Mentioning a Pope in the Eucharistic Prayer

May 18, 2025

Question: Since the election of the new Pope, Leo XIV, there has been debates among some clergy whether during the Eucharist Prayer, where it is designated, the Pope can be mentioned with his number or not, that is, “Leo our Pope” or “Leo the Fourteenth our Pope.” Kindly guide on this and the authority that can be quoted on the same. — D.M., Malawi

Polish National Church Priests and Communion

May 10, 2025

Question: I just read your article on the Polish National Catholic Church and the details of who can receive Communion. It was somewhat confusing, because at one point it says [yes], if a person is near death or in a dire situation. Later in the article there was an example of a PNCC spouse whose spouse was a Roman Catholic. The PNCC spouse was welcome to receive Communion and even be received into the Church should that spouse desire. The article goes on to say that if a spouse did not desire to be received into the Church, he or she could continue to receive Communion. Those two examples are a bit confusing, so let me pose a real-life question. Can a PNCC priest receive Communion in a Roman Catholic church if there is not a Polish National Catholic Church within reasonable driving distance? — J.B., St. Augustine, Florida

Mix-up in Holy Oils

May 4, 2025

Question: On more than one occasion I have been at a Chrism Mass (in the Roman rite) where, afterward, when the holy oils were distributed for the parishes, there was a mix-up and either the oil of catechumens or the holy chrism was placed in the wrong oil stock. This is a serious issue since, according to some authors, the use of the wrong oil invalidates the sacrament of confirmation. The source of the confusion seemed to be the diversity of symbols used for the different oils. I have tried to make an exhaustive list of those in common use. So far, I have found for the oil of catechumens: OC, OS, B, S, Cat; for the holy chrism: SC, C, Chr, Ch; and for the oil of the sick: OI, I, Inf. Are you aware of any other symbols? Also, is there an official liturgical source for the colors usually attributed to the oils, and with which they are decorated in the Chrism Mass, or is this just a custom? Finally, what is the best practical way to mix balsam with the oil for the holy chrism? Some liturgical shops sell balsam, but instructions for incorporating it are hard to find. — J.D., Wagga Wagga, Australia

During the Interregnum

April 26, 2025

Question: Priests from various parts of the globe asked versions of the following question: "During the interregnum, what should be said in the Eucharistic Prayer at the prayer for the Pope?

Via Crucis on Sundays of Lent

April 12, 2025

Question: What is the position of the universal Church or the Dicastery for Divine Worship on this pastoral experience: Is it good to have Stations of the Cross on Sundays during Lent? If so, why? — P.O., Humboldt, Saskatchewan

Mass Intentions at the Easter Vigil

April 5, 2025

Question: During the Easter Vigil, can we make particular Mass intentions? For example, an intention for a deceased? — L.D., Nancy, France

Book of the Gospels

March 29, 2025

Question: The Book of the Gospels is compulsory for a Stational Mass of the Diocesan Bishop (Ceremonial of Bishops, Nos. 125 and 140). At a minimum, using a Book of the Gospels is praiseworthy for a Mass with the people (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Nos. 117, 119, 122, 173, 175). Yet using it is made impossible for most days of the year by the publication of Books of the Gospels that do not include all the Gospel readings. A solution is to follow the recommendation in the 1981 Introduction to the Lectionary: “113. The size of the Lectionary will necessitate editions in more than one volume; … The ancient custom is recommended of having separate books, one for the Gospels and the other for the readings for the Old and the New Testament.” But as far as I can tell, no conference of bishops has followed it. Do you think they should? — J.L., Melbourne, Australia

Blessing of the Chrism Oil

March 23, 2025

Question: 1) If oils to be blessed by the bishop during the Chrism Mass were pre-packaged and pre-mixed prior to the blessing of the oils, would they actually be blessed when the bishop prayed the prayers over them at the Mass? 2) During the Chrism Mass, the bishop makes the sign of the cross and breathes into an urn containing the sacred oil. His breath represents the invocation of the Spirit upon the oil. If a bishop fails to breathe on the oil, would that invalidate the oil? And if so, would that invalidate the ordinations and confirmations at which the oil was used?

Tinkering With the Divine Praises

March 15, 2025

Question: A priest has added “Blessed be Jesus in the poorest of the poor” to the Divine Praises in our Benediction service. Is that permitted? -- P.S., Montreal

Anointings for the Mentally Ill

March 8, 2025

Question: I have a question regarding the anointing of the sick. I know that those who suffer from grave illnesses are subject to receive this sacrament. Does this include those with mental illness? If so, which ailments can be considered as grave? — A.L., Guadalajara, Mexico