Ask a Franciscan

Did Judas Iscariot Truly Have a Choice?

Oct 30, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
In John 17:12, Jesus prays to God the Father: “While I was with them [his disciples], I protected them in your name that you have given me. I guarded them and not one of them was lost except the one destined to be lost, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled.” Did Judas Iscariot truly have a choice?
Did Judas Iscariot Truly Have a Choice?

'Say' Mass? 'Pray' the Mass?

Oct 30, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
I remember hearing priests talk about “saying” Mass at a particular time and place. Now I hear people talk about “praying” the Mass. I’ve been to many Masses in various settings over the years. Why the difference?
'Say' Mass? 'Pray" the Mass?

Advent Calendars Can Keep Us Focused

Oct 30, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
Advent calendars can keep us focused: Where do these come from? How can I find one?
Advent Calendars Can Keep Us Focused

Confession Helps in Many Ways

Oct 13, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
Confession has been a really sore spot for me but, having been raised a Catholic, I do love the Church and all the other sacraments. I am sure there are priests I could go to for confession, but I feel so uncomfortable and always feel that God already knows my sins and what I am sorry for.
Confession Helps in Many Ways | Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

‘I've Always Wondered . . .’

Oct 7, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
How did St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil become friends? What led to the ending of that friendship?
St. Francis of Assisi

Quick Question and Answer

Sep 28, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
I recently read that a prenuptial agreement invalidates any marriage in the Catholic Church. Is that true? No.
Quick Question and Answer

Who Informed the Biblical Writers?

Sep 28, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
How did the gentlemen who gathered together to write the Bible do so? Where did their information come from? The holy Bible is beautifully written. When was it written?
Who Informed the Biblical Writers?

Who Wrote the Gospel of John?

Aug 27, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
I was surprised to read in an earlier “Ask” column that John the Apostle did not write the Gospel of John. Who did? We are not entirely sure.
Who Wrote the Gospel of John?

What Is the Kingdom of God?

Aug 27, 2020 Ask a Franciscan
Please explain in simple language the concept of the kingdom of God. What Jesus means by the expression the kingdom of God is accepting God’s values as trustworthy and enough, not needing any “improvements,” as we often describe them.
What Is the Kingdom of God?
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