Fr. Z's Blog

The calendar is jam pack today. In the VO, it is a “dies non” but there is a commemoration of the Impression of the Stigmata on St. Francis. However, it is also the Feast St. Hildegard von Bingen (+1179). Her “equivalent canonization” was in 2021 by Benedict XVI and in that same year he named her Doctor of the Church. She wrote amazing things and composed music. She also invented a language and alphabet. Here is her Collect:

COLLECTA

Deus, fons vitae, qui sanctam Hildegardem, virginem, prophetico spiritu imbuisti, fac nos, quaesumus, eius exemplo et intercessione, vias tuas scire et in huius saeculi caligine lucis tuae claritatem cognoscere. Per Dominum.

There’s a pun in there.  Can you find it?

It’s also the NO feast of St. Robert Bellarmine (+1621), also a Doctor of the Church.  His body is in the Church of St Ignatius in Rome.

St. Robert Bellarmine was a prolific writer, but a great deal of his work has not yet been translated into English. In recent years there have been good efforts to do just that. One of those efforts has left me a bit in awe. Behold Controversies of the Christian Faith translated by the erst-while of Homiletic and Pastoral Review Fr. Kenneth Baker, SJ.  US HERE  Also, Doctrina Christiana: The Timeless Catechism of St. Robert Bellarmine translated by Ryan Grant with an introduction by the great Bp. Athanasius Schneider. US HERE – UK HERE   There is no equivocating in these works about paths to God.

It is also the feast of St. Columba, virgin and martyr in Cordoba in 853.

In chessy news… HERE

BTW… someone remind me when I am in Rome to get a new red cincture.

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

This is where the “stamping” of things made of silver took place. I have an antique chalice with the silver stamps of the Papal States. I suspect it would have been done here.

3:16 isn’t just in John.

In chessy news… HERE

This.  I don’t know what to say other than that I am scheduled to arrive in Rome the day this is supposed to happen.

I’m pretty sure my Italian is better than this.

Here’s a google version, because I have far better things to do.

A Church that wants to walk together always needs to reconcile. Forgiveness is the fundamental implementation of the Church, because it summarizes its nature and mission. It would be reductive, however, to think of the Church only as an administrator and dispenser of sacramental forgiveness. Pope Francis has taught us that it is also necessary to ask for it, calling sins by name, feeling pain and even shame, because we are all sinners in need of mercy: of that mercy of God who never tires of loving and forgiving. Forgiveness, then, is like a resurrection, it allows those who have fallen to get up again, those who fear having compromised everything, to start again. Confessing to have sinned is the condition for a new beginning.
At the end of the spiritual retreat (September 30-October 1) of all the participants in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the Penitential Liturgy wants to arrange the synodal work towards the beginning of a new way of being Church.
In St. Peter’s Basilica, the penitential celebration, presided over by Pope Francis, includes a time to listen to three testimonies of people who have suffered sin: the sin of abuse; the sin of war; the sin of indifference in the face of the drama present in the growing phenomenon of all migrations.
Subsequently, we will proceed with the confession of some sins. It is not a matter of denouncing the sin of others, but of recognizing oneself as part of those who by omission or action become the cause of suffering, responsible for the evil suffered by innocent and defenseless people. Whoever expresses the request for forgiveness will do so on behalf of all the baptized. In particular, the following will be confessed:

• sin against peace
• sin against creation, against indigenous peoples, against migrants,
• sin of abuse
• sin against women, the family, young people
• sin of doctrine used as stones to be thrown
• sin against poverty
• Sin against synodality / lack of listening, communion and participation of all

At the end of this confession of sins, the Holy Father will address, on behalf of all the faithful, the request for forgiveness to God and to the sisters and brothers of all humanity.
The penitential celebration, organized jointly by the General Secretariat of the Synod and the Diocese of Rome in collaboration with the Union of Major Superiors (USG) and the International Union of Superiors General (UISG), is open to all, especially young people, and can be followed on the Vatican Media which will ensure its live broadcast.
The liturgy turns the interior gaze of the Church to the faces of the new generations. In fact, it will be the young people present in the Basilica who will receive the sign that the future of the Church is theirs, and that the request for forgiveness is the first step towards a credibility of faith and mission that must be re-established.

Note that this is organized in part or whole by two organizations, women religious UISG and USG, superior probably mostly women.

Yesterday, Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, veneration of a fragment of the Holy Cross at my adoptive parish in Rome, Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini.  See you soon.

Photo by The Great Roman™

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

Hey Fathers!  How about a clerical Guayabera shirt for the hot summer days?

Our Price: $58.50 – Reg Price:$90.00

In chessy news… HERE

BONUS:

This crucifix, in San Marcello, was carried through the city for days during the great plague of 1522. Because this cruficix had survived a massive fire it was deemed miraculous. A huge penitential procession went from the San Marcello to St. Peter’s Basilica. Accounts say that the procession lasted 16 days, 4-20 August (in the heat). The plague receded. When they returned to San Marcello, the plague was over. Since 1650, this crucifix is ??carried to St. Peter during Holy Years.

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

Hey Fathers!  How about a clerical Guayabera shirt for the hot summer days (without plague)?

In churchy news, in Singapore, Francis said in Italian, and there is video

Every religion is a way to arrive at God. There are different languages to arrive at God, but God is God for all. And how is God God for all? We are all sons and daughters of God. But my god is more important than your god, is that true?

There is only one God and each of us has a language to arrive at God. Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, they are different paths.

Nice people! Great service!

The ENGLISH language team of the Press Office changed what he said to … lessen the … whatever that is.   Other language transcripts did not.

Did you know that the World Chess Championship match between Ding Liren and Gukesh will be in Singapore?  I hear it is a really interesting place to visit.  Speaking of chess…

In chessy news… HERE

Photo from The World’s Best Sacristan™

Soon, with your help, I’ll be there.

One of you donors to my October Roman Sojourn fund drive CM via Venmo, I don’t have an email for you.

In churchy news…. the Diocese of Buffalo is planning to close nearly 80 churches. HERE

Dontchya wonder if, maybe, they might think outside the box and try something that’s been tried before and worked?  Whatever it is they are doing is working.  WHY IS THIS HARD?  In fact, it isn’t hard at all.   That means that there are reasons.

Meanwhile… there’s a lot going on in this image … gotta love that Spanish biretta…

“Those who conceal a mortal sin in confession commit a most grievous sin by telling a lie to the Holy Ghost, and, instead of obtaining pardon, they incur much more the wrath of God” (Short Catechism). Take courage, the moment of “embarrassment” passes quickly; hell never does. pic.twitter.com/Ax0fjSv02N

— P. D’Angona, Sacerdos Romano-Catholicus (@RomanoSace57080) September 13, 2024

So true. Embarrassment in the confession. It passes instantly. What replaces it is massive relief.

I’ll remind you of a few my 20 Tips For Making A Good Confession, especially:

11) …never be afraid to say something “embarrassing”… just say it;
12) …never worry that the priest thinks we are jerks…. he is usually impressed by our courage;
13) …never fear that the priest will not keep our confession secret… he is bound by the Seal;
20) …remember that priests must go to confession too … they know what we are going through.

GO TO CONFESSION!

On September 13th, 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary told the three Shepherd Children of Fatima to “Continue to pray the Rosary to obtain the end of the war. In October, Our Lord will also come, as well as Saint Joseph with the Child Jesus, to bless the world.” pic.twitter.com/2KBljhBQfv

— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) September 13, 2024

Please support the wonderful traditional Benedictines of Le Barroux.

In chessy news… HERE

It’s time for another appeal.  Long-time readers know that I try to get back to Rome in (March/April/May for Easter and my anniversary and in October because I sooooo love the synodal process or walking together with pagan idols and that sort of stuff.  Otherwise, these are the best times for Italy.

This is my way to keep my brain alive, identity strong and – having been significantly but not entirely cancelled – my liturgical batteries recharged.  It keeps me fighting.

Hence, another fundraiser.

My plan is to head to Brooklyn for a couple of days at the end of September (soon!) and then arrive in Rome on 1 October.  Quite a few people I know will be in Rome during that period (because of the “walking together” etc.).  Also some dear friends will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Rome.  I like to be there for my birthday on the 28th, (Ss. Simon and Jude).  It is also good to with others who are enrolled in the Archconfraternity which St. Philip Neri started.

My times in Rome are graced season: daily Mass in the best possible environment with great priests and lay people, there will be the October Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage, although it is greatly reduced.  Last time I was there I found on ebay a super buy on an antique chalice and paten: I’m arranging for certain cardinal with an S in his name whom you surely like to consecrate it for me.

Again, I want to work on book ideas (which are coalescing) and in earnest finally obtain a pied–à–terre with guest room so I can more easily split my time, lower cost of being there over time, help fellow priests who come to Rome, and look to the future.  I get emails about apartments (rent and buy) options regularly now and some are pretty good and sort of affordable.Maybe I’ll try to find a chess tournament and get some FIDE points if I can eek out a win!

The last time I had a fundraiser, I did it in terms of “days in Rome”, which will cover my best estimate of rent, food, getting around, US phone use in Italy, etc.  The last few times there, I cooked “in” and saved a great deal doing so: to eat “out” in Rome is expensive. It is a pleasure to shop the shops I’ve known for decades and cook for myself.

My best arguments for support for this project are as they were before: Masses celebrated for the donors for the project, enhanced content here, and the knowledge that I often, when walking about, I am smiling.

My fundraising goal is to cover 40 days in Rome.  

I’ll record the names of everyone who donates for this, large and small, and remember you at daily Mass, pray for you at the tombs of saints, and say Mass for your intention often.

The usual ways of donating are available.  Some of you know them already.

• Zelle, through your US bank, works best.  Drop me a note HERE
• For international donations there is a service called WISE which is very good and has the lowest fees and best conversion rate I’ve seen and I can accept any currency with it, convert it, and either move it or withdraw it using an ATM in Rome.  Try WISE. HERE
• There’s also waaavy flag (PayPal). Add a note “Days in Rome” and your email if you want me to write back.

• Venmo is an option, also. Drop me a note HERE  Or use this QR code…
• PayPal takes a service fee percentage, for larger donations checks by snail mail would be better.  Contact me HERE about that.  There is a faster route than through the old P.O. Box.  This is the best way for any significant amount, and there were a few of you, last time, who were quite generous.  It isn’t as fast, of course, the clock is ticking.

As this project progresses, the Enemy will probably screw around with my life in annoying ways… which always happens. This time there was interference in starting this up because I had to deal with a new washer and dryer.  Something else will probably come up as soon as I post this.  To that end, I have repurposed an old iPhone 7(?) perpetually to play Gregorian chant at a low volume in the house.  I won’t hear it but the nasties will and it can drive them nuts.

Finally, some of you have already contributed over the last few weeks and days, since I have mentioned this upcoming Roman Sojourn one in a while.  Already, thanks to

VF, JL, MR, DVDH, DC, LG, MMcM, MH, SB, PG, HL, MM, SAS, JL, EW, AN, WH, GG, MK, DH, MP, AC, SU, CS

UPDATE 17 Sept (14:07 EST): since posting

MH, MH, MH, JW, DH, MMcM, VD, IGD, BR, KK, DLS, LSW, CM, DG-W, AB, JH, AC, LD, TG, AD, KH, PO, LM, JM, JL, M(D)D, EFC, DHx2, SN, PG, JM, DK, JP, SH, JS, BP, KB, KM, LP, MU, MMx2, MG, JC, AH, MF, SN, JS, VFx2, TB, PM, GP, J&BW,

Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Maria al Foro Traiano was built built between 1736 and 1751. The celebration of the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary was instituted by Pope Innocent XI after the Battle of Vienna in 1683 with the defeat of muslims set on the conquest of Europe and the obliteration of Christendom. As such it holds a special place for the Habsburgs.

Welcome new registrant:

PalmettoPapist

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

The Summit Dominicans could use your patronage.

In chessy news… HERE

The other day there was a big storm in Rome with lots of lightning.

The view from the steps of my adoptive parish, Ss. Trinità dei Pelegrini.

Welcome registrant:

beardown5240

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

I haven’t started in earnest to raise funds for October and part of November in Rome. However some of you have already sent donations in anticipation using “wavy flag” or, even better, Zelle or snail mail (no fees). I’m trying carefully to note you all down in my prayers and Mass lists. Thanks already to

VF, JL, MR, DVDH, DC, LG, MMcM, MH, SB, PG, HL, MM, SAS, JL, EW, AN, WW, GG, MK, DH, MP, AC,

Right now I am looking at a new book published by Angelico Press, which is doing yeoman’s work for the Lord and the Church.

Between Rome and Rebellion: A History of Catholic Traditionalism with Special Attention to France

by Yves Chiron and John Pepino (translator). Originally in French on 2022.

US HERE – UK HERE

This is not a “breezy” book.  The author, who has written also on Paul VI, has looked deeply into what “traditionalism” and – the perennial accusation – “integralism” are.  This more a French thing than American or English, I think.  But it is real.  Saying that people who simply love the traditional Roman Rite are “integralists” are, to my mind, the liturgical equivalent of a lib calling someone who doesn’t cringe and conform a “racist trans phobe”.   The first chapter on “From ‘Integrism’ to Romanity” has left me gasping a bit at the thorough coverage of the whos whats wheres whens, etc.

Since France has figured at the core of the renewal of Tradition, in a way that these USA have not, this is an important historical chronicle.

Scripta manent.

White to move and mate in 2.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

In chessy news, something has happened in my brain. When I work with game analysis in the monthly issue of Chess Life or in book I am beginning to visualize positions for several moves after, say, a diagram. Often after a diagram you will get the notation of a few moves with a parenthetical, “better would have been… etc.”. I’m starting to be able to wade into that notation. I don’t know it is affecting my game yet. One thing I’ve noticed about how I used to learn languages. I’d get to a point and then plateau. Then I would stumble around like a moron who had never heard of the language in question. Then, suddenly, things would start to fall into place. I wonder if the analogy of shuffling cards makes any sense. Division, then total chaos, then new order. I know I am getting old and my mind isn’t what it used to be. So I have to find new angles and methods to learn these things. Can I improve my visual memory at this point in my life? That is a key to the success of most chess players beyond analytical skills.

Meanwhile I just read that in Budapest a 9-yr old defeated three Grand Masters in one event. He is the youngest ever 2200 ELO.

And the Chess Olympics are staring up in Budapest. I’ve been casually working on Hungarian for a while. I’d really like to visit there.

Real-estate for Life… if you are moving or need to work with property, check them out. The agents donate part of their fee to pro-life causes. And don’t forget the sisters. Their shop is great for gifts and they can use the support.

Finally, I am taking some intentions. HERE