Ask a Franciscan
What Is the Curse of Ham?
What can you tell me about the curse that Noah placed on his son Ham? What about Ham’s brothers, Shem and Japheth? Where is this story in the Bible?
How Many People Have Received the Stigmata?
Who besides St. Francis of Assisi and St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina have received the stigmata, the marks of Christ’s five wounds? Have any women received the stigmata?
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What Color Vestments Can Be Worn at a Funeral Mass?
I have seen celebrants at funerals wear white, purple or black vestments. Are all of these colors permitted? Isn’t this a Mass of Resurrection?
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Anglican Bishops Who Become Roman Catholics
If a bishop from the Anglican Church or the Episcopal Church becomes a Latin-rite Catholic, is he still considered a bishop? Does he then become a recipient of apostolic succession?
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How Can a Mass Be Offered for a Single Person?
If every sacrifice of the Mass is offered for the Church, how can people request individual intentions?
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Can a Catholic Marry a Lutheran?
Will this marriage be recognized by the Catholic Church? Can a Catholic priest give a blessing?
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Why Go Barefoot?
I know that some Carmelites are referred to as “discalced,” meaning that they don’t wear shoes. Is this some form of mortification?
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