Question: When we go to confession, the priest usually gives a penance of saying prayers such as the Our Father or Hail Mary. Why should saying such beautiful and moving prayers be a penance? We should be thrilled to say these prayers
Question: In Col 1:24, we read about our sufferings “filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.” What does it mean that something was lacking in Christ’s affliction? Does this refer to redemptive suffering and, if so, is the service
The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12 is a Mexican tradition that has extended throughout the Americas. In the United States, it has also been adopted by many people from Central and South America, among others. This popular feast
Question: Why does Mary have the title “Our Lady of Sorrows” if she is in heaven? — Anna Johnson, Fairfax, Virginia Answer: The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows on Sept. 15 commemorates Mary’s presence at the foot of the cross and
In 1571, Christianity was saved at the Battle of Lepanto. Throughout history, Catholic Christians have sought the intercession of the Blessed Mother in every kind of situation. We acknowledge her in times of joy and happiness, and ask her help in times
Question: The Church teaches Mary was a virgin before, during and after the birth of Christ. Scripture testifies to the first, but I was wondering about the sources of the Church’s teachings on the other two dimensions. — Joann Capone, via email Answer:
It was during Mass one weekend in May that tears were first spotted streaming down the face of a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe located at a church of the same name in Hobbs, New Mexico. According to the Las Cruces
Bernadette Conklin is on a mission with a most unusual traveling companion, who’s helping her to spread the word. Her name is Mary, she’s three feet tall, and she creates a lot of attention wherever she goes. It’s not just that Mary
Question: I recently read that St. Thomas Aquinas was among those opposed to the Immaculate Conception. How do we square his status as one of the great minds of the Church with this now being an infallibly defined dogma? — Dick Jones,
When one thinks of Marian apparitions, it is natural for the mind to jump to Fátima, or Lourdes, or La Salette, or even Knock, Ireland, where Pope Francis will visit in August while he is in the country for the World Meeting