Category Archives: “How To…” – Practical Notes

Holy Thursday Plenary Indulgence

A plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, is granted to the faithful who: Visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration lasting at least half an hour; OR Piously recite the verses of the Tantum ergo after the Mass of the Lord’s … Continue reading

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Yes… Communion rails are returning and it isn’t going to be stopped…

Today I received a text from a priest friend who sent photos of the brand new COMMUNION RAIL which they just installed in the “old church”. This one these places where they built a new church but kept the old … Continue reading

Posted in ¡Hagan lío!, "How To..." - Practical Notes, Be The Maquis, Liturgy Science Theatre 3000, Save The Liturgy - Save The World, SESSIUNCULA | Tagged , | 17 Comments

Are there any Excel wizards out there?

UPDATE: You can stop offering now! I have a couple I’m looking at. UPDATE: A priest saw this post and wrote to say that he needs it too! Several people have responded so far, so hold off until I see what … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Is speeding a sin?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I am a leadfoot driver, have been for decades. My wife says I could have been an Indy racer. My driving record is solidly good and I drive a well-handling sedan. To limit speeding, I set … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Mass “for the gift of tears”… for someone else?

From a reader… QUAERITUR: Can a Mass for the gift of tears be said for someone else or is it only for the celebrant or person requesting the Mass? The prayers seem like a powerful source of conversion for self. … Continue reading

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During this “watch”, each evening at St Peter’s Gregorian chant is sung… but hardly anyone sings. Why is that?

From a priest reader… As I’m sure you’ve noticed, each night in St. Peter’s Square, a small schola has sung the Oremus pro Pontifice for the Holy Father. It’s a gesture that is simultaneously reverent and traditional, yet incredibly simple. … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: Is still possible to gain indulgences during a papal interregnum?

From a reader…. QUAERUNTUR: I was wondering if it is still possible to gain indulgences during a papal interregnum (i.e., praying for the Holy Father’s intentions being a requirement to gain the indulgence)? Also are there any traditional practices during … Continue reading

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ASK FATHER: How can Septuagesima and Sexagesima be “70th” and “60”? It doesn’t add up.

From a reader… QUAERITUR: I don’t get it.  “Septuagesima” means “seventieth” and “sexagesima” means “sixtieth”, which are ten apart.  But the Sundays are seven days apart. 10 isn’t 7.  Is there an explanation? Here is something I’ve penned before. Roman … Continue reading

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Notes about different kinds of Holy Water

Recently there was an incident in St. Peter’s Basilica.   A man (allegedly with mental problems) profaned the main altar over the tomb of the Apostle.  In the case of a profanation like this, the altar could be “reconciled”, a kind … Continue reading

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“GO TO CONFESSION!” I always say. Another thing I say is that it is CRUEL to leave penitents in doubt.

Today I was out and about in Rome doing errands. I chanced on a posted sign in the penitents’ part of the free standing confessionals that line most Roman churches, often dusty from neglect.   The sign is a little blurry … Continue reading

Posted in "How To..." - Practical Notes, GO TO CONFESSION, Pò sì jiù | Tagged , | 15 Comments