Ask a Franciscan

Closeup of Saint Joseph statue

Two Feasts for Saint Joseph?

On March 19, we celebrate Saint Joseph, husband of Mary. On May 1, we celebrate Saint Joseph the Worker. Why are there two feasts for the same saint?

The worldwide Church has long honored St. Joseph, and his feast entered the worldwide calendar in 1324. The feast of St. Joseph the Worker was added in 1955.

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Too Many Clergy Among Canonized Saints?

Who was the last saint canonized who was not a member of the clergy? Are only Catholics recognized as saints? Can a non-Christian become a saint?
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Humility

Growing in One’s Faith

How can I encourage my young children to go back to church? Have you been willing to share your reasons for going to church beyond "It's the law "? Although many people are afraid of being suckered in on the ...
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Can Ashes Be Scattered?

I understand the Church’s regulations on cremation. In view of the events of last summer, what are the Church’s regulations on the final disposition of the deceased person’s ashes? May they be cast to the winds at sea?
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A religious painting

Finding Satan’s Story in the Bible

Where in the Bible can I find the story of Lucifer and the fallen angels? I’ve looked, but without success. Is there some other book that contains this story?
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people on a bench Photo by Mojor Zhu on Unsplash

Forgive an Adulterous Husband?

Is it wrong to divorce a husband who commits adultery? My husband and I were married in the Catholic Church almost 30 years ago. Several years ago he committed adultery, and the pain still remains with me. I have tried ...
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St. Francis and His Time with the Sultan

How did St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik al-Kamil become friends?
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