I very much appreciate the former name of this Feast: Our Lady of Victory. There are many famous battles, but most of them come no where near the significance of Lepanto for the history of Western Civilization. The Battle of … Read More →
Today, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, is the Feast of Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary. There is an analogous commemoration on Friday after 1st Passion Sunday. Some time ago, I wrote a … Read More →