Ask a Franciscan

Person holding a sign saying "Do Not Teach Hatred"

What Is Systemic Racism? 

I’ve been hearing the term “systemic racism” used more and more lately, and I’m not sure if I agree with what I am hearing. Can you define what systemic racism is?

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Salvation for Extraterrestrials?  

Did Jesus visit them also and die again on the cross to free them from sin? I don’t know what we should believe about UFOs and life on other planets.
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Living Our Faith Boldly

Over the past years, I have noticed a steady decline of the younger folks in the Catholic Church. Do you have any explanation for this exodus?
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Help Needed 

Are there some resources for the struggle I find myself experiencing: believing that my mom, who died several months ago, is indeed in heaven with God? 
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Quick Questions and Answers

Why is there no Gospel account of Jesus’ meeting with his mother right after his resurrection or in the 40 days before his ascension?
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Quick Questions and Answers

I would like a priest or layperson to recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy beside me as I am dying. Is this a vital preparation for one’s soul to enter heaven?
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What Is the Meaning of the Tau Cross?

Why do Franciscans so often wear a Tau cross or use it in their artwork? Also, compared to the crosses we usually see, why doesn’t it have a top part?
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