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.
Why Does God Make the Devil So Powerful?
If God created the angel Lucifer, who failed God through pride, why didn't God simply dump him in hell instead of allowing him to torment and wreck so many human lives? Isn't God more powerful than Satan? I have heard ...
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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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Nurturing a Franciscan Spirituality
I need some practical advice for how to live and grow in Franciscan spirituality as a layperson. Because I am not close to a Secular Franciscan group, I need to do this on my own.
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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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