Author Archives: Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

About Fr. John Zuhlsdorf

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

Here we go again! Comments on forcing table altars and forbidding Mass “ad orientem”.

I’ve been asked by several people whether or not a diocesan bishop has authority on his own to require only versus populum celebration of Mass in the Novus Ordo. This seems to be what the Archbishop of Detroit desires.   I’ve posted on … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA | Tagged ,
11 Comments

Why reverent, traditionally-oriented Novus Ordo Masses may soon come under attack.

There is a piece at the blog Unam Sanctam Catholicam which merits attention. I’ll preface this with personal experience. Over the years I’ve seen time and again that people who are exposed to a more traditional style of worship in … Read More

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Pò sì jiù, The Coming Storm, The Drill, The future and our choices |
17 Comments

Pentecost Saturday: We Are Our Rites – Wherein Fr. Z rants

Today, Pentecost Saturday, the Season of Easter comes to an end.  The cycle that started with pre-Lent Sunday’s is over. Being an Ember Saturday, there would have been a vigil in the night in preparation for ordinations to the priesthood … Read More

Posted in Hard-Identity Catholicism, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, The future and our choices, Wherein Fr. Z Rants |
1 Comment

OLDIE PODCAzT 61: Pope Leo I on a post-Pentecost weekday; Fr. Z rambles not quite aimlessly for a while

Published on: May 17, 2008 Today is Saturday in the Octave of Pentecost, or at least it ought to be in in the Novus Ordo as it is in the older, Traditional Roman Calendar. This is the sixth and final PODCAzT … Read More

Posted in SESSIUNCULA |
Comments Off on OLDIE PODCAzT 61: Pope Leo I on a post-Pentecost weekday; Fr. Z rambles not quite aimlessly for a while

“The Great Diminishment” in Detroit – The pogrom against the traditionally-oriented continues – UPDATED (It’s even worse)

Rorate has the ugly news HERE I can echo the points made at the top of that post, above the Archbishop’s cruel letter. My heart goes out to all the people who will be hurt by this unnecessary suppression.   And … Read More

Posted in Pò sì jiù | Tagged
11 Comments

From “The Private Diary of Bishop F. Atticus McButterpants” – 06-02-25 – Falling into the trap

June 2nd 2025 Dear Diary, This morning began with Chester triumphantly parading around the house with the TV remote clenched in his jaws like a barbarian trophy… chewing. That’s the fifth one the nasty little thief. One more and I’ll … Read More

Posted in Diary of Bp. McButterpants, Lighter fare | Tagged
4 Comments

Pentecost Friday: tearing it up

Pentecost Friday At NLM there is a great explanation of the Pentecost Roman Stations. I find these historical details interesting because we find traces of ancient things in the traditional rites even today. In any event, if I am to … Read More

Posted in Linking Back, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000 |
2 Comments

Is this something to worry about?

No. What is the issue? Pope Leo “provisionally” re-instated all Vatican Curial heads & secretaries “until further notice” on May 9. As CDF prefect, Cardinal Fernández thus was temporarily reinstated May 8 like all others. Recent rumors (based on a … Read More

Posted in The Drill |
6 Comments

PODCAzT 60: Pentecost customs; St. Ambrose on the dew of the Holy Spirit

Originally Published on: May 16, 2008 Today is Friday in the Octave of Pentecost, or at least it ought to be in in the Novus Ordo as it is in the older, Traditional Roman Calendar. [NB: Yesterday I forgot to … Read More

Posted in Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, PODCAzT | Tagged
Comments Off on PODCAzT 60: Pentecost customs; St. Ambrose on the dew of the Holy Spirit

SSPX: Habemus Papam! Pray or Speculate?

Pope Leo XIV has now been in office some 36… 37 days? He seems to be moving at a careful and deliberate pace.  However, I am struck by perhaps coincidental facts which could be more than mere coincidences.  For example, … Read More

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, Leo XIV, SSPX |
1 Comment