Ask a Franciscan
Understanding the Term ‘Born Again’
Q. The term born again has become very popular among many Christians now, but I am not sure of its meaning. I suspect that it is misused or misunderstood by many people who proudly use it. Also, we read in John 3:5, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. ” Is “water ” here the same as Baptism?
How Can Mary Be the ‘Mother of God’?
In the second part of the Hail Mary, we say, "Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen." My fundamentalist brother wants to know how Mary can be the mother ...
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When Does Jesus Become Present?
The Western Church asserted the body and blood are present at the completion of the words of consecration. The Eastern Church supported the view that the real presence takes place through the epiclesis (the prayer for the sending or coming ...
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Is Shopping on Sunday Immoral?
Is it all right to shop on Sunday if you really need something? Not long ago, my daughter asked me on a Sunday to check at a nearby store to get some special dishes for a party she was having. ...
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Attending Mass on Holy Days of Obligation
Can the obligation to attend Mass on holy days be fulfilled before or after the actual day?
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Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches Explained
How do the Orthodox Churches and Roman Catholic Church differ in faith, liturgy, and leadership? How do Eastern Catholic Churches fit in? The 21 Orthodox Churches are loosely linked under the ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), but not all ...
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Origins of the Nicene Creed Explained
How did the Nicene Creed come about? In AD 325, 12 years after Christianity had become a “tolerated religion” in the Roman Empire, Emperor Constantine convoked and presided over the First Council of Nicaea (modern-day Izmir, Turkey). The council addressed ...
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