Fr. Alan Maria Wharton, F.I. has assisted in Pastoral Ministry and Media Production for The Station of the Cross 88.5 FM in New Bedford, Massachusetts, formerly Radio Cor Mariae. In Today's Show
- Can you please explain further, to a newly practicing (not raised) cradle Catholic, Sola Scriptura?
- I had a stillborn and lost an infant. I was away from the faith and cremated them, but didn't bury them. I just recently came back to the faith and found out this was not allowed. How should I start the process for burial? Is it a sin and should I confess?
- Is believing that Mary didn't experience labor pains part of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception?
- Can you please explain to non-Catholics or non-practicing Catholics what is meant by the Sacred Heart? I see the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Can you explain the spiritual meaning and the impact it has on our lives?
- What does it mean when people entering the Mass kneel on one knee or curtsy before entering the pew? Is it more than a sign of respect to God; more in depth like the Eucharist? Is this obligatory or optional for Catholics? Should a Catholic pray prior to Mass kneeling while in the pew? What are the meanings of sitting, standing, and the sign of the cross during the Mass?
- I've often heard the church described as the bride and Christ described as the bridegroom. As a male, how can I relate to being in the role of the bride, and how can I live that aspect of my faith?
- I am currently dealing with the grief that comes with infertility. Can you speak to how I can live out spiritual motherhood?
- I like to "converse" with deceased acquaintances and ancestors (for example, aunts who died as children), asking for their prayers/intercession and/or pardon for my failures to love them properly. Should I include a preliminary prayer to the Holy Spirit to allow us to connect/communicate, or can I assume this is more or less always allowed?
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