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{]:¬)

VIDEO for your Just Too Cool file – supercomputer simulation of past year’s hurricane season

Posted on 27 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

At APOD I saw this amazing video and I can’t but share it.

Explanation: Where do hurricanes go? To better understand dangerous storms, NASA compiled data from several satellites into a supercomputer simulation of this past year’s hurricane season. Specifically, the featured video shows how smoke (white), sea salt (blue), and dust (brown) tracked from 2017 August through October across the northern half of Earth’s Western Hemisphere. These aerosols usefully trace sometimes invisible winds. In the midst of the many mesmerizing flows, hurricanes can be seen swirling across the Atlantic Ocean on the right. Some of these hurricanes lashed islands and coastal regions in North America before dissipating in the northern Atlantic. Studying this year’s weather patterns may bolster more accurate storm forecasts as soon as next year.

Posted in Just Too Cool, Look! Up in the sky! | Tagged hurricanes, weather
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ASK FATHER: Is Advent a penitential season? Also, Advent Blue Vestments… NO! ANNUAL SONG ALERT!

Posted on 27 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

In my 14.75 years as a Catholic, I’ve heard that Advent:

1) Is a penitential season
2) Is a semi-penitentials season
3) Is no longer a penitential season but was before Vatican II
4) Never was a penitential season

Can you clarify which is the truth? References to manuals and codes of canon law are always appreciated.

Yes, Advent IS a penitential season. It just makes sense. However, the present Code doesn’t oblige us to do penance in the way that it does during Lent.

Before our great feasts, Christians fast and do penance and, if they have their heads screwed on the right direction, perform works of mercy. In ancient Christian Rome, for example, people would cut back on their food on fast days (obviously), but they would also give the difference to the poor.

Advent is a penitential season. The Church’s prayer in Mass and the Office traditionally continues our reflection on the Second Coming of the Lord… which is a matter for penitential preparation. This is reflected on the loss of the Gloria during Advent and our use of violet vestments. Waaaay back in our history, black vestments were used during Advent, which was a longer season.

That said, Advent is like Lent, but it is not like Lent. Advent is also rightly described as a season of joyful expectation. We are preparing also to celebrate the feast that, perhaps, touches us the most deeply: the Birth of the Lord. Hence, there is also a strong Marian dimension to our Advent reflection.

I like to describe Advent as a season of joyful penance or, if you prefer, penitential joy. We can hold the two in a beautiful, fruitful tension.

Consider that Advent presents the figure of John the Baptist, who said: He must increase, I must decrease. Kenosis. Sounds penitential to me.

Liturgical directives instruct us not to have flowers on the altar, not to have instrumental music except to support congregational singing. Sounds penitential to me.

Back to the vestments for a moment.

Some people like to distinguish between the purple shades used in Lent and Advent. They make Lent’s purple redder and Advent’s purple bluer. Those who don’t care for penance all that much (libs, in particular), had a craze for blue vestments during Advent. They cam up will all sorts of lame excuses for the use of blue. Blue, however, is NOT an approved color for Advent! There are some long-standing traditions of the use of blue vestments in the Latin Church, such as the Spanish indult, among others. As a matter of fact, in the coming calendar year, our TMSM is going to have a set of blue vestments made for Pontifical Mass on particular Marian Feasts. Why? ¡Hagan lío! BUT… for ADVENT? NO! And again NO!

Each year I have had a bit of a rant about blue vestments. Consider that my annual rant. And here is the now legendary song about Advent blue vestments

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Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Parody Songs | Tagged ADVENT, liturgical blue, penance
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1095: “Deus vult!… God wills it!” The 1st Crusade and lessons for men today.

Posted on 27 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

On this day in 1095 Pope Urban II made a speech.

The setting was the Council of Clermont in France.

Urban, indeed all of Europe, was alarmed at the aggression of the Turks in the East, who had taken the Holy Land and were invading the Eastern Roman Empire.

Didn’t we just learn that, apparently, Pope St. John Paul predicted an invasion of Europe by Islam? Plus ça change….

Pope Urban therefore addressed the Council asking them to help their Christian brethren in the East. As Robert the Monk recorded, Urban put it, apparently, this way:

“Deus vult!… God wills it!”

