Q: I recently learned that the feast of Corpus Christi was inspired by a Eucharistic miracle. Can you please give more details about this? — A reader in Springfield A: In the year 1263, a German priest, Peter of Prague, … Continued
Q: (The) Catholic Herald had an article about the May Crowning at St. William of York (Church) in Stafford. (When I was) growing up, my parish never had such events. I never experienced them until moving to the Diocese of … Continued
Q: In the Catholic Herald (April 23-29), there was the article, “Personal, intimate devotion to Mary.” I was surprised to read Father Majorano’s comment, “The sense of Pope Francis’ devotion to Mary is a little more personal, more intimate than … Continued
Q: On Easter Sunday, the priest at my parish made a point in his homily about the burial cloths left in the tomb of the Lord. I know about the Shroud of Turn being the burial cloth of Jesus, but … Continued
Q: During Holy Week, I read the Passion stories of Jesus’ Last Supper, Crucifixion and Resurrection. It seems confusing: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke have Jesus and the apostles eating a Passover meal, but the Gospel of St. … Continued
Q: I have wondered about a new phrase in Eucharistic Prayer II: The priest says “like the dewfall.” It sounds sort of funny. — A reader in Philadelphia A: Admittedly, the phrase “like the dewfall” does sound “sort of funny,” … Continued
Q: In light of the President’s recent remarks at the Prayer Breakfast referencing ISIS to the Crusades as if the beheadings, burnings, etc. throughout the ages had already happened in the “name of Jesus,” I would like to know a … Continued
Q: In light of the President’s recent remarks at the Prayer Breakfast referencing ISIS to the Crusades as if the beheadings, burnings, etc. throughout the ages had already happened in the “name of Jesus,” I would like to know a … Continued
In accord with the new edition of the Roman Missal, only the Priest, or Deacon, or Instituted Acolyte may purify the vessels after Mass. The Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion may not do so.
Q: In light of the president’s recent remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast referencing ISIS to the Crusades as if the beheadings, burnings, etc. throughout the ages had already happened in the “name of Jesus,” I would like to know … Continued
Q: I am a little confused over what happens when a priest (or lay person) drops the Host. What should be done? I even once saw a chalice spill. — A reader in Leesburg A: To preface this response, in … Continued
Q: I am having a problem with the concept of angels. I just completed a 36-hour course, “Understanding the Brain,” at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The brain is an interesting organ of the body. It controls everything in the … Continued
Q: Is there any scientific evidence for the star mentioned in the Gospel, which guided the Three Kings to adore Baby Jesus, or is it just a literary image used to make a spiritual point? I have heard both sides. … Continued
Q: Each year, I find it harder to keep my family focused on the real meaning of Christmas. It seems like Advent becomes more and more just about shopping, decorating, partying, etc. Do you have any suggestions? — A reader … Continued
Q: My wife and I have young children. We would like to begin the tradition of having our own home Advent wreath. Could you please provide a little explanation about this tradition and what we should do as a family? … Continued
Q: I am frustrated. In the Catholic Herald (Oct. 16-22), there was an article, “A place for gays, nonmarital unions.” It read, “In strikingly conciliatory language on situations contrary to Catholic teaching, an official midterm report from the Synod of … Continued
Q: I have been a volunteer at Birthright since the beginning, and this year we celebrate our 40th anniversary. Many people do not know about this wonderful pro-life organization. Would you please mention us in your column? — A reader … Continued
Q: On Sunday, the priest mentioned that St. Helena had found the cross of Christ, and the church even had a relic of the true cross. What were the circumstances behind the finding? Also, I have heard some scoff at … Continued
Q: I understand that there is a special Synod of Bishops taking place in Rome beginning Oct. 5. What is a synod and what are its duties? — A reader in Arlington A: On Sept. 15, 1965 (shortly before the … Continued
We now continue with the last two gifts of the Holy Spirit: counsel and fortitude. The gift of counsel is “to render the individual docile and receptive to the counsel of God regarding one’s actions in view of sanctification and … Continued