Author Archives: Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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

LENTCAzT 2026 – 02: Thursday after Ash Wednesday – Is your heart ready?

A 5 minute daily podcast to help you in your Lenten discipline. We hear from St. John Henry Newman about Lent and then there is a stirring reflection from Fr. Troadec: “If we were to die this night, would we … Read More

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PODCAzT 190 – Voices of the Fathers 05 – St. Jerome’s wide open spaces

I recently rediscovered a slim volume entitled The Osterley Selection from the Latin Fathers, published in 1950. The preface praises the great classical authors—Caesar, Cicero, Livy, Virgil—yet insists that Christian also worthy. The collection includes brief selections from Fathers of … Read More

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A Fr. Z “fervorino” for Ash Wednesday – “Sursum corda!”

From the 1st Reading for Holy Mass in the Vetus Ordo…. Return to Me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God.  – Joel 2 … Read More

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The Blessing of Ashes – Novus Ordo v. Vetus Ordo – Could there be differences?

In the Vetus Ordo, Usus Antiquior, there are four prayers for the blessing of ashes. In the Novus Ordo there is one, split into one of two … yes… options (aka a defining characteristic of the Novus Ordo). The business … Read More

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Daily Rome Shot 1552 – Can it really be 5 years already?

The London Oratory Schola went to Rome and sang at The Parish on Sunday. Today’s Wordle: 3 Beer. So much more than just a great breakfast drink! Just want to remind everyone this is an option for Lent pic.twitter.com/MMpQjdtHp0 — … Read More

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Interior Fiat

Interior Fiat Smile when interrupted.Accept contradictions without explaining or justifying yourself.Renounce preferences; die to self-will.Patiently bear all annoyances. Submit to daily crosses.Practice recollection and silence.Do not complain about anything.No interior… pic.twitter.com/LxPd8ao5u4 — Memento Mori (@TempusFugit4016) February 18, 2026

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“Ash Wednesday” by T.S. Eliot

Back in 2013, with a remnant of a cold, I read T. S. Eliot’s Ash Wednesday. It’s interesting to go back to that post and see the comments.  For example, Supertradmum is no longer with us.  Say a prayer for the repose … Read More

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LENTCAzT 2026 – 01: Ash Wednesday – Man your stations!

A 5 minute daily podcast to help you in your Lenten discipline. Remarks about the Roman Stations, the manner of imposition of ashes, and thoughts of Fr. Troadec, which I don’t believe I’ve read on an Ash Wednesday. He’s terrific. … Read More

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ASK FATHER: Ashes On Very Small Children, Babies? – PRIESTS invited to comment especially

From a priest: Reverend and Dear Father, Ash Wednesday is soon to be upon us, and I am faced with the situation I am often faced with: whether to impose ashes on cute, angel-faced infants. It never fails that, as … Read More

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18 February 2025 – Ash Wednesday – Fasting, Abstinence, and You (with remarks on coffee and the brushing of teeth)

According to the 1983 Code of Canon Law for the Latin Church, Latin Church Catholics are bound to observe fasting and abstinence on Ash Wednesday. Here are some details. I am sure you know them already, but they are good … Read More

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