ACTION ITEM! – 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{]:¬)
My mother is actively dying now. It has been a long hard path. Probably tomorrow she will go to the hospice. As she approaches her 91st birthday, she is finally succumbing to pulmonary fibrosis. I have reason to believe her … Read More →
I always enjoy your Christmas cards. The notes and letters which describe the year people have had are interesting and, often, moving. Over the years I’ve recognized so many familiar names. I read them all. And drawings by kids are … Read More →
Holy Mother Church offers the possibility to gain two plenary indulgences, one on 31 December to thank God for the graces received during the year and one on 1 January to invoke the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the … Read More →
This post is absolutely and blatantly self-serving! I shudder to think about my present situation if there weren’t people praying for me out there. I am so grateful to all of you. Therefore, I want to underscore a special group. … Read More →
UPDATE 23 October 2025 What they are not telling you is that the bishop asked for a 5-year extension and only got 2, was asked to say a New Mass in Latin, and told to lead acceptance of Vatican II. … Read More →
Make this go viral. Use my social links. Do it. Let’s use our collective power. We still have it, don’t doubt. Transcript: Maybe this has happened to you. I know people that this has actually happened to. You may know … Read More →
UPDATE 10 Sept 25: I got another PayPal scam call today. This was a little different. And, he references something sent to my email: of course there was nothing remotely related in my email. That’s a hook to get you … Read More →
UPDATE: Thanks to DR, GMW, AT, AK NB: Scroll down for the Latin and English texts for the Blessing of Beer. You don’t want to miss this. It’s too important. And this has been a really tough year for priests, … Read More →
At the substack of Catholic Unscripted (three great brits) there is a piece by Rev. Stephen Morgan, whom I have known for years. Brilliant and “good value” (a phrase I learned from him), a convert, who is now heading up … Read More →
I received sad news. A long time reader and commentator here, even longer from my time with The Wanderer, passed away last night. In your kindness please pray for Charles Henry Edwards. Henry was a key figure in fostering celebration … Read More →
Just lately, I’ve had a number of emails telling me things like: “My email was hacked, so here is my new address.” “My credit card info was stolen, so I have to change my donation method.” “Someone I know got … Read More →
I received this good idea from a priest friend. Please consider doing this and sharing it widely. RIGHT AWAY… today is ASCENSION THURSDAY which begins the original novena. Friends, Tomorrow begins the Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit. It would … Read More →
Here is a PDF of a Novena which you could pray beginning Candlemas, 2 February, to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. More on this at LifeSite. The Novena and consecration to the Immaculate Heart line up with a visitation of … Read More →
UPDATE 9 Jan ’25 06:08: Today’s entry in the traditional Roman Martyrology states: At Ancona, St. Marcellinus, bishop, who, according to St. Gregory, miraculously delivered that city from destruction by fire. St. Marcellinus of Ancona! Pray for us! Originally Published … Read More →
At the end of a calendar year, good people like you readers are looking for good causes to support with their giving dollars. We can’t trust many organizations which have the world “Catholic” in their title. Off hand, I can … Read More →
I received this and my heart goes out to these folks. I’ll just post what I received. This is from St. Mary’s Print Shop HERE I love vintage holy cards. Don’t you? Right click and open for larger.
