Category Archives: POPES

POLL: First impression of Pope Francis, on a scale of 1-10

While we are in his first hours and days as Pope, let’s hear about first impressions.   Anyone, even non-registered readers, can vote.  The software shouldn’t be able to track who you are.  I invite other bloggers to spread the … Read More

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370 Comments

Who was St. Francis of Assisi? Check out a great new biography.

Fr. Augustine Thompson, OP, who posts here now and then, fairly recently published a new biography about St. Francis of Assisi.  This might be a good book for your parish priest or for seminarians or for yourself, as we watch … Read More

Posted in Francis, Saints: Stories & Symbols | Tagged ,
19 Comments

Pope Francis – the real deal – has Audience with Cardinals

Today I took in the Audience Pope Francis held for the College of Cardinals in the Sala Clementina.  It was entirely charming. There was a little scare, however.  After the first greeting by the Dean of the College, Card Sodano, … Read More

Posted in Francis, SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
67 Comments

What Did St. Francis Really Say?

Now that we have a Pope named Francis, and we know that he intended to invoke St. Francis of Assisi, we might delve into Francis looking for some clues as to what (we hope) the new Pope might be up … Read More

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30 Comments

My call to the SSPX as Francis begins.

Gentlemen, I now repeat, on the first full day of the pontificate of Francis. The entire SSPX should gather in St. Peter’s Square, crawl on hands and knees to the Apostolic Palace and beg the new Pope to allow them … Read More

Posted in Francis, Pope of Christian Unity, SSPX | Tagged ,
130 Comments

Updates on Pope Francis’ first day as Pope – Great moments! (live blogging)

During the press briefing today, we were told that after the first appearance and blessing last night, Pope Francis went back to the cardinal’s residence, Casa Santa Marta, on the little bus with the other cardinals rather than take the … Read More

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68 Comments

My take on Card. Bergoglio in 2009.

My take on Card. Bergoglio in 2009. Who’s the important one?

Posted in Conclave, Francis | Tagged ,
9 Comments

QUAERITUR: Is permission needed to say the Novus Ordo in Latin?

From a reader: I have searched high and low. When is it  permissible for priests to celebrate the Novus Ordo (Editio Typica) in Latin in the U.S.? Is the permission of the local bishop needed? I am always surprised when this comes … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Benedict XVI, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
45 Comments

Brick by brick, altar by altar! Another parish turns “ad orientem”!

Here is some great news.   Fr. Jay Finelli, whose podcasts are up for an award in the same contest this blog is a part of (HERE – VOTE DAILY to help (Fr. Z’s Blog TOO!)), sent me a note … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Brick by Brick, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Year of Faith | Tagged , , , ,
10 Comments

Lighter but still serious fare

Some lighter fare… though with a serious point. In Spanish: The Vatican prohibits the use of Twitter during the Conclave. “Let me in!  I’m not Twitter, I’m the Holy Spirit!” And, from ZENIT, a recent photo it seems of His … Read More

Posted in Benedict XVI, Conclave, The future and our choices | Tagged , ,
19 Comments