After the death of Card. Pell, the gloves are coming off.

Posted on 16 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

His Eminence George Card. Pell

I firmly believe that Card. Pell would have been a “kingmaker” in an upcoming conclave because of his ecclesiastical experience, his personality, and his enormous moral authority after his persecution and unjust imprisonment.

As one of my correspondents wrote, rightly, “Shall we see his like again?”

I direct the readership to four necessary items to read.

First, there is the “Demos Memo”, written under the pseudonym last year but confirmed as Pell’s.  HERE

QUOTE:

The first tasks of the new pope will be to restore normality, restore doctrinal clarity in faith and morals, restore a proper respect for the law and ensure that the first criterion for the nomination of bishops is acceptance of the apostolic tradition. Theological expertise and learning are an advantage, not a hinderance for all bishops and especially archbishops.

Next, there is Pell’s own piece in The Spectator which came the day after he died.  Of course, he wrote it and wanted it published believing that he was going to be alive.  HERE

QUOTE:

The Catholic Synod of Bishops is now busy constructing what they think of as ‘God’s dream’ of synodality. Unfortunately this divine dream has developed into a toxic nightmare despite the bishops’ professed good intentions.

Next, George Weigel wrote a piece about Pell at First Things.  HERE

QUOTE:

Whatever brickbats will be thrown at the grave of Cardinal Pell because of these two testamentary statements, serious people in the Church will focus on the question of whether these texts accurately describe the current Catholic situation. I believe they do. Let the critics demonstrate the opposite.

Also, Robert Royal penned a piece at The Catholic Thing about Pell and the two documents mentioned above.  HERE

QUOTE:

Pell’s earlier memo is equally blunt, claiming that in the eyes of everyone, except for a few figures close to the pope, “this pontificate is a disaster in many or most respects; a catastrophe.” Not only is Francis failing to maintain truths of the faith, when he speaks to them it often creates greater confusion. Pell lists the usual moral controversies but even identifies a kind of uncertainty on something basic like monotheism (e.g., Pachamama at the Synod on the Amazon).

The orthodox are suspect, the heterodox welcomed. Canonical procedures are ignored, phones are tapped, finances (which Pell was ready to reform) are better but still bad. There’s “little support among seminarians and young priests and wide-spread disaffection exists in the Vatican Curia.”

 

Posted in The Coming Storm, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged
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ASK FATHER: Is it a sin to contribute for a side altar at an SSPX chapel?

Posted on 16 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

Is making a sponsorship to an SSPX church a sin, if one doesn’t support being in Schism.  I have a deep love for Our Lady of Guadalupe for example and would like to support the side altar in her honor.

I assume that the SSPX chapel has a plan to create or renovate a side altar and a collection is being taken up.

A couple things.

First, we cannot accept the premise.  The SSPX, the claims of dilettantes notwithstanding, is not in schism.  When proper authority issues a proper decree properly composed and promulgated, we can review this.  Until then, charity dictates that people should back off and attend to their own affairs.

Second, is it a sin to give material support to an SSPX chapel?  If it is from devotion to Our Lady, I cannot see how it would be sinful.  Also, if one is receiving services from that chapel, then it is a matter of justice also to give it support.  If you go to any regular parish that is not your local or personal parish, you should – if you can – give it commensurate support, even if you are a one time visitor.  The same applies to an SSPX chapel.

I, and you, touch on the motive.  Love of Our Lady is a good motive.  However, it might be that some who attend an SSPX chapel or a certain kind of diocesan parish are doing so out of spite or a less than Christian reason, unlikely as that might be.  In that case, the problem runs deeper than a moral quandary about giving material support.  That sort of thing should be confronted in a serious examination of conscience and then brought to a confessor for guidance.

 

 

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, SSPX | Tagged
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Daily Rome Shot 636

Posted on 16 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Welcome registrants:
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Video by Bree Dail.

Use FATHERZ10 at checkout for 10% off!

Meanwhile,…

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

The monks have added a third choice!

In chess news, Tata Steel continues in the Netherlands.  At chess.com M3GAN is gone and all the cats are back.  Nine lives, I guess.

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
3 Comments

Your Sunday Sermon Notes – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany (N.O.: 2nd Ord) 2023

Posted on 15 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Too many people today are without good, strong preaching, to the detriment of all. Share the good stuff.

It is the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time in the Novus Ordo and the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany in the Vetus Ordo.

Was there a GOOD point made in the sermon you heard at your Sunday Mass of obligation?

Tell about attendance especially for the Traditional Latin Mass.  I hear that it is growing.  Of COURSE.

Any local changes or (hopefully good) news?

I have a few thoughts about the orations in the Vetus Ordo for Holy Family: HERE

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged
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CQ CQ CQ: Ham Radio – #ZedNet reminder – 15 Jan ’23 – 2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Posted on 15 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Here’s a notice about ZedNet for Sunday 15 Jan ’23 – evening at 2000h EST. (0100h ZULU Monday).

NB: During last week I had problems with ALLSTAR.

We took a break over the “holidays”.

Zednet exists on the…

  • Yaesu System Fusion (Wires-X) “room” 28598, and 83466 which is cross-linked to
  • Brandmeister (BM) DMR worldwide talkgroup 31429 (More HERE)
  • Echolink  WB0YLE-R

Fellow hams who have access locally to a Yaesu System Fusion repeater, a repeater on the BM network, or a multi-mode hotspot registered with BM can get on and have a rag chew…. 24/7/365

Want to get involved? WBØYLE provided a Bill Of Materials, with links, for what you need. HERE  THIS WAS UPDATED on by WBØYLE and Fr Z on 4 Dec 2022.

I created a page for the List of YOUR callsigns.  HERE  Chime in or drop me a note if your call doesn’t appear in the list.

For an image of what the Zednet “interconnections” are, click HERE.

We now have the site running:  http://zednet.xyz   I have to get that updated.

 

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Daily Rome Shot 635 and Action Item

Posted on 15 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Welcome registrants:
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Meanwhile,…

Use FATHERZ10 at checkout for 10% off!

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

Priestly chess players, drop me a line. HERE

Interested in learning?  Try THIS.

WISE

3:16 isn’t just in John.The Tata Steel Tournament is on.  This is one of the biggest of the year.  From the stream before the games begin with commentary. You see toward the top lots of people all stacked up at a barrier.  On the other side are the boards of the super GMs.

Magnus needs to win something like 9 games to gain rating, since most of the players are considerably lower.  Except Ding, of course, whom you see above from yesterday.  Magnus (2859) drew against Levon (2735). Ding (2811)  defeated 16 year old Gukesh (2725).

I tuned into the stream of Round 1 yesterday at YouTube of chess24.  Before the coverage began, near the beginning of the video (6:38 to be exact), there began an ad by aimchess.  That ad literally ended (8:28) with a spectacularly offensive, blasphemous exclamation involving the Most Holy Name.  It was breathtakingly offensive, so much so that I wrote a DM tweet (the only way I could find to write to aimchess).  This morning I noted that there was a different add and that people in chat noticed that it was different.

If any of you have an inclination to tune into coverage of Tata Steel via the YouTube channel and if you see that ad, write a note to aimchess via Twitter… @Aimchessdotcom

P.S.  Only M3GAN and Mittens remain.

I saw a trailer on YouTube for M3GAN… seriously creepy. I won’t be seeing that one.

 

 

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YOUR URGENT PRAYER REQUESTS

Posted on 14 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

PLEASE use the sharing buttons! Thanks!

In your charity would you please take a moment look at the requests and to pray for the people about whom you read?

Continued from THESE.

Let’s remember all who are ill, who will die soon, who have lost their jobs, and who are afraid.

I get many requests by email asking for prayers. Some are heart-achingly grave and urgent.

As long as my blog reaches so many readers in so many places, let’s give each other a hand. We should support each other in works of mercy.

If you have some prayer requests, feel free to post them below.

You have to be registered here to be able to post.

I ask prayer for myself.  I’m dealing with TWO serious challenges right now.   I also want to thank all of you who pray for me.

Posted in Urgent Prayer Requests |
20 Comments

What happens when there are bad, or no, sheep dogs?

Posted on 14 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

This is amazing.

I couldn’t help but think about the state of the Church while watching this, what happens when there are bad, or no, sheep dogs.

