Author Archives: Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)

A Poetry ‘Encounter’ for Candlemas: “A Song For Simeon” by T.S. Eliot

Tomorrow is traditionally the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is also known as Candlemas.   There are references to light in the liturgy and we bless candles. Candlemas is the conclusion of the Advent/Christmas cycle.  We … Read More

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Your Sunday Sermon Notes – Candlemas / Purification (N.O. Presentation) 2025

  In the Vetus Ordo, it’s the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, also called Candlemas.  The texts reveal that this is a feast that emphasizes the Lord.  In the Novus Ordo, it is the Presentation of the … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
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ROME DAY 25/01 08: Fractal

At 07:20 the sun rose over Rome and it will set 17:28. Ave Maria Bell?  Should be 17:45. It is the Feast of St. Ludovica Albertoni, a Roman widow (+1533).  Her tomb is in the church San Francesco a Ripa, … Read More

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St. Ignatius, martyr, and Bl. Ludovica, widow – Beauty, differently manifested

My Roman Curia calendar today shows that it is the Feast of Bl. Ludovica Albertoni (+31 Jan 1553).  My (Novus Ordo – 2005) Martyrologium Romanum listed her yesterday, the day of her death, otherwise known as her dies natalis, her birthday into heaven. … Read More

Posted in Saints: Stories & Symbols |
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ROME DAY 25/01 07: A martyr

This day, the last of the Days of the Blackbird in Rome, the sun rose at 07:21 and it will set at 17:26. The Ave Maria Bell should ring at 17:45. In the older calendar it is the Feast of … Read More

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Fr. Charron on Mr. Lofton

My good friend (and a good chess player) Fr. Jason Charron has issued a video response to Michael Lofton. These days I pay zero attention to Michael Lofton.  I’ve seen a few clips and minutes here and there, and those … Read More

Posted in The Drill | Tagged
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ACTION ITEM! 2-10 February – NOVENA to Immaculate Heart for FSSP for their Vatican “Visitation”

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

Posted in ACTION ITEM!, PRAYER REQUEST, SESSIUNCULA |
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ROME DAY 25/01 06: INTERNET

On this Feast of St. Martina, Roman Virgin and Martyr (+228), the sun was up at 07:22 and it will set at 17:25. The Ave Maria Bell should sound at 17:45. There are 336 days left in the calendar year. … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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“GO TO CONFESSION!” I always say. Another thing I say is that it is CRUEL to leave penitents in doubt.

Today I was out and about in Rome doing errands. I chanced on a posted sign in the penitents’ part of the free standing confessionals that line most Roman churches, often dusty from neglect.   The sign is a little blurry … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION, Pò sì jiù | Tagged ,
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ROME DAY 25/01 05: a little discrepancy

Roman sunrise was at 07:23.  The sun will set at 17:24. The Ave Maria Bell is in the 17:45 cycle. In the older calendar, today is the Feast of St. Francis de Sales.  He was transferred to 24 January in … Read More

Posted in Brick by Brick, SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
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