Ask a Franciscan
Why We Should Pray the Rosary
Both my children, graduates of Catholic schools, are studying the Bible and want to know where it says that we should to pray the rosary to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Who Assigns Patron Saints?
How is the patron saint of an occupation, a country, or a group of people decided? Specifically, how did St. Nicholas come to be the patron saint of brides, grooms, children, bakers, and pawnbrokers?
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'Say' Mass? 'Pray' the Mass?
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?
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Confession Helps in Many Ways
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 ...
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St. Francis and His Time with the Sultan
How did St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil become friends?
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Who Informed the Biblical Writers?
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? How did they know all the details? Ultimately, God inspired them ...
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Who Wrote the Gospel of John?
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. First, I should point out that only around the year AD 125 ...
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