Card. Burke was kind enough to record a message to you, my readers. He also extends an invitation which I hope you will take both to heart and to action. HERE
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 →
You may know the STUNNING book from St. Augustine Academy Press, Treasure and Tradition: The Ultimate Guide to the Latin Mass. HERE The creators of this book had it translated into several language and were distributing it outside of the … Read More →
It often happens that when I ask you for help to find something out or explain something – BAM! – within hours, sometimes minutes – an answer arrives. I’m looking for a Tradition-leaning Catholic titled chess player. What do I … Read More →
I wanted to add soooo many comments to this video. I don’t harmonize with every single point, but … that’s NOT the POINT, as is especially explained toward the end. We need unity. This video bring in a dimension of … 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 →
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 →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have seen several Examination of Conscience guides mention neglecting prayer as a sin. Could you unpack this a bit? Failing to pray at all for a week, for example, seems like it would be a … Read More →
From a reader… QUAERITUR: I saw a tweet or whatever it is that they are called now starting an argument about whether or not people in the pews should bow to the priest when he enters to say the Traditional … Read More →
UPDATE 15 October 2023 From a reader… hi Father Z, read your blogpost on Heartbeat International’s abortion pill reversal program. I used to work for them. If you want to give your readers the direct info so they don’t have … Read More →
UPDATE 10 Oct 2023 Here is more news about the demon idol. We’ve been able to confirm that the demon idol Cindy McCain gave to Pope Francis is most likely the ogre-woman called Soyoko Mana, not the priest killer. Soyoko … Read More →
I have great news. The other day the sacristan at Santissima Trinità here in Rome and I were chatting about the RED VESTMENT PROJECT. In a nutshell, the various sets of red vestments for Mass that many priests use on … Read More →
It’s the anniversary of the demonic pagan worship in the Vatican Gardens (4 Oct). The demonic bowl was placed on the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica on 7 Oct. As a priest friend of mine wrote about “atonement” days. … Read More →
UPDATE: Joseph Card. Zen is also circulating this prayer on Twitter/X! HERE I recommend praying this at least once a day, every day, until the Synod (“walking together”) is concluded. Dated on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (… … Read More →
NB: Scroll down for the Latin and English texts for the Blessing of Beer. You don’t want to miss this. It’s too important. And this has been a really tough year for priests, all things considered. Show a little love. … Read More →
This came into my email and I am eager to get the news out to you. Sure, I push chess in my Daily Rome Shot posts. I wanted to make sure you saw this. Some time ago, I bought a … Read More →
Please retweet and share around. Hurricane Idalia arrived, Cat 3. I have an action item for you believing priests and bishops out there. With confidence we can pray the prayers which the Church has designated against storms. I believe what … Read More →
There’s going to be a webinar on Synodality (“walking together-ity”). SYNOD ON SYNODALITY – A NEW KIND OF CHURCH Australasian Catholics Coalition for Church Reform (ACCCR), Yarra Theological Union (YTU, and Garratt Publishing are pleased to present the Synod on … Read More →
It occurs to me that we missed celebrating the 2nd anniversary of the stupidly unnecessary, falsely grounded and wickedly cruel attack on the people who desire the Traditional Latin Mass via the document Taurina cacata… er… um… Traditionis custodes. In … Read More →
Are there any readers here from the Diocese of Kotor in Montenegro (Dioecesis Catharensis) or from the nearby area of Croatia? Why? I’m looking for a priest. When the recent Grand Chess Tour started in Zagreb, there was a simul … Read More →
I’m unsure how to proceed with this. My head tells me not to get involved, but my heart tells me otherwise. I heard recently a news story that the gummint idiots in New York City are trying to implement some … Read More →
This post is absolutely and blatantly self-serving! I shudder to think about my present situation if there weren’t people praying for me out there. I am so grateful to all of you. Therefore, I want to underscore a special group. … Read More →
It’s time for another Days in Rome appeal. Long-time readers know that I try to get back to Rome in April/May and in October. Why? This is my way to keep my brain alive, my priestly identity strong and – … 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 →
UPDATE 22 May 2023 I had an additional consultation with the pastor and the sacristan at the parish and we decided that 7 red sets would be best. I have sent out emails to some (not all) of you who … Read More →
A question for the readership. Can anyone think of a man who, having sought the priesthood, was denied that path for some reason, but was later beatified or canonized? What I’m searching for is a saint who could be the … Read More →
