Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 – 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{]:¬)
At LifeSite Bp. Scheider has commented. Bp..Scheider (and I) were at the Augustinianum in Rome, the Patristic Institute. He knows something about the ancient Church (and so do I). Bishop Schneider: ‘Nothing more dangerous for religion’ than liturgical ‘interference’ The … Read More →
On 2 August Ad Vaticanum published the remarks of Card. Sarah about the Traditional Latin Liturgy of the Roman, Latin Church. Read it there, but here’s a summary of the piece with my added emphases and comments (aka “zisking”). Essentially, … Read More →
If they think this is going to go away, they are delusional. Keep in mind the phrase: quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur. Also, yesterday in some commentary on the strange opinions of a bishop, I mentioned the issue of “unity”, … Read More →
I spotted something interesting at Fakebook, posted by Peter Kwasniewski… a letter from Prof. Joseph Ratzinger to Wolfgang Waldstein in 1976. Dear Colleague Waldstein, Thank you very much for your kind note. To come straight to the heart of … Read More →
The Collect for Mass and the Office for this upcoming 8th Sunday after Pentecost is found in the ancient Veronese Sacramentary and the Gelasian and the so-called Gregorian. It survived the liturgical snipper with their scissors and paste pots to live on in the … Read More →
This week, the 15th Ordinary Sunday in the Novus Ordo calendar, we have a good example of the dramatic difference between the old, Obsolete ICEL version we suffered with for decades, and the Latin with the Current ICEL version. The … Read More →
On the weekend in the wake of our 250th celebration of Independence Day, our Collect for the 14th Ordinary Sunday offers the image of material creation as an enervated body, weakened by sin, lying in the dust whence it came. … Read More →
Please flip open your own trusty copy of the Liber Sacramentorum Romanae Aeclesiae edited by Leo Cunibert Mohlberg, OSB (in other words the Gelasian Sacramentary and yes, it is “Aeclesiae”.). You will find Sunday’s ancient Collect in the second group of … Read More →
Yesterday there was an episcopal consecration… in Laredo, Texas. Today there was also an episcopal consecration in Ecône, Switzerland. They were alike in some ways. There were quite different in others. You might have a look at both and consider … Read More →
At work in the Collect for the 13th Sunday of Ordinary Time are themes of divine adoption, the liberation of the children of God, the peril of error, and the splendor of Truth. Here is the Collect: Deus, qui, per … Read More →
This coming Sunday’s Collect is wonderful to sing! It is stark and lavish, carefully balanced, quintessentially Roman. This week’s Collect, also in 1962 Missale Romanum for the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, was in the ancient Gelasian Sacramentary for the Sunday after the Ascension (Thursday). … 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 →
Here’s the caption (I was sent this via Instagram): This Sunday, at the Children’s Pentecost Mass, we all received the fruits of the Holy Spirit together. We discovered what the Spirit gives us in each of these fruits: love, joy, … Read More →
For an explanation of what has happened to links on the blog, HERE Original Notes: This is the third PODCAzT for the Pentecost Octave. Today we learn about what Ember Day’s are, these beautiful days which helped Catholics for may … Read More →
For Monday’s, and an explanation of what has happened to links on the blog, HERE These are from 2008. ORIGINAL NOTES: Today is Tuesday in the Octave of Pentecost, or at least it ought to be in in the Novus … Read More →
Let’s have a look at the Collect for today’s Mass of Pentecost Monday. COLLECT (1962MR): Deus, qui Apostolis tuis Sanctum dedisti Spiritum: concede plebi tuae piae petitionis effectum; ut, quibus dedisti fidem, largiaris et pacem. I found this prayer in … Read More →
A long time ago, I made some podcasts for the Octave of Pentecost… some 18 years ago. They are listed on my old PODCAzT Page. However, since the last migration of the blog, all the links changed from wdtprs.com to … Read More →
The Fiftieth Day Feast, Hebrew Shavuot or Greek Pentekosté, for the Jews commemorated the descent of God’s Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, wreathed in fire, fifty days after the Exodus. But Jewish feasts also looked forward even as they … 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 →
Here is the COLLECT for the Feast of St. John Henry Newman Memorial, anniversary of the day, 9 October 1845, when he was brought into greater light and received into Holy Catholic Church at Littlemore. Pope Leo XIV will proclaim … Read More →
See my piece on the readings for the 16th Sunday over at One Peter Five: HERE This Sunday’s dense Collect survived the scissors and paste-pots of the Consilium during the 1960’s and lived on in the post-Conciliar Missale Romanum as … Read More →
It took some time but I dug up the Latin Collect for St. Pio, Padre Pio of Pietrelcina Pio of Pietrelcina 23 Sept Collecta Omnípotens sempitérne Deus, qui sanctum Píum, presbýterum, crucis Fílii tui singulári grátia partícipem esse donásti, et … Read More →
You may recall that a little while ago I posted a video of my unboxing of a new reprint of a pre-1955 Missale Romanum, beautifully bound. There is a growing interest in the pre-1955 Roman Rite. In most places the … 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 →
Concerning the origins of the dreadful “Book of Blessings” (De Benedictionibus), which ironically doesn’t bless anything. I thought there was one prayer which truly blessed, an option for a rosary with the traditional version they ported in, but they changed … Read More →
Here is a thought which I offered during my live stream for this Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist (which is my name day more than the Nativity of the Baptist for reasons which over the years have … Read More →
The Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe was yesterday, but I was travelling and unable to do much online. Thus, I missed a question from a reader about the Latin orations so that he could be more properly celebrated in the … Read More →
This is from twitter… and I offer this with nothing but great admiration for both Matthew Hazell and the amazing Dr. Kreeft. (1/8) I find myself in general agreement with Prof Kreeft, because this Sunday (19C per annum) is, frankly, … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have a question about confession. If you want to remain anonymous during confession, is it OK for the priest to not allow it? I did something horrible and it had a lot of ramifications in … Read More →
In 2016, the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, headed by the great Robert Card. Sarah, issued a decree making – for the Novus Ordo, mind you – what was the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene into … Read More →
Diane Montagna has a Substack (I still haven’t figured that out yet) about the extremely dodgy excuses for the cruel “Traditionis custodes”. She had published the summary of the survey of bishops. She asked about it during a presser. She … Read More →
Today – 9 July – in the Vetus Ordo, we can celebrate St. Thomas More and St. John Fisher The Martyrs of Gorkum St. Veronica Giuliani All amazing. All worthy of honor. What to do? Since I have a relic … Read More →
Please enjoy this promo video for the new disc from the London Oratory (aka Brompton Oratory) Schola called Sacred Treasures of Rome. I wrote at length about this new collection HERE. Amazon USA link for album: HERE Amazon UK link … Read More →
Diane put out the “leaked” report about the bishop’s survey that didn’t go Francis way, so Francis went his own way and issued the stunning failure Taurina cacata… Traditionis custodes. Last night being somewhat restless, I cruised about on the interwebs … Read More →
Some good comments in these videos about the leaked report about the survey of bishops. Francis used it to go ahead and do what he wanted and imposed his whim by issuing Taurina cacata…. Traditionis custodes. I think Robert Royal’s … Read More →
Diane Montagna has it. HERE You might remember that part of the justification Francis used for stomping on the TLM (aka the people who wanted it) was a consultation of bishops around the world. It turns out that what we … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: My autistic teenage son was recently confirmed and received his first communion from Cardinal Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Although I’ve lived in and around NYC for more than 30 years, I realized I knew next … Read More →
I want to give a shout to the wonderful traditional community in Tokyo. For Corpus Christi they had a procession. Their FIRST. They have a short video about it. I hope you will take a moment to watch it. I … 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 →
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 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 →
It is nice to have as your Patron the great Baptist, for I get two feasts a year, his Nativity and his Beheading. For the Vigil of St. John (today, as I write even thought it is the 5th Sunday … Read More →
In the Church’s traditional calendar St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More have their feasts on 9 July. More was martyred on 6 July and Fisher on 22 June. In the Novus Ordo calendar they are celebrated today, together. HOWEVER: … Read More →
I was given a manuscript of a new book by Bp. Schneider to look over. It is about heresies. Just as he put out a book about the truths of the Faith that are to be believe, now he has … Read More →
In the traditional Roman calendar for the 1962 Missale Romanum yesterday, Thursday, was the Feast of Corpus Domini, or Corpus Christi. In the post-Conciliar Missal’s calendar today is also Corpus Christi. In the Novus Ordo – Vetus too, with “external celebration” … Read More →
Too many people today are without good, strong preaching, to the detriment of all. Share the good stuff. Was there a GOOD point made in the sermon you heard at your Mass of obligation for Trinity Sunday? Tell about attendance … Read More →
Pentecost Saturday Today the Season of Easter comes to an end. The cycle that started with pre-Lent Sunday’s is over. Being an Ember Saturday, there would be a vigil in the night in preparation for ordinations to the priesthood at … Read More →
Pentecost Friday At NLM there is a great explanation of the Pentecost Roman Stations. I find these historical details interesting because we find traces of ancient things in the traditional rites even today. In any event, if I am to … Read More →
