Ask a Franciscan
Eucharist: Symbol or Reality?
In our missalette for the Solemnity of the Epiphany the prayer over the gifts, the bread and wine, speaks of them as symbolizing Christ. But don’t most priests say they are really the body and blood of Jesus Christ?
What Really Happened to Judas?
What happened to Judas? Is Judas in hell? He despaired. What happens when other people fall into despair and kill themselves?
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Why Mortify Myself?
I have trouble placing mortification in perspective. I have heard that St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer advised, "Choose mortifications that don't mortify others." What does that mean?
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Why 40? How Is Ash Wednesday’s Date Set?
Why is Ash Wednesday 40 days before Easter? What is the significance of the number 40? I know that it is used many times in the Bible (for example, Jesus was in the desert 40 days and 40 nights).
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Did Mary Have Real Freedom?
A friend of mine believes that Mary did not have free will as other humans have. Therefore, she had no choice but to say yes to the angel at the Annunciation.
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Is Marriage Really a Sacrament?
How can marriage possibly be a sacrament? Yes, Jesus attended a wedding feast, spoke of the Kingdom of God in terms of a wedding banquet, and used the Genesis creation story to support the idea of union.
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Isn’t There Something More?
How can I learn more about the Church and where I could be useful, other than taking up pew space?
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