Ask a Franciscan
The Pilgrim Statue of Fatima
Can you tell me anything about the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fatima? I’ve been to Fatima and am very interested in the statue which I see mentioned in our Catholic paper as being at various churches. What is the significance of it?
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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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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Is Boxing a Sin?
Is competing in a boxing or karate competition wrong? Am I sinning by training my body and mind to defeat my opponents? By risking injury to myself?
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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.
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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?
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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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