Ask a Franciscan
What Was That ‘Good News’?
In Luke 9:6, we read that the 12 apostles “went from village to village proclaiming the good news and curing diseases everywhere. ” What was that “good news “? The Gospels were not yet written. Similarly, what did St. Paul preach?
The good news is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The apostles had already lived it partially before Jesus first sent them out to preach it. They still had much to learn.
How Can I Forgive Him?
My neighbor of many years was recently arrested for viewing child pornography. I've known him and his beautiful family since they moved into our neighborhood; I had considered him a pillar of the community.
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Purgatory Seems Unnecessary
As Catholics, we believe that faith and works are needed to get to heaven. If Jesus died for our sins, why is purgatory needed? Didn't he already repair what was needed? Catholics don't regard faith and works as though they ...
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Will My Husband Know Me in Heaven?
I believe and hope to be with my loved ones someday in heaven. Will my husband, who died almost two years ago, know me and still love me? How will he look? If I have hurt anyone in my lifetime, ...
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Questions about Heaven
Where is heaven? Will my husband who died two years ago know me and still love me? If we have hurt people, will they have forgiven us by the time we get to heaven? What if there's nothing beyond a ...
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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 ...
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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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