Pentecost Thursday. The Roman Station is St. Lawrence outside the walls, which is where it was in the Easter Octave on Wednesday. In the Gospel from Luke 9, Jesus sends the Apostles out with authority to heal and cast out … Read More →
At the blog A Catholic Life there is an interesting post, with a graphic, that explains how, over the years, fasting changed for liturgical vigils. You can draw your own conclusions, but I think it is telling. It is well … Read More →
“Divine Mercy! Rah, rah, rah!” Right? Right. However… We have come to Low Sunday, Dominica in albis, the Octave of Easter. I reviewed something of what Fathers of the Church had to say about our Gospel passage on this famous … Read More →
I was alerted to a manipulative piece at Fishwrap (aka National Schismatic Reporter) with a massively ironic headline and intro. The Institute of Christ the King took over a parish in Cleveland that has Hungarian roots. Of course they started … Read More →
This is definitely worth reposting. The fellow who made the video about the Star of Bethlehem (a compelling argument, I might add), also did some research about what happened in the heavens on Good Friday. Let’s break it down. Passover … Read More →
In the ancient Roman Church, before the establishment of what we now call Lent, we would have begun today, now called 1st Passion Sunday, a more intense fortnight fast leading to Easter morning. It is important for us to keep … Read More →
The other day I had a text exchange with a priest friend asking about why, because it is a leap year, we didn’t celebrate St. Matthias. He wasn’t sure about why the leap year changed the date. I responded that … Read More →
Before I forget, this is Ember Friday of Lent, but as the Friday of the 1st Week of Lent it is also the Feast of the Holy Lance (Spear of Longinus) and the Nails. It was established by Pope Innocent … Read More →
Congratulations to all those who belong to the Ordinariate of the Chair of Peter a fine feast day. Today is an opportunity to reflect of the will of the Savior about a necessary element for His Church: the Petrine Ministry. … Read More →
A reader kindly alerted me to a astonishing creativity at St. Joseph’s in Mandarin, FL (Jacksonville area) in the Diocese of St. Augustine. First, to their credit, I see in their parish bulletin that they have an adoration chapel. Also … Read More →
Today is NOT a holy day of obligation. That said, many people try to go to Mass on Ash Wednesday. Many, however, cannot. Therefore, let us know about your good experiences of Holy Mass and the good points in the sermon, … Read More →
You will find this video quite interesting. Larry Chapp interviews Bp. James Conley of Lincoln about the reform of the liturgy. Please let me know your high points. For me: communion rails, communion on the tongue, the Roman Canon. They … Read More →
Today is the final “peak” arising from the liturgical cycle of Advent/Christmas/Epiphany. Today, called in the traditional way and according to the older Roman calendar the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Holy Church would cease to … Read More →
On this coming Sunday, Holy Church begins to sing in a new key. We have come around, in the traditional calendar, to Pre-Lent. The “Gesima Sundays” have Roman Stations. Today we are at St. Lawrence “outside the walls”. Being in … 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 →
In honor of the Apostle to the Gentiles let us make a rapid comparison of the Collects for today’s feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. We’ll look first at the 1962 Missale Romanum and then the 2002 edition. The … Read More →
In the Novus Ordo calendar the observance of Epiphany (12 days after Christmas – the reason it is called “Twelfth Night”) is in some places moved to the Sunday, this year tomorrow. Some say that moving it to Sunday allows … Read More →
At Epiphany we Latins have – traditionally – chanted a solemn proclamation of the key liturgical dates or movable feasts for the new year of salvation, just begun. This underscores how these dates and seasons are all interconnected. The liturgical … 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 →
As Christmas approaches, it seems strange to write that we have need of some good news! Good news has come, however, from the Fraternity of St. Vincent Ferrier, of Chémeré-le-Roi, France, a traditional group of Dominicans. They recently completed a … Read More →
This comes via a comment under another post HERE QUAERITUR: Serious question – if a priest were to bless an unholy act, would he be bringing a curse upon himself? God the Father is very clear in the Dialogue of … Read More →
This is fun. 1964: cartoon illustration, "Mass facing the people" by Jean Charlat pic.twitter.com/zgGkjxcfFl — Sharon Kabel (@SharonKabel) September 4, 2023 You know… now that I see this…
This Sunday’s Collect for the Extraordinary Form survived the snipping and pasting of the Consilium and the late Annibale Bugnini’s liturgical experts to be used in the Ordinary Form on Tuesday of the 2nd week of Lent. Figure that one … Read More →
But remember, you can’t have the Traditional Latin Mass because there is one expression of the Roman Rite. Right? IRELAND This version of the Our Father has divided opinion online What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/pfAUm0VO2J — Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) September … Read More →
