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 Catholic Questions and Answers
This section covers some of most frequently asked questions (FAQ) that we receive here at The Crossroads Initiative. 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 -Dear Marcelino,
I do (pray for healing). Twelve years ago, I was received into the Catholic Church at St. Joseph's Parish-South, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I was born with a crippled foot, it is called clubbed foot. Due to a miscommunication when I was a tiny baby, a cast was put on that foot/leg and left there for six weeks; as a result that leg is almost three inches shorter than the right leg, adding to the fun. I have had three surgeries on that leg, but the pain, weakness, limp and awkwardness continue. I need special shoes. SO, almost every time I am before the Blessed Sacrament, either for Holy Communion, or Adoration, I pray and ask Jesus to please heal that foot/leg. After all, HE created me, and knit me together in my mother's womb, and KNOWs about that foot. So far, he has not chosen to heal me. NOW, let's ask: Why is it that He does not want to heal me? He must not WANT to, or He WOULD. Right? Love and Prayers, Bunny L.
A - Hi Bunny,
Of course, we can never be sure why we don’t get what we ask for when we ask for it. I prayed for healing of a back problem for about 23 years and pursued conventional medical treatment as well. God put someone in my path a few years ago who gave me some nutritional products that relieved me of about 95% of the symptoms. Why he did not just do it supernaturally 20 yrs earlier, I don’t know.
But all I know is, our job is to keep asking and knocking and seeking. Then we can keep our eyes and mind open to answers that may come in unexpected ways.
God bless,
Marcellino
Q -Is your doctrinal dissertation available for purchase? Thank you very much
Matthew G
A - Hi Matthew,
Right now, it is unpublished, but may be gotten through interlibrary loan or from the following source: http://www.calstatela.edu/library/buydiss.htm
Thanks for inquiring.
Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Q -I would like a short explanation of what Masons are and why they are not something we should belong to - I also have been told that they are something like Knights of Columbus in being secretive and I thought Knights of Columbus was a good organization - I'm confused and I don't know how to answer the person telling me this.
Barbara D.
A - Hi Barbara,
The Knights of Columbus is indeed a good and Catholic organization. There are similarities between Masons, K of C, Elk, Shriners, etc in that they are all fraternal organizations that have some "members only" secret ceremonies, etc, and do works of charity.
The problem with the Masons is not their secrecy, but the fact that from their inception they have had some very anti-Catholic activities that they've promoted. I have some business associates that are masons and swear that there are no such elements remaining. I don't know. But the anti-Catholic history is undeniable and I'd encourage Catholic guys to stay away and instead join the Knights of C. I myself am a member of the K of C.
They have done fantastic work for the Church and the disadvantaged of all faiths.
You can get more info on the masons perhaps at www.catholic.com or other Catholic apologetic websites.
God bless,
Marcellino D'Ambrosio
Q - I have your CD on the Passion of Christ but it doesn't answer my question.
Who is the man that Satan is carrying during the crucifixion? - Mary H.
A - Hi Mary,
There is a book I co-authored and edited called "A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions about the Passion of the Christ." I'd recommend that you buy it from our website-only $6.
Question 63 asks your question. The answer is as follows:
"This is yet another example of artistic license taken by the director. Its symbolism is both disconcerting and powerful. Here are a few likely
interpretations: first, the devil wants to corrupt anything that is good and beautiful in God's creation. The image of the hideous demon child could simply be seen as a very tangible depiction of moral ugliness. A second interpretation would be to show the gift of life--a human child--in such a depraved manner. This image could very well be symbolic of our contemporary culture's frequent disdain of children (as revealed through the widespread acceptance of abortion and the reality of child abuse). A final interpretation of this scene is the contrast between Mary's gazing on her child, Jesus, and Satan's embracing of this child. You probably also noticed the smile on the demon child's face. This sends the message to the audience that he is delighting in Jesus' suffering."
Hope that helps. There is no one simple answer to the question--it is open to various interpretations.
God bless.
Marcellino D'Ambrosio
 Q - I am in a serious relationship with a non-denominational man. Do you have any suggestions on reading material or prayers that could help the two of use learn to worship together?
A - S,
My advice is that praying the psalms, together with spontaneous prayer, would be a good thing for you to do.
But if the relationship is headed in a serious direction, should you not make sure that he is comfortable with your Catholic faith? Is he open, or hostile? If hostile, I think I would think twice about pursuing a deeper relationship if I were you. If he is open, then it would seem that he should at times attend Mass with you and learn more about Catholic Christianity. I wrote a book, which is available on my website as well as on Amazon.com, called Exploring the Catholic Church that has helped many non-denominational Christians make sense out of Catholic beliefs and practices, and has helped pave the way for some of them to come into full communion with the Church. You can read info on the book as well as examine the first chapter at:
http://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/resource_info/6.html
Hope this is helpful.
In His service,
Marcellino D’Ambrosio
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 Timely Resources Available –
The Achievement of Pope John Paul II
by George Weigel, internationally known scholar and writer – and friend of Pope John Paul II – eloquently highlights and elaborates upon 10 enduring accomplishments of this great man, Pope John Paul II.
CD - $8.95 DVD - $20.00
 Peter, the Pope and Infallibility –
There are so many questions that our Protestant brother and sisters ask about the Papacy – this CD/AT by Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio will shed light on the history of the Papacy and will help you answer many of the common questions that they raise!
CD - $8.95 Audio Tape - $8.95
 The Pope's Legacy - The Year of The Eucharist –
Our Holy Father named his final year the Year of the Eucharist. What better way to honor him than by learning more about the amazing gift of Eucharist that Christ instituted before his death. The Feast of Faith is perfect for groups and personal study this 4 session set is available on DVD and CD – Don't forget the workbook!
Feast of Faith DVD - $49.95 Feast of Faith – CD - $19.95
Feast of Faith Workbook - $5.95
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