Monthly Archives: January 2012

Benedict XVI convenes meeting with heads of all dicasteries

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 … Read More

Posted in The Drill |
4 Comments

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

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 … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 | Tagged , , ,
49 Comments

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

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 … Read More

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 , , ,
26 Comments

QUAERITUR: Going to confession after many years

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 … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, ASK FATHER Question Box, GO TO CONFESSION, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , , , ,
13 Comments

Apostolic Nuncio to USA warns Pope about internal Vatican financial corruption

My heavens.  The current Nuncius to the USA, Archbp. Viganò (pronounced Vi-ga-NOH), has gone public with corruption with the Vatican City State (overpaying contractors, standing contracts, without bidding, etc.). [In my original title, I suggested that Archbp. Viganò himself went to … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
14 Comments

Struggling with going to confession? Take heart from a reader.

Struggling with going to confession? Take heart from a reader: I’ve recently begun reading your blog with regularity and was moved by your frequent and urgent calls to the sacrament of confession. I’ve started trying to make a regular monthly … Read More

Posted in GO TO CONFESSION, HONORED GUESTS, Just Too Cool, New Evangelization, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged , ,
13 Comments

State of the Union Address. Wherein Fr Z has dubitations.

As I fortify myself to watch the State of the Union Address tonight, I am minded of one of the best lines of invective ever uttered. Back in the 70’s Mary McCarthy and Lillian Hellman had a war, during which … Read More

Posted in The Drill | Tagged
81 Comments

Worthy of public office, or not?

With a tip of the biretta to Catholic Fire, this quote is from His Excellency Most Reverend Robert Vasa, Bishop of Santa Rosa in California. “Any government leader, particularly those who claim to be Christian, who claims to be pro-choice, … Read More

Posted in Emanations from Penumbras, Our Catholic Identity | Tagged ,
25 Comments

The future of Catholic hospitals

Remember Catholic Healthcare West? Catholic Healthcare West now Dignity Health; Dominican Hospital to remain Catholic, hospital president says By JONDI GUMZ – Santa Cruz Sentinel SANTA CRUZ – Dominican Hospital officials announced Monday that they remain wedded to the Catholic … Read More

Posted in Our Catholic Identity, The Drill, The future and our choices | Tagged , , ,
22 Comments

NJ Bishops defend true marriage

I note with interest at the National Catholic Register (the Catholic one) that the bishops of New Jersey have issued a statement about same-sex “marriage”. New Jersey Bishops Release New Statement on Marriage Same-sex ‘marriage’ ‘is not marriage and should … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, New Evangelization, One Man & One Woman, Our Catholic Identity, Religious Liberty, The future and our choices | Tagged , ,
8 Comments