What’s so “Good” about Good Friday?
Question: Why is Good Friday called “good” when something so bad happened that day? Answer: The question could also be asked about the Afrikaans term for Good...
Question & Answer
Plenary indulgences: What they are and how to get them in the Jubilee Year
The Holy Year 2025 will run until January 6, 2026 — plenty of time to obtain Jubilee plenary indulgences. Here we discuss the origin of indulgences, how...
Is Salvation Possible for Non-Believers?
Question: Jesus says: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him” (John 6:44). Is any discrimination implied? Does it mean that...
Why Do We Give Alms during Lent?
By Paul Senz, CNS – Lent is a time of sacrifice. We strive to unite ourselves with the suffering of Jesus, walking with him in the desert,...
What does a Papal Nuncio do?
An apostolic nuncio acts as the official liaison between the Vatican and the local Church hierarchy, government officials, and other religious leaders in the regions to which...
Blessings at Communion?
Question: When ministers of the Eucharist bless children during Communion, should they do so while holding the host? It seems to be done differently in different areas....
Why is St Paul called an Apostle?
Question: Why is St Paul called an “Apostle” when he wasn’t one of the Twelve whom Jesus chose? Answer: The Church applies the title “Apostle” in a...
How Were Saints Made in the Past?
Question: I understand that until the 12th century, there was no canonisation process by which the Catholic Church would declare a person’s sainthood. Does this mean that...
May We Scatter the Ashes Of Loved Ones?
Question: Does the Catholic Church permit the scattering of ashes of a person after cremation? Answer: The Catholic Church has taught since 1963 that the practice of...
What Are Stole Fees? Why is There Such A Fuss About Them?
The question of fees charged for services by priests is often discussed around the world, so Christen Torres interviewed Bishop Edward Risi to understand how they apply...
