Category Archives: Classic Posts

QUAERITUR: Advent wreaths and my annual rant on BLUE vestments

About this time of year I start getting questions about advent wreaths. For example, this came from a a reader today: Dear Fr. Zuhlsdorf, Is it proper to use scented candles for the advent wreath? Sure… if you want to deal … Read More

Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Parody Songs |
44 Comments

“If we do not believe in miracles, we do not ask for them.”

I found this on a refrigerator.   Then I discovered that I wrote it. I guess that memory isn’t what it used to be. This was from a post I did on the 2nd miracle of St. Gianna Molla.  (This … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts |
11 Comments

Where is St. Jerome’s body?

I posted this last year, but I put so much work into it that it deserves recycling on this feast of St. Jerome. Some time ago, there was a discussion on one of our splendid Catholic blogs making mention of … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts, Patristiblogging |
2 Comments

QUAERITUR: changing from altar “servers” to altar boys

A priest reader sent this. Perhaps some of you can post concrete experiences.  We don’t need rants against altar girls here, just concrete help. I would be interested if any of your readers have any resources that would be helpful … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Mail from priests |
60 Comments

A word to biters of the consecrated hand

A friend just phoned to tell me about a discussion on a "trad" forum.  I went there and read for a while. In this discussion some people were publicly bad mouthing priests who have been celebrating the TLM and denigrating … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts, SESSIUNCULA |
Comments Off on A word to biters of the consecrated hand

Stalled again: USCCB fails to pass draft translation of Proper of Seasons

The USCCB says, the draft translation for the Missale Romanum texts for the "Proper of Seasons" failed to obtain a 2/3 majority of favorable votes.  Back to the drawing board. I think we have reasons to be irritated about this.  … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts, SESSIUNCULA |
143 Comments

QUAERITUR: Maniple required for TLM? “Reformed” vestments?

I got this question by e-mail: Greetings Father, A question that the bishop and I were discussing today…If a priest celebrates Mass according to the Missal of 1962, is he REQUIRED to wear a maniple?  Certainly it would be preferable, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Classic Posts, Mail from priests, SESSIUNCULA |
31 Comments

Communion on the tongue, kneeling – Benedict XVI’s good example

Again for the Holy Mass for Sts. Peter and Paul, the Holy Father is distributing Communion only to people who are kneeling and he is giving It on the tongue only. You could see them set up the kneeler. This … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts, SESSIUNCULA |
36 Comments

Thoughts on the SSPX opportunity

I am convinced that there must now be a dramatic gesture of humility on the part of the SSPX.  Everyone involved in this dispute, on both sides of this split, SSPX and Holy See alike, are good people.  They all … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts, SESSIUNCULA |
91 Comments

An argument for lengthening Communion fast to 3 hours again

Over at In the Light of the Law, canonist Edward Peters has a proposal. Be sure to go over there and spike his stats. Here is his piece, with my emphases. Proposal: Extend the Communion fast I have just published … Read More

Posted in Classic Posts, SESSIUNCULA |
69 Comments