Nice for Saturday! Thanks to The Great Roman™! The wonderful Benedictine monks of Le Barroux make great wine from the ancient vineyards of the Avignon popes. You can have some. Get some and help them. Win. Win. White to move … Read More →
The late great liturgist and holy Card. Archbp. of Milan, Bl. Ildefonso Schuster, whom I often quote, on 30 August 1954. Future Pope Roncalli . His tomb is in the Duomo of Milan. It was opened in 1985 as part of … 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 →
A recent piece at the SSPX site deals with the “vertiginous” drop in priestly vocations in France, in particular, Switzerland and elsewhere in Europe. The figures they used are from the French bishops conference and other non-SSPX sources. The … Read More →
I’m confident that pretty much all of us priests have at one point or another after a Mass heard something along this line, generally from one of our treasured senior mass-attending Catholic ladies: “O Father, thank you for that message. … Read More →
Share the good stuff. It’s the 11th Sunday after Pentecost in the Vetus Ordo and the 19th Sunday of the Novus Ordo. Was there a GOOD point made in the sermon you heard at your Sunday Mass of obligation? Tell … Read More →
With a minor variation this week’s Collect was in the ancient Gelasian Sacramentary. It survived the cut to live on in the Novus Ordo Missale Romanum as the Collect on the 27th Sunday of Ordinary Time. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui … Read More →
The Collect for the 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time was not in previous editions Missale Romanum before the 1970 Novus Ordo. It has roots in the 9th century Sacramentary of Bergamo and thus is ancient text. Note that for the 2002 … Read More →
Fr. Z kudos to Bp. Strickland. Christ is the vine. The traditional Latin Mass is rooted in the vine, robust with truth & bears much fruit. Any attempt to sever the traditional Mass from the Church is an attack on … Read More →
A priest friend sent a link to a piece in The European Conservative which argues for the Sarum Rite. In itself, that’s interesting. Adherents of the Roman Rite will, however, appreciate the introductory section. My emphases and comments: The Tragedy … Read More →
Since I am in Chicago, I post today a link to a story from this date last year, 4 August 2022, about the Archdiocese and the Institute of Christ the King. HERE You might remember that the local Archbishop said … 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 →
In 2016, the Congregation for Divine Worship and Discipline of the Sacraments, headed by the great Robert Card. Sarah, issued a decree making – for the Novus Ordo, mind you – what was the Memorial of St. Mary Magdalene into … Read More →
A thought for you: Though we all may be different in height or sex or shape of eye and color of skin, we all bleed the same red Our Savior bled for our sins. Our unifying human blood, divinely infused, … Read More →
If in baseball there was recently a perfecto, in the ecclesial world a certain bishop has been hitting dingers. I posted about the piece by Bp. Athanasius Schneider at The Catholic Thing HERE. Today I note that at One Peter … 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 →
Share the good stuff. It’s the 4th Sunday after Pentecost in the Vetus Ordo and the 12th Sunday of the Novus Ordo. Was there a GOOD point made in the sermon you heard at your Sunday Mass of obligation? Tell … Read More →
In the Church’s traditional calendar St. John Fisher and St. Thomas More have their feasts on 9 July. More was martyred on 6 July and Fisher on 22 June. In the Novus Ordo calendar they are celebrated today, together. Pope … Read More →
On this Sunday, when many are celebrating Corpus Christi, I’m feeling a little nostalgic. I spotted this photo in my plentiful archive. Back when the world was a brighter place and hearts were buoyant and war was not being waged … 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 →
During my recent Roman Sojourn I was shown at the parish some beautiful sets of tassels for dalmatics. Traditionally, the deacon(s) and subdeacon wear tassels on their dalmatics that descend from their shoulders and hang down their backs. For example… … Read More →
The Fiftieth Day Feast, Hebrew Shavuot or Greek Pentekosté, for the Jews commemorated the descent of God’s Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, wreathed in fire, fifty days after the Exodus. But Jewish feasts also looked forward even as they … Read More →
This time of year many new priests are being ordained and, consequently, many priests observe their own anniversaries. In the traditional, Vetus Ordo of the Roman Rite a priest can add orations for himself, Pro seipso sacerdote, on the anniversary … 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 →
Dear readers, this is the sort of thing that Popes do! They fight against the forces of Hell and they work for the salvation of souls. For example, when the ancient obelisk that was in the Circus of Caligula off … Read More →
The consecration of Immaculata Church in St. Mary’s Kansas. This is a “workshop” in CATHOLIC theology and spirituality. NB the purifications and exorcisms before moving to the consecrations. Booklet HERE Writing on the floor!
