Author Archives: Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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

Pope Benedict XVI – Requiescat in pace

I was privileged to have known him well before his election. His loss is a personal loss. Apart from his contributions as a priest, prefect and theologian, two of his accomplishments as Pope stand out for me. Summorum Pontificum – … Read More →

Posted in Benedict XVI, GO TO CONFESSION, Pope of Christian Unity, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM |
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Daily Rome Shot 620

Welcome registrants: MariaHDolan From the new presepio at Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini. Please remember me when shopping online. Thanks in advance.  End of the month!  Important time. US HERE – UK HERE Meanwhile,… As I was looking for news about Benedict XVI on … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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The prayer book of St. Thomas Becket

Here is something from 2016 which remains fascinating to this day. The other day I read about St. Theresa of Avila’s book that had the famous poem written in the margin, perhaps by St. John of Avila.  And years ago … Read More →

Posted in Linking Back, Saints: Stories & Symbols |
8 Comments

Daily Rome Shot 619

From the new presepio at Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini. Use FATHERZ10 at checkout Meanwhile, … White’s b pawn threatens promotion.  How does black move and win? Black to move. NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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UPDATED: Pope Benedict XVI is doing quite poorly – pray for him! Final perseverance!

UPDATE 31 Dec 22: 0820 CST Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, has passed away. His desire was for simple rites. The funeral will be celebrated in St. Peter’s Square on 5 January and he will be interred in the grotto … Read More →

Posted in Benedict XVI |
26 Comments

Daily Rome Shot 618

New registrants, welcome! Luxmaria22 San Antonio Rose From the new presepio at Ss. Trinità dei Pellegrini. Meanwhile, … Black to move.   Black is in trouble!   Find a way out. NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
2 Comments

ASK FATHER: Must we do penance, abstain from meat, on Friday in the Octave of Christmas?

This is a question which comes up each year. It came up again today. Must we do penance on Friday within the Octave of Christmas? The short answer is YES, this year, yes. According to Canon Law, Catholics are bound … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged , ,
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27 December – St. John the Evangelist – Today we bless WINE!

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 →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity |
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27 Dec – St. John Evangelist and St. Fabiola and Card. Wiseman about Protestantism and the Bible

Today, being the Feast of the Evangelist John, we have a special blessing for wine and other libations.  I wrote about that HERE.  We have this blessing because of an assassination attempt.    There was an attempt on the life … Read More →

Posted in Saints: Stories & Symbols |
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Daily Rome Shot 617

Welcome registrant: tractorcrazy From the wonderful new presepio at Ss. Trinità dei Pelegrini. Meanwhile, … White to move and gain material. NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others. Great monks.  … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
4 Comments