Author Archives: Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

Fr. Z is the guy who runs this blog. o{]:¬)

Hey Fathers!  How about a clerical Guayabera shirt? (Tariff

Hey Fathers!  How about a clerical Guayabera shirt? Yeah, I am a cassock guy, at least when I am in Rome. Think about it.   If there are going to be tariffs on things made in Mexico, where these are made, the price will … Read More

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ROME DAY 25/01 10: Last meal out (and a tintinabular explication)

On this 34th day of the calendar year the sun rose over Rome at 07:18.  It set a little while ago at 17:30 and the Ave Maria Bell was to ring out at 17:45. I was asked again about the … Read More

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ROME DAY 25/01 09: 1st meal out

I’m dead tired so this is what I can muster… Yesterday I ate out for the first time… I had an artichoke, and it was good. I had fettucine with a sauce from coda alla vaccinare.  Wine, Cesanese. I was … Read More

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Notes about the Candlemas procession: the link between the Nativity and the Passion

First, the celebrant places incense in the thurible, then the deacon turns to the people and says: V. Let us go forth in peace. R. In the Name of Christ. Amen. The thurifer goes first, carrying the thurible, followed by … Read More

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A Poetry ‘Encounter’ for Candlemas: “A Song For Simeon” by T.S. Eliot

Tomorrow is traditionally the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is also known as Candlemas.   There are references to light in the liturgy and we bless candles. Candlemas is the conclusion of the Advent/Christmas cycle.  We … Read More

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Your Sunday Sermon Notes – Candlemas / Purification (N.O. Presentation) 2025

  In the Vetus Ordo, it’s the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, also called Candlemas.  The texts reveal that this is a feast that emphasizes the Lord.  In the Novus Ordo, it is the Presentation of the … Read More

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ROME DAY 25/01 08: Fractal

At 07:20 the sun rose over Rome and it will set 17:28. Ave Maria Bell?  Should be 17:45. It is the Feast of St. Ludovica Albertoni, a Roman widow (+1533).  Her tomb is in the church San Francesco a Ripa, … Read More

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St. Ignatius, martyr, and Bl. Ludovica, widow – Beauty, differently manifested

My Roman Curia calendar today shows that it is the Feast of Bl. Ludovica Albertoni (+31 Jan 1553).  My (Novus Ordo – 2005) Martyrologium Romanum listed her yesterday, the day of her death, otherwise known as her dies natalis, her birthday into heaven. … Read More

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ROME DAY 25/01 07: A martyr

This day, the last of the Days of the Blackbird in Rome, the sun rose at 07:21 and it will set at 17:26. The Ave Maria Bell should ring at 17:45. In the older calendar it is the Feast of … Read More

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Fr. Charron on Mr. Lofton

My good friend (and a good chess player) Fr. Jason Charron has issued a video response to Michael Lofton. These days I pay zero attention to Michael Lofton.  I’ve seen a few clips and minutes here and there, and those … Read More

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