Fr. Z's Blog | Formerly entitled: "What Does The Prayer Really Say?" – Clear, straight commentary on Catholic issues, liturgy and life by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf o{]:¬)

CQ CQ CQ #HamRadio Saturday: Perna

Posted on 24 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Perna in Latin means “ham”. There is a street not far from where I am that, from the time of the Caesars, is called Panisperna. That’s where you could buy ham and … etc. Also, that’s where the Panisperna Boys had their physics lab.

That seems a good place to start as I am in Roma and I have potential ham radio news.

I have made an initial contact with someone who might help me and another priestly ham in Rome use the station of the Knights of Malta… a prestigious call to log! We want use their station for special events.

Also, I have a plot to meet those who are in charge of stations that can use the Vatican call sign.

Believe me, if we get the permissions worked out, I will be calling on donations from far and wide to make some special events work!

My first idea is to have a special event in honor of Cardinal Burke to raise awareness of the charitable works of the Knights of Malta in some needy place.

At a certain point we might need a funding drive to supply whatever equipment we may be lacking.

The priestly ham here in Rome is pretty experienced. I expect that he might do the CW while I work phone. We shall see.

And I still awaiting approval of my new call sign!

So… do you experienced hams out there think it might be fun to have a QSO – and specially designed QSL card from 1A0C? From HV0A? With interesting special events QSL cards?

So?

Posted in Ham Radio | Tagged Card. Burke, CQ, Ham radio, Knights of Malta
8 Comments

ROME – Day 2: Of processions and pitchers

Posted on 24 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

The procession and Pontifical Mass for the Summorum Pontificum pilgrimage was this morning. Here are some shots.

I prayed for you, the readers here, my family, my friends, my confreres in Madison, the … gulp… Synod.

Starting in S. Lorenzo in Damaso.

Off we go.

Through the streets of Rome toward San Pietro. Lot’s of tourists and Romans too, I’m afraid, gawked as if it were something from Mars. However, some few sang along with the Litany of Saints and made the sign of the Cross as we went by.

Across the Angel Bridge.

Up the Via della Conciliazione and into the piazza.

Up the main steps.

In we go.

I went to the sacristy, since I was to be one of the familiares for the Mass. I had originally thought that the celebrant was going to be Card. Burke, but instead it was a retired Argentinian bishop of some distinction. He had forbidden Communion in the hand, thus earning my respect.

While just hanging out, a couple of things I got to look at.

Anyway, it was a beautiful Mass and procession.

We need less chatter and more processions… that‘ll help the family!

UPDATE:

A cherished moment in an old Roman sacristy. They were looking for my personal alb, which had been squirreled away and I saw… this… which early brought tears to my eyes in consideration of how much as been lost. Mind you, I am not a great fan of these things, but… so much has been lost. Catholics, you see, don’t say … “Oh, that’s just old stuff! Good riddance!” as if it never meant anything. No … no…..

Reliquaries. They are over a meter tall.

“Buste” of the great saints for the altar. This… Augustine!

An artful view.

Meanwhile, who knew that nearby you could get amanita caesarea?

And the necessary puntarelle in anchovy and garlic?

Mixed up a bit, you see their wonderful curliness.

This little piggy went to market… and she didn’t come home.

Across from my front door. I especially like the guy doing drugs on the left hand side. Bless him.

Ahhh… Roma.

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged Coetus internationalis pro Summorum Pontificum, pilgrimage, procession, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, uqu
27 Comments

Latin Liturgy of the Hours now available… in a new format

Posted on 24 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

For a long time Latin liturgical books, such as the four volumes of the Liturgia Horarum (Liturgy of the Hours for the Ordinary Form) have been very expensive or out of print. Furthermore, they were not well bound, as many of us found out to our dismay.

Here is one initiative that will solve problems of 1) instant availability, 2) price, and 3) unbreakable binding.

All four volumes of the Latin Liturgia Horarum produced by the Vatican Press is now available as an e-book for 11.50 Euro.

HERE

And the actual link: http://www.breviariodigitale.com/

Here is a video:

This was interesting to me because endless strings of clerics over the decades have asked me to get them stuff. This is an easy way for take care of that.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged Liturgia Horarum
10 Comments

ROME – Day 1: Of spit and sea critters – UPDATED

Posted on 23 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

I’m staying close to the Campo de’ Fiori this time. It is handy for shopping and opportunities to spit at the statue of Giordano Bruno.

I’m happily going to my “usual” family run vegetable stand which I have frequented since I lived in the neighborhood a zillion years ago. The nice old lady is still going strong.

And I had to get some coppiette.

The beginning of lunch, yesterday, after settling in. A familiar sight.

Sometimes it is better to opt for short pasta, than the classic bucatini, to keep your shirt clean.

One of the best paranza I’ve had in years.

This is yours truly saying Mass for the intention of all those who donated for this Rome trip.

During my stay I will be saying Mass for the intention of my Rome donors. HERE Yes, that is also an appeal.

And then there were today’s sea critters.

Not mine, my host’s, but I had a taste. Marvelous rice.

Mine. Classic. Wonderful.

Last night there was a fine Pontifical Vespers service at Ss. Trinità. It was one of the pilgrimage events. The celebrant was a very old Argentine bishop who, I learned, back in the day had taken a principled stand against Communion in the hand. I only have one photo, but it’s fun.

How many seminarians can sit on a bench?

Tonight, Pontifical Mass at S. M. in Campitelli.

UPDATE:

Okay… this is Santa Maria in Campitelli.

My view from choir.

As the celebrant, Bp. Pozzo of the PCED begins his sermon.

Card. Brandmueller in choro.

After Mass and veneration of the miraculous image of Mary.

On the way to meet friends, the famous little turtle fountain.

I stopped at a restaurant where I know the Voris crew would be. It was nice to see Michael again.

Speaking of Michael, here is his most recent video on the Synod and on the Pontificate … or perhaps the Parenthesis… of Pope Francis.

For your consideration.

And thus ends a long day.

Tomorrow there is a procession to San Pietro and a Pontifical Mass.

Posted in What Fr. Z is up to | Tagged S. M in Campitelli
16 Comments

As the Synod ends…

Posted on 23 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

My friend Fr Murray has good comments in his EWTN analysis of the Synod’s work:

Fr. Murray touches on Pope Francis’ words about decentralization of the Curia. Robert Royal admits that he doesn’t know what Francis meant by decentralization and a transformation of the papacy.

Fr. Murray thinks that this Synod reveals what great trouble we are in as a Church. It is important, however, that we reaffirm our commitment to Catholic Truth. We must strengthen family life. Royal thinks it is good that we don’t have departures from Catholic teaching in the Final Report. I think that’s damning with faint praise. It is positive to be talking about some thorny issues. However, confused messages are being sent out. I posted a while back a seriously deficient and confusing TV spot from Chicago as an example.

Posted in One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Synod | Tagged family, Fr. Gerald Murray, Synod
2 Comments

Dumb and dumber. Feminists on parade.

Posted on 23 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

A couple of really sad women… horrific world views… tragic consequences.

First, Nancy “The Theologian” Pelosi at CNS:

(CNSNews.com) – House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) criticized Republican attempts to defund Planned Parenthood and repeal the Affordable Care Act in the House’s upcoming vote on a reconciliation bill Friday.

Pelosi told reporters in her Thursday press briefing that “it doesn’t have to be this way,” saying that there could be legislative compromise, which was “what Pope Francis told us to do.” Then she cited remarks in the Pope’s September speech to Congress.

That’s one of the dopiest things I have heard in a while. The Pope would support funding Planned Parenthood?

From LifeSite:

Gloria Steinem: Pope Causing Global Warming by “Forcing Women to Have Children”

No matter his recent encyclical on the environment. Pope Francis himself is the cause of global warming, according to feminist activist Gloria Steinem.

Cosmopolitan writer Prachi Gupta revealed that her editor-in-chief, Joanna Coles, interviewed Steinem, “arguably the most influential women’s rights activist in the world today” for an hour on Wednesday. From that interview, Gupta recalled Steinem’s “serious wisdom” and “best quotes.”

One of those quotes came from when Coles spoke with Steinem about “rethinking the patriarchy.”

Steinem started off with a focus on economics. She argued, “All of our courses in economics should start with reproduction, not production.”

What do economics and the patriarchy have to do with each other? Steinem’s logic went something like this: Pope Francis and “other patriarchal religions” support “forcing women to have children” instead of abortion. There’s then a “human load” on the Earth. Thus, the pope causes global warming.

Cosmo published Steinem’s quote:

“I had this thought that we should have this massive education campaign pointing out that the Pope and all of the other patriarchal religions that dictate to women in this way, accusing them of global warming. Because the human load on this earth is the biggest cause of global warming, and that is because of forcing women to have children they would not on their own choose to have … I’m glad the Pope spoke out about global warming and it was very helpful, but does he know he’s causing it?“

Just plain stupid.

Remember: Feminists have their sacrament: abortion.

Posted in Emanations from Penumbras, Liberals, You must be joking! | Tagged abortion, Gloria Steinem, Nancy Pelosi
7 Comments

Risibly bad TV coverage of Synod from Chicago

Posted on 23 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Some of the worst analysis from a TV broadcast and journalist that I have ever heard about the Church. HERE

Count the problems.

Remember… this is about the coverage.

Moderation queue is ON.

Posted in Biased Media Coverage, Puir Slow-Witted Gowk | Tagged Chicago, liberal bias
6 Comments

Synod notes: The Final Report is coming. I’m not optimistic.

Posted on 23 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Based on my vacuuming up bits of information via conversations and emails.

Today the members of the Synod are going over the draft of the Final Report. God help us all.

I am not optimistic, given the breakdown of the orientations of the small groups I posted yesterday.

Pray. They vote tomorrow. The Kasperites must be soundly defeated. Defeated not by a little, but soundly.

South African Card. Napier Fox one of the drafting committee for the Final Report doubts that Communion for divorced and civilly remarried will be found clearly in the Final Report. If that is true, the Kasperites won’t be able to claim outright victory.

There is a video of a presser during which liberal Fishwrap journalist Robert Mickens (fired by The Tablet – HERE) by Card. Napier. Mickens took aim, through Napier, at Edward Pentin who wrote The Rigging of a Synod. Mickens clearly hates Pentin’s book. Napier slapped him down. Start at 42:15.

Also, read Pentin’s post at the National Catholic Register. HERE The Germans think “mercy” can be shown to civilly divorced and remarried Catholics and others in irregular situations in the “internal forum” (i.e., the Confessional). And watch Fr Carlos Errazuriz, professor of canon law at the University of Santa Croce, dissect the German position.

Also, to understand really well how the Kasperites’ minds work, there is Robert Stark in Catholic World Report. HERE

Posted in Synod | Tagged Card. Kasper, Final Report, Synod
28 Comments

ASK FATHER: Are deacons permitted to distribute Communion in the Extraordinary Form?

Posted on 22 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

In the Extraordinary Form of the Holy Mass (EF), are Deacons (either transitional or permanent) allowed to distribute Holy Communion? Or is this a faculty reserved to only the Priest and Bishop?

On the Correct Handling of Contradictions Among the People

Summorum Pontificum makes it clear that, in celebrating the Holy Mass according to the 1962 Missale Romanum, the rubrics of that Missal are to be observed. See also Universae Ecclesiae.

On the other hand, the celebration of the Extraordinary Form should not be seen as the proverbial fly frozen in amber.

We are not going back in time to recreate 1962. (That said, we are re-presenting AD 33!).

In 1962, deacons were considered extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. In certain circumstances they were permitted to distribute Holy Communion.

In 2015, deacons are now considered by law to be ordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

The distribution of Communion to the faithful is something that is proper to their diaconal ordained state.

Therefore,…

Let a hundred deacons blossom!

Let them assist at regular celebrations of Solemn High Masses!

Let them assist in choro properly dressed in cassock, surplice, with biretta!

Let them place a stole upon their shoulder for the reception and distribution of Holy Communion!

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM | Tagged deacons, Holy Communion
35 Comments

Notes on the Synod: Where do the “small groups” stand?

Posted on 22 October 2015 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

While I was traveling a Friendly Roman Observer did some analysis of how the small groups or circuli minores are coming down… for the Kasperite (non) Proposal (boo!) or for the doctrine of the Church. I’ll share it here, somewhat edited.

The small group reports from this the third and final week are HERE.

There were 13 small groups in five languages.

Regarding the Kasperite Proposal (to allow civilly divorced and remarried Catholics to go to confession and Holy Communion without requiring of them sexual continence), the breakdown is more or less as follows:

4 groups in favor of Kasperitism (of which, 2 groups want the matter decided in the internal forum, i.e., by the penitent, but in conversation with a priest in Confession).
1 group sort of in favor of Kaspertism
3 groups opposed to Kaspertism
1 group divided on Kasperism
1 group with no recommendation on Kaspertism
1 group asking Pope to establish a commission to study the Kasper Proposal
2 groups asking the Pope himself to decide about the Kasper Proposal.

So, the Kasper Proposal has not been completely defeated.

Today (Wednesday) and tomorrow the commission appointed by the Pope will draft a Final Report.

On Friday the draft will be discussed by the Synod Fathers, and amendments will be suggested.

On Saturday the revised draft will be voted on. (So, they say.)

That product, the Report, goes to the Pope. He can decide whether to make the Report public or not. The Pope will decide if he is going to issue a document about the questions, and if so what kind of document and with what authority.

Posted in Francis, Synod |
35 Comments