Ask a Franciscan
Why Pray to Mary and the Saints?
Why do Catholics pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to various saints? Is there anything in the Bible to back this up? Can’t this be considered idol worship? Why not pray directly to God?
The mother of Jesus Christ and the other saints have no meaning or power independent of God. Catholics and many other Christians venerate the saints as ongoing examples of what a life generously open to God’s grace can look like in a great variety of circumstances.
Homily? Eulogy?
Some dioceses allow eulogies at funerals, and others do not. Why is this? This question arises frequently. According to the 1989 Order of Christian Funerals (the ritual book used by Catholics in the United States), "A brief homily is given ...
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Use a Cross or a Crucifix?
During the Good Friday liturgy at our parish, we venerate a plain cross and not a crucifix with a representation of Jesus' body on it. The crucifix is kept out of sight in the sacristy. Because this doesn't seem right ...
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