This was the joining of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church to the See of Peter in October 1596, forming the Ukrainian Rite in the Catholic Church. The formal documents were signed in the city of Brest-Livosk and proclaimed by Pope Clement VIII. The Ukrainians previously had been separated from the Catholic Church and were part of the so-called "Orthodox Churches." There are still some Ukrainian Orthodox, but most Ukrainians in Europe as well as in North America are now joined to the Catholic Church.
Reprinted from November 14, 1997
At the general judgment at the end of the world, will Christ
reverse any of the effects of particular judgment which occurs immediately
after a man dies?
No. The general judgment will simply reaffirm before the universe what God decrees in the particular judgment. God cannot contradict Himself. The judgment which happens after the death of a human being (Hebrews 9:27) is irrevocable and final.
Reprinted from November 21, 1997
Does the Church still have an index of forbidden books?
No, there is no longer such an index. However, even now it can be a sin (and sometimes even a mortal sin) to read books that are dangerous to faith and morals without there being an overwhelming necessity. The same can be said for viewing television programs, videos or films, especially those which ridicule, mock, or attack the Catholic Faith, Catholic practices, principles of religious truth, etc.
Reprinted from October 10, 1997
Why did Jesus say on the cross, "My God, my God, why
have you forsaken me?"
The words which Jesus spoke told of his own desolation of soul in the midst of His agony. It should be pointed out, however, that they are the first words of Psalm 21, which is a messianic psalm, foretelling the suffering of the Messiah in great detail. It is likely that our Lord spoke the entire psalm, but the evangelist only recorded the first words, assuming that those who heard them would recall the entire psalm. To understand the meaning of what Christ said, it is important to read the entirety of Psalm 21.
Reprinted from April 18, 1997
Vespers is the name given to the official liturgical evening prayer of the Church. This evening prayer is found in the Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Divine Office, contained in a book called the Breviary. The Liturgy of the Hours is recited by some priests, transitional deacons, and members of some religious orders every day. Anyone may say these prayers, however, and I am sure your pastor will be willing to give you more information about Vespers and the other Hours of the Divine Office.
Reprinted from April 25, 1997
Why do Catholic Church bells ring in the morning, at noon,
and in the evening?
The bells at those times are meant to remind Catholics to say a brief prayer called the "Angelus" or "Regina Caeli" during Easter time. Any Catholic priest will be happy to tell you how to recite these prayers. T he times for these prayers were chosen to sanctify the entire day, even for those who find themselves generally unable to attend daily Mass. The hours were chosen initially to recall in the morning Christ's resurrection, at noon His crucifixion, and in the evening, His birth at Bethlehem.
Reprinted from April 25, 1997
What is meant by saying that Jesus "descended into hell"?
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church answers your questions extensively (numbers 631-637), and I suggest
you study the matter there. "Hell" here does not mean the abode
of the damned (the inferno or gehenna) but rather the abode of the dead of
the Old Testament, who died in the state of grace, and therefore, who were
saved by their belief in the future Messiah, and who were awaiting Christ's
ascension when the gates of heaven would be again opened for human beings
and they would accompany Him into paradise. Christ, whose soul was temporarily
with them, while His body lay in the sepulcher, preached to them (1 Peter
4:6 and John 5:25).
Resurrection
Reprinted from April 4, 1997