Ask a Franciscan
Why Pray for Grandma Jones?
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 because this expresses Jesus’ compassion and causes you to relate to Grandma Jones in a way that God certainly approves.
Can Laypeople Give Blessings?
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?
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Jesus and Slavery
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 ...
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Change on the Death Penalty
How did Pope Francis recently change the Catholic Church's teaching on the death penalty?
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Why Gluten-Free Hosts?
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 ...
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‘I Am Consumed with Guilt and Sorrow’
Q. I am feeling very guilty. I was driving my car and accidentally hit a man with my side mirror. I never saw him, and I don’t know if he stepped in front of me or not. The only reason ...
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My Problem with the Rosary
I was raised Catholic but drifted away in my early 20s. I came back in my late 20s, very much influenced by a man who prayed the rosary with great devotion. Unfortunately, he eventually betrayed me, lied to me, and ...
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