Ask a Franciscan
What Do All Those Initials Mean?
Your November 2010 issue included the following abbreviations after the names of priests, brothers or sisters: O.F.M., F.S.P., T.O.R., O.S.B. and O.S.F. Where can I find out what these represent?
Why Is Abraham So Important?
In a prayer to the Archangel Michael, we ask him at the hour of our death to carry us to the bosom of Abraham. Is Abraham more important than all the saints?
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Why Is Jerusalem Called a Woman?
In Isaiah 40:2, God tells the prophet: “Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated. Indeed, she has received from the hand of the LORD double for all her ...
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Why Is St. Joseph Overlooked?
When will St. Joseph receive from Catholics the respect that he clearly deserves?
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Evening Mass on Christmas for Sunday?
This year Christmas falls on Saturday and the next day is the Feast of the Holy Family. Is it permitted to have a vigil Mass for that feast in the late afternoon or evening of Christmas Day?
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When Catholics Marry Protestants
Can a practicing Catholic marry a Protestant in that person’s church, before his or her minister? Regarding the Baptism and education of children from that marriage, may the Catholic party accept either Catholic or Protestant Baptism?
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Celebrate or Mourn a Person’s Life?
I recently saw a death notice that read, “A Funeral Mass celebrating Ray’s life will begin....” That sounds to me like a non-Catholic notice. Aren’t we supposed to mourn when a family member, friend or acquaintance dies?
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