Ask a Franciscan
Visiting Prisoners: A Work of Mercy
Do Catholics take seriously the corporal work of mercy to visit those in prison? Do Catholic parishes and colleges or universities have this on their radar?
First, students at law schools in some Catholic universities have participated in “innocence projects ” that have led courts to release certain prisoners who did not commit the crime for which they have been found guilty and imprisoned. Some parishes have prison ministry groups.
Confirmation and the State of Grace
I am concerned that a relative of mine may not have been in the state of grace when he recently received the Sacrament of Confirmation. If so, does he need to receive that sacrament again? Is that true of every ...
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Imminent Catastrophes Prophesied
I recently came across a book warning world leaders about imminent catastrophic events, based on prophecies encoded in the Old Testament. A friend of mine says that looking into the future has existed in every civilization.
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How Are Bishops Selected?
How are bishops appointed in the United States? Does this vary from other parts of the world? Are Roman Catholic bishops appointed the same way as Eastern Catholic bishops?
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Mary, the Sorrowful Mother
I recently came across the title "Our Lady of Sorrows" for Mary. I've never heard of this before and wonder about its origin and meaning.
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Holy Communion without Confession
I am a 79-year-old Catholic who doesn’t believe in the Sacrament of Penance.
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