Sun: came up at 0618. Sun: went down at 2001 The Ave Maria is stuck at 2015 for a while. Three Pope martyrs were in the book for today, Soter (+175), Caius (+296) and Agapitus I (+536). Concerning the last, … Read More →
Here is something a wrote some time ago, reflecting on the meeting of the Risen Lord and Thomas and the “hand” and “side” incident. Here is something that I wrote a while back. Since today in the Vetus Ordo calendar … 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 →
To aid me in keeping my online time down today, here is something from a couple years back. It’s Good Friday! Here are a couple of recipes for good food for this day of fasting and abstinence. Since I made … Read More →
[A special note for priests alone at the end. Nobody else look! o{];¬) ] COLLECT (2002MR): Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, da nobis ita dominicae passionis sacramenta peragere, ut indulgentiam percipere mereamur. This prayer was in the 1962MR on Tuesday of Holy … Read More →
Traditionally this upcoming Sunday is called First Passion Sunday or First Sunday of the Passion. “Passiontide” begins. It is also known as Iudica Sunday, from the first word of the Introit of Mass (from Ps 42/41), and sometimes Repus (from … Read More →
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. The practice of Forty Hours Devotion should be revived. Forty Hours originally evolved to ask God’s protection from external threats, such as invasion or disease. Now, it should be undertaken because … Read More →
I had an exchange this morning via texting with a friend who was wondering about the validity of an absolution. I suspect that priests who screw around with the words of absolution aren’t purposely trying to be cruel… but that’s … Read More →
The nickname Laetare originated from the first word of the Introit chant for Sunday’s Mass, “Rejoice!” On Laetare Sunday there is a slight relaxation of Lent’s penitential spirit, because we have a glimpse of the joy that is coming at Easter, … Read More →
The Roman Station for the 1st Sunday of Lent is St. John Lateran. COLLECT – LATIN TEXT (2002MR): Concede nobis, omnipotens Deus, ut, per annua quadragesimalis exercitia sacramenti, et ad intellegendum Christi proficiamus arcanum, et effectus eius digna conversatione sectemur. Quadragesima is the … Read More →
With this 1st Sunday of Lent we are fully into our forty day season of purification and preparation. Speaking of forty, the Latin for Lent is Quadragesima, “fortieth”. St Leo the Great (d 461) used the phrase quadragesimale ieiunium, “the … Read More →
In a text message: A priest friend sent this. At least he was my friend before I listened to what he sent. I may never talk to him again because I can’t un-hear it. What was that recording? Put down … 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 →
May I suggest that you add this bishop to your list of those for whom you regularly pray? Pray especially for his protection from the Enemy and his human agents in the Church. The new and young bishop of Columbus … Read More →
I have received a beautiful handmade cincture from the nice people at Via Providence. This is exceptional. The work is very fine. I have no idea how long it took to make this, but… wow. I once had a couple … Read More →
There is a convincing piece at Catholic World Report by James Baresel about what I think is the greatest conflict in the Church today: her conflict within herself over her sacred liturgical worship. Why, “greatest”? Because we are our rites! … Read More →
This is not the Bee. This is Il Messaggero: The papal almoner, Konrad Card. Kraiewsky, appeared in a … I am not making this up … circus act. This is not the Babylon Bee. This is Il Messaggero. Meanwhile, there … Read More →
A note to the priests and people of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, where someone in the chancery is trying to bully you into submission. Someone whom I gather is the “priest secretary” to the Archbishop of Atlanta, and who is … 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 →
We are back in violet this Sunday, as Pre-Lent begins in the traditional Roman Rite. Here’s a poll. Anyone can vote, but only registered and approved participants can comment. ALL comments are moderated. Keep in mind that Septuagesima could fall … Read More →
On this coming Sunday, Holy Church begins to sing in a new key. We have come around, in the traditional calendar, to Pre-Lent. The “Gesima Sundays” have Roman Stations. Today we are at St. Lawrence “outside the walls”. Being in … 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 →
Here’s an informal thought exercise. If Vatican II was supposed to usher in a new “springtime”… I saw something – HERE – EUROPE, NO LONGER CHRISTIAN ACCORDING TO PRESIDENT OF THE FRENCH BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE “Only a part of the cultural … Read More →
