Monthly Archives: August 2010

Ridi, Pagliaccia! Sr. Kane smiling, through her tears.

National Catholic Fishwrap has published a talk by Sr. Theresa Kane.   It is about what you would expect, a sustained and blinkered whine.  It never ceases to amaze me that these people can’t see they are galumphing along toward oblivion … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA, Throwing a Nutty | Tagged ,
80 Comments

A short rant on sacred art and architecture

I was at a conference on sacred music in Rome some years back where something occurred that was both irritating and amusing. A liberal leaning choir director was going on and on about the sort of music we need for … Read More

Posted in Wherein Fr. Z Rants |
22 Comments

The stupidest thing I have read in a long time

On a site called – ironically – The Moderate Voice I saw one of the stupidest things I have ever read.  As a matter of fact, this is the sort of entry that brings well-deserved scorn down on many slapdash … Read More

Posted in One Man & One Woman, The Drill, Throwing a Nutty | Tagged , , , ,
32 Comments

Blessed Sacrament targeted for theft from a church

Some years ago I had to stop reserving the Blessed Sacrament at the church I had in Italy because of break ins.  The area is a well-known zone of satanic activity.  There are also many drug users.  These will two … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
19 Comments

QUAERITUR: a blessed object as a raffle prize

From a reader: We recently had a bingo at our parish and the main prize for a raffle was a beautiful portrait of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Prior to the bingo, the portrait was blessed by a priest. I know … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , ,
4 Comments

Another note about UPS units

I have had another nasty surprise.  I have written elsewhere about the need for UPS units. A large UPS unit that was playing a critical role in my network was done in at some point, I am guessing a recent … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged ,
6 Comments

Prayer request

May I request your prayers for a few personal points? First, I feel as if I may be coming down with something.  Second, I had some car trouble today: please let it not be serious.  (I think you can pray … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
31 Comments

QUAERITUR: Priest in confession doesn’t ask for Act of Contrition

From a reader: My parish pastor forgets to ask me to say the Act of Contrition after I’ve finished my Confession.  (I should note that he is from Cuba and that he does not speak English well at all, although … Read More

Posted in "But Father! But Father!", "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged , ,
49 Comments

Webcams: R.I.P.

The webcams for the birdfeeders… the cams I had outside… survived the elements for a long time. They died in a recent storm. Only the internal cams are left.   I have pointed them to the small feeder attached to my … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
9 Comments

Card. Canizares suggests lowering age of First Holy Communion?

This is worth a discussion. I am not sure, but perhaps His Eminence is overly optimistic about the state of catechism today and the competence, therefore, of most parents to catechize their very young children?   They need to be prepared … Read More

Posted in The Drill | Tagged , , ,
119 Comments

WDTPRS: 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time – COLLECT: sheer audacity

Let’s have a look at this daring prayer. COLLECT – (2002MR): Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, quem paterno nomine invocare praesumimus, perfice in cordibus nostris spiritum adoptionis filiorum, ut promissam hereditatem ingredi mereamur. The Latin prayer was not in previous editions Missale … Read More

Posted in WDTPRS |
19 Comments

Sunday Supper 6 – Who knows? I now know… SALMON!

I am contemplating Sunday Supper 6.  I have had no time to shop and the Sunday company will be bringing groceries: mystery groceries. Therefore I will be punting.  But I have dragged out my big sauce book, which I haven’t … Read More

Posted in Fr. Z's Kitchen |
35 Comments

Stingy schedule for confessions in parishes and “New Evangelization”

During the summer months, I often mention in sermons the need for confession.  Summer is not vacation time from the sacrament of penance.   In the busy weeks and long lingering days – now getting shorter –  people must make time … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, SESSIUNCULA | Tagged ,
128 Comments

Dropping “Patriarch of the West” and changing titles of Roman Basilicas to “Papal”

Under another entry I had mentioned the move made by Pope Benedict a few years ago to change the titles of Major Roman Basilica’s from "Patriarchal" Basilicas to "Papal" Basilicas.  He left aside his title "Patriarch of the West". Commentators … Read More

Posted in Pope of Christian Unity | Tagged ,
68 Comments

New Jersey – 15 Aug: Solemn Mass sponsored by Mater Ecclesiae

I received this note from my good friend Fr. Robert Pasley, pastor of Mater Ecclesiae in Berlin, NJ where I have often been a guest.  Each year Mater Ecclesiae sponsors a Solemn Mass in the Extraordinary Form with exceptional sacred … Read More

Posted in The Campus Telephone Pole | Tagged ,
7 Comments

Of lack of a UPS and a quick thanks to a couple readers

On my return home from my canon law conference I found waiting for me, from CG, some coffee, an essential that was on my wish list.  Today received a new small UPS unit, again from the wish list.  However, when … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
Comments Off on Of lack of a UPS and a quick thanks to a couple readers

To priests and bishops: a lament from a soul about confession

I want every priest and bishop who comes here to read this… I received this from a reader:  I was confirmed, baptized, and received communion over a year ago (at Easter) and have yet to make a confession. The priest … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
Comments Off on To priests and bishops: a lament from a soul about confession

QUAERITUR: no confessionals and no confession times

From a reader: I am requesting help re: the application of Canon 964.2 and 986.1 [which concerns the Seal]. The parish has been the host of a monthly homeschool Mass for a group from all over ____ for a few … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box | Tagged ,
45 Comments

An amusing point about a not so amusing issue: Prop 8

I did a Google search to see if the California Catholic bishop filed an amicus brief with the court that handled the recent Prop 8 case. If they didn’t, by the way, it would be nice to know why. But … Read More

Posted in Lighter fare, SESSIUNCULA, The Drill | Tagged ,
18 Comments

Useless kitchen stuff for morons

For those of you who follow my kitchen posts, be sure to check out The Motley Monk and his comments on useless kitchen gadgets morons might buy. It’s a hoot. For example: and don’t forget… And while this might be … Read More

Posted in Lighter fare |
13 Comments