Posted in Just Too Cool |
9 Comments

Daily Rome Shot 634

Posted on 14 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Welcome registrants:
two people… can’t put their nicknames here because they used email addresses. Not the best idea since bots can mine them. But welcome anyway! The more the merrier!

Linked to yesterday!

Use FATHERZ10 at checkout

Meanwhile,…

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.

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Your use of my Amazon affiliate link is a major part of my income. It helps to pay for insurance, groceries, everything. Please remember me when shopping online. Thanks in advance.  US HERE – UK HERE

Here’s a Vienna I played, not perfectly but I got the job done.

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UPDATED – Send Fr. Z your snail-mail 2023 CHRISTMAS CARDS!

Posted on 13 January 2023 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

UPDATE: 13 Jan ’23:

Another batch of cards has been forwarded. I’m grateful to those who check my old P.O. box.

Livingston, MT (OL Rockies!)
Okotoks, Alberta (amazing, kid art from each, and photos)
Brooklyn, WI (thanks, friends… what a year)
Hampshire, UK
Livermore, CA
Mission Hills, KS (lovely card!)
New Hope, PA
Norway? Wiesbaden? (yes, I did, but after I got home, and you would not believe what I have heard Roman tour guides say… ignorant bigots doesn’t even begin…)
Escanaba, MI
Kenai, AK
Fort Collins, CO (home of WWV)
Nashua, NH (nice)
Bend, OR (PERSEVERE!!!)
Ashford, Middlesex
Portsmouth, NH (your envelope was opened but I think it had KID ART!)
Atchison, KS (St. Philip Neri… great saint!)
Baldwin, NY (yes, we must PERSEVERE!)
Colorado Springs, CO (wow… quite a photo!)
Österlånggatan, Finland
Las Vegas, NV (thanks)

I’ll try to post some photos of kid art later… right now I’m watching U-MN hockey against detested Notre Shame (with 7 players from MN).  ITE RODENTES!

UPDATE: 4 Jan ’23:

Another batch of your cards arrived! Whence?

Calabasas, CA
New Orleans, LA
Melbourne Beach, FL
Atlanta, GA (thank you)
San Mateo, CA (nice card!)
Appleton, WI (I like that St Joseph)
Wausau, WI (good luck!)
St. Paul, MN
Harrisburg, PA (thanks!)
Falmouth, NS
Menomonee Falls, WI (KID ART!)
Arlington, VA
Saint Mary, MO (yes, I remember you and many more in my Masses)
Lincoln, NE (KID ART!)
Philadelphia, PA (R.I.P.)
Singapore
Liberty Lake, WA (glitter… o{]>:¬( … but KID ART… I’m so conflicted… o{]:¬/ …)

UPDATE: 3 Jan ’23:

I have some new cards!

Cuhardy, NY (every year!  LOL!  love it)
Covins, CA (please do… go to confession)
NYC, NY (I hope to be back soon)
Savannah, GA
Wichita, KS (thanks)
McKenzie, TN
Fort Calhoun, NE
Shelbyville, KY (the CSC is GREAT!  More Catholic sites should use it)
Thousand Oaks, CA
Manchester
Sidney (nice martini… I will)
River Ridge, LA (beautiful, I’m so glad)
Fairfax, VA
W. Fargo, ND (lovely)
Lod Angeles, CA
Marion, IN (thanks)
Flushing, NY (thanks! was there not long ago, alas my restaurant wasn’t as good)
Orlando, FL
Millersville, MD
Roselle Park, NJ
Montgomery, AL (thanks)
Bethesda, MD (great baby name!!!)
Alliston, ON (wow, thanks and thanks)
Kuna, ID
Kenosha, WI (thanks)
Fort Wayne, IN (my condolences and thanks)
Orlando, FL
Lost Nation, IA
Lake Side, CA (73 and agree)
Plano, TX
Tiverton, RI (thanks, friend)
Ave Maria, FL (I’ve thought about it)
Hanover, CT (thanks)
Carlisle, MA (ongoing thanks)
Mount Victoria, NSW (KID ART!  Thanks, LIA! Thanks, J! And kudos.)
Windsor, ON (golly, of course, prayers! and thanks)
Upper Brookville, NY (lovely)

 

UPDATE: 25 Dec ’22:

I received more cards yesterday, which were a joy to open today. And there was kid art!

Mesa, AZ
Ashburn, MA (stamps!)
Hollister, CA (good!)
Hudson, MA (thanks!)
Billerica, MA
Ashburn, VA (thanks for the kind words)
Kingston, ID (kid art variant)
San Juan, PR (thanks and prayers)
Dorchester, MA
Louisville, KY
Huntington, WV
Buca Raton, FL
Appleton, WI
Calais, VT (congrats!)
Irving, TX
Bottesford, Leics. (I’ll try to remember)
Deptford, NJ

Keep them coming! They take a while to get to me since they are collected and forwarded. If there is something pressing, drop me an email.

UPDATE: 20 Dec ’22:

Another batch of your cards arrived! Alas, only one piece of kid art. I believe it is the Bugatti I mentioned in the first post.

Newport, NH (ha ha)
Washington, DC* (octogenarin convert!)
Story, WY (fancy card)
Brea, CA (great news! It helps to know that.)
Olathe, KS
Balham, London (thanks, Father!)
Indianapolis, IN
W. Warwick, RI
Watervliet, NY
Malone, NY (thanks)
Rochester, MI (Masses, thanks)
Albuquerque, NM (thank you very much)
Fort Washington, MD (12 kids!)
Bowie, MD
Valdosta, GA (73!)
York, PA (23 grandchildren!)
OVerland Park, KS
W. Warwick, RI
Atlanta, GA* (thanks – prayers for that priest, RIP)
Brooklyn WI* (thanks!)
Bowling Green, MO* (thanks)
Ocala, FL
Chula Vista, CA (masses, thanks)
Loganwille, GA* (thank you)
Wokingham, UK
Fort Worth, TX
San Antonio, TX
Wading River, NY
Kent, England
Independence, KY (glad to be of help)
Stamford, CT
Lubec, ME
Dillsburg, PA (cute)
Dayton, OH
Rapid City, SD
Berkey, OH* (thanks)
West Salem, WI (finally! kid art!)
San Francisco, CA* (thanks)
Beaumont, TX*

UPDATE: 12 Dec ’22:

I am delighted to report that I received a first wave of forwarded Christmas cards. Here are the locations I could figure out.

Windsor, ON*
Gravesend, Kent (still enjoying Patum)
San Diego, CA
Dearborn, MI (I love that about your 97 year old grandmother’s hand missal – and fun  stamp)
W. St. Paul, MN
Vero Beach, FL
Livingston, MT*
Frisco, TX*
Staten Island, NY (you are welcome)
Reeseville, WI* (many thanks)
Arbor Vitae, WI (nice grandkids)
San Antonio, TX*

No kid art yet, but I am hopeful.

I look forward to the next round.

Originally Published on: Nov 27, 2022

I always enjoy your Christmas cards.  The notes and letters which describe the year people have had are interesting and, often, moving.  I read them all.

And drawings by kids are great!  I’ve included two from last year.

If you would like to send me Advent/Christmas greetings or cards, please send by snail mail (if possible with really cool stamps).

Remember mail?

As I have done in years past, I’ll try to post all the places whence they were mailed from around the world.  Keep in mind that if you don’t include your address, at least your city, I can’t easily do that.

I have a US PO BOX address.

Fr. John Zuhlsdorf
733 Struck St.
PO BOX 44603
Madison, WI 53744-4603

That is the P.O. Box of the Tridentine Mass Society of Madison

Someone will regularly check the P.O. box for me and forward everything.  NB: That will add a little time to how long it takes to reach me… but they do reach me.

If you want to send something time sensitive, or perhaps expensive – like keys to a Bugatti – contact me. HERE   We might be able to find you a much faster address!  If you’ve been a regular benefactor and we’ve had contact, you might consider that option.

Please DO NOT send perishable food items. I am sure they would be wonderful but, please, just don’t.

If you put glitter in the card, I’ll recite the Maledictory Psalms against you.

If  I receive something threatening or illegal, I will immediately turn it in to law enforcement.  I’m sorry I have to write that under such a cheery topic, but this is the world we live in, especially in this dreadful craziness going on.

Posted in Lighter fare | Tagged
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