Ask a Franciscan

In your August 2018 column, you wrote that God does not have a vast, eternal plan that Grandma Jones had successful heart surgery last month. OK, why do I pray for her or anyone else? You prayed before her surgery ...

The Letter to the Hebrews states that God no longer dwells in temples made of stone (9:11, 24). Yet we Catholics have a Church that has magnificent buildings including tabernacles where we believe Jesus dwells. How can I respond to ...

Can someone give a blessing to a sick friend, or a birthday blessing, a blessing at a meal, or on other occasions? Does the person need the permission of the local bishop?

I have been a Catholic from birth but often have questions about some of the issues we are facing today, such as the evils associated with slavery. The Romans had slaves, but is there any evidence that Jesus condemned that ...

How did Pope Francis recently change the Catholic Church's teaching on the death penalty?

I understand the Church's teaching on Eucharist. Transubstantiation means it changes completely from bread and wine to the flesh and blood of Jesus. I believe in the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. I also understand that our ...