Fr. Z's Blog

I wrote of the passing of a friend and confrere of the Archconfraternity of the Most Holy Trinity in Rome, Giancarlo, after his long suffering. His body will be watch over during the night before interment at the great Verano cemetery near St. Lawrence outside-the-walls. During the night members of the Archconfraternity will stand vigil in turns.

Here are the arrangements for the arrival of Giancarlo’s coffin in the sala of the Archconfraternity.

In your goodness, please say a prayer for him.

The 22nd of September has come and gone, the Autumnal Equinox, and the birthday of Bilbo and Frodo. And, in Gondor, it was a festival in honor of Frodo on 30 Yavannie (= 22 September). Tolkien’s books were an important link in a chain of events that, eventually led to conversion and priesthood, rather like “the falling of small stones that starts an avalanche in the mountains”. Meanwhile, for a couple of years now there has been a series called Rings of Power. It has been relentlessly drifting between tedious, irritating and cringeworthy. I have watched it nonetheless. The most recent episode had some moments of redemption, now that they are really getting into the point of the series.

Since it is 23 Sept, and the Feast of St. “Padre Pio” of Pietrelcina, I share my relic of St. Pio, which is a piece of a blood stained bandage.

The reliquary was a from a reader and kind benefactor who often sends practical things, like household items or tools, from my wishlist, CG.

In chessy news… HERE

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

I remind you about a new book published by Emmaus Press, a branch of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology.

On The Demonic by Archbp. Fulton J. Sheen.

US HERE – UK HERE (not yet)

The forward explains that, toward the end of his life, Sheen was ever more convinced that we are living in a demonic age and that we may be seeing the “first cells of the Anti-Christ”.  More on this amazing book HERE.

Too many people today are without good, strong preaching, to the detriment of all. Share the good stuff.

Was there a GOOD point made in the sermon you heard at your Mass of obligation for this 18th Sunday after Pentecost, or the 25th Sunday of Ordinary Time?

Tell us about attendance especially for the Traditional Latin Mass.

Any local changes or (hopefully good) news?

A couple thoughts about the sign of the cross: HERE  A taste…

Context.  In Matthew 8 Christ is east of the See of Galilee in Gentile territory where He exorcizes demoniacs.  The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) differ in some details in their parallel accounts.  In Mark and Luke there is just one poor naked energumen who, with his demonic-fueled strength cuts himself and breaks chains.  The demons possessing him are called “Legion”, which is a unit of the Roman army numbering some 7000 with cavalry.  In Matthew 8:22ff Jesus sends the demons into a herd of swine who rush suicidally into the sea.  Try to imagine the scene of squealing and thrashing around as they walked together… er um… rushed (Greek hormáo) into their final synodal meeting.  It was so terrifying that people begged Him to leave.

[…]

I’m finishing up a batch of Mass intentions right now. I’ll have room in my register for more while I am in Rome.  Also, I regularly say Mass for my regular benefactors and special Roman Sojourn Donors.   HERE for the form I use.

The late Giancarlo (yesterday, RIP), extraordinarily learned in matters liturgical and excellent MC, surveys the action.

When the late Card. Heenan of Westminster saw the soon-to-be imposed Novus Ordo celebrated, he quipped that he thought men would not want to attend it.

I’m just starting to get into this.

What Attracts Men to the Sacred Liturgy–And Why by Jesse Romero

US HERE – UK HERE

Hey Fathers!  How about a clerical Guayabera shirt for the hot summer days?

In chessy news…. HERE

I’m finishing up a batch of Mass intentions right now. I’ll have room in my register for more while I am in Rome.  Also, I often say Mass for my regular benefactors and special Roman Sojourn Donors.   HERE for the form I use.

Today is, along with being Ember Friday, the feast of Saint Eustace, Sant’Eustachio. We saw his church yesterday through the street view. Hadrian old his general Eustachius to sacrifice to the gods. He refused. Trajan had him and his family sent ad bestias, to the lions, but they just lay down at their feet. Hadrian ordered them to be killed in a heated bronze bull. Constantine probably built the first oratory here, which is near the Pantheon. Across the way there is a famous coffee shop. I lived in this zone for several years and we could smell the coffee roasting…. not in a bronze bull.

I can take some Mass intentions right now.  HERE  NB: right now I can only receive stipends electronically (Zelle (preferred), Venmo, PayPal, Wise) because of upcoming travel.

Thank you SS for switching monthly donation over to Zelle.

Welcome registrant:

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In churchy news…

Gavin Ashenden has some observations at the UK’s Catholic Herald about a old chestnut. HERE

The CDF…. er um… DDF… made a ruling on Medjugorje. HERE My view remains unaffected.

Pres. Trump was going to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa with the President of Poland Andrzej Duda, but the visit was cancelled. HERE I’ll never forget seeing a video of Duda chasing down a Sacred Host which the wind had caught at an outdoor Mass.

One of the strongest chess players for Poland right now is Jan-Krzysztof Duda (2732). Duda seems to be a common Polish surname, originating from “bagpipes” or “bad musician”. Maybe a bad bagpipe player in his ancestral line?

Here’s a bonus shot from inside Sant’Eustachio.   Given that the billboards were removed…. and that today we begin a Novena to St. Michael!

Please remember me when shopping online and use my affiliate links.  US HERE – UK HERE  WHY?  This helps to pay for health insurance (massively hiked for this new year of surprises), utilities, groceries, etc..  At no extra cost, you provide help for which I am grateful.

In chessy news… HERE

Support the wonderful Benedictines of Le Barroux, who are making excellent wine from the ancient vineyards of the Avignon Popes in S. France.

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