Ask a Franciscan
Give Up Something Else for Lent?
The Church decided that Catholics could eat meat on Fridays outside Lent. As I remember, there was a slight catch: We were to give up something else.
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?
Read More →
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?
Read More →
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?
Read More →
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?
Read More →
Why Does the Celtic Cross Have a Ring?
A friend recently gave me a Celtic cross. I have always liked that design, but I have never known why it includes a ring. Please explain.
Read More →
Did An All-good God Create Evil?
Evil: How did it begin? What is its root cause? Is the devil absolute? If so, how could absolute evil come from God, who is absolute good?
Read More →