Questions about People
He was the chief rabbi of the Jewish synagogue in Rome during and immediately after World War II. He was so impressed by the Christians in Rome who tried to protect Jews from nazi persecution, that he was led to examine the credentials of the Catholic Church. He became convinced that the Catholic Church was the one true religion and the correct development and completion of divine revelation as God gave it to Israel. As a result, he was baptized a Catholic. He took, as his Christian name, Eugene, the same baptismal name as Pope Pius XII, whom he especially admired as a friend and protector of Jews. He died as a devout Catholic.
Reprinted from January 10, 1997
In your diocese a woman named Mary Jane Even claims to be receiving supernatural locutions and revelations. Does the Diocese of Lincoln have anything to say about this matter?
The Diocese of Lincoln has a clear statement about this matter and a copy of this statement can be obtained by writing or calling the Chancery office. A diocesan commission has carefully examined the claims of Mary Jane Even and concluded that there is nothing supernatural about her locutions and revelations. They are sometimes farfetched and even contain doctrinal error. No belief should be placed in them or in her.
Reprinted from January 10, 1997
Recently visiting the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception in Washington, D.C. I saw the chapel of Our Lady of Hope, donated
by Mr. And Mrs. Bob Hope in honor of his mother. Is Bob Hope a Catholic?
No, but his wife is a Catholic.
Reprinted from January 24, 1997
Phineas Parkhurst Quimby was a Protestant faith healer from Maine. Once upon a time he "healed" Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy and influenced her invention of the Christian Science religion. He also influenced Charles and Myrtle Fillmore in their invention fo the Unity Church of Christianity.
Reprinted from December 13, 1996
How long did Lazarus live after Jesus raised him from the
dead?
We do not know the answer to this question. We do know that after Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:1- 44), he dined with Jesus (John 12:2), and that he was the object of public curiosity because he was brought back from the dead. We know as well that the enemies of our Lord plotted to kill Lazarus along with Jesus (John 12:9-10), because so many people came to believe in Christ because of that resurrection miracle. There is a pious legend that Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and Martha, later migrated to what is present day France and died at Marseille, but there is not much historical evidence for this
Reprinted from December 17, 1999
Was the English writer C. S. Lewis a Catholic?
No, he was an Anglican. However, Professor Walter Hooper, his literary executor, said that at the time of his death he was very close to becoming a Catholic. Mr. Hooper himself has become a convert to the Catholic Faith and claims that it was Lewis' writings and his friendship with Lewis that led him to the truth of the Catholic Religion.
Reprinted from July 30, 1999
How do we know that certain
Old Testament figures, such as David, Abraham, and Moses are saints in heaven?
We know this because the Catholic Church tells us this is so.
Reprinted November 24, 1999
Gilbert Keith Chesterton, an English writer and controversialist, was a convert to the Catholic Faith. His writings are still very interesting and would be worthwhile to read.
Reprinted November 24, 1999