What is "sackcloth," as in the expression "sackcloth
and ashes"?
It is usually some coarse clothing material worn close to the skin to show contrition for sins or to practice penance. Sometimes it was made out of coarse animal hair and was called a "hairshirt." Sometimes the term is used figuratively or symbolically.
Reprinted from April 24, 1998
What does R.I.P mean on a tombstone?
It means "Rest in Peace" or in Latin, "Requiescat In Pace." Presumably it is a prayer or wish for the dead person buried there.
Reprinted from March 6, 1998
May I ask a priest to perform an exorcism for one of my relatives?
According to current Church law, a priest may only perform a public exorcism after he has obtained permission from the local bishop to do so. If there are allegations of symptoms of demonic possession, usually a bishop will try to determine if there are any natural explanations for these things before designating a priest to perform an exorcism. Usualy priest check with other bishops or religious superiors before performing a private exorcism, but this is not required by Canon Law.
Reprinted from March 6, 1998
This is the movement of thought that tries to make criticism of exploitation of the poor, of political, economic and social oppression, and of injustice toward women and ethinic minorities central to the task of theology. Liberation theology is obviously open to the possibility of serious abuse and can cause a loss of faith for many people. On the other hand, there is a correct way in which it can be understood as having legitimacy and even importance. Pope John Paul II has set out norms to enable Catholics to distinguish when liberation theology is Christian and accords with the Catholic Faith and when it is "based on ideologies which rob it of consistency with an evangelical point of view." Perhaps your parish priest would be able to help you find the various official teachings of the Holy See about liberation theology. The pope teaches that the Church feels it her duty to proclaim the rights of people to be liberated from inhuman and intolerable situations, but it is also her "duty to proclaim liberation in its integral and profound meaning as Jesus proclaimed and realized it… above all, liberation from sin and the Evil One, in the joy of knowing God and being known by Him." Liberation theology is more frequently found in Latin America than in other places.
Reprinted from March 6, 1998
What is the significance of a church being designated a
"basilica"? Are there only six of them in the U.S.A.?
"Basilica," in the sense of your question, is an honorific title given to some few churches by the pope. Such churches have certain liturgical prerogatives and rites which are poper to them. They are usually churches which are famous for their historyk, architecture, size, artwork, financial endowments, etc. When so designated, basilicas have a special connection with the Roman Pontiff and the Holy See. There are six major basilicas in the world, five in Rome (Saint John Lateran, Saint Peter, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Saint Mary Major, Saint Lawrence Outside the Walls) and one in Assisi (the Portiuncula). Eleven churches in Rome and many others throughout the world are designated as minor basilicas. There are more than six in the U.S.A. Each of the major basilicas has a main altar reserved for the exclusive use for the pope or a prelate whom the pope personally designates.
Reprinted from March 27, 1998