This Collect sometimes winds up at the end of the liturgical year, depending on when Easter, and therefore Pentecost, falls. This year, because Easter is a little later, we have it before Septuagesima (next week… already). COLLECT (1962MR): Deus, qui … 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 →
Sometimes I muse on the truly horrible formation we seminarians in the 80’s received in Sacred Scripture. I broke through that deficit with my knowledge of classical languages and studying Patristic Theology at the best place to do so in … Read More →
There is a good piece at The Catholic Thing today about the concept … and eventually person … of the Antichrist. I’ll point out a couple things that caught my eye. First, something on a liturgical note. The writer, Francis … Read More →
On the SIXTH of January, Epiphany, we prayed liturgically with the three mysteries of the Lord’s life revealing Him as divine: the adoration of Jesus by the Magi, the changing water to wine at Cana, and His baptism by John in the … 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 →
In the Novus Ordo calendar the observance of Epiphany (12 days after Christmas – the reason it is called “Twelfth Night”) is in some places moved to the Sunday. They reason that more people will celebrate the important feast that … 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 →
Welcome registrant: CarKee1974 Meanwhile,… White to move and win. NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others. Support great monks. Get good wine.
Monday was Christmas. Today is Childermas, the Feast of the Holy Innocents. The “Coventry Carol”, a lullaby of mothers to doomed children, dates to the 16th century. It was part of a Mystery Play, “The Pageant of the Shearmen and Tailors”, about chapter … 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 →
For a couple years I’ve posted about this custom. This year I had pretty much forgotten about it until I got an email from a priest who asked for a recording of this year’s version. The main text does really … Read More →
Today is 21 December, the Winter Solstice and the Feast of the Old Testament Prophet St. Micah. Since the beginning of December, Holy Mother Church has been imitating the Lord on the Road to Emmaus. She has been reminding us … Read More →
This year’s Winter Solstice is marked in special ways. First, this is the day when, at last, the days in the Northern Hemisphere began to lengthen. I don’t know about you, but these short days are hard on my. Second, … Read More →
Here is something that I wrote a while back. Since today in the Vetus Ordo calendar is the Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle, I figured that it might be good to share for those who haven’t seen it. […] … Read More →
We continue our look at the O Antiphons with today’s O Clavis David Again we hear the theme of Christ as the Liberator. LATIN: O clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel: qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis, et nemo aperit: … Read More →
Here is the O Antiphon for 19 December: O Radix Jesse Again Our Lord is presented as the Liberator. LATIN: O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: veni ad liberandum … Read More →
Because I continue to get question in my email about bizarre things that priests do to the FORM OF ABSOLUTION, it is good to remind everyone that in 2023 the Novus Ordo form of absolution in English is to change. There … Read More →
A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent 2022. Today, Bl. Ildefonoso and Fr. Pius help us with the historical importance of the December Ember Days and how we commemorate the Annunciation from two different angles during the year. … Read More →
13 December was the darkest day – with the least sunlight – of the old Julian calendar. Today in the Gregorian calendar is the feast of St. Lucy, whose name from the Latin lux, for “light”, reminds us who dwell in … Read More →
A series of 5 minute daily podcasts for Advent 2022. Today, Fr. Parsch gives us an insight into how to “Rejoice!” in the Christian way of rejoicing. Fr. John Zuhlsdorf · ADVENTCAzT 2022: 15 – 3rd Sunday of Advent: Why … 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 →
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 →
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 →
The Gospel for our 2nd Sunday of Advent according to the Vetus Ordo, the Roman Mass, has two sections which need to be addressed separately, though they are connected. Firstly, in Matthew 11 John the Baptist is in prison because … Read More →
A while ago, I ran into a claim that in the near future devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus would be more and more important. Think about how our ecclesial shepherds have, through neglect and even expressions of contempt, … 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 →
