Author Archives: Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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

ASK FATHER: How do priests who dislike Communion on the hand cope with the obligation to do it? Wherein Fr. Z rants.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I have taken your advice from almost a decade ago in a previous «Quæritur» to heart; I want to help the church where I live and be a diocesan priest. The issue I am struggling with … Read More →

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, Wherein Fr. Z Rants |
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Daily Rome Shot 1076

The main doors of Rome’s cathedral church St. John Lateran, once in the Senate House build by Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum.  They are so well balanced that one person can close them. Welcome Registrant: DiscerningWarbler Please remember me … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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Wednesday of the Fast of the Seventh Month

In the September Ember Wednesday Mass as observed in the Vetus Ordo, the Usus Antiquior, Holy Church offers a promise of abundance within a call to fasting.  A seeming paradox. Amos foretells vineyards planted and enjoyed, gardens yielding their fruit, … Read More →

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Patristiblogging, SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
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What Does The Prayer (Hymn) Really Say? Iste Confessor (Common of Confessors not Bishops.)

The hymn Iste Confessor comes up often in Roman Breviary.  I have been drilling into a few of the frequent hymns.  After all, you can’t just keep reading them without looking for something new! There are 10th c. manuscripts with … Read More →

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, PRAYERCAzT: What Does The (Latin) Prayer Really Sound L, WDTPRS |
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Daily Rome Shot 1075

Welcome Registrant: Pittman72 Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance, utilities, groceries, and now also my late mother’s place.  At no extra cost to you, you provide … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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“Days in Rome” Project – October 2026 and beyond – UPDATED

UPDATE: 6 Oct-17:24 You hit my goal!  Thank you.  Of course this doesn’t mean that those who have not yet donated must sit on their hands.  I wanted to cover the major expenses.  If more comes, I’ll also lay up something … Read More →

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
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21 September – St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist: Wherein the Feast begat a blog post

Today is the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist.   The other Apostle and Evangelist is St. John. The Evangelists Luke and Mark were not Apostles in the sense that the Twelve were.  Luke, a physician, was a companion of … Read More →

Posted in GO TO CONFESSION, Saints: Stories & Symbols |
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Your Sunday Sermon Notes – 17th Sunday after Pentecost (N.O.: 25th Ordinary)

My Sunday Mass intention today is for my benefactors, those of you who donate regularly, ad hoc, or send things. Too many people today are without good, strong preaching, to the detriment of all. Share the good stuff. Was there … Read More →

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From “The Private Diary of Bishop F. Atticus McButterpants” – 26-09-13 – Closing St. Casimir

September 13th, 2026 Dear Diary, We closed St. Casimir’s today. The canon law people said “Relegated to profane but not sordid use.” Nobody talks like that except canon lawyers.   The finance people have been on me about the place for … Read More →

Posted in Diary of Bp. McButterpants | Tagged
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WDTPRS – – 17th Sunday after Pentecost – Diabolical Contagion

Is this prayer appropriate today or what?!? It seems to me that we can see what we are praying against at nearly every level of the Church today.  Some are witless about it, others are witting.  Among the witting, some … Read More →

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, WDTPRS |
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