Ask a Franciscan
Grieving Family Members
Q. For six years, I was the sole caregiver of my mom and my aunt. They died eight weeks apart. I miss them so much; they were my best friends, and we did everything together. I still grieve their deaths, especially during the holidays. I cry often, but I offer all my loneliness, sadness, and Masses for the holy souls in purgatory. When will my pain and loneliness ease? I am very active in my local parish.
God’s Will, Human Freedom
I believe that from all eternity God has planned our world and knew exactly what would occur. When I was created, God knew what I would do, when, where and how.
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Purgatory and Life
I read somewhere a theory that after death we live our lives over again to see the sins we committed, the people we hurt, and that impact on others. At my advanced age, I am constantly recalling various times in ...
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‘Where There Is Darkness, Light’
What is your take on situations where Catholics drop their faith and die without receiving the sacraments? Can you say anything to ease my mind?
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Is It a Sin Not to Be ‘Green’?
Is someone committing a sin by denying the moral implications of ecological choices?
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John, Matthew, and Jesus’ Mission
We were discussing the Gospel (Matthew 9:36—10:8) read on the 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time last year. Matthew writes about Jesus' missionary discourse.
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Stifling the Holy Spirit’s Work?
Are we stifling the work of the Holy Spirit within the Church today?
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