Fr. John T. Zuhlsdorf's "Bona fides"

Since I am not incardinated in a diocese in the USA, and since the internet is a very odd place where people can make all sorts of claims about who they are, I figured it would be a good idea to demonstrate with a few documents or "bona fides" that I am who I claim I am.  In most cases it doesn't make a difference what people claim.  In the case of a priest, a public figure, it makes a big difference.  So, non nobis, Domine... 

            
Coat of Arms - Motto: Zelus domus tuae

The coat-of-arms (or "stemma") above is comprised of the arms of the von Zühlsdorff family (on the left) and some personal elements (on the right and center).  
The family name has various spellings.  
The motto "Zelus Domus Tuae" is from  Psalm 68 (69):10.  It was also the opening antiphon for Matins of Maundy Thursday, the first antiphon sung for Holy Week's Tenebrae.

Some personal documents


     


Certificate of Ordination to the Priesthood
26 May 1991
Basilica of St. Peter, Vatican City (Rome)
by His Holiness Pope John Paul II
Signed by Msgr. Piero Marini, Pontifical Master of Ceremonies
et. al.
(Not actual size or color)

Side A                            Side B

Document of Faculties of the Suburbicarian Diocese of Velletri-Segni
Signed by His Excellency Andrea Maria Erba, Bishop of Suburbicarian Diocese Velletri-Segni
Last renewed ad triennium until "18/05/2005" - 18 May 2005 (therefore until 18 May 2008)
(This document, sometimes called a "celebret", from the Latin word "let him celebrate (Mass)")
This document is issued to a priest to demonstrate that he has the faculties to:
   a) celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass (CIC 1983, can. 903);
   b) preach (CIC 1983, can. 764); and
   c) receive sacramental confessions (CIC 1983, can. 969 §1).
There is a new bishop now as of 28 January 2006: H.E. Vincenzo Apicella.

Faculties from the Pontifical Commission "Ecclesia Dei"
for use of the 1962 typical edition of the Missale Romanum
Signed by his Eminence Augustine Card. Mayer, OSB, then President of the Pontifical Commission and by
Msgr. Camille Perl, then and still Secretary of the same Commission.
    (Some interesting details to notice: you can see the watermark
    in the paper used by the Holy See in the shape of the Keys and Tiara;
    the red stamp of the Commission, the number of the "celebret": #225 on the protocal number line.)

Baccalaurate in Theology (STB) diploma from the Pontifical Lateran University.
Signed by His Excellency Pietro Romano, then Rector Magnificus of the Lateran University.
     (Something to note: another large document, I had to scan it in two parts and paste it together.
     Also, at the bottom, you can see the raised impression of the seal of the university.)

Licenciate in Theology (STL) diploma from the Patristic Institute "Augustinianum"
The "Augustinianum", an institute of the Pontifical Lateran University, is probably the best place in the world to study the Fathers of the Church.
A person holding this degree puts can put the initials "S.T.L." after his name.
    (Some interesting details to notice: NB: I had to scan this very large document in two scans
    and then paste it together.   You can see the seam.    Also, you can see the raised stamp of the "Augustinianum")

I have some training in various things.  For example, ... 

I completed a lengthy course or "Studium" held by the Vatican's Congregation for the Causes of Saints, from November 2004 to February 2005 involving 6 hours/week of classes and workshops.  The Studium trains and certifies postulators for causes for beatification and canonization in both the diocesan and Roman phases as well as other collaborators of the Holy See.  The document is signed by the Prefect of the Congregation, José Card. Saraiva Martins, the Secretary Archbishop Edward Nowak, the under-secretary Msgr. Michele Di Ruberto and the secretary in charge of the Studium Fr. Marcello Mendez, OFM.  You can see the raised seal of the Congregation and the stamp of the Studium.  The protocol number is: 2004-2005 F5 n. 34.

What else do I do?  You might want to look at:

The Catholic Online Forum (of which I am the Moderator): http://forum.catholic.org

The ASK FATHER Question Box^sm (of which I am the Moderator): http://www.askfather.net

The weekly columns in the series called "What Does The Prayer Really Say?" in the weekly Catholic newspaper: The Wanderer

THE BLOG!: http://www.wdtprs.com

For those of who keep asking.... I have an Amazon.com wish-list.

Contact Fr. Zuhlsdorf by e-mail - jtzuhlsdorf[at]libero[dot]it

(This site was last updated on 09/21/06)