Category Archives: Our Catholic Identity

“…the young are more to be pitied, since they know not of what they have been deprived.”

Posted on 4 June 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The evils which afflict us are well known, even if we do not now mention them, for long since have they been re-echoed through the whole world. The teachings of the Fathers are scorned; the apostolic traditions are set at … Read More →

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Posted in Our Catholic Identity, Patristiblogging, The Coming Storm, The Drill, The future and our choices |
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ASK FATHER: Can the “Dies Irae” be used in the Novus Ordo Requiem Mass? Wherein Fr. Z rants.

Posted on 7 April 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a priest… I think… QUAERITUR: Preparing for a funeral Mass in the near future; Is it permissible to chant the Dies Irae sequence in a Latin requiem Mass using the ordinary form? Didn’t see it anywhere in the copy … Read More →

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Posted in "But Father! But Father!", "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Mail from priests, Our Catholic Identity, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, Wherein Fr. Z Rants |
27 Comments

ASK FATHER: 9 1st Fridays but how do Good Friday (April 3) and St. Joseph (May 1) impact that?

Posted on 2 April 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader… QUAERITUR: If we are keeping the 9 first Fridays, with the Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart, how do Good Friday (April 3) and St. Joseph (May 1) impact them? I get your point: rulz iz rulz, … Read More →

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Posted in ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
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In the ancient Roman Church today, Wednesday “in mediana” was a big day for catechumens.

Posted on 18 March 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

In the ancient Roman Church today was a big day for catechumens. Last Sunday, Laetare, was “midpoint” Sunday because before Lent was lengthened, it was the midpoint before Easter. Hence, Wednesday is called “in mediana” and the Roman Station is … Read More →

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Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity |
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A ‘Cri de Coeur’ from the heartland

Posted on 1 March 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader on this 2nd Sunday of Lent. (Note: because of the blog migration Early Tuesday 2 March, comments posted after 0600 EST 11 UTC) will not migrate. That’ll give you time to “think before posting”.) Wanted to pass … Read More →

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Posted in Cri de Coeur, Our Catholic Identity, SSPX, The Coming Storm, The future and our choices, The Last Acceptable Prejudice | Tagged ,
18 Comments

“SSPX? I stand with Rome!” – “Oh, really? What does that mean?” Terrific video from Fr. Robert McTeigue, SJ.

Posted on 19 February 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Terrific video from Fr. Robert McTeigue, SJ.

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Posted in HONORED GUESTS, Our Catholic Identity, SSPX, The Drill |
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The Blessing of Ashes – Novus Ordo v. Vetus Ordo – Could there be differences?

Posted on 18 February 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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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Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill | Tagged
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ASK FATHER: Ashes On Very Small Children, Babies? – PRIESTS invited to comment especially

Posted on 17 February 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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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Posted in "But Father! But Father!", "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged
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St. John Chrysostom: On giving the Eucharist to UNWORTHY PUBLIC FIGURES

Posted on 27 January 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

St. John Chrysostom could be nicknamed the “Patron Saint Of Telling It Like It Is”. Chrysostom (+407), known as the “golden-mouthed” for the excellence of his preaching, was Bishop of Constantinople.  Trained in Antioch, he expounded Scripture in its literal … Read More →

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Posted in 1983 CIC can. 915, Our Catholic Identity, Patristiblogging | Tagged ,
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We are our rites… “In some way or another”, I guess.

Posted on 8 January 2026 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From Ed Pentin at the National Catholic Register: Liturgy Sidestepped at Pope Leo XIV’s First Consistory? [With my emphases and comments.] Cardinals choose evangelization and synodality as key topics, disappointing those who expected the liturgy to be a central theme … Read More →

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Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, What are they REALLY saying?, You must be joking! | Tagged
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