Ask a Franciscan

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.

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?

I have heard people say that the quote “The Lord only helps those who help themselves” appears in the Bible, but they can never give a reference. Is this quote in the Bible? If so, where?

I have heard that there are seven Old Testament books that are not found in Protestant Bibles. The Second Book of Maccabees is the only one that I can name. What are the other six?

I have been under the impression that Mary, the mother of Jesus, made a vow of virginity even before the Annunciation. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says nothing about this.

When and how did the College of Cardinals come into existence? How long has this group been responsible for electing the pope?