A reader asks: “Much of Catholic teachings and literature focus on nearly every one of us going to purgatory directly after death instead of heaven. Clearly some of us live more devout lives than others, but does anyone actually go directly to
Monsignor Charles Pope answers a reader’s question about the Glory Be. In explaining the phrase “world without end,” Monsignor Pope explains that the English translation from Latin is a bit misleading. A more literal translation would read “and unto the ages of
Question: I get confused about the various uses of the words continence, chastity and celibacy. Are they the same thing? — Name withheld, via email Answer: The words are related but also have distinct meanings. Continence, in the wider sense, simply means
Father Jose Maniyangat is a priest in good standing in the Diocese of St. Augustine, Florida. He is an associate pastor at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonville. He is the diocesan spiritual director for the
Some fear it. Others hope for it. Some see it as proof of God’s mercy; others as testimony to God’s wrath. Many don’t know anything about it, while many more have forgotten what they once knew. The “it” is purgatory, and when
Question: I am married to a nonpracticing Episcopalian and while we agree on most matters of faith, we disagree over purgatory. Your columns have been helpful to him. Can you clarify where Episcopalians stand on purgatory? — Name withheld, Baltimore, Md. Answer: