Ask a Franciscan
‘Son of’ or ‘Brother of’?
In the Catholic Revised Standard Version of the Bible, there appears to be an error in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13 in speaking of “Judas the son of James.” The Douay Version, however, speaks in Matthew 13:55 about “Jude the brother of James.” Why?
What Is Americanism?
Is Americanism a heresy? If so, what does it mean? The person who introduced me to this term was not very clear about its meaning.
Read More →
Disposing of Religious Articles
After my sister died last year, my niece cleaned up the apartment and gave me several religious statues and pictures. Is it a sin if I donate these things to someone else? Although I already have enough religious articles, I ...
Read More →
Order of Melchizedek
I recently attended the ordination of a Catholic priest. One of the prayers spoke of him as being ordained “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Who was this person and why is he mentioned in the ordination ceremony?
Read More →
Who Is St. John of Avila?
During Pope Benedict XVI’s August 2011 visit to Madrid for World Youth Day, he told seminarians gathered at that city’s Almudena Cathedral that he would declare St. John of Avila the 34th Doctor of the Church. Who is this saint ...
Read More →
Did Jesus Have Siblings?
If St. James is Jesus’ brother, would James not also be God’s son? Were Mary and Joseph the parents of James?
Read More →
Where Should the Tabernacle Go?
Most members of our large Catholic community have been trying to rescue Our Lord from a tabernacle on a side altar. Some churches have kept the tabernacle where it belongs: in the center of the main altar.
Read More →