Ask a Franciscan
Is Marriage Really a Sacrament?
How can marriage possibly be a sacrament? Yes, Jesus attended a wedding feast, spoke of the Kingdom of God in terms of a wedding banquet, and used the Genesis creation story to support the idea of union.
Eucharist: Symbol or Reality?
In our missalette for the Solemnity of the Epiphany the prayer over the gifts, the bread and wine, speaks of them as symbolizing Christ. But don’t most priests say they are really the body and blood of Jesus Christ?
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Who Assigns Patron Saints?
How is the patron saint of an occupation, a country, or a group of people decided? Specifically, how did St. Nicholas come to be the patron saint of brides, grooms, children, bakers, and pawnbrokers?
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Why Are These Symbols Connected With Saints?
I have noticed that many paintings of Saint Jerome include a lion lying at his feet. In other paintings there is a skull. I have noticed similar images in paintings of other saints. I am intrigued by these symbols. What ...
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Is a Private Marriage OK?
We decided to get married before God but privately. We knelt down before a crucifix and made our wedding vows before God. Have we committed a sin and, if so, what should we do?
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God Knows Our Heart Completely
Did I confess certain sins? If I didn’t, have I sinned by going to Holy Communion all these years? I have gone to Confession faithfully.
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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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