Ask a Franciscan
When Prayers Are Answered ‘No’
Jesus told the apostles: “Whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it” (Jn 14:13–14). How can we believe this if a prayer is answered no?
May I Donate My Body to Science?
Does the Catholic Church have a position about donating one’s body to science? I have registered as an organ donor but would also like to leave my body to help the training of future doctors.
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What Really Happened to Judas?
What happened to Judas? Is Judas in hell? He despaired. What happens when other people fall into despair and kill themselves?
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Did Mary Have Real Freedom?
A friend of mine believes that Mary did not have free will as other humans have. Therefore, she had no choice but to say yes to the angel at the Annunciation.
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Origins of the Celibacy Rule
When did the Roman Catholic Church begin to require celibacy before a man could be ordained a priest? Why? Doesn’t this suggest that marriage is inferior to celibacy?
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Excommunicated for an Abortion?
Our diocese distributed a pamphlet on examining your conscience. It states that having an abortion or encouraging a woman to do so would mean automatic excommunication from the Catholic Church. If I do that, is this so?
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Forgiveness from One’s Spouse
If a person commits adultery and then goes to confession, does that person have to ask forgiveness from his or her spouse?
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