Forgive typos… I am writing under time constraint and pressures. Biretta tip to Peter Kwasniewski – o{]:¬) – for the following from Mr Cricket, Andrea Grillo, whose photo on his blog looks like – and it is exactly what he is … 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 →
This 20th Sunday after Pentecost’s ancient Collect is found without variation in the Liber Sacramentorum Gellonensis, written perhaps in Meaux, near Paris, between 790-800. The Gellone Sacramentary, which has Frankish influences, is a strand in the complicated web of manuscripts … Read More →
The great liturgical scholar Klaus Gamber said that the de-orientation of the altar was the more destructive change after the Council. To make that clear: The priest celebrating Mass facing the people did more damage to the Faith than anything … 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 →
A friend and long-time internet colleague – once a member of the staff of the ancient Catholic Forum on Compuserve! – sent the following from a blog called Harvey Millican 2.0: Musings of a Trad Dad: “These Our Men“. I … Read More →
For the second time today I choked up a little. The first time was this morning during Mass. The profundity of the moment, place, act smothered me and I could barely breathe. Let not the partaking of Thy Body, O … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am wondering about the practice of holding First Holy Communions at the regular Sunday Masses instead of a special, separate Mass for the whole class. My own was on a Saturday, with 60 other CCD … Read More →
In the 1962 Missale Romanum there are prayers “in order to repel storms”. I am using these prayers now in the face of hurricane Ian. The prayers are ancient, to be found in the 5th c. Gelasian Sacramentary (PL 74) in “XLVII. … 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 you may remember “Rome”, in their micromangerial zeal for the faithful being mauled by their pastoral care, forbade that Mass times for TLMs be put in parish bulletins. Some priests started calling their TLM the “Youth Mass”, for obvious … Read More →
This Sunday’s Collect for Holy Mass in the Traditional Roman Rite survived the long knives of the Consilium to live on the in the Novus Ordo editions of the Missale Romanum on Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent. Figure that … 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 →
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 →
I read a story at CNA about a diocese in the Netherlands where the wonderous springtime of Vatican II has revolutionized all of Catholic life. So successful has the Vatican II reform been, that the Diocese of Roermond has said … Read More →
The Vetus Ordo is against Vatican II! That’s why it has to be crushed and the people who want it marginalized and demoralized to the point that they will quite simply leave the Church. Instead, what will bring about the … Read More →
I celebrate as my onomastico or “name day” the Feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist, 29 August. “He must increase,” said the Baptist, “I must decrease” (John 3:30). I need that rule of life. St Augustine of Hippo … Read More →
In general, I don’t want to know anything about the personal lives or thoughts of actors or other celebrities. If I go to a movie, I don’t want to know that the person on the screen is really a moronic … Read More →
My post for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, at One Peter Five, “This Sunday’s Gospel Has a Word that “Sums up the Whole Message and the Whole Work of Christ”” begins with a digression. Because the Gospel for this 11th … 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 →
Which one of these things is not like the others? A) Cross-hatched loaf. Get a a little cheese, some slices of sausage, some wine… what’s not to like? B) Hot Cross Buns. Hot from the oven! Yum. C) The “bread” … Read More →
From a priest… QUAERITUR: Is it okay to learn how to say the Traditional Latin Mass? Where are we at with the whole overblown, skewed notion of obedience and authority today that it would enter into a priest’s mind that … Read More →
St. Lawrence the deacon and martyr is beloved of the Romans. He has many churches in the City, which is a sign of how deeply he was venerated in centuries past. Today in the traditional form of the Roman Rite … Read More →
The Council Fathers of Vatican II voted overwhelmingly to approve some few mandates that would result in a reform of the Roman Rite. A body was assembled to implement that reform. It was operated by radical ideologues who had their … Read More →
In another post I mention reception theory regarding law, specifically Traditionis custodes. If a law isn’t accepted by the group for whom it is intended, it is essentially no law at all. One could, by this, contend that laws that were … Read More →