Ask a Franciscan
Why Two Judgments?
In parochial school, I learned that there is a particular judgment when a person dies and that there will also be a general judgment at the end of the world. Why?
Can a Catholic Marry a Lutheran?
Will this marriage be recognized by the Catholic Church? Can a Catholic priest give a blessing?
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Why Is the Pope Called the ‘Supreme Pontiff’?
According to Webster’s New World College Dictionary, the definition for the pope is “supreme pontiff.” Why is that?
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Sharing Communion Is Rarely Permitted
May a Catholic give or invite a non-Catholic to receive holy Communion? Wouldn’t that promote our efforts toward ecumenism?
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Who Informed the Biblical Writers?
How did the gentlemen who gathered together to write the Bible do so? Where did their information come from? The holy Bible is beautifully written. When was it written? How did they know all the details? Ultimately, God inspired them ...
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One of Life's Great Losses
How do I understand and find peace in the death of a parent? Please accept my condolences on the death of your father or mother. Allow yourself to grieve properly but without being absolutely consumed or paralyzed by this death. ...
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Admitting Gross Historical Injustices
Call it tribalism, but I’ve always cast a skeptical eye on the Dominicans ever since I learned about their role in the Inquisition. Do you have any advice for thinking about historical misdeeds?
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