Thus began the First Crusade.

In another version of Urban’s history-shaping speech recorded by one Fulcher of Chartres, Urban also addressed corruption in the Church. According to Fulcher, thus Urban:

Let those who have been accustomed unjustly to wage private warfare against the faithful now go against the infidels and end with victory this war which should have been begun long ago. Let those who for a long time, have been robbers, now become knights. Let those who have been fighting against their brothers and relatives now fight in a proper way against the barbarians. Let those who have been serving as mercenaries for small pay now obtain the eternal reward. Let those who have been wearing themselves out in both body and soul now work for a double honor.

Not a bad sentiment, when translated into our context today. Think not only of the rise of radical Islam (yes, they want us all to die or be subjugated), but also of the rise of the “dictatorship of relativism” and the insidious – diabolical – inroads now of gender ideology and homosexualism.

Perhaps it would be good for Catholic men to see themselves as knights.

Sometimes I suggest to men in the confessional that, particularly in their relations with women, they might try to see themselves as knights, who would rather die than sin.

Urban’s speech reminds me also of the a movie made by Protestants called Courageous (USA BlueRay+DVD HERE. Just DVD HERE. UK DVD HERE. Yes, I think the concepts will “translate” for readers in the UK.) about some men who band together and decide they will make a special commitment, to each other and to God, to be better men, better husbands, and better fathers. The pastor who witnesses the vows the men make says this:

“I also have a warning for each of you. Now that you know what you are to do, and have committed to do it before God and these witnesses, you are doubly accountable. Let me also assure you, that you may have confidence in this resolution and your resolve now, because as you stand here there’s no challenge, no controversy, and no conflict. But I can assure you that challenges will arise, conflicts will arise, and controversy will arise. It is at that moment that, in order to live our this resolution, you will need courage… courage… courage.”

This is what we need from our fathers in the family and in the Faith.

When I heard that in the movie I thought that that speech could be one of the best parts of the admonition a bishop is supposed to give to the men he will ordain priests.

Anyway, today in 1095 Pope Urban made a speech.

I have used the female voice’s refrain in that song as a framework for one of my conferences. Buy the album with that song HERE, UK HERE. The other songs are good too. I am not much into that style of music, but this is not bad!

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Posted in Our Catholic Identity | Tagged 1095, Courageous, crusades, Urban II
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27 Nov – Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Posted on 27 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Toward the back of our venerable 1962 Missale Romanum there are Mass formularies for special feasts. Today, for example, we find Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

Our Lady appeared to a Sister of Charity of the Rue du Bac in Paris, St. Catherine Labouré, and showed her the pattern of a medal. Through this medal many miracles have been granted through God by Mary’s intercession.

The Collect:

Domine Iesu Christe, qui beatissimam Virginem Mariam matrem tuam ab origine immaculatam innumeris miraculis clarescere voluisti, concede: ut eiusdem patrocinium semper implorantes, gaudia consequamur aeterna: Qui vivis et regnas cum Deo Patre.

O Lord Jesus Christ, who desired that Your Mother, the most Blessed Virgin Mary, immaculate from her conception, should shine with countless miracles, grant that we, ever imploring her patronage, may attain eternal joys.

Remember, dear readers, if we don’t believe in miracles, we won’t ask for miracles. And if we don’t ask for miracles, we won’t obtain miracles.

UPDATE:

I see that Fr. Hunwicke has written something of interest at his place, about John Henry Newman, Alphonse Ratisbonne (converts, both) and the Miraculous Medal.

Posted in Just Too Cool, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Our Solitary Boast | Tagged Alphonse Ratisbonne, John Henry Newman, Miraculous Medal, St. Catherine Labouré
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Another parish goes ‘ad orientem’ at Advent

Posted on 27 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

A while back I posted about the first TLM celebrated in decades at a famous North Side Chicago Church, St. Stanislaw Kostka. HERE

Now I’ve received additional good news about that same church.

They will have ad orientem worship beginning in Advent.

This is a wonderful development.

Here is the text that was posted:

My compliments to Fr. Bus, a Resurrectionist, and to the whole parish. I’m sure this will be a great blessing.

CLICK

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Turn Towards The Lord | Tagged ad orientem, ADVENT, Archd. Chicago
1 Comment

ASK FATHER: Holy Communion after biting inside of mouth

Posted on 27 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

I write today to ask whether there are any problems with partaking of Communion after having bitten/chewed the inside of one’s own mouth.

First, I am glad that you are so interested in proper reception of Holy Communion.

We have to be properly disposed to receive. Because we are both body and soul, we have to be disposed in body and in soul, both. To be properly disposed in respect to our bodies we fast for the length of time designated by the Church. Right now that length of time is ridiculously short, but that’s what we have to obey. We can chose to do more, but that’s up to the individual… without grandstanding like the Pharisee in the parable.

Now… since we are Unreconstructed Ossified Manualists to the MANUAL!

In one of my manuals I read that consumption of food or liquid such that it breaks the fast must done by eating or drinking in a way by which one intends to eat or drink. St. Alphonsus and St. Thomas are the basis. Hence, if one breathes or swallows something like wood shavings, snow, etc., or – and this is to the point in question – blood flowing in the mouth from cheek, tongue, gums, etc., and swallowed with saliva, does not break the fast. Moreover, we can brush our teeth and gargle. Cooks who must prepare meals can even taste tiny amounts of food during its preparation.

I found one interesting note:

“Sale a catechumenis in collocatione Baptismi praegustato etsi ieiunium frangi videatur, adhuc tamen nullum dubium est quin ad sacram communionem susceptio Baptismate admitti possint, imo vero debeant…”.

Fascinating, no?

In any event, yes, you can receive Communion if you have bitten the inside of your cheek, etc.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged Eucharistic fast, Unreconstructed Ossified Manualist
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Your Sunday Sermon Notes

Posted on 26 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

It’s the last Sunday of the liturgical year.

Were there any good points made in the sermon you heard today at the Holy Mass which fulfilled your Sunday Mass obligation?

Tell us what they were.

For my part, I preached about the Four Last Things.

Seasonal Classic

A couple things I hope everyone took away were…

In our particular judgement, nothing can be hidden from the Just Judge. Every though, word deed and omission will be laid bare.
In the general judgment, everything will be entirely lad bare to all, and we will see how everything fits.
When examining your conscience, occasionally try to imagine what goes through the mind of the person who, upon death and judgment, suddenly realizes she’s in Hell. What would the first 10 seconds be like.
God will say “COME!” to some and “GO!” to others. Christ explained this and added, “For I was hungry and you gave me to eat…”, or else, “you did NOT give me to eat…”. Works of mercy are important for our final judgment.
God’s justice we are going to get whether we want it or not, but in this life His mercy is ours for the asking.
Be devout, diligent in mercy, thorough in confession, pious in Communion, apostolic in action, cheerful in hope and you do not need to be terrified of death and your judgment.

Posted in Four Last Things | Tagged Four Last Things
8 Comments

ASK FATHER: Color of altar boys’ cassocks

Posted on 25 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

From a reader…

QUAERITUR:

I grew up in the 1950’s. All the illustrated “Children’s Missals” had photos showing altar servers wearing red cassocks and white surplices.

I never saw red cassocks in person, however. Now, they seem to be making a comeback. At our parish, the two altar servers wear black cassocks and white surplices. There is also a “master server” (usually an adult) who wears a red cassock and white surplice.

When there are is a seminarian in the role of master server, he wears a black cassock with collar and a white surplice. I can’t find any instruction on the color of cassocks for mass (other than the obvious distinctions between priest, monsignor, bishop, cardinal, and pope. Do you know of any instructions or official recommendations concerning the color of cassock to be worn by other than the celebrant at mass?

First, let it be said that all service at the altar in our Catholic Churches should exclusively MALE.

There is no specified color of cassocks for servers. However, let’s not forget that this was originally a clerical service in large degree. Hence, the use of the black cassock is always a good thing. That said, it may be of interest that the boys who serve in the Basilica of St. Peter in Roman, from the minor seminary school, wear the same color cassocks as monsignors, paonazza, that violet color. They do so from a long held privilege. Also, Masters of Ceremonies for the Masses of bishops and cardinals in the Usus Antiquior customarily wear the paonazza cassock, but without red trim, etc.

Local custom will play a role, as it only fitting. The Institute of Christ the King has their servers wear a shade of blue. In some places, red is used. No problem. In other places, seniority of service might indicated by different colors. It’s all for the good. However, it should be consistent and understood where these things are put into place.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged altar boys, altar service, cassocks
30 Comments

ASK FATHER: Self-intinction. Wherein Fr. Z rants.

Posted on 25 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

What a dreadful photo.
It’s exemplary of so many problems in the Church today.

From a reader…

This morning at Mass, I observed two or three people receive the Host in the hand, and then walk over to the extraordinary minister of the chalice, dip the Host in, and then put it in their mouth. I was cantoring at the time, and at our church the cantors have to stand up front, so this is why I noticed this so clearly. I have always understood that, even in parishes which practice intinction, it’s not allowable for communicants to do it themselves. I was obviously unable to say or do anything in the moment it happened, but do you have any thoughts on this? Should I let my pastor know? Should the EMHC’s [Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion] be trained in how to avoid this situation in the future?

Self-intinction is wrong because the Church does not permit it. That should be sufficient argument, but we can go a bit deeper.

Self-intinction contradicts the Church’s understanding of what is being done at Holy Communion. We are being fed by Our Lord with His Sacred Body and Precious Blood. We receive Holy Communion. Reception is a passive thing, not an active thing. In a position of humility (best exemplified by kneeling, in my opinion), we allow the Lord to feed us. Holy Communion is given to us, we do not take it. We do not take the host from the ciborium. We do not take the Precious Blood from the chalice.

If there is to be intinction (and it is one of the acceptable forms of distributing Holy Communion according to the General Instruction), the minister takes the host, dips it in the chalice, and places the dipped host directly on the tongue of the recipient. That’s it.

It is worth noting that the General Instruction limits the distribution of the sacred species by intinction to the priest. Another minister holds the chalice, but it is the priest who intincts the host in the chalice and places it in the mouth of the communicant.

“287. If Communion from the chalice is carried out by intinction, each communicant, holding a Communion-plate under the mouth, approaches the Priest who holds a vessel with the sacred particles, with a minister standing at his side and holding the chalice. The Priest takes a host, intincts it partly in the chalice and, showing it, says, The Body and Blood of Christ. The communicant replies, Amen, receives the Sacrament in the mouth from the Priest, and then withdraws.”

Yes, I think you should let your pastor know about what you saw. Put it into his hands.

Yes, I think that EMHCs should be TRAINED.

That said, I think we should move away from

the dreadful practice of Holy Communion in the hand,
the risky practice of Holy Communion under both kinds,
and also the exaggerated emplyment of EMHCs.

Soooo many problems could be avoided. Moreover, I believe that returning to traditional practices will also foster greater reverence for… heck, at this point… BELIEF in the Eucharist.

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Wherein Fr. Z Rants | Tagged communion under both kinds, EMHC, intinction, self-intinction
17 Comments

Ideas for your ADVENT season of preparation

Posted on 25 November 2017 by Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Advent starts in a few days, on 3 December.

You might consider reading (or reading again) Benedict XVI’s third volume of Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives. It is shorter than the other two volumes, and there are riches within.

The Holy Father’s book presents, among other things, a real defense of the historicity of the infancy narratives.

US hardcover HERE. Kindle HERE. Unabridged audio HERE. Large print HERE.
UK hardcover HERE. Kindle HERE. Large print HERE.

Also, for Advent, you might try the reflections by an amazing priest who died under the Nazi regime, Fr. Alfred Delp, in the book Advent of the Heart: Seasonal Sermons And Prison Writings 1941-1944.

Kindle HERE. UKHERE. Smart. Moving.

You have time before Advent begins to order these.

And, in the spirit of the Church Militant, you might think about toughing up your rosary! These rosaries are modeled after the US government issued rosaries… yes, you read that right… government issued rosaries given to combat troops.