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 Catholic Questions and Answers -
Mary and the Saints
This section covers some of most frequently asked questions (FAQ) that we receive here at The Crossroads Initiative about Mary and the Saints. If you have any questions you can check this page frequently for more Catholic Q & A. We are adding new Questions and Answers every week. Please select the topic that you have questions about. If you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to contact us and Dr. D'Ambrosio will try to answer.
Q - Dr. D'Ambrosio,
Can you please assist me in why we believe in the immaculate conception and the Assumption when I cannot locate this evidence in scripture.
God bless,
Chris
A - Hi Chris,
While there is not clear and explicit teaching in the New Testament that Mary was born without original sin and was bodily assumed into heaven, many have seen these things implicitly contained in various texts of Scripture, such as the angel's greeting in Luke 1 calling Mary "full of grace" and various Old Testament texts speaking of the necessary purity of the ark of the covenant, the place of God's dwelling. For a discussion of these doctrines and their backing in Scripture and Tradition, visit www.catholic.com and other sites on my links pages under apologetics.
Keep in mind that the New Testament Scriptures were never intended by the apostles (or the Holy Spirit) to be a complete, all-inclusive record of God's revealed truth. That they are is an assumption of Protestant Christians that has never been shared by the Catholic and Orthodox Churches going back to the apostles. Tradition is that passing on of the life and truth of Christ that complements the witness of Scripture, and these two doctrines lean upon Tradition as well as upon various scripture texts.
To read a bit about the Assumption on my site, see http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/190/Assumption_of_the_Blessed_Virgin_Mary.html
God bless,
Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Q -Can you shed light on why the stigmata of Padre Pio and others is through the palms of the hands whereas the crucifixion is thought to have been through the wrist and most crucifixes of Christ show this. I already get the newsletter etc.
Best regards David M, Liverpool, UK
A -Hi David,
A couple of reflections on the stigmata and the crucifixion:
1) The phenomenon of the stigmata is something that pertains to the realm of religious experience rather than Catholic doctrine. The Catholic Church has no binding teaching on the phenomenon and does not guarantee that the phenomenon, even when apparently experienced by canonized saints like St. Francis of Assisi or Padre Pio, is of supernatural origin. That is not to say that I don’t believe that the stigmata reported by these saints were supernatural; just that it is an open question and that good Catholics come to different conclusions on the matter and still be good Catholics.
2) It is not know for sure whether the nails affixing Jesus’ arms to the cross were driven through the palms of the hands or through the wrists. It had been thought impossible to suspend a body from the cross with nails through the palms, but it has been recently proved that it is entirely possible if the feet are also nailed to the cross and bear some of the weight.
3) These facts should shed light on how to interpret Padre Pio’s wounds in the palms of the hands. His wounds could or could not be in the same places that Christ’s wounds were located. Also, they could have been or could not have been of entirely supernatural origin. Lastly, the wounds may have been supernatural in origin but placed in the palms by God based on the religious sensibilities of the people of the age regardless of the exact locations of the words. Most people then, as now, envision Jesus as having been nailed through the hands rather than wrists, regardless of how it actually happened.
Best wishes in Christ,
Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio
Q - I wanted to know if it is ok to say a novena to help sell my house. Someone suggested saying a novena to St. Joseph and burying his statue. I heard you say once that burying a statue is wrong. Could you explain it again for me and let me know about the Novena.
Thanks – Sharon
A -Hi Sharon,
Novena to St. Joseph, yes! Putting his statue in the yard, yes! Burying it in the yard as if it is a good luck charm that guarantees results, no! The latter is superstition, not devotion and faith.
God bless!
Marcellino
Q -Hi, I would really like to gain understanding about the Catholic view on Mary and the Saints. I come from a Protestant (and before that. No church) background. I can't accept the Protestant view that any appearance of Mary is from hell, because I can feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and I have heard Jesus say, "Thank you for honoring my mother." Then I have my almost 16 year old son in my home. His bedroom is full of stuff he shouldn't own. So there is warfare in our home. Perhaps that is why I can't gain clear insights from heaven. Sorry to write to complete strangers. I hope wisdom and understanding will come with time. and perhaps some victory. God bless, Jenni B.
A - Dear Jenni,
We have several resources that I think will help you a great deal--the final chapter of my book Exploring the Catholic Church http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/resource_info/6.html
is on Mary and the Saints and was written precisely to help people like you.
Also, my CD series How Mary and the Rosary can Change your Life http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/resource_info/69.html
would be of great help. Finally, we have a free library online with resources on Mary and the Saints http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_category/20/Mary_and_the_Catholic_Saints.html
God bless!
Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio
For more Catholic resources to feed your faith, visit the Crossroads Initiative Homepage.
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 How Mary and the Rosary Can Change Your Life
by: Dr. Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Talk 1: The Virgin Mary: Model of Faith
Some Christians seem to neglect her; others seem overly preoccupied with her. What is the true role of Mary in God's plan, her intended role in our lives now, and the proper form of devotion to her? In this talk, Dr. D'Ambrosio provides enlightening and inspiring answers to these questions from Scripture, common sense and the teaching of the Church.
Talk 2: A Fresh Look at The Rosary
There is something here for everyone-- those who have problems with the rosary, and those who've read every book on the subject. Drawing from scripture, history, Church teaching and personal experience, Dr. D'Ambrosio shares insights in this talk that will forever change the way you look at and experience this traditional devotion.
Retail CD - $18.95 Retail Audio Tape - $18.95
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