One of the advantages to being in Rome is that I can catch up with friends and acquaintances who come for pleasure or for work. What work? Sometimes journalistic. Often canonical. There are canon lawyers who come to Rome for … Read More →
In my Daily Rome Shot today, I had photos of billboard that have appeared in Rome, quoting popes, in favor of the Traditional Latin Mass. I subsequently received a request from the people behind this initiative along with a press … 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 →
Last night I didn’t schedule a formal ZedNet (ham radio net through analog and digital modes), but I wrote that I would have my handsets on in case someone “showed up”. Three people did. We used different modes and they … 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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
I try not to pay too much attention to Jesuit-run Amerika Magazine. It occasionally intrudes. Even less to I want thoughts of or by Austen Ivereigh. I am therefore grateful to my friend Fr. Raymond J. de Souza who, writing … 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 →
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 →
Please retweet and share around. The buttons are just up there… ↑ … see e’m? Tropical Storm Ian is coming. It will probably be Cat FOUR. Here’s an action item for you believing priests and bishops out there. With … Read More →
UPDATE 31 July…. It happened. UPDATE 1 August 17:43 EDT: On 1 August, Masses for Blase Cupich Vetus Ordo: 52 Novus Ordo: 23 There may be more priests who haven’t yet informed me. Do not forget, priests and laity alike, … Read More →
UPDATE 15 July: It seems that, again, there are those who cannot keep things to themselves. I had hoped to build a prayerful barrage regarding this really bad news, in the hope that, perhaps, there were still some chances that, … Read More →
Our nation is being torn by organized factions. The followers of those factions are mostly blind and dim dupes, the ultimate products of a long-targeted education system precisely for these days. We run the risk of losing all that our … Read More →
I received a note from a family member of Fr. John Hunwicke who posts on his splendid site Mutual Enrichment. “Father Hunwicke has been told that his suspicious heart requires a “procedure”, which is due to happen this Wednesday. He would … Read More →
I have an action item for you. Below, I am pushing a couple of books, one old and one new. Here on my treasure chest, this blog, I am channeling my inner Matthew 13:52. But first, a rant from your … Read More →
There is an initiative to send a letter to the signer of the cruel, legacy defining Motu Proprio Traditionis custodes aimed at driving Catholics who desire traditional liturigical expressions to and off the peripheries of the Church. preservethelatinmass.org The letter is … Read More →
UPDATE 9 Feb 2022: I received a few more and some “100!” donations as well. Boise, ID (many thanks!) Las Vegas, NV New Palz, NY (nice letter) Harvard. MA Rome (nice card) Maple Grove, MN (wow) Lawrence, KS (thank you … Read More →
UPDATE 9 Feb 2022 A few are still coming! Thanks! UPDATE 5 Feb 2022 I am happy to report that we hit the “100!” goal. That doesn’t mean that you have to stop! One year ago, when a tectonic plate … Read More →
One thing that COVID-1984 Theatre has done is accelerated the refinement of distance viewing and learning, for example of Masses/Hours (e.g., Saint-N-du-Chard., et al. including a rather cleric) and courses (e.g. Robert Royal’s Augustine’s Confessions – JUST STARTING – HURRY!). … Read More →
Before the end of 2021 – GOOD RIDDANCE – I posted – HERE – about some options for your end-of-year charitable giving. Now that official churchy entities are doubtful or even hostile to what ought to be normal and mainstream … Read More →
I’m tellin’ ya’, friends, have plans against the day that bad things happen! Think it through. Game it out. Use your imagination. Here’s what Louisville CO looks like now after the Marshall Fire. Disasters always happen to other people… until … Read More →
Today, on the last day of this annus terribilis, I am in total awe of a piece posted – thank you! – at Rorate. HERE The writer was a lawyer in Buenos Aires, now a priest with a super CV. … Read More →
UPDATE 30 Dec: I am told that Our Lady of Hope is about $2500 away from getting their matching $10K grant. Can you help them reach the goal? Originally Published on: Dec 29, 2021 Lot’s of people give donations to charities … Read More →
I received this great suggestion from a priest friend: There is great deal of angst among TLMers after Saturday’s Responsa. Thank you for what you have written in the aftermath. In addition to encouraging prayer and Confession, perhaps we could … Read More →
The other day I was on my way home from a social engagement and a rabbit ran under my wheels. I did not mourn for the rabbit. I wasn’t happy about it, but I wasn’t especially sad either. I couldn’t … Read More →
Because of a scandal, the Archbishop of Paris, who sharply and without very good reasons – what else given Taurina cacata … Traditionis custodes – restricted the use the Vetus Ordo, has resigned. My Parisian friends are now waiting for the … Read More →
UPDATE: We made our goal! Thank you to everyone who contributed. If you continue to donate to the TMSM, we will put the funds to good use! ___ Oringinally Published on: Nov 24, 2021 I have a plea to make … Read More →