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“This blog is like a fusion of the Baroque ‘salon’ with its well-tuned harpsichord around which polite society gathered for entertainment and edification and, on the other hand, a Wild West “saloon” with its out-of-tune piano and swinging doors, where everyone has a gun and something to say. Nevertheless, we try to point our discussions back to what it is to be Catholic in this increasingly difficult age, to love God, and how to get to heaven.” – Fr. Z
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- on 11 September – The years which have passed do not lessen the need of the victims for our prayers…: “Dear Fr. Z. Beautifully stated. Beautifully remembered. Beautifully Celebrated. Deo Gratias. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat…”
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Tag Archives: blessings
A priest on giving blessings at Communion time
I have in the past written about the wide-spread practice of giving blessings during Communion time. This is not to be done, because it is outside what is prescribed at this very important moment during holy Mass. Of course this … Read More
WDTPRS POLL: 3 February St. Blaise Day Blessing of Throats
Our liturgical calendar is packed with wonderful opportunties for spiritual benefits. Today there is a special blessing for candles (not just yesterday!) in honor of St. Blaise and then a blessing of throats. I once stood for hours in the … Read More
QUAERITUR: Getting a blessing at Communion time. Fr. Z rants.
From a reader: We hope to bring 2 children (extended family) to Mass on Christmas Eve. They have not been baptized. QUAERITUR: Are unbaptized children allowed to go up to Communion with their arms crossed and receive a blessing? What … Read More
QUAERITUR: Can EMCHs give “blessings”?
From a reader: At Mass this morning, at least one of the EMs was ‘blessing’ children as they came forward. My understanding was that only priests could give blessings. We are a parish with 2 priests covering 3 churches, plus … Read More
QUAERITUR: Before Mass ended the congregation blessed the priest
From a reader: On Priesthood Sunday just before Mass ended, the resident nun took to the ambo and asked the congregation to extend their hands to bless the priest. She then led a fairly lengthy blessing. My wife and I were uncomfortable with … Read More
D. of Madison’s newspaper’s explanation of EMHC’s giving blessings as if they were priests
In The Catholic Herald of the Diocese of Madison, where the great Bishop Robert Morlino exercises oversight, there is a great article on an issue we have addressed here many times: Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion giving blessings to non-communicants … Read More
Sweet Basil and the Holy Cross
An Orthodox priest reader sent some photos of their tradition using sweet basil on their observance of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Here are three. Great tradition. I didn’t get around to posting about the basil … Read More
Posted in Just Too Cool
Tagged blessings, Exaltation of the Cross, Ocimum basilicum, sweet basil
16 Comments
16 Comments
QUAERITUR: Selling a rosary and other sacred things
Several readers have sent similar questions about the selling of sacred things. I will simply answer rather than post excerpts of the questions. Let’s start with the most sacred of all, the Eucharist. Selling the Eucharist would be a terrible … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box
Tagged blessings, consecrations, nefas, profane, relics, sacred
28 Comments
28 Comments
QUAERITUR: Deacons and blessings with the traditional Roman Ritual
From a deacon reader: I very much enjoy your blog! You have written much on the power and effectiveness of Holy Water blessed according to the old rite (which includes salt) [NB: I don’t believe I have ever written that … Read More
Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box
Tagged blessings, Roman Ritual
33 Comments
33 Comments
QUAERITUR: St Blaise blessing but not on 3 Feb
From a reader: Our priest mentioned on Sunday that they will administer the traditional St. Blaise Blessing at the 8am mass today. He also noted that since many of us travel great distances and may not be able to attend, … Read More
acardnal on ASK FATHER: How can we, as lay Catholics, pass on the Faith given heterodoxy coming from high places?: “Fantastic image! Can you tell us more about it, please? [I asked a “digital friend” to make a image of…”
