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{]:¬)

QUAERITUR: The traditional Roman Ritual and “reserved blessings”: can priests use them?

Posted on 26 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a priest (slightly edited):

Dear Fr. Z,

I was talking to a fellow priest the other day regarding blessings. I was relating to him how I loved using the Extraordinary Form blessings from the 3 Vol. set [translated by Weller], to which he said he prefers them as well. I then asked if he had used any of the blessings to make sacramental healing water yet, e.g. on the feast of Ignatius the Confessor. He replied that he hadn’t because those were reserved. I responded that I had heard that all reserved blessings had been lifted since circa Vatican II. Personally I should have fact-checked hearsay before using some of the EF blessings; yet, here is my attempt at resolving this liturgical legal conundrum.

Reverend and Dear Father, on 26 Sept 1964 the Sacred Congregation of Rites, on September issued an Instruction stating in par. 77:

“The blessings in the Rituale Romanum tit. IX, cap. 9, 10, 11, hitherto reserved, may be given by any priest, except for: the blessing of a bell for the use of a blessed church or oratory (cap. 9, no. 11); the blessing of the cornerstone of a church (cap. 9, no. 16); the blessing of a new church or public oratory (cap. 9, no. 17); the blessing of an antemensium (cap. 9, no. 21); the blessing of a new cemetery (cap. 9, no. 22); papal blessings (cap. 10, nos. 1-3); the blessing and erection of the stations of the cross (cap. 11, no. 1). reserved to the bishop.”

So, any priest, not just a member of the Society of Jesus, can use the blessing of water in honor of St. Ignatius.

There are lots of spiffy blessings in the book, Father! Use them! Lay people, check ’em out! Figure out a way to integrate these sacramentals into your lives.

Those blessings that were formerly reserved can be found on the great website maintained by the Canons of St. John Cantius, HERE.

Finally, thank you, Pope Benedict, for the provisions of Summorum Pontificum!

The older Roman Ritual is a mighty tool for the promotion of the New Evangelization.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM, The Drill | Tagged SUMMORUM PONTIFICUM
15 Comments

Again Governor of Maryland pushes same-sex marriage

Posted on 26 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From EWTN:

Maryland governor renews push for same-sex marriage

Gov. Martin O’Malley, a Catholic, has renewed his efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland. Same-sex marriage legislation passed in the state senate last year but failed in the state house.

“More and more Marylanders … recognize that redefining marriage is not a question of civil rights,” said Mary Ellen Russell, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference. “Our state’s marriage statute is not an arbitrary recognition of one relationship among many possibilities. This recognition–bestowed on marriage by societies throughout human history–originates in a simple biological fact. The union of one man and one woman is the only human relationship capable of creating children and nurturing them together as father and mother.”

“The bill’s limited exemptions for religious organizations remain ambiguous and by no means cover the host of circumstances that would create a conflict between the government and faith institutions if marriage is redefined,” Russell added. “Moreover, the exemptions do nothing to address religious liberties for the average citizen.”

Last year Baltimore’s Archbishop Edwin O’Brien warned Governor O’Malley about his support for same-sex marriage, urging him to drop a cause “that so deeply conflicts with your faith, not to mention the best interests of our society.” In a reply to the archbishop, the governor said that he has “a public obligation to try to change that injustice.”

(Archbishop O’Brien has subsequently resigned as head of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, to become grand master of the Knights of the Holy Sepulchre. He remains acting administrator of the archdiocese. He will be raised to the College of Cardinals at the February consistory.)

Posted in One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged homosexuals, marriage, One Man and One Woman, same-sex marriage
17 Comments

Fr. Z endorses idea from NcFishwrap. Sky to Fall. Lord to Return. Film at 11.

Posted on 25 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Was that booming CRACK I just heard the opening of the Fifth Seal?

You know that things are getting pretty serious when Fr. Z endorses an idea from the National catholic Fishwrap.

But it was a good idea, and around here we play fair. We do our fair share!

Michael Sean Winters has gotten it right, so far, about Pres. Obama’s attacks on the 1st Amendment, religious liberty, and the Catholic Church in particular.

He has an idea. My emphases and comments.

In 2006, [retired] Cardinal Roger Mahony, the most prominent carrier of the social justice tradition of Cardinal Bernardin, [I know you want to stop reading now, but do try to forge ahead…] said that he would call upon his flock to practice civil disobedience in the face of a proposed law that would have banned Catholic charities from assisting undocumented workers. Mahony rightly invoked the right of the Church to pursue its Gospel-mandated ministries without interference from the State. [Okay… there isn’t quite a moral equivalence between being prevented from performing corporal works of mercy and being forced to distribute contraception, or being forced to adopt children out to homosexual couples, or some other issues, but you can see where he is going: if civil disobedience in the case of A, then perhaps also in the case of B.]

Mahony delivered a sharp rebuke to the Obama administration following last week’s announcement that it refused to enlarge the conscience exemption from HHS mandated health insurance coverage of procedures the Church opposes. [I wrote on that here.]

So, I offer a modest proposal. The U.S. cardinals should pick a day and, with the support of like-minded clerics from other religious traditions, come to Washington and chain themselves to the White House fence, get arrested, and bring further attention to the issue of religious liberty. Civil disobedience by clergy has a proud tradition, including Dr. King’s protests against segregation and the countless clergy who engaged in civil disobedience to protest the Vietnam War. The cardinals might wish to choose the Feast of St. Thomas More, June 22, to make their point although that would give the event a distinctly Catholic flavor. Or they might choose a secular anniversary, say, August 21, which was the day in 1789 that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bill of Rights.

You will note that the link above to the story about Cardinal Mahony’s 2006 call for civil disobedience brings you to an editorial by the [Hell’s Bible…] New York Times. Then, the Times applauded Mahony. Will they have the courage of their commitment to the First Amendment again?

A pretty good idea.

I am reminded of the old priest who was arrested at Notre Dame at the request of the administration there for protesting that university’s pandering to the most dedicated pro-abortion president we have ever seen. But I digress.

Sincerely, I would be tempted to go to Washington and stand there with the US Cardinals, provided that I and the no-doubt large crowd of other willing priests wouldn’t distract from the actions of the truly important churchmen involved. Sometimes less is more.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Biased Media Coverage, Brick by Brick, Emanations from Penumbras, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity, Priests and Priesthood, Religious Liberty, The Drill, The future and our choices, The Last Acceptable Prejudice | Tagged Fishwrap, HHS, Kathleen Sebelius, Michael Sean Winters, Obama Administration, Pres. Obama
19 Comments

SSPX Bp. Williamson says, “I would rather be a schismatic sedevacantist than a Roman apostate”.

Posted on 25 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

“I’d rather be in the ditch off the left side of the road than off the right side!”, quoth Jackson.*

Noooo, Dear Jackson. You can also stop swerving around, avoid both ditches, and drive responsibly according to the law given for our safety and the safety of others.

The money line from SSPX Bp. Williamson this time is:

“Dear friend of mine, I would rather be a schismatic sedevacantist than a Roman apostate. With the grace of God, neither!”

From an English language site HERE.

If you can read French there is an article HERE.

It doesn’t have to be either/or.

Those are not the only two choices. As he says, “With the grace of God, neither.” Fine! Then don’t be either!

“But Father! But Father!”, some of you are about to say. “Why pay attention to this guy at all?”

I have often pondered that question. I’d rather not, but I do, don’t I!

It is sort of like being a gawker when approaching the site of a car accident. You get distracted and then slam into the back of the gawker in front of you.

So, let the fender benders begin!

* Jackson”, by the way, is what I have dubbed all anonymous motorists. Many thanks to my friend Fr. GM from whom adapted the practice.

Posted in Dogs and Fleas, Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, Throwing a Nutty | Tagged Bp. Williamson, Jackson, SSPX
48 Comments

Benedict XVI convenes meeting with heads of all dicasteries

Posted on 25 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From Vatican Insider (La Stampa):

Benedict XVI convenes meeting with heads of all dicasteries

On Saturday 28 January, all heads of the dicastery who lead the Congregations and Pontifical Councils of the Roman Curia, will gather in the Vatican for a meeting convened by Pope Benedict XVI

VATICAN INSIDER STAFF
ROME

Vatican sources have stated that the plenary assembly will deal with problems relating to internal communication and the phrasing and checking of documents.

These types of meeting, where all Vatican “ministers” are called together, are scheduled haphazardly. In recent times they have tended to take place twice a year so as to allow a broad discussion of topics on the agenda.

The meeting in question will be held in the Vatican’s Bologna Hall. The last meeting of its kind took place on 13 June 2011 and was defined as a meeting to coordinate the Curia.

The last meeting of this breadth and with the same levels of participation, was held on 12 November 2010. One of the issues discussed, was the dicastery for the New evangelisation, led by Mgr. Rino Fisichella, which at the time was still in the process of being established.

What popped into my head was that “white paper” from the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

Posted in The Drill |
4 Comments

QUAERITUR: The origin of giving flowers to Mary during weddings.

Posted on 25 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

A priest friend recently asked if I knew the origin of the “custom” during weddings of giving flowers to Mary, by placing them at her statue or image (which some protestants probably think is mighty strange).

I must admit, I don’t have a clue where this came from. It smacks of the Mediterranean, but I can’t say for sure.

However, this should not be done during a Nuptial Mass. There is no provision for this in the rubrics. The same goes for “unity candles”. Don’t ask to do it.

Don’t blame me! It’s not part of the rite.

Let the Nuptial Mass be the Nuptial Mass without additional subjective and sentimental additions intruding on what it already says and does.

After Mass… that’s another kettle of fish.

But back to the question. Aside from the fact that it shouldn’t be done (during Mass), does anyone know the origin of this custom?

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged flowers, nuptial Mass, unity candle, weddings
49 Comments

QUAERITUR: The Leonine Prayers after Mass in the Ordinary Form. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

Posted on 25 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

I recently went to FOCUS student leadership summit and Curtis Martin, the founder, told the story behind the Leo XIII’s prayer to St. Michael. Well the students at the summit loved the prayer, and spontaneously started praying it at the end of Mass! And my friends came home wanting to pray it after Mass. I know the Leonine Prayers have been suppressed, but can we get a dispensation from a Bishop or something like that to say them after Low (I suppose referred to as weekday in the OF) Mass?

Keep in mind that “after Mass” is after Mass! You can have any devotions you want to have after Mass.

Since “after Mass” is outside of Mass, people are free to pray as it pleases them. If Father, after Mass is ended, that is – outside of Mass – happens to kneel down and say a few super Catholic prayers, such as a few “Hail, Mary”s, the Salve Regina, etc., and people just happen to join in, what harm is there in that? Isn’t it good that people pray in church after Mass, rather than scramble for the door or yak it up?

People can stay and pray them with Father. People can leave if they have to or want to. What’s the big deal?

It is true that the so-called “Leonine Prayers” are not obligatory. I don’t think they are obligatory even after Low Mass in the Extraordinary Form (watch below for the “But Father! But Father! You’re wrong!” crowd to chime in). Nevertheless, I also think we need these prayers today.

The Leonine Prayers were eventually associated with the conversion of Russia, but they were originally developed, over time and in stages, to help combat secular oppression of the Church.

I don’t see that Russia is doing all that well these days and certainly there is no lack of attacks on the Church.

In the USA, I would like to see the American Bishops promote the Leonine Prayers during this time when true marriage is under attack, the Obama Administration is going to try to force Catholics to violate their consciences, and secularists and their liberal catholic bed-partners are suppressing a faithful Catholic voice in the public square.

Think about it:

O God, our refuge and our strength, look down with mercy upon the people who cry to Thee; and by the intercession of the glorious and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of Saint Joseph her spouse, of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, and of all the saints, in Thy mercy and goodness hear our prayers for the conversion of sinners, and for the liberty and exaltation of Holy Mother Church.

There are some variations of translations, but … I ask you: Is that not a great and appropriate prayer for the challenges we are facing right now?

So, let’s pray the Leonine Prayers, on our own, if we have too. And I also suggest adding to them, as I do after every Mass, a Memorare for our bishops. I have a short list of bishops I pray for after every Mass, though you could offer it for all our bishops.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Brick by Brick, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, New Evangelization, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Religious Liberty, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged devotions, Leonine Prayers, Memorare, prayers after Mass
26 Comments

QUAERITUR: Going to confession after many years

Posted on 25 January 2012 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader:

The more I read you the more I’m intent on going to Confession again.

I’m 31, and haven’t been since I was confirmed. As you know, it just hasn’t been consistently preached that it is necessary. I just have a couple basic questions.

1) What do I say? Do I immediately say, “Father, forgive me, for I have sinned,” then list my sins?

2) I can’t find the post, but I think I remember you saying that one needs to confess ALL mortal sins committed, in order for absolution to be valid. Well, quite frankly, that’s impossible. Over the past 19 years, I’ve sinned exceedingly in thought, word, and deed. I neither have the memory nor the time to list all my sins. Providing I could remember all my sins, my confession could take hours. Any guidance would be MUCH appreciated.

Good for you!

It is good to follow a regular format for confession. You might prepare for your confession with a good Examination of Conscience. You can find some good things here. Fr. Finigan made a useful confession pamphlet.

You should, indeed, try to confess all your mortal sins in kind and number whenever you go to confession. However, since it has been a very long time for you, and we humans just can’t remember everything, do you best, perhaps giving an indication of frequency over some period of time (month, year) while confessing those low points you do remember clearly. Just do your best. If you do your best, ALL your sins will be forgiven, whether you could remember them all or not. Then, in the future, you can be more precise when going to confession regularly.

And you can always tell the priest it has been a long time and you could use some help.

Also, down the line, you might look at my 20 Tips.

Finally, just go! You’ll be more than fine. Do